Beauty Banter

Surprise...

2011-07-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

Beauty Banter has a surprise in store for you....

Therefore, we will be offline for a few days until the surprise is ready.

Can anybody guess what said surprise will be?

xoxo,

Beauty Banter

DIY Foot Scrubs

2011-07-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Feet are in full fashion come summer. If you're not flaunting your feet in sandals, then chances are you're walking around the beach barefoot.

So, you'll want to have flawless feet. Not a hair (yuck) or a dry skin misplaced.

I searched my files for my favorite Do It Yourself foot scrubs (+ a great one to buy when in a rush and/ or not the ingredient-mixing type of girl). Here are my top 5:

1 - Strawberry Foot Scrub

Ingredients

8-10 strawberries
2 tablespoons Apricot oil (you may substitute with olive oil
1 teaspoon of coarse salt, such as Kosher salt, or Sea Salt
Preparation

Mix all ingredients into a paste, massage into feet, rinse and pat dry

source

2 - Honey & Almond Foot Scrub

Ingredients

Honey Almond Foot Scrub Recipe
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
11 almonds (1/2 oz.)
Juice of ¼ lemon

Grind almonds into a fine meal in a blender or food processor. Mix almonds, olive oil, honey, brown sugar, and juice of lemon. Rub onto feet and massage, then rinse off. Makes enough for a single foot scrub application.

source

3 - Salt Foot Scrub

Ingredients

1 cup of sea salt or Epsom salt
1/2 cup of cold water
2 drops of lavender essential oil

Start off by gradually adding water to salt and lavender oil
As you are adding it, you want to make sure the mix starts looking like a paste. It has to be not too liquid and not too solid, it should be like soft though otherwise it will run between your fingers
Rub your feet and soles in circular motion
Rinse off with warm water.

source

4 - Natural Lemony Mint Foot Scrub

Ingredients

Lemon softens and brightens your dull-looking feet while mint cools and refreshes tired feet.
1 lemon
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
15 fresh mint leaves, chopped
2-3 drops lemon essential oil

Slice the lemon into small pieces. Place them in a blender and form a pulp. Remove and then add sugar, almond oil, mint leaves and lemon essential oil.

source

5 - Store Bought!

Aromafloria For Feet’s Sake Foot Scrub Tube - A paraben-free, lemon-scented foot scrub that is both refreshing and exfoliating as it removes dry skin leaving legs and feet happy and soft! PRICE TAG: $11.99

Summer Hair Repair

2011-07-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

I find that my scalp becomes excessively more oily yet my hair more dry during the summer season. I chalk this up to humidity and product build-up (scalp oiliness) mixed with sun and salt water (dry ends) - a deathly combination for your strands. So, every Sunday night, I like to do a little Rx on my hair and scalp.

I start with a Clarifying Shampoo - one that removes excess oil and product build-up. Pureology makes my current favorite as it is sulfate-free and does a fantastic job of removing all unwanted guck and grease due to the unbearable humidity.

Then to take care of the dryness that is destroying my ends, I like to do a hair mask immediately following the Clarifying Purify Shampoo. I think of it as a purging of all product build-up and then a replenishment of all lost moisture. I use Pureology's Hydra Cure Intense Moisture Hair Masque on my ends only and let it settle in for about ten minutes. This is the perfect time to shave my legs (the most lothesome of all beauty traditions!) or, perhaps, use a face mask. Then I rinse and let my hair air dry while I sleep, waking up to beautifully clean, refreshed and rehydrated hair.

The combination of a strong wash and hydration offers the perfect antidote to summer's offensive weather and the toll it takes on your lovely locks.

Keep them healthy with a little Sunday night hair repair. The rest of the week's going to be a killer. And Sunday night you'll have to do it all over again.

PRICE TAG: shampoo - $25.00 / mask - $34.95

Bathing Beauty: Sarah Howard

2011-07-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the question I am asked the most is "what are your favorite products?" That's like asking someone who works at Willy Wonka what is his favorite candy - next to impossible to answer. As a beauty writer, I am constantly testing new products so I have a new favorite every few days. For example, my love for mascara is a constant, but the mascara I use is ever-changing. I go from high-end to drugstore back to high-end -- and I've found many that are must-haves!

But, alas, here it is. Not necessarily my favorites, but my beauty staples. The products that will forever remain in my beauty arsenal, despite the other favorites that come and go... So, have a peak --

What are your top 5, can't-live-without products?
1 - Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 in Sand- I write about this product often, and I use it even more frequently. It is, by far, the best tinted moisturizer I have found on the market. It evens out my skin tone and doesn't make it look like I'm wearing a face full of makeup. Plus, oil-free is a major bonus.
2 - Tarte Hotel Heiress Mineral Bronzer - I like the look of a sun-kissed face, but learned in my 20's that sun on my face is the enemy. That's when I fell in love with bronzer. I use many bronzers but always return to Hotel Heiress. I think it gives the perfect golden hue; the closest color to actual sun.
3 - MAC Brow Set in Mynx - I received this in a PR mailing. At the time, I was using Anastasia's tinted Brow Gel. That changed the moment I tried Brow Set. The brush gets into my hairs, covering the sparse areas with the tinted, brownish hue. The result: fuller arches that stay in place. I believe good eyebrows really frame the face. Brow Fix is the one product I use every day, without fail, even if I'm going totally bare-faced.
4 - Bioderma Crealine H20 - This is a relatively new product on my radar (about 3 years old), but I cannot live without it. It's a French find, used in France as a waterless face wash because the Parisian women believe the water is too harsh for their delicate faces. I use it as a makeup remover. It takes off everything from waterproof mascara to HD Foundation. And it's so gentle, you don't feel it or smell it. It leaves no residue and I've never had a break-out from it, ever. I JUST discovered that you can purchase it on amazon.com (click on the link above to redirect to the product), but, of course, it is more expensive than in Paris.
5 - Make Up For Ever Star Powder in Bronze Brown #930 - I've been using star powder since I was a teenager and, while I've tried other products that are similar, nothing compares to the pigment of star powder. Bronze Brown is my favorite and a staple in my beauty bag as I am a sucker for a gilded eye (always have been) and this color is the perfect gold to cover the entire lid. If I just want a hint of drama, I use my pinky finger, dab it into the powder and apply only into the inner corners of my eyes. You can never go wrong with gold.

What is your all-time favorite product?
I definitely don't have an all-time favorite product. There are just too many fabulous products to choose from and too many more being made. But I'd say good brushes are crucial. And one tool that every beauty lover needs to own is the Beauty Blender. It will change the way you apply makeup. At the very least, the way you apply foundation and cover-up. It leaves your skin with an air-brushed effect while still giving you full coverage. It's a genius product!

What product do you buy in bulk?
Nivea Cherry Tinted Lip Care. I have been using it since it was Labello (Nivea acquired them a few years back) and you could only buy the balm in Europe. It's my ultimate lip balm - moisturizing - never sticky -, with a hint of natural redish hue (my lips are quite pale, so I need a pop of color to make them stand out).

Favorite hair product?
Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Reactivating Mist. I used to live for John Frieda's Ocean Waves and when the product was discontinued, my hair - and I - had a mini-meltdown. Then we found Reactivating Mist. It does the trick - gives my wavy hair a kick so that I can have just-stepped-out-of-the-ocean-and-off-the-beach hair all day, everyday if I choose.

You moisturize your face with...
AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel Oil-Free in the summer. Has a very light, gel-like consistency and is so refreshing yet hydrates without leaving the slightest bit of shine or grease. In winter I use AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Vitalizing Creme which is a bit thicker but just as amazing. And for those brutally cold and dry days, I slather on a tiny amount of Weleda Skin Foods. It's like medicine for the face - it'll fix any cracking problem!

Favorite body product?
My obsession with body products is out of control. I love a good exfoliator, body wash, body lotion, bath soak - you name it. But a staple is Jurlique's Rose Shower Gel and Body Care Lotion. Rose is one of my favorite body scents and Jurlique nails it! Not too perfumey, not too mild - it's just the right amount of rose garden. The shower gel seriously lathers and the body lotion is light and fluid yet moisturizes and keeps my skin feeling incredibly soft.

Favorite beauty secret you've picked up along the way?
Aquaphor fixes any beauty problem you have - from zits (yep, put it on your pimple!), to cracked cuticles, to eye makeup remover, to unruly eyebrows. It's also great as a quick fix to use as a highlighter on cheekbones, mix it in with your favorite shadow to create a cream consistency (fab for the "gilded" look), add some foundation - a shade darker than your natural skin tone - and apply to legs and arms as your very own, DIY tinted body oil (models use Aquaphor and the likes on their limbs on photo shoots because the sheen adds a thinning effect). But my favorite use for Aquaphor has to be as a faux mascara... that you can sleep in! It'll add sheen and length (although not color) to your lashes. So, if you have a boy spending the night, apply some Aquaphor to your lashes, cheekbones, lips and brows and you'll look fresh and naturally made-up - without makeup!

Beauty icon you admire?
I'm really into Jane Birkin these days. There was such an ease to her beauty and she was quite comfortable in the nude, which I always find beautiful - when it's tasteful. She's my summer beauty muse! For all of my beauty inspirations, click here!

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Collection

2011-07-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

The perfect collection for these humid summer days. Oil, be gone! With Kiehl's new Ultra Facial Oil-Free Collection even the oiliest of skin types will stay shine-free all day long.

The 4-product line comes complete with an oil-free cleanser that lathers like no other, an oil-free toner, an oil-free gel cream that retains moisture while reducing the appearance of oil, and an oil-free lotion, which is basically a lightweight moisturizer (because even oily skin needs hydration!).

I've been using these products for about a week and I do see a significant decrease in my oil production. And that's saying A LOT considering New York City is so humid at the moment, it's as though my face is producing oil faster than I can maintain it. Not anymore! This stuff is humidity-proof. And it works without drying my face out to the point of cracking (you know what I'm talking about - when smiling hurts?). That's why you moisturize! To keep your face hydrated, so that moisture is absorbed into the skin but not on top of the skin where it tends to create shine and grease.

This is just what the doctor ordered for the humid season - something to get rid of shine but while still keeping me hydrated. Loving these products!

While you may not want to commit to the full-size bottles just yet, you can try a starter kit of mini bottles of the Cleanser, Toner and Moisturizer for $24.50.

everything you wanted to know about gel manis but were afraid to ask

2011-07-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

In the midst of the chaos that is life, there is something ridiculously reassuring about having a decent manicure. If my nails look good, I feel at least something is right in the universe. And for months my nails have looked fabulous thanks to my incredible manicurist, Dawn, and the genius that is the gel manicure.

I love chatting with stylist and fashion journalist Nikki Parkinson(her site, Styling You, was named Best Australian Blog 2011) about our mutual Shellac devotion – tweeting back and forth the colors we’re wearing from opposite hemispheres. (CDN, we're ready to helm the campaign for worldwide love of Shellac!)

As Nikki told me, in more than 140 characters, “Until Shellac I found getting manicures a waste of time and money. Even doing them myself was a huge waste as I'm shocking at treating my nails with respect. They would be chipped in a day!” (Nikki has hers done every 2-3 weeks. But because my nails grow fast, I usually opt for two.)

While Nikki has used Shellac exclusively, in the last seven months I’ve tried them all: OPI Axxium, CDN’s Shellac, Nail Harmony’s Gelish. And they’re hardly the same.

(Also, with my concern about greening our beauty routines, Shellac is the only one I can confirm is free of the “toxic trio” - dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene.)

OPI has such an incredible color collection, but it’s much harder on your nails than Shellac or Gelish. When I made my first appointment with Dawn, I'd had several gel manis already - but I suddenly learned the difference, as well as the importance, in a manicurist who knows the products well.

I completely agree with Nikki’s advice to “Ask around for an experienced therapist who's done the correct training in their application. I've seen some dodgy jobs and the wrong application techniques can cause the nail color to bubble or lift.” (I love that she refers to a manicurist as a therapist. We must adopt that Stateside.)

Shellac and Gelish are more polish-like (OPI comes in pots and applies like acrylic). Each coat (base, two color, top) sets under lights. Shellac uses UV, Gelish LED. Dawn used to lather my hands in sunscreen before applying Shellac but now uses the LED light for both (Shellac stays under the LED a minute or so longer.) I find the LED has worked as well as the UV.

When it comes to removal, Shellac comes off the easiest of the three, which is crazy considering how much I abuse my nails in two weeks without a chip or lift. (I owe the staying power to my manicurist’s skill as much as the product.)

CDN makes these great removal pads, though wrapping nails in acetone-soaked cotton and then foil for about ten minutes does the trick. And my natural nails are in great shape.

The only thing Shellac lacks is the wide color range of the others. When Nikki told me she was going to try layering color, I couldn’t wait to see the results, “one coat of Black Pool with one coat of Negligee over the top. It turned the black nail finish into a midnight blue. I'm going to try more layering in the future.” (Me, too.)

I asked Nikki’s advice for the best Shellac colors of the season (while it’s summer in Los Angeles, it’s winter in Queensland). “Tropix is a gorgeous coral color that I just had on my nails to brighten up my winter. It's the perfect summer color and will get you noticed! For a classic all-year-rounder - and I get three weeks out of this one - Romantique. It's a very pale pink and makes you look very polished.”

For now, I can’t get over having great color that lasts – so I tend to wear Wildfire and Decadence (I’m currently wearing Masquerade). My days of pale pinks are currently on hold.

The best part is I leave the salon with completely dry, shiny nails. Forty minutes at the salon (including the soak) and I’m good for several weeks! xo a.

Are you a fan of gel manis? Have questions? Let me know!

INSPIRATION: Karen Elson

2011-07-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

As far as redheads go, there are few I find sexier than Karen Elson. Perhaps it's the hyper-vibrant fire engine red mane, or the sky blue eyes. Maybe it's her pale skin that contrasts so beautifully against the red of her hair (reminding me of a character out of Twilight) or those uncharacteristically thin and undefined eyebrows that give her an other-worldly facade. Whatever it is, I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's not classic beauty yet I'm totally drawn to it.

Karen Elson most definitely has a face for makeup. The high cheek bones, wide set eyes and heavy lids (ideal for covering in shadow), full pout, flawless complexion.... it's all so theatrical, which makes her very fun to look at. And a great palette to paint. She goes from feminine to vixen with a few coats of lipstick and, like her redhead predecessors, Karen uses her hair like a fabulous accessory: it is the centerpiece of her style.

But, alas, it always comes back to the hair. Those unruly, ginger locks that really set her apart from the millions of other girls out in the world.

Here, some of my favorite beauty images of Karen Elson:

Annual Tips For Cooling Off

2011-07-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's so hot, I'm sweating in my dreams. Literally. I can't escape this heat wave even in my sleep. I want to stick my body into a refrigerator and not come out until the sun goes down. But, alas, if it were snowing I'd be complaining too so, I guess when it comes to the weather, the weather really can never win.

Every year I post a very informative (if I may say so myself) piece on how you can cool off despite the rising temps. I think it's about that time - and temperature - to revisit such a post (click here for last year's).

So, here it is. My tips on how to stay cool and look cool too:

1 - Use peppermint everything - shampoo & conditioner + body wash & lotion! Peppermint offers and instant "cooling" effect. Try Avalon Organics Peppermint Hand & Body Lotion just before bed. It'll cool you off long enough to get you into that REM state.

2 - Refrigerate your creams! - Eye and face creams can be refrigerated for an added shock of cool. It'll also stimulate the blood cells (especially great to wake up tired eyes).

3 - Hydrate - this goes without saying, but drink gallons of water! While water may bore your palette, try coconut water, the trendsetters water of the moment. Zico just launched a Chocolate Coconut water, for those who yearn for a richer kick.

4 - Stop oil! Use a face mask at least once a week in summer months to alleviate sebum production. Try a mask that contains clay or sulfur, like Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Cooling Mask, a wonderful combination of eucalyptus, sulfur and clay that exfoliates and unclogs pores.

5 - One of my favorite tips from last year, soak hands and feet in a bath of ice water -- literally, add ice (and your favorite summer fragrant oil). If you cool down hands and feet, the rest of the body will follow suit.

BONUS - Wet a washcloth with super cold water (and some ice cubes) and apply a few dots of, again, your favorite summer fragrant oil. Wring out the washcloth and apply to back of neck and face. Try soothing lavender oil or tea tree to clean out pores.

Do you have a great cooling off tip?

We'd love to know!

Leave it in the comment section below, along with your name and email... if we LOVE IT, we'll post it and send YOU a thank-you gift!

Trend Alert: Rainbow Ombre

2011-07-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ombre has been the rage for quite some time now. If you're still not in the know, here's a quick recap: ombre is a hair coloring technique when you lighten just the tips (ends) of your hair and keep the roots darker (more natural). Celebs like Jessica Biel, Alexa Chung and Rachel Bilson have made ombre very popular among the Hollywood and trendsetter sets.

Well, now you can add colors to the ombre mix: rainbow colors. Lauren Conrad just debuted quite the ombre style (see below) - a colorful confection of purple, pink and green. Will it be the newest hair trend?

Senior Colorist at Cutler 57th Street Salon, Dallas Walsh, says, “This new rainbow trend is an extension of the ombre looks we’ve been seeing since winter. We’ve had a lot of requests to add shots of colorand tipping. Feather extensions were the big craze as we transitioned into summer but now that everyone’s wearing those a fresh way to make your hair pop is to add rainbow tips. The rainbow ombre is a fun, vibrant way to add a pop to your style and will look great on all hair colors.”

BUT WAIT... I've seen this before...

My friend, Nylon Magazine Style Editor-At-Large Dani Stahl (who always happens to sport the fiercest color thanks to Marie Robinson) was actually the first to debut ombre with color back during this past fashion week! She colored her tips a vibrant yellowish to contrast her dark chestnut base. It was killer!

Looks like someone was ahead of the ombre color trend...

alex's eco-chic summer picks

2011-07-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

I’m melting. At least that’s how it’s felt the last few days. And so, with summer in full swing, I've switched up some of my daily hair, skin, and makeup choices to work with the intense heat.

With wavy hair, combination skin, and an inability to leave my house without mascara, it’s all about finding the best products to make me feel put together when I’d rather be in the pool cooling off. And, as always, trying to do it all without parabens, petrochemicals, or synthetics.

Everyone knows by now that my love of green beauty knows no end, but I must say that when it comes to SPF, I don’t care if you go eco or not, just be sure to slather on a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. (Lecture over.) Personally, I opt for Burt’s Bees SPF 30 and, if I'm staying in the sun, a hat to offer extra protection.

While I like the idea of facial moisturizers with an SPF in them, I swear by Dr. Hauschka’s Normalizing Day Oil ($42.95), which is SPF-less. So post-Dr. H, I use California Baby’s SPF 30 Stick ($14.99). For a bit of color, I’ll add a few drops of Dr. H’s Translucent Bronze Concentrate ($39.95) as I blend the sunscreen to cheeks, nose, and chin. (You can pick all of this up at Whole Foods, too.)

My tan is of the faux sort, and one of the best ways to extend its life is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Year-round I adore Korres body butters, but I now add Shea Moisture’s Organic Raw Shea Chamomile ArganOil Baby Lotion ($9.99). The lotion, which has the consistency of Vaseline minus the petro chems, melts into the skin.

Most of my makeup favorites are by tarte - their waterproof and longwearing products stand up to 95 degree weather, like multiplEYE mascara ($24), park ave princess bronzer ($29), and Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in tipsy ($25) – which I’ll sometimes mix with dollface cheek stain ($30). I want to try their new clay concealer, but for now I still think Physicians Formula mineral line ($8.95) does the trick. For lips, I love KORRES lip butters ($12) and highly recommend picking up this great set which gives you three for $19.

In this heat, I tend to keep my hair up (OK, I always seem to have my hair up), and so Goody Spin Pins ($6.29) are my go to. I’ll often throw on an elastic headband or pin back my shorter layers with barrettes by France Luxe ($9) - you can pick these up at J. Crew, too - or petite bobby pins from Goody ($2.99). For ponytails, I love the snag-free elastics from Sephora ($3.50), and the matchbook-like case that keeps them organized. If I wear it down, I spray on California Baby detangler ($11.49), and put it in a bun until it’s dry.

I switch purses often, but this summer, I’m never without a set of Spin Pins, Mrs Meyers Baby Blossom Stick ($6.99), a travel-sized tube of Korres Rice Bran mascara ($18), Revlon Superlustrous gloss in Firecracker with SPF 15 ($6.99),* and the limited edition tarte True Blood lip tint ($24). Both the gloss and lip tint can go from everyday to evening depending on how much you apply. The True Blood lip tint is my new favorite for a pop of bright color - and it also works well as a quick bit of cheek color, too. From day to evening, I’m covered!

For now, I’m off to sit outside and work by the pool - I suppose summer isn’t all bad. xo a.

*I know the Revlon isn’t an eco-pick but I am trying to find good SPF lip glosses. The search goes on.

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE: Per-fekt Body Perfection Gel

2011-07-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, there just aren't enough hours in the day. The beach beckons your name but, sadly, you have to work overtime for that Monday morning presentation. Or, perhaps, you're that rare type of girl that loathes laying out and catching rays.

When tragedies like the above strike, it's nice to know there's an alternative that doesn't consist of streaky self-tanners, tanning beds or spray tans. There's Per-fekt Body Perfection Gel for those days - and nights - when your body yearns for the instant glow of a tan but time (and the sun) has escaped you.

Per-fekt Body Perfection Gel is a gel-like lotion that evens out skin tone while creating the perfect bronzed color. The formula comes in Brilliant, a sun-kissed beige, Golden, a warm tan, Exotic, a rich chocolate, and, most recently, tan, a natural tan. The sheer matte gel reminds me of another favorite, Scott Barnes Body Bling, except that Bling contains an overload of shimmer and has a tendency to get on your threads (although it does leave your gams looking gorgeous). Per-fekt is matte so it doesn't have the shimmer quality and it dries/ absorbs into the skin much faster so you don't need to worry about leaving marks on your clothing.

Both are great. I still love me some Bling for that special night out but for everyday use, Per-fekt is less of a mess and hassle and still achieves the overall desired effect of a sun kissed bronze hue. And, of course, my favorite part, it's only a one night commitment -- washes off with soap and water!

No excuses for pale skin - go get your tan on asap.

PRICE TAG: $48.00

Favorites... Summer Hair Products

2011-07-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Summer is a time when hair doesn't necessarily look it's absolute best - but it should - cause you're rocking a tan and feeling great! Factor in humidity, sun damage and chlorine, and hair can tend to be coarse, frizzy and even dull.

Here are my favorite summer hair products to have your hair in perfect beach-chic shape in no time!

1. A dry shampoo. Major necessity. I live for Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo With Oat Extract. It takes the oil out of my scalp and gives me perfect second day hair. I use it constantly in the hot and sweaty summer months.

2. An awesome curling agent. Something with a natural beachy wave kick. Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Reactivating Mist is a favorite, but John Frieda Frizz-Ease Spiral Style Curl-Defining Spray Gel is also great because it keeps frizzies at bay.

3. A Hair Mask is vital. Aveda makes one perfect for post sun. Sun Care After-Sun Hair Mask. It restores weakened hair Tamanu oil, shea butter, coconut and palm oils and contains 100% certified organic essences of neroli, ylang ylang and citrus.

4. Hair Sun Protector. Like your skin, the sun can damage your hair as well. Especially, color-treated hair. Invest in a hair SPF. Try Phyto Plage Protective Beach Spray Maximum Sun Protection Hair Sprays. It provides a UV filter, prevents color oxidation and preserves hair shine.

5. Frizz-free product. The humidity has a tendency to make hair puffy and frizzy. You'll need an oil or serum to counteract. Try Ouidad Shine Glaze, a serum that smooths flyaways while adding sheen. Good-bye puff!

Bathing Beauty: Valerie Boster

2011-07-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

You may know Valerie Boster as the Vogue Magazine bookings editor (a very prestigious job, indeed). Or perhaps, from the society pages of glossy magazines. You may even recognize her name from the plethora of charities that she lends her name and time to.

And while we love Valerie for all of these fabulous things, here at Beauty Banter, we're most impressed by her gorgeous locks (long, thick and extension-free), her just-right bronzed skin (courtesy of her Latin background), and her carefree, model good looks... au naturel, as you'll notice by reading her beauty routine.

Whether dressed in couture or lounging beach side, Valerie always looks glamorous. Here are her favorite products that keep her looking her very best.

What are your top 5, can't-live-without products?

1. Chapstick - my lips are addicted plus I rarely wear lipstick so I always have one handy.
2. Lancome Star Bronzer - I am a surfer girl at heart so I always feel better with a little color, especially in the winter.
3. Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara in Smokey Noir - Since it’s not about the lips for me, it’s always about the eyes.
4. Lancome Le Crayon Khol in Noir - I go through these monthly. I am almost always in a smoky eye at night.
5. Infiniti by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - It has a built in brush. It’s 80’s, old-school and the only way I dry my hair if I’m not at the beach.

What is your all-time favorite product?
Bigarade Concentree by Jean-Claude Ellene. The only fragrance I wear and it instantly puts me in a good mood... must be all the good times I’ve had while wearing it.

What product do you buy in bulk?
Chapstick. I stash one in every clutch, bag and coat pocket.

You moisturize your face with...
Creme de la Mer. I use it only at nighttime as it is so thick and Elemis SOS Emergency Cream during the day.

Favorite body product?
Ahava Dead Sea Salt body lotion. It's just rich enough and I love the smell.

Favorite hair product?
Harry Josh. I don’t use product and he’s the only one who touches my hair.

Favorite beauty secret you've picked up along the way?
Half blow dry my hair and pin it up in a bun. I get the natural waves I see in every magazine but don’t have the patience to sit through at a salon.

Beauty icon you admire?
Any French woman-they age gracefully. Minimal hair and make-up and all about carriage, elegance and poise.

July 4th Beauty Goodies

2011-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's finally here: July 4th. Parties, bbq's, bonfires, and fireworks! Basically, it's an entire weekend devoted to debauchery.

So, it's sweltering hot, your two drinks deep and you've got another 9 hours of party time to go. The last thing you want to be worrying about is frizzy hair and blotchy skin.

Here are some tips for enjoying the long days (and fun-filled nights) while still maintaining your goddess status:

1 - Wear Sunscreen. That's a given. But needed to remind you. July 4th will come and go, but sun damage and wrinkles will last a life time... Pick one of my natural sunscreen recs by clicking here.

2 - Try a braid or loose bun to keep hair in place and off of your face. It's hot out there, no need to have a long, billowing mane of hair to make you hotter. Plus, braids are super trendy and always spice up a look.

3 - Stain those lips and cheeks. I've been saying it all spring and summer. Stains are the way to go when outside for hours on end. They don't melt, stay in place, and give a natural, no-makeup effect. Some favorites: CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain, Benefit Benetint, Josie Maran Magic Marker.

4 - Nails and toes should be manicured and painted with a bright color that doesn't interfere with your clothing! I always go for red. It works with every outfit. Essie A-List is my go-to. Trendy colors are fun, but they can clash with your ensemble... take note!

5 - Waterproof mascara is a must. Anything else will flake or smear in the heat.

6 - Your skin is bound to get sweaty. Don't stress about it. Carry around blotting papers and deal with it! Shiseido makes high-end, oil control blotters that won't ruin your makeup.

7 - Primer is key. I know, I'm repeating myself, but better safe than shiny. Use a primer prior to makeup application. It'll keep the goods on your face longer and help to reduce the shine factor. I'm really loving NARS 'Pro-Prime Oil Free Pore Refining Primer. A need-to-own product for every beauty arsenal.

Have a very happy and safe Fourth of July...

Trend Alert: Orange Lips For Summer

2011-06-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Orange is all the rage for the summer pout, and while you may be thinking, "this is SO not wearable," think again... orange can be liberating - and quite spectacular - if you let it!

Here are some tips - and kissable orange hues - to try for summer:

1 - While a bold orange may be too theatrical, a coral hue (has a dab of pink in it) is just as fun but a bit more practical.

2 - A gloss with an orange tint will give you the trend without the dramatics of a matte lippy.

3 - You needn't wear a full face of makeup when working an orange lip. Some mascara and an apricot blush and you're good to go.

4 - Try dabbing a bold orange lippy onto your finger and blending with some Vaseline (or any clear gloss of your choosing) to create a glossy stain that is both pigmented but slightly understated.

5 - Favorite oranges: Jouer tint in Poppy (a sheer coral); Nars Lip Gloss in Giza (nectar); YSL ROUGE PUR COUTURE SPF15 13 Le Orange (Bright Orange)

INSPIRATION: Isabel Lucas

2011-06-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

In a recent post I noted that I was mildly obsessed with Isabel Lucas as of late, and here's why: the Australian model and actress is both sexy and glamorous. She's got the Old Hollywood charm mixed with something a bit more contemporary. Whether, she's gallivanting around in haute couture or chilling in one of her hippy get-ups, she is equally beautiful, equally interesting, and equally herself. The clothes and makeup don't seem to matter, Isabel radiates an effortless, ethereal beauty that comes from within. She has that timeless thing that only true classic beauties are able to emanate. She's young, but I predict that she's on her way to beauty icon status...

Here are a few of my favorite images that inspire my summer beauty looks:

messy, beach hair, a smoky eye and pale lip - a signature summer night look.

love this picture - again, beachy waves, flawless skin and a few coats of mascara make the perfect summer day look

head pieces are very on-trend. this is a great example of dressing it up.

a well defined arch will take you far in life. eyes can really make the face.

isabel au naturel. darker hair, still kept long and messy, beach-chic. the middle part pays homage to her hippy-inspired style.

the perfect summer look. tanned skin, hair pulled back in a loose bun, very little makeup, rosy cheeks.

Dree Hemingway on DIY Healthy Hair Tips

2011-06-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Just in time for summer's prime beach weekend - July 4th - super sexy model, Dree Hemingway, offers up her exclusive Do-It-Yourself tip for keeping hair healthy while still enjoying optimal outdoor time.

“I put olive oil and sunscreen in my hair when I’m at the beach. It saves my ends from getting damaged and ends up saving me from expensive treatments when I return to reality," says Dree.

While swimming and sun are enjoyable recreational activities, the sun and saltwater can take a huge toll on hair and skin. UV rays can damage the hair shaft, cause split ends and oxidize color-treated hair, while salt water immediately dries out those luscious locks by depleting their natural oils and making them appear lifeless and dull. And all of this damage can cost you unnecessary amounts of money in salon treatments and specialty products needed to repair the harm.

You can avoid the salon trips and protect your hair from the harsh effects of sun damage, including oxidation and breakage, by applying sunscreen to your strands prior to exposure. Olive oil is a natural and inexpensive moisturizer that penetrates the hair, restoring shine, luster and hydration lost from extended exposure to sun and salt water.

While both sunscreen and olive oil will help maintain the health and sheen of your tresses, there’s nothing like a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun’s rays entirely off of your hair and face.

Obsessed with the traditional Panama straw hat. $79.00 Fashionably sun aware.

FAVORITES: Natural Sunscreens

2011-06-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Summer is most definitely here (finally!) and I, for one, have gotten my first tan of the season. I, of course, applied SPF to both face and body and, in my current quest to switch to as many natural and organic products as possible, I used a natural sun block for the very first time: Alba's Aloe Vanilla SUNBLOCK Mineral SPF 30. It was fabulous. Rich, super creamy with an incredibly fragrant vanilla smell. Not like those beachy, sunscreen smells we remember years (and tans) past. This was more like a lotion scent, something I could wear around for the day and not get nauseated by.

And it got me thinking - there must be tons of fabulous natural sunscreens on the market place... so I did some research. And there are.

Here, 5 great natural sunscreens for your tanning pleasure:

Burt's Bees Chemical-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 - This 100% natural, non-whitening formula provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and helps keep skin hydrated without using chemical sunscreen actives like octinoxate and oxybenzone. Instead, titanium dioxide, a naturally-occurring mineral creates a micro-fine barrier on your skin to reflect the sun's harmful rays. $11.50

Jason Natural Cosmetics Sunbrellas MINERAL Natural Sunblock, SPF 30 - This hypoallergenic sun block is extra mild and safe for use on babies and sensitive adults. Enriched with Chamomile and Marigold Extracts, this sun block not only protects but soothes. No Mineral Oil, Petrolatum or Waxes, Fragrance-Free and Paraben-Free. $14.99

Aveeno Natural Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 30 - contains MINERALBLOCK Technology with 100% naturally-sourced active ingredients, a more natural alternative. MINERALBLOCK Technology forms a protective barrier on top of baby's skin that scatters both UVA and UVB rays. This oil-free, non-whitening formula is also fragrance-free, waterproof, and hypoallergenic. $10.99

Badger SPF 30+ Lightly Scented Lavender Sunscreen - Certified Natural & Chemical-Free - Uncoated, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Sunscreen with Superior Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB Protection. Certified Organic ingredients, are naturally water resistant, safe for children of all ages, block both UVA and UVB rays, and thoroughly moisturize while they protect you from the sun. $16.00

Alba Aloe Vanilla SUNBLOCK Mineral SPF 30 - Certified organic Aloe Vera and Chamomile moisturize and soothe skin. Grape Seed Oil, Tea Tree and Vitamin E provide antioxidant protection. Helps prevent sunburn with an effective, mineral-based, UVA & UVB broad-spectrum reflective barrier. $9.95

Girl Crush: Rosie Huntington Whiteley

2011-06-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm a girl that can appreciate another girl's beauty. My guy friends find this quality really "cool" as I'm constantly on the hunt for hot chicks to set them up with. While I'll be the first to tell you that beauty is SO MUCH MORE than exterior, there is something to be said for first impressions - what first catches your eye.

I can't think of anyone who has caught my eye like model/ actress Rosie Huntington Whiteley in quite some time (perhaps Sienna Miller days? I have a crazy girl crush on Sienna!). I find her 10 times sexier than Megan Fox, more stunning than half of the super models out there - with the curves to match - and she's got such an interesting face, with the wide-set blue eyes, gorgeous skin and sexy pout.

A few other girls who I'm loving these days are Natasha Poly (I did an Inspiration post on her - click here for a recap), actress Isabel Lucas, and redheaded beauty Cintia Dicker (I'll be writing more in depth about both in the coming weeks).

But this post is dedicated to my current girl crush - Rosie - and her current night out on the town (below) - the Moscow premiere for Transformers 3. WOW, did she look smashing, as per usual.

Celebrity makeup artist Monika Blunder was on hand to makeover the actress.... here, she dishes on how to recreate the sex goddess look:

INSPIRATION:

“Rosie's dress was a Fall 2011 Gucci gown, honestly I thought it was so breathtakingly sexy and glamorous. All I wanted was a little stain on her lips and very minimal makeup.”

GET THE LOOK:

“This look was all about her lips and the rest was super minimal... I first applied CHANEL Pro Lumiere Professional Finish Makeup in Beige all over. I wanted her skin to have a very finished and flawless look to it.

I wanted her eyes to be very minimal, all I used was a few coats of NARS Larger Than Life Mascara, and a few individual lashes. I also applied a few coats on the bottom lashes, using Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara, the little brush is great to reach all the little bottom lashes. On her cheeks I used Smashbox Blush Rush in Chiffon, and a bronzer by Mark cosmetics. Finally, on her lips I used CHANEL Rouge Allure Satin Lip Colour in Imagination. Instead of using a lip brush, I transferred the lipstick on my ring finger and then dabbed the color into the pout, giving the lips a much more natural look.”

tarte + True Blood = Vampy Makeup

2011-06-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Are you a fan of HBO's True Blood? Now you can have the makeup to match...

Emmy® award-winning makeup artist and True Blood makeup department head, Brigette Myre-Ellis, interpreted the color palette and helped develop the official tarte™ for True Blood beauty looks for this limited-edition collection.

"I've always liked tarte's natural products," said Myre-Ellis. "So when tarte and HBO asked for my assistance in developing this special cosmetics line, I jumped at the opportunity. I had so much fun helping to create the looks and I am sure women will have just as much fun exploring new ways to enhance their beauty." -- Brigette Myre-Ellis

Inspired by the edgy drama series, the limited-edition collector's palette includes 3 products:

17 matte and shimmer eyeshadows, emphasEYES™ aqua-gel eyeliner in black, a deluxe lights, camera, lashes! clinically-proven natural mascara and a deluxe lifted™ natural eye primer with Firmitol™
tarte™ for True Blood™ limited-edition natural cheek stain in shimmering red (suggested retail price: $30 US/$39 CAN)
tarte™ for True Blood™ limited-edition LipSurgence™ natural lip tint in shimmering red (suggested retail price: $24 US/$31 CAN)

PRICE TAG: $52.00

Available NOW on sephora.com and launching on 6/29 at tarte.com and store.hbo.com. Go get your vamp on...

FACE LIFT: No Knife Necessary

2011-06-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

I love this. The wonders of makeup really come alive when you can actually change the look of your face through contouring and shading.

Have you ever wanted a thinner nose? Brighter eyes? A model's cheek bone structure? If you answered yes to any of these questions (and then some!), then this post is for YOU!

Read on to find out some of the coolest tricks of the trade from New York makeup artist Susmta Patel:

Instant Eye Lift
The eyes are a focal point of the face, and when they look tired or gaunt it can have a major affect on the appearance. Instead of visiting your plastic surgeon for an upper eyelid lift, which can cost at least $2,500, visit your local salon for professional eyebrow waxing. Your waxing technician can reshape your eyebrows to produce more of an arch, thereby opening up the eye area and creating the effect of an instant eyelid lift. Eyebrow waxing typically costs anywhere from $25 to $60, depending on the type of salon that you visit.

Brighten Your Eyes
Dying your eyebrows a shade or two lighter than their natural color can also make a person look years younger. The lighter hair will diminish the appearance of dark under eye circles and make the eyes appear more open and alert. An experienced hair stylist should do your eyebrow tinting, and the service generally costs about $30.

Treat Dark Circles
In addition to lightening the color of your eyebrows, you can also use a creamy concealer that has yellow or peach undertones to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Apply the concealer to the area under the eyes up into the inner corner of the eyes. Pat the concealer into the skin using clean fingers or a make-up applicator until it has blended in. Many celebrities keep the area surrounding their eyes a shade lighter than the rest of the face to brighten the eyes. The cost of concealer? About $10 to $60.

Minimize Puffy Eyes
If the skin under your eyes looks too puffy on a daily basis, try purchasing an eye cream or another remedy to reduce their appearance. Eye creams that contain witch hazel, chamomile, or other herbs that reduce inflammation and puffiness can be used once in the morning and once at night to treat the condition. Eye creams typically cost anywhere from $7 to $150. If allergies are causing your puffy eyes, visit your doctor to get allergy medication and eye drops.

Accentuate Your Lashes
The final step to make your eyes look more rested and refreshed is to make your eyelashes pop. There are several ways that you can do this, depending on your budget. The first and least expensive option is to use an eyelash curler and mascara to enhance your lashes; splurging on a heated eyelash curler will make it easier to enhance the lashes. Women can schedule an appointment to get eyelash extensions. Eyelash extensions extend the length of lashes and last for four to six weeks.

Narrow a Wide-bridged Nose
The vast majority of people that undergo rhinoplasty surgery choose to have the bridge of their nose narrowed. However, some simple make-up tricks can also make the bridge appear thinner. Apply a bronzer or highlighter that is a couple of shades darker than your skin in a straight line down the sides of the nose, from the eyes to the tip. Gently blend the make-up in, but make sure that the bridge is defined so it looks as though it is narrower.

Minimize Facial Lines
Creamy foundations, powders, and blushes reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles because they contain more moisture than the dry, powdery versions. Once you hit your 30s, you may want to make the change from the powder versions to creamier products.

Lighten the Lips
Dark lip colors tend to highlight facial imperfections rather than draw attention away from them. Dark, matte lip colors also enhance the appearance of lip lines. For a softer look, choose lighter lip colors that come in gloss forms. Lip glosses tend to look more youthful and de-emphasize imperfections.

Augment the Lips
If you have thin lips, you don't necessarily need to run to your plastic surgeon or dermatologist for lip injections. You can use make-up to make the lips appear fuller. First, choose a lip liner that is one shade darker than your lip gloss. Line the lips with pencil, going just outside of the lip line. Apply lip gloss and blend the lip liner using the gloss tip or a Q-tip.

The Simple Cheek Lift

To reduce the appearance of lax facial skin, use a bronzer or highlighter in a diagonal horizontal line just under each cheekbone. Blend the line in so the make-up line is not obvious, but produces more definition in the cheeks.

How to contour your face with makeup
You can give your face a mini makeover without resorting to plastic surgery. With the right contouring makeup tricks, create the illusion of a slender nose, sleeker jaw line and all-over slimmer face. Here's how...

How to contour your nose to make it look slimmer
To contour a wide nose to slimming effect, apply the darkest color to the outside of the bridge and keep the center lighter. You can use makeup to achieve a slimmer-looking nose by using two shades of foundation or one bronzer—simply sweep bronzer along the sides of the nose, leaving the front of the bridge bare.

How to contour your jaw line to recede a double chin
To diminish a double chin, use this contouring makeup trick: sweep bronzer under your jaw line to make the area appear to recede. As a general rule, light makeup colors highlight an area, calling attention to it and making it appear more prominent (good for brow bones and cheekbones). Dark shadows create the illusion of a shadow and make areas of the face appear to recede (good for droopy lids and puffy under-eyes).

Don't be discouraged if the outcome isn't perfect the first time, these trade secrets may take a few tries to perfect...

Beautiful Hair While You Sleep

2011-06-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Second day hair always looks better. Period.

Washing my hair is such an inconvenience - don't you agree? The drying time alone - styled or au naturel - is enough to drive you mad. I much prefer to spray in some dry shampoo and be done with it. Even a trip to the salon - two foreign hands doing the blowout - is boring and proves too much time and effort to me.

As I've mentioned in a previous post, I'm a huge fan of just washing the bangs. This is really the only part of my hair that ever gets super greasy. And it takes no time at all to blow dry.

When I must wash my entire head (and yes, we all must wash our hair for hygienic purposes!), I do it at night, right before bed time. I find that it dries while I sleep so it's not a bother and I don't have to sit around and wait for it to dry. Also, for some reason, the natural movement of my head while sleeping makes my hair dry so much more volumized with a rather sexy messy wave... it looks ten times better than if it dries during the day while I'm out and about!

Here are a few more tricks from people in the know for beautiful hair while you sleep:

"Want perfect second-day bed head? Sleep in braided pig tales and wake up with that envious wavy, just-rolled-out-of-bed hair." -- Harley Viera Newton, dj, model, Dior beauty ambassador

“ Your old scrunchies have a hidden use: They can help you get big, bouncy waves. Right after blow-drying, while your hair is still warm, twirl the length around your finger, coil it into a bun, and secure with a soft, fabric-covered scrunchie. Once your hair is cool, take out the scrunchie and you’ll have full waves.” -- Andrea Lavinthal, Online Beauty Editor

“To create texture and volume with a beautiful natural effect that is perfect for vacation, first shampoo and condition your hair, then, while damp, apply the appropriate styling product for your hair type, tie your hair in a loose knot on the top of your head and sleep on it. In the morning simply undo and you will have volume and a great texture in your hair.” --Hairstylist Thomas Dunkin for Sebastian Professional

What are your nighttime sleeping beautiful hair tricks?

FAVORITES: Summer Sprays

2011-06-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's hot out there and, if you're anywhere east of Arizona, chances are it's humid as well. There's nothing like a mist of water to cool you off. Remember those spray cans with the fans built in? You would add water, turn on the fan, and it was like your own, mini outdoor mist machine? Well, it did the trick, albeit not very chic.

These days, we have a variety of sprays to choose from all by top skincare brands. While they're the perfect refresher to a hot summer day, some also work double duty as a toner to nourish the skin, adding moisture, vitamins and antioxidants while removing dirt and sweaty grime. Now, you tell me, could your water mister do all this? I think not!

Here are 5 of my favorite sprays for summer:

1 - Epicuren Protein Mist - A vitamin mist that works to rehydrate all skin types. Meant for use after cleansing, but the bottle is small and so convenient for on-the-go and the sweet scent is so refreshing, I like to spritz throughout the day. Bring on the vitamins! $24.00

2 - Organic Pharmacy Rose Facial Spritz Toner - Cover your face with one of my favorite scents - rose - which also helps to calm red, irritated and sensitive skin. Refreshes as it hydrates, ideal for dry and sensitive skin types. You can use as a toner or multiple times a day for a quick pick-me-up. 21.50 POUNDS

3 - Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence - Great for all skin types, this mist hydrates while improving the appearance of pore size and oil control. It's light, fresh and refreshing with a wonderful breezy scent. Again, can be used as a toner but is a lovely daily spritzer to freshen up on-the-go. $65.00

4 - AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System - Free of sulfates, synthetic dyes and petro-chemicals, this lightweight, oil-free botanical mist made from bamboo sap and red ginseng is the ultimate refresher. Suitable for all skin types, anytime, anywhere. Freshen up in style! $35.00

5 - *DRUGSTORE FIND* Heritage Jasmine Water Spray - These aromatherapy waters come in a medley of scents (I'm loving Jasmine for summer) and are the perfect mist to refresh face and body all day long. Pure essential oils offer the natural scent that is literally water mixed with a dose of exotic flavor. And you can't beat the price: $5.81

TIP - To use any of the above sprays as facial toners, simply mist onto cotton ball and swipe onto face until clean. It's as easy as that!

sweet tarte

2011-06-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

For some reason, the East Coast got the memo that summer was here while here on the West Coast we’ve had some serious June gloom. But even if the sun was melting the sidewalks, I’d be using bronzers and tanners to get a faux summer glow. Which is why I was so excited when tarte sent me their newest bronzer - part of the Amazonian clay collection. More eco-fabulousness from tarte? Yep, there's more.

I’m a big fan of their hotel heiress bronzing powder, but the Amazonian clay blushes are so fabulous (who knew powder blush could be so un-powdery?), I couldn’t wait to try more of the line.

Here’s the awesome thing about Amazonian clay: it absorbs oil (perfect for oily/combo skin) but it also hydrates and helps with flakiness (perfect for dry skin). It’s no wonder tarte calls it “nature’s most perfect ingredient.”

The smooth operator micronized finishing powder ($28) works for all skin tones and the packaging is absolutely brilliant. Loose powders can be a mess. But the container has a flexi plastic cover with a small hole. If you press gently on the plastic, it releases enough powder for one application. For those who want more coverage, layer as desired. (A special edition bronzer with bamboo brush can be found at QVC for $42.)

I am also loving the waterproof Amazonian clay liners – in both pencils and pots. Once again, the clay works its magic. I didn’t need eye primer – the powders set quickly and they do not budge. And after playing with a few colors, and having to wash my face more than once, there wasn’t any redness or irritation. I think that has a lot to do with the tarte’s ingredients. Not a petrochemical, paraben, synthetic fragrance, or dye to be found.

The waterproof liner pencils come in great jewel tones and a seriously dramatic black (black, brown, and plum in stores now, but navy, turquoise, plum, bronze and green in the coming months). They’re a great texture for a smudged eye or dramatic line. They’re available exclusively through QVC, here. (For a super precise line, I highly recommend the emphasEYES™ natural eyeliner.)

While the pencils are convenient, I really love the potted liners. Especially the bronze. Using plant waxes to create a waterproof finish, they come with super simple tips for creating various looks (much appreciated) – for creating everything from a subtle line to a seriously smoky eye. I settled for something in between.

As my friend Erin has taught me well, great brushes make all the difference. And tarte has put together this incredible kit with a double-sided brush (one side for lining, the other with a domed design perfect for the shape of the eyelid). For $22, you get the set – a $45 value.

The Amazonian bronzer and potted liners are available at tarte, Sephora online and in stores, as well as beauty.com, Henri Bendel, ulta.com, and boutiques nationwide. Enjoy! xo a.

INSPIRATION: Flower Child

2011-06-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

I was at a party recently and they had floral centerpieces that everyone was picking off and putting in their hair. Now, this is not a new look, hippies were playing with the idea of flowers in their hair back in the 60's and 70's, but it's a style that is still so beautiful come summer.

There's something about flowers and billowing locks that evokes femininity, beauty, charm and personality. Be it one flower perched above your ear or an entire wreath of flowers placed upon your head, the flower child is this week's beauty inspiration.

(Note To Self: Pick fresh flowers to wear in hair this weekend while frolicking in sundress)

a few flowers and petals randomly pinned into the hair.

love this! flowers braided into the french braid.

a wreath of flowers.

a single flower above the ear, very surfer-chic.

another, more ornate wreath of flowers.

TREND ALERT: Bright Lips for Summer

2011-06-15T00:32:00.000-07:00

Lily Rabe (Getty Images)

A bright, splash of lip color seems the perfect way to welcome summer, just as Lily Rabe did at the Tonys. Nominated for her role as Portia in the The Merchant of Venice, Lily arrived in a white, backless gown by Prabal Gurung and coral-hued lips courtesy of Tina Turnbow for tarte.

We’re huge fans of tarte and Tina here at BB, so we’re thrilled to share Tina’s tips for getting Lily’s eco-chic red carpet look at home.

Tina applied tarte's new maracuja creaseless concealer in fair, before sweeping Lily’s cheeks a peachy-pink hue, with Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in peaceful (you can find both items in this kit, here). To highlight her cheekbones, Tina brushed on provocateur Amazonian clay shimmer powder in champagne.

For a “look all about the lashes,” Tina started with tarte's neutralEYES natural eyeshadow palette in volume II, and used emphasEYES™ high definition inner rim eyeliner pencil in black to line the upper, inner rim “for more definition and to intensify the lash line.” Tina finished off the eyes with gifted Amazonian clay smart mascara.

For lips, Tina mixed Lipsurgence lip tints in fiery and joy to get the perfect shade of coral.

Without the weight of face makeup, which always feels too heavy as temps soar, Lily's dramatic lips and eyes are the perfect evening look for the warmest days of summer!

I’m loving the bright lippy trend, too. Here are my favorite picks for a bit of summer color:

- tarte 24-7 lip sheers. They’re like chapstick all grown up with the added benefit of SPF 15. For evening, I layer deep rose with a bit of gloss for deep, dramatic color. (Loving Vapour cosmetics Elixir glosses.)

- Korres ultra hydrating, deeply hued cherry oil glosses in red and natural purple.

- Korres lip butter in wild rose and pomegranate (also great for a bit of cheek color in a pinch).

- And, my favorite tarte product of all time, their cheek stain, reborn as rise and shine lip stains. I’m loving the cherry stain/gloss duo.

As much as I love bright color, I wasn't sure I could pull of a red-orange hue, even a less vibrant one than Lily’s. But when Jules told me about the great new Revlon gloss she’s discovered in her quest for the perfect orangey-red, I had to give it a try. She warned that in the tube, Revlon’s Firecracker was intense. But applied, it’s more like a stain. It reminds me of the popsicles we used to have at summer camp and the tint they left behind. Only with a great bit of shine and zero stickiness.

Hello, sunshine! xo a.

Sun Savior: Murad Essential-C

2011-06-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

We know the sun's terrible for our skin, but we still like to bathe in it. It's like knowing that a guy is SO wrong for you, yet you're instantly attracted to him. Sometimes, the worse something is for us, the more we want it.

Bad choices in men, you have therapy. Bad sunning habits, you have Murad's Essential-C line.

There's a cleanser, a toner, eye cream with spf 15, serum (amazing!), an age spot and pigment lightening gel, a night cream and a day cream with spf 30.

The line is meant to correct age spots and sun spots, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and combat lines and wrinkles.

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

"Everyday living is harsh on your skin. Daily exposure to sunlight,
smog, pollution and stress is the #1 cause of premature aging.
Murad's Environmental Shield® product line will help restore,
renew and protect your skin against sun damage, preventing and
reversing environmental damage through the science of cellular water™."

Vitamin C is so essential for healthy skin. It lightens, brightens and tightens. Basically, evening out the skin tone while making skin appear more radiant and tightening pores. It's most effective for sun-damaged skin. The Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 ($60.00) is an incredible summer moisturizer plus sun protector. It hydrates the skin while giving you daily UVA/ UVB protection (although if I'm baking in the sun - swimming or beaching, I still apply an SPF 50 to my face. I DO NOT want wrinkles!).

There's also an introductory kit for $39.95 that gives you a healthy dose of vitamin C in mini quantities. It contains all of the essentials and is a great starter...

5 Tips To Traveling Light

2011-06-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a weekend away (in the Hamptons which is driving distance from NYC) and my friends made fun of me for my massive amount of toiletries. I tried to explain that there are certain items I simply cannot leave home without and those take up room. Period.

A) A blow dryer. I use it to blow out my bangs (especially in humid weather - it's a must).

B) A curling iron (I didn't use it, but I like to have the option, for a night out on the town).

C) My makeup bag (this is always packed and ready to go for those last minute travel moments. It's filled to the brim with shadows, blushes, tinted moisturizers, foundation, highlighters, etc. I like choices. - I have doubles of everything). The only product not in my makeup bag are my lippies - I keep an array of colors and textures (matte, gloss, stick, stain, etc.) in my purse.

D) Then there's my hair serum and Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Spray which I just posted about (click here for the recap) - my summer haircare must-haves. I can't live without them and I haven't found them in travel size so I have to bring the full size. It's just the way it goes.

As for the rest of my beauty regimen, I do think you can make due with less. At the very least, less amounts of the goods...

Here are my 5 tips to traveling light (in light of the heavy packing):

1) Pick up travel size of your favorite full size products whenever possible. For example, buy a full size cream, ask for a a travel size too. Every major brand makes sample sizes! They are great for travel.

2) Minis are marvelous. Sephora has an entire section of your favorite products in mini versions. When you're standing in line, waiting to buy your goods, everything in the little acrylic buckets around you are minis. They have mini dry shampoo, mini lotions, mini face washes... etc.

3) Any drugstore in America carries travel-size of the necessities - from shampoo and conditioner to toothpaste and even lotion. So, it may not be high-quality, but you can find some decent ones like Johnson & Johnson Baby Lotion (which I happen to love) and Living Proof makes a sulfate-free Shampoo...

4) My all-time favorite travel companion: Dickinson's Cleansing Astringent Towelettes. They come in a box of 20 and are individually wrapped. You can take as many or as few as you want and throw them into your travel kit. They are fabulous as a toner or to freshen up between washes, especially during the humid summer months. And they are so affordable at $4.99!

5) Keep your travel bag of travel products packed at all times! This is such a great trick of the trade. This way, you can throw additional items into it, but you'll always have the essentials ready to go at a moment's notice. After all, you never know when that special someone is going to call and whisk you away on a romantic rendevous.

EXTRA! ALWAYS KEEP A TOOTHBRUSH AND TOOTHPASTE IN YOUR TRAVEL BAG! Don't expect the place you're going to have these essentials. And fresh breathe is, quite possibly, THE MOST important part of travel.

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Oil

2011-06-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Weleda is definitely one of my favorite drugstore organic brands. It's so well priced, there is no excuse not to add organic into your beauty routine.

Their summer products are amazing, from the new Citrus Deodorant Spray (Rose is one of my must-haves, but Citrus makes a great summer scent), to the Refining Toner, a great pick-me-up for all skin types. But what I'm really obsessing over is the Sea Buckthorn Body Oil, a delicious musky citrus oil that leaves skin soft and smooth and looking 10 LB's thinner!

Let's not kid ourselves: summer is a time to show some skin. And while we like to give a little leg, a dry, crispy thigh is less than cute. But slather on the oil and you've got yourself a body to envy - not to mention that the oil is actually healthy for your skin, packed with antioxidants and vitamins.

I like to use oil directly after showering, while my body is still wet, prior to a towel dry. I let the oil naturally absorb while I do my hair and makeup and then I'll get dressed. I still have a faint hint of oil left on my body and people always recognize how lean my limbs are looking -- and compliment the delicious scent that the oil exudes, all natural, no perfume necessary!

If you order now from the Weleda website (click here), you will receive a FREE full size Sea Buckthorn Body Wash to go with your new Body Oil! Enter "SEABUCKTHORN" at checkout.

We love FREE almost as much as we love glistening gams!

PRICE TAG: $25.00

INSPIRATION: Sharon Tate

2011-06-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Since as far back as I can remember, I've had an obsession with Sharon Tate. Perhaps, a big part of said obsession stems from the horrific circumstances surrounding her tragic murder (if you are unaware or have forgotten about this incident, click here for a recap), another part is definitely her marriage to Roman Polanski (another mini obsession of mine, as I am a major film buff), still more of my obsession comes from her role as book editor turned pill popper, Jennifer North, in the film version of Valley of the Dolls. But, if I'm being totally honest, a vast majority of my obsession of Sharon Tate is simply because I find her to be one of the most beautiful women to come out of the 1960's.

While Twiggy was one type of American 1960's poster child, Sharon was quite another (dare I say somewhat more timeless?): Blonde, shapely, naturally sun kissed skin with big, moody eyes and a gaze that absorbs you (as I always say, the eyes make the woman). She was feminine with a touch of hippy (she donned a head piece before today's hipsters made it trendy). Whether natural with no makeup or done up with big hair and the "Twiggy" lashes, Sharon always seemed to fit the part of a classic, American beauty.

Here are some of my favorite images of Sharon Tate, beauty inspiration that is still relevant today:

The Neck Creams

2011-06-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

My mother always told me that you can tell a woman's true age by her hands and neck. It's absolutely correct. A woman can get a face lift, Botox and Restylane the heck out of her eyes, forehead, lips and what not, but hands and neck -- there's not much you can do with the skin there... except take extra kind and gentle care of it!

So, it comes as no surprise to me that skincare brands are designing creams especially for the neck - and chest! - area. We already have our pick of hand creams and I hope that you use hand cream often (I carry tubes in my bag and have bottles at my desk and next to my bed!).

While you don't neccesarily need a specific cream simply for your neck - you can always use your face cream and apply to the neck and chest area too - if you choose to purchase one, here are 5 product choices and the advantages of each:

Rodial Chin & Neck Lift

The newly launched cream sculpts, firms and lifts with pomegranate ellagic tannins. Essential amino acids hydrate to firm and strengthen the skin while promoting elasticity and smoothing the appearance of wrinkles. 79 POUNDS

Clarins Super-Restorative Decollete and Neck Concentrate

A non-oily anti-wrinkle and anit-age spot treatment that evens and enhances the skin's texture while ensuring all the femininity and elegance of the décolleté and neck after age 50. $100.00

Kate Somerville Neck Tissue Repair Cream with Peptide K8™

A firming and anti-wrinkle cream that moisturizes and softens with high-performance peptides and progressive technologies that work to smooth wrinkles and improve overall firmness, elasticity, and skintone. $150.00

Bliss Thinny Thin Chin Neck Firming Cream

This cream works on the area from the chin to the cleavage by firming, hydrating, and improving the appearance of neck lines, crepiness, and hyper-pigmentation. $48.00

La Prairie Anti-Aging Neck Cream

Probably considered the platinum of neck creams, this stuff will help re-contour the chin and neck area to a slimmer, firmer look. It boosts skin function to help restore density, firmness, elasticity and texture with a youth-restoring complex and an advanced peptide. $200.00

The question remains, for these steep prices, do the creams work? Of course they do. Any type of hydration will do the trick. Do you need an additional cream for your neck and chest? Well, that's up to you... Knowledge is power, ladies. Now you know.

Trend Alert: Beachy Waves

2011-06-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday night's MTV Movie Awards saw one of my favorite hair trends: the beachy wave. And it's just in time for summer

Worn (well) by the likes of Cameron Diaz, Leighton Meester, Emma Stone and Reese Witherspoon.
Worn (not as well) by Kristen Stewart and Chelsea Handler.

DON'T

What makes a good beachy wave? And why are the celebs going gaga for beachy waves now?
We asked the experts.

“The beach-y wave trend we have been seeing on the red carpet can enhance a youthful, soft modern feeling to many looks," says celeb hair guru, Cervando, who has worked with Rosie Huntington.

"The trick with getting the perfect beachy wave trend is prepping the hair with the right amount of product. Many girls don't use enough and their hair falls flat within the hour. My personal favorite is Phyto Volume Actif. Apply to damp hair from roots to ends, and dry with your hands to keeping the natural bend," explains Marcus Francis, celebrity hair stylist, who has worked with Marisa Tomei, Rashida Jones and Emma Roberts.

GET THE LOOK:

Follow celeb hair stylist, Jen Atkin - who works with Sofia Vergara - simple how-to to achieve this trend at-home.

"First it's best to start off with damp hair. Use Frederick Fekkai Wave Spray to create texture in the hair, and scrunch at ends while blow drying. When hair is about 75% dry place Duckbill clips horizontally to set the hair, creating waves and bends from the roots to ends. it doesn't have to be precise, you just want to make dents throughout your hair. Spray a bit more texture spray, and blow dry completely. I recommend if you have long bangs, leave them out and twist each bang back and away from the face (think Farrah Fawcett) and blow dry each twist.

Once hair is dry, remove the clips and you can use a 1 1/4 " curling iron to wrap ends that need a bit more bend. It's best to keep it messy and not too overdone.

If hair is thick and dry, use a pomade to break up the ends. Make sure to only use about a dime size amount. It is easiest to get this look if you already have long layers. If not, make sure to just use a bit more Wave Spray and Duckbill clips in your hair. “

All About MY HAIR: A Sarah Howard Hair-istory

2011-06-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

If you are an avid reader of this blog, then you are well aware of my deep-rooted obsession with my hair. When people ask me what I think is my best feature, I answer without pause, "my hair." Needless to say, I'm very proud of my mane.

But these locks take work to maintain. And many of you have asked what I do for hair maintenance, so I've decided to devote this entire post to MY hair. Self indulgent, I know.

Feel free to stop reading at any time... but, for those interested in a few tips, read on:

While I don't wash my hair every day, when I do wash, I always use a sulfate, paraben and petrochemical-free Shampoo and Condition. Most importantly, is sulfate-free. Click here to learn why sulfates are the worst thing for your strands.

Shampoos and Conditioners that I like: Enjoy Haircare, Pureology, Reken Nature's Rescue, L'Oreal EverPure.

I am also working on my own line of sulfate, paraben, and petrochemical-free products which will include an all-natural Shampoo and Conditioner and will launch in the coming months... more to come on that soon!

On a daily basis, I allow my hair to dry naturally. In the summer, I like to spritz Bumble and Bumble's Curl Conscious Reactivating Mist (see image above) to add some emphasis to my already wavy hair. I can reapply throughout the day, and even next day.

I also like a good oil. I feel that it controls frizzies and adds some bounce and separation to wavy hair. I use a variety of hair oils (whatever I have in my beauty cabinet) but favor Kerastase Nutritive Oleo-Relax Serum.

If I am hitting the town, I may throw in a few curls with a 1 1/2 inch curling iron (I rarely ever curl my entire head - I like the messy curl look - see images below) and then I'll finish the look with a few spritz's of hair spray. I am obsessed with L'Oreal's Elnet, but again, I use whatever is around.

I ONLY BRUSH MY HAIR AFTER I SHOWER WHEN MY HAIR IS WET. I DO NOT BRUSH MY HAIR WHEN IT IS DRY!!! I find that it pulls and breaks the hair.

Second and sometimes even third day hair looks better than just washed hair because it has natural oils. However, I loathe an oily front section, so I will pull the back area of my hair into a bun and keep my bangs out and JUST WASH MY BANGS WITH SHAMPOO. I then dry my bangs with the Vidal Sassoon Professional Styling Hair Dryer, Model VS540. It has 3 brush attachments. I use the thinnest comb attachment. It straightens the bang area a bit so that it doesn't go all puffy on me. This is a very cheap blow dryer but I LOVE it and have turned every single one of my friends on to it. It also straightens your entire head in minutes, it's like brushing your hair.

However, I hate straightening my own hair and prefer to go to a salon and have a professional do it for me. I do this about once a week. Sometimes, I feel a bit too prissy with straight hair (see below image). I like the look better for winter when you're meant to be all done up.

COLOR/ CUT/ TREATMENTS

On the east coast, I get my hair cut and colored at The Pierre Michel Salon (my father owns it, so I'm slightly biased). I switch up people often. For my cut, I like Mitch, Gilda and Terry. For my color, I like Reynald, Ludavic and, most recently, Ida. And I'm really into having natural roots and just coloring from about 3 inches from the roots down with extra light tips - it's called the "ombre" effect and is more of a natural, sunkissed look.

I do, however, love Marie Robinson for color as well. She's a genius.

On the west coast, I always go to Jen Atkin for cut and George Papinikolas for color at the Andy Lecompte Salon.

I ONLY DO BALIAGE FOR COLOR - NEVER FOILS! Foils frighten me - they are used for cooking, not for hair color.

A deep conditioning treatment is vital. I like to use a hair masque every few days. You can also get a salon treatment - like keratin - if your hair is considerably damaged. But make sure that it is color-safe.

For hair masques I like Pureology Essential Restorative Hair Masque, Davines Natural Tech Nourishing Hair Building Pak, L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Deep Restorative Masque

That's about it! Anymore questions, leave them in the comment section below...

INSPIRATION: Natasha Poly

2011-06-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

I only recently discovered this model while rummaging the internet for pictures of beautiful women to add to my tumblr account. If you haven't checked out my tumblr account, you must do so immediately! CLICK HERE! There is a spread of Natasha shot by photographer David Hamilton for Muse Magazine (I believe it was from 2009) and it is literally breath-taking. Obviously, much of the credit is attributed to Hamilton's eye for detail, his use of light and space and his ability to capture both innocence and sexuality all within a single shot. If you are unfamiliar with David Hamilton's work, google him asap. He's insanely talented.

Back to Natasha. She's waify, like a Kate Moss, which gives her that girlish charm. But unlike Kate, she's a bit more girly, a bit less grunge. And she has that versatility - as most models must - to transform herself from demure and vulnerable to sexy and playful to straight-up hot.

Not to mention that face was made for makeup. The cheekbones are perfectly angled, the skin is flawless with a light golden glow, lips well plumped, the eyes almost naturally cat-shaped. She wears red lips with the best of them or a dark, smoky eye like no other.

How much is retouched? Probably all of it. But she's still pretty to look at. And the hair/ makeup still gives me inspiration for looks I'd like to try this season...

This is how you rock a red - eyes are lined, but lips remain the focal point.

Hair accessories are hot this season.

Nude lip with a beautiful cat eye - notice the white, shimmer-lined inner corners of the eyes. It's a trick to make eyes appear wider and brighter.

Part of the David Hamilton shoot for Muse Magazine. Very natural and innocent with glowing skin.

What a sexy smoky eye! And tangerine lips are very trendy for summer. But don't wear them together, please.

This is a really beautiful gilded look - always in-trend. Eyes, lips and skin are all gold-hued.

Sweat-Proof Your Makeup

2011-06-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ah heat! On the east coast, all I can say is finally. But, wow, did it come with a bang. It is HOT, HOT, HOT! Not that I'm complaining, I love the heat. My makeup... not as big a fan.

Here are some tips to sweat-proof your makeup so it stays on your face - where it belongs!

1. You must wear a PRIMER. MUST. This is the most important tip for sweaty, humid, summer weather. I keep writing about primers, but they are crucial. If you haven't bought yours yet, DO IT NOW. Click here to choose one to your liking.

2. When in doubt, finish the look with a powder. Powder sets the face. I love Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder but you can really use anything that sucks up oil... and bring it with you for quick on-the-go touch-ups.

3. Blotting Papers are a God-sent. Get the ones that don't fuss up your makeup. You can use them in the car, in the loo, under the table... you name it. A quick pat, pat around the t-zone and you're good as new. Try Boscia Blotting Linens.

4. Waterproof when possible. Definitely choose a waterproof mascara. The heat has a tendency to make everything run. Runny eyes are tragic. Try your favorite mascara in the waterproof formula. I love CoverGirl Lash Blast Waterproof Mascara in Black.

5. Use stains or powders instead of creams and glosses. Anything creamy or glossy will smear. Stains stay in place (I highly suggest using a stain for your lips - and it lasts longer) and powders (for cheeks and eyes) will sit on the skin instead of run off.

At-Home Hair Color Tips From Johnathan Gale

2011-05-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Johnathan Gale is undeniably the go-to colorist to the stars. He's worked with everyone from Lady Gaga (he did the infamous Vanity Fair white hair cover - click here for a recap) to Charlize Theron, so we trust him when it comes to color tips.

Well, Johnathan is dishing on some major tricks and tips for salon quality color AT HOME, from a box! That's right, you don't have to pay top dollars for celeb hues (although I'm still going to trust my colorist with my locks, thank you very much).

However, if you're far braver than I, here are some great ways to get the summer trends at home:

For Blondes - Johnathan suggests lightening up the ends. This will remove all the winter tarnish without making colour brassy in the sun. (Suggested colour: LUXEBLEND Crème Hair Colour in Light Golden Blonde)

HOW-TO TIP

It’s best to apply the colour with the patented brush to ends of hair and let sit longer or shorter depending on how intense you want your colour. You should have the angled tip brush facing outward and work 2-3 inches from tip of hair.

For Reds - Red is the hottest colour of the season and Johnathan recommends creating red low lights for a multi-dimensional Red. Low lights have great longevity to keep hair colour fresh and vivid all summer long. (Suggested colour: LUXEBLEND Crème Hair Colour in Auburn)

HOW-TO TIP

To create low lights begin with segments at ear level working from ear to ear. Work your way up the head dividing hair into one-inch segments for thick or course hair and half-inch segments for thin hair. You should decrease amount of colour to a bare minimum as you reach the crown of head.

For Brunettes - Run a few bold highlights through drab hair just as a halo around the face frame to brighten up your look this summer. (Suggested colour: LUXEBLEND Crème Hair Colour in Medium Brown)

HOW-TO TIP

Achieving a desired shade for highlights can be fun because Couture Colour allows you to mix the 9 shades to create extra colours perfect for that bold pop around the face by using our angled brush. To add a tint of red to a honey shade try mixing Light Brown with Auburn.

*Couture Colour is ammonia free

Memorial Weekend Beauty Bag

2011-05-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

As you pack your bag for your Memorial weekend getaway - even if it's just a day bag - (here's to hoping for some sun and swim), there's a few necessities you should be bringing along. Like that perfect pair of sandals (finally!). And that dress that shows off just the right amount of skin.

But how about the beauty front? Don't worry, I've got you covered.

I've put together a beauty check list of the must-have items you should be toting along with you to your final destination...

1. SPF - Even if the sun only makes a brief appearance, it's that time of year and the rays are stronger so SPF is a daily necessity. Try one that is built into your daily moisturizer like Murad's Perfecting Day Cream with SPF 30 (don't do anything less than a 30 SPF)!

2. Shave - You'll want to keep your legs on display - which means lean and clean (and hairless). Whish makes the best shaving products for women. Brings fun into a funless activity. One to try: Shave Savour - Hair Inhabiting Gel, an after-sun refresher that is also divine post shave or wax AND slows hair growth!

3. Hair - What's easier than beach-chic when you're at the beach? Try sleeping with your hair wrapped in a tight bun while damp, secure with an elastic - you'll wake up with the perfect wave. Replenish during the day with one of my personal favorite styling tools, Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Reactivating Mist.

4. Lips - You'll want to hydrate and provide a hint of hue. With sand and swim, a stain will keep the color on your lips where it belongs. Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain, their newest dual action stain and gloss does both. You can click here to read my full rave on the product.

5. Face - The most important product for summer is a PRIMER! It keeps all of the other makeup on for hours longer, helps even the complexion and minimize pores while giving you a great matte finish... and a primer with a bit of shimmer is a summer bonus. For an oil-free matte primer, try NARS Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer. For something with a little iridescent kick, try Tarina Tarantino Pearl Glow Primer.

Have a happy and safe Memorial Weekend, beauties!

INSPIRATION: Jane Birkin

2011-05-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

My obsession with Jane Birkin lies far beyond the fact that she is the inspiration behind the coveted Hermes Birkin bag (quite a noble feat). In my opinion, the British born actress and singer is, quite possibly, the sexiest woman to come out of 1960's London (GASP! Yes, I made that grand a statement).

Here's why. She was a total hippy but still quite the femme fatale. Her real life played out more exciting than a movie (just read up on her love affair with co-star and father of daughter, Charlotte, Serge Gainsbourg, and you'll get my drift). She loved being naked and is photographed much of the time in the nude - and has quite the body - and the breasts - for such photos. She gave the blob (long bob) air time WAY before Gwyneth was even a household name - and she never had the overdone feeling or look to her hair. It always seemed like she got out of bed and that's how it fell naturally (which is so perfectly effortless but still chic). The long bangs that became Birkin's definitive hair statement are still on trend FIFTY years later! She has the most mesmerizing eyes that are never overdone, but always emphasized with the right amount of mascara to give that vava lash look that we still emulate today (and as I always say, eyes make the lady classic). Her lips could rival any of the pucker's we currently adore - and this was way before Restylane and fillers were created. She just knew how to pout for the camera!

But, most importantly, Jane Birkin, has a natural beauty that can't be store-bought. It's not about the makeup or the highlights or the blowouts, not like today's super celebs. Jane's got the stuff that comes from inner beauty and serious confidence and that radiates as timeless and classic.

Here are some of my favorite Jane Birkin images:

SK-II Cellumination Mask-In Lotion is a MUST

2011-05-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Makeup artists (Pat McGrath is a fan) and celebrities (Cate Blanchett adores) alike are obsessed. Now, so am I. SK-II is the next best thing in skincare and yes, it took me awhile to figure it out.

Their newest launch, Cellumination Mask-In Lotion, is a MUST for beautiful skin. It does everything a mask would do but in a fraction of the time (just the time it takes to apply). The consistency is pure liquid, you apply to your skin morning and evening after washing, prior to your creams, and let it do its job. They're dubbing it a "pre-lotion." Skin will appear younger, more radiant, smoother and all around healthier in just a single application!

The tag line is: "an everyday lotion that delivers mask like benefits." I get it. It leaves skin soft and smooth, constantly hydrating but it is not a cream/ lotion so it is nice for my skin (normal to oily) as well. It's very lightweight and actually works all day long - and all night, too.

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

"Featuring the Cellumination line’s signature Aura-Bright Complex, a powerful cocktail of Centella Asiatica extract, Nicotinamide W and a concentrated form of SK-II’s exclusive ingredient Pitera™, it’s the first step in boosting skin’s ‘Aura-Lucency’—in other words, delivering skin that looks ‘glowing from within’ gorgeous."

Beautiful skin is worth every penny - and every product out there!

PRICE TAG: $75.00

FAVORITES: Rose-Inspired

2011-05-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

There's something about roses that make a girl go gaga. A nice bouquet says so much without saying anything at all. It's no wonder, really, that there are a bevy of products that bring us back to that special feeling that only a long stem rose can induce.

Well, that and rose oil does have quite a few beauty benefits: it's "anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericide and stimulating (source)." Rose Hip Oil keeps the "skin hydrated and nourished and helps reduce the appearance of scars... Rose hip oil contains a high amount of natural tretinoin, a form of Vitamin A. Tretinoin has been known to reduce and protect the skin from damage that may be caused by the sun. It also aids the skin in producing collagen and new skin cells. (source)."

Combine a great scent with a powerful ingredient and you've got beauty magic! Here are 5 of my favorite rose-inspired products:

Jurlique Rose Shower Gel - The entire bathroom will smell like a rose garden - and not in a perfumey, fake way - in a feel-good, fresh way. Plus, I love how Jurlique suds oh-so well, and makes my skin feel super soft... ready to be touched! There's a matching lotion, too. BONUS! $22.00

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant - I can't write a deodorant post without mentioning this product, let alone a rose-inspired one. It is such the perfect smelling rose, I'd bottle it up and spray it on my body all day long if I could. Oh wait - Weleda's done that! Really gives new meaning to sweating roses... and it's not harmful for you, free of aluminum and such. $8.30

The Organic Pharmacy Double Rose Rejuvenating Face Cream - I dedicated an entire post to this incredibly light and brilliant face moisturizer (click here for a recap). Smells delish, as would be expected, and it leaves skin literally glowing. Also comes sans all those terrible chemicals. Just pure... roses! $71.92

Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 - The cult-favorite lip balm with a hint of rose hue is also a favorite of mine. Comes with a light SPF to protect your pucker in sun and swim season, but also gives your mouth that natural glow that only a good rosey redish tint can - and all while keeping your lips hydrated! $22.50

REN Moroccan Rose Oil Sugar Body Polish - This could, quite possibly, be my favorite rose-inspired product that I've tried thus far in my life. I've written about it time and time again and used it for years - it is literally like bringing the spa to your bathtub. A sugar body polish, scented with the finest, freshest roses that leaves skin deliciously smooth and radiant. Your tub is not complete without a tub of REN's body polish. $60.00

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

2011-05-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Blush can really turn your entire face around. It literally can make you smile - without ever having to move your lips. While Tarte is known for their cult-favorite cream blushes and cheek stains, they've recently launched a powder blush made out of Amazon clay and it's swoon-worthy!

flush

Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush was inspired by their best-selling cheek and lip stains. I actually like them MORE because, applied with a brush, you get a very natural effect that you can build on from day to night for a more dramatic, intense evening look.

natural beauty

And the 8 shades are so sensational, I literally want to wear each one day after day. But I do have a favorite (or two). Number One favorite has to be Natural Beauty - a perfectly red-hued girly girl blush. Number Two is Flush, a deep berry that gives you that seductive, flirty "flushed" effect. Other colors are light pink, bright pink (great for summer), even a coral and a nude.

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

"These solar-baked blushes are infused with Amazonian Clay, nature's most perfect ingredient. These nutrient rich
and skin-nourishing Amazonian clay blushes restore harmony for a flawless finish that lasts all day.

The soft blush is great for all skin types:
Oily skin: Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place
Dry skin: Amazonian clay hydrates skin naturally to restore moisture so your blush wears better & longer
Dull skin: Amazonian clay improves the appearance of skin clarity and skin texture
Combination skin: Amazonian clay is completely intuitive; gives skin an overall smooth & even appearance"

The color lasts for hours (not exactly 12, but close enough) and, as with all Tarte products, the blush is made sans parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and petrochemicals.

Good for the environment = Good for your skin.

PRICE TAG: $25.00

INSPIRATION: Ali MacGraw

2011-05-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm a HUGE Ali MacGraw fan. Love Story was a favorite of mine growing up, but the real love story between Ali and Robert Evans was like a Hollywood Royal Ever After... until the divorce.

I always found her style to be so effortless and chic and her beauty to be classic and simple. She gave brunettes sex appeal (YAY!) years before Megan Fox and Mila Kunis. Her long, pencil-straight hair parted down the middle and those magnetic brown eyes framed by a full brow remain timeless beauty references. With Ali, you always knew what to expect. She didn't change up her look very much. Maybe she'd add a hat or some eye liner, but for the most part it was all very natural and understated.

I have wanted to emulate this look for years and I find that it is a look that never goes out of style, regardless of the season. Sure, it's a bit bohemian, but at the crux, it's beauty at it's purest form: natural, simple, elegant, no frills or fuss and classic. For these reasons, Ali MacGraw will continue to remain a beauty inspiration.

Here are some of my favorite looks:

Summer Hair Tips

2011-05-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

“The sun can bring you beautiful natural highlights and wind-swept hair. In all reality you must protect your hair from those hot summer rays and humidity that can damage your hair, resulting in dry, drab, split, and frizzy hair ends," says celebrity hair stylist, Oliver Ifergan, who has tamed the tresses of America Ferrera, Salma Hayek, George Clooney, Tea Leoni, and Gina Gershon.

Here are Oliver's top 5 Summer Hair Tips:

1. Wear a hat at the beach, in your convertible or out in the park. Keep in mind that hair can also get sunburned, just like your scalp and skin. You must protect it from the sun’s deadly, damaging rays.
2. Shampoo your hair less in the summer to retain more moisture throughout the hot summer days.
3. During the summer, hair must be treated more delicately, keeping in mind to use the most moisturizing and gentle shampoo and conditioners.
4. If you French braid your hair whilst wet, it will dry into big, soft, loose waves.
5. For extra conditioning apply deep conditioner or mask and rap a plastic wrap or shower cap just before bedtime. Allow the treatment to soak into your hair overnight for a deep, nourishing treatment and repair.

GIRL CRUSH: Rachel McAdams

2011-05-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

I ADORE Rachel McAdams. I mean, how could you not? From Mean Girls to The Notebook (swoon) to every role she's played since, Rachel has stolen the screen with her beautiful looks and free spirit!

While in Cannes promoting her upcoming film projects, Rachel's been seen in a variety of different dresses - and faces. From more modern lips and hair to a throwback to Old Hollywood glamour, her sister and makeup artist Kayleen McAdams has been on hand to work her magic.

My favorite look thus far: The glamour girl from Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris Premiere. Rachel looks like a true movie star with that gorgeous, smoky eye and I'm loving a little Veronica Lake exaggerated side-part with a fluffy curl....

Inspiration:

“For the Midnight in Paris premiere, the hair was 40’s inspired and was an inspiration for the makeup in that I wanted to go the opposite in style from the hair. Rachel's hair is a gorgeous shade of blonde right now so I chose to do a bronzy sun kissed surfer girl glow. This look was all about warm, healthy looking skin and a fresh glow to go against the strong hair and the strong structure of the dress." - Kayleen McAdams

Get the Look:

“Again I used Cle de Peau Cream Foundation, Amazing Concealer, and MAC Pressed Powder for a flawless complexion. This time we wanted to go with a more dramatic eye, and keep the lips natural. I lined her eyes with NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Skorpios, a shimmery iridescent copper shade. I then used the burgundy shade from the CHANEL Quadra Eyeshadow in Spices all over the lid, and applied two coats of CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara in Very Black. On the apples of her cheeks, I used NARS Blush in Lustre, a sheer golden apricot shade, and for a sun kissed bronzy look, I used Nuxe Cream Bronzer. To finish the look and create a soft shimmer, I used a light dusting of Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in Candlelight. Finally, on her lips I used NARS Lip Gloss in Belize, a light gloss with just a tiny bit of gold shimmer." - Kayleen McAdams

Keep Me's Ali Kay: 10 Healthy Products For Spring

2011-05-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

When thinking about who to choose the 10 healthy products you must own this Spring, I wanted to pick someone who was worldly, beautiful in a natural, hassle-free way, and, obviously, as keen on beauty products as I am.

Keep Me lounge wear designer, Ali Kay, embodies all of the criteria. Her product selections show the range of places she's traveled while her love for natural and organic prove that she is astute to the growing health concerns for what we put on our skin. And while Ali Kay is undeniably beautiful, like her lounge wear collection, her beauty - and beauty routine - comes from a place of ease and comfort (and a bit of orange + apple + carrot + lemon + ginger + garlic thrown in for good measure).

Here are Ali Kay's top 10 product picks for Spring:

1. Fragrance: Kai Body Glow

2. Body Lotion: Mode de Vie, Shea Butter Body Lotion with Tamanu Oil. I use the Vanilla-scented one.

3. Body Scrub: Pure Fiji Coconut Sugar Rub—great for exfoliating in the bath

4. Body Oil: LaLicious Body Oil, Tahitian Flower

5. Hair Conditioner: Kheil’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak

6. Hair Oil: Amir Argan Hair Oil

7. Toothpaste: Nature’s Gate Organics, Raspberry Mint Whitening Toothpaste with Flouride (not surprised, it is sold out everywhere!)

8. Face Lotion: Tracie Martyn Firming Serum (Substitute since TM is often prohibitively expensive: Burt’s Bees Radiance Night Cream with Royal Jelly)

9. Face Wash: Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser (Substitute since TM is often prohibitively expensive: Alba Botanica Hawaiian Coconut Milk Facial Wash)

10. What matters most? What you eat and drink. My favorite fresh juice to drink very often:
Orange + apple + carrot + lemon + ginger + garlic juice
Click HERE for a link to an article on my blog about my personal health beliefs.

Thanks to Ali Kay for her product picks and health insights!

*photo credit: DVF.com

FAVORITES: Lip Stain

2011-05-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

I'm back!

Sorry, I've been a bit MIA, I was actually in MIA (as in, MIAMI) and took a few days off the blog. But, alas, I am back in NYC and it's finally beginning to feel like Spring.

So, to celebrate my return - to blogging and NYC - I thought we'd start off with a timely FAVORITES post, the trusty lip stain. Absolute perfection for spring and summer, especially while running from pool to ocean - stays on all day, sweat-proof and doesn't look like you're actually wearing much makeup at all!

To recap my Girls Guide to Stains, click here.

As for some of this season's favorite stains, have a read:

Benefit Benetint - I cannot write this post without mentioning the purveyor of stains near and far, Benetint - a true, blood red lip stain that doubles as a cheek tint too. Gives lips a natural flush hue.

Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain - With 9 wonderfully pigmented colors to choose from, there is something to suit every lip. And the marker makes application fun and precise.

CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain - DRUGSTORE FIND! Another pen, with so many colors to choose from. Fun, easy, precise application. Not to be used on cheeks. Really leaves a nice stain on the pucker!

Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm - NEW! A 2-for-1 - a stain on one side, a lip balm on the other. Wear alone or together for added shine (with a hint of hue). Choose from 6 color combos.

The Balm Stainiac - Comes in 3 colors and is fitted with a wand and sponge applicator. Gives great natural color to the lips that stays put for hours.

INSPIRATION: Tumblr!

2011-05-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm officially obsessed. How did I not know about Tumblr sooner? It's like a digital vision board. I have just spent the past two days uploading over 100 photos (and a few quotes) of images that inspire me... from a beautiful face, a vintage Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O or Liz Taylor, to a rare Kate Moss or Madonna black and white (shot by photogs like Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, even a Gus Van Sant), and a colorful landscape or scenery of a Moroccan desert or a a coastal shoreline.

All of these images inspire the way I think about beauty and, subsequently, the way I play with makeup. For if it weren't for the classic beauties like the Grace's, Audrey's, Jackie's and Liz's, or the more obscure and seductive imagery of a Kate Moss or even a nameless model floating naked in a lake, or the colors of a desert - golds and rusts and oranges - my canvas would be rather bleak. Because where you find inspiration is in all the places where you find bits and pieces of beauty, whatever that means to you. And for me, beauty comes from everywhere.

The makeup trends we see on the red carpet or runways - the makeup I wear - is a translation of an inspiration, conscious or unconscious, that someone had at some moment in time.

So, I urge each of you to start a tumblr account and keep a digital vision board of your favorite things that inspire and enchant you. If it's not beautiful things - people or places - you needn't worry, tumblr - and the web - are full of images of any thing your heart desires. But start the dialogue with yourself. Inspire and create.

Wanna see what's got me IN-spired? Click HERE.

Follow me on tumblr: http://sarahrhoward.tumblr.com/

And here's a peak of some of my favorite images:

Lorac Hot Off The Red Carpet Collection

2011-05-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

My inspiration for this post is all of the gilded goddesses from Monday night's Met Ball (Michelle Williams and Lily Aldridge, specifically come to mind - click here for a recap on the trends from the big soiree).

Spring and gold go brilliantly together and Lorac has combined a fabulous collection of gold and bronze hues for your face, eyes and lips. The Hot Off The Red Carpet Collection is... well, just that: A look that is suitable for an A-list celeb to saunter down a red carpet.

There's no denying that metallics are major right now. While that just-stepped-off-a-beach glow is sure to get you noticed, the gilded look is also scoring massive points if applied on eyes AND lips (as seen on Michelle Williams at the Met Ball). It's a little bit Old Hollywood glamour girl and a little bit contemporary rock goddess. That's the thing about makeup - trendy is simply an extension of something classic.

Here's what you get in the box of goodies:

2 exclusive color-coordinated, mineral-infused, shimmering Baked Eye Shadow Duos
An excluisve, cult-classic TANtalizer Baked Bronzer
A Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in 3D
A Gold Blingy Bag that can double as your evening clutch

Owner and creator of Lorac, Carol Shaw, has worked with many A-list celebs including Nicole Kidman, Allison Hannigan and Rachel Bilson... she's quite the authority when it comes to red carpet beauty.

PRICE TAG: $36.00 ($140.00 value!) It's a steal!!! LIMITED EDITION

Met Ball Trends

2011-05-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's Met Ball madness all over the e-verse this week. From the most fashionable gowns, to the most fashionable couples, to the most fashionable after-parties, Met Gala is everywhere!

But let's focus on some beauty trends because there were many spotted on Monday night:

Red Lips - A red carpet staple, nobody wore it better than Madonna and Diane Kruger. Both looked like Old Hollywood divas.

Gilded Eyes - Gold was seen from the gowns to the bronzed skin to the smoky eyes. Definitely the color of the night. Michelle Williams smashed it with her golden eye and skin. Another favorite - Lily Aldridge (playing it a bit more beige with gold undertones).

Glam Waves - Wherever there's a black tie fete, there's bound to be some glam waves. Favorites included Gisele, Madonna (more Old Hollywood), and Nicole Richie (ala Veronica Lake).

Exaggerated Side Part - Rihanna wore hers in a braid while Lily Aldridge and a slew of other models, including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, donned theirs with their hair down. It instantly takes average hair to the next level.

The Bun - Another fashion staple, when pairing hair with a gown, a bun is a great option. Ladies who wore it well: Jeniffer Lopez and Renee Zellweger.

Girl Crush: Gisele

2011-05-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, Gisele is one of the hottest chicks on the planet, period. I was at a party the other night (actually, it was hair mastermind - Gisele's mane man, Harry Josh's Spring Fling) and there stood Gisele and her hubby, the equally hot Tom Brady and, I swear, my eyes never veered from Gisele. She is that radiant and magnetic in person.

I did, however, mention, in passing, to Tom Brady that he could possibly use a hair cut. It's true! His hair is getting a bit long and unruly and I felt I owed it to him to be honest - after all, I kinda know what I'm talking about when it comes to beauty. And if I was throwing a football all crazy, I'd hope he'd impart the same honesty on me.

Gisele and Tom at the Met Ball

Anyway, back to the beautiful Gisele.

Harry Josh, Gisele's go-to stylist, dishes on her Met Ball 'do. Styles past: She's done the pony (who could forget that), the beach-chic curl, the tightly wound chignon, and now it's some Old Hollywood Glam with a heavy side part and a simple wave.

twitpic by Gisele - dress Alexander McQueen who was being honored at the fete

GET THE MET BALL HAIR:

Although Giselle's hair is already luminous and healthy, Josh began with John Frieda Full Repair Perfect Ends Sheer Mist before blow drying to protect her tresses from the heat and seal the cuticles for flawlessly shiny waves.

Josh started by blow drying Gisele’s hair, curling each piece carefully and setting it to keep the shape. The curls were then brushed out to create a soft and sleek wave throughout. John Frieda Full Repair Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer was used which weightlessly smoothes flyaways for a polished red carpet look.

“I wanted to go for a sleek, sophisticated style for Gisele this year. The Met Ball is fashions biggest night and I thought this was the perfect look to complement the evening. The John Frieda Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer will keep her photographer ready all night,” says Harry.

Harry is a genius when it comes to hair and he's quite a rock star when it comes to throwing parties, too. He may just be my favorite new hair dude! And, of course, he handles the locks of Gisele... what's not to like?

Bathing Beauty: Lauren Remington Platt

2011-05-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

For those not in the know, Lauren Remington Platt is a name you'll want to remember. She's that really tall, beautiful blond that can be seen at NYC events and in the party pages of swanky fashion rags. She's got impeccable style and bone structure suited for a model.

And now, she can add Founder and CEO of a new beauty company to her resume. Just launched, Vênsette is an online, members only, hair and makeup booking system. Here's how it works: Professional makeup artists and hair stylists come to your home (or office) and give you the VIP treatment for a very affordable price (roughly $325 for an evening look). Have a charity to attend? Not a problem. The MET ball? No worries. A hot date? Vênsette's got you covered.

While Lauren has long been a staple on the social circuit, it's Vênsette that is now the talk of the town.

Here, Lauren dishes on her favorite beauty products and why she's full of awe for the fine folks of General Hospital...

What are your top 5, can't-live-without products?
1) A great eye shadow brush. It is almost always about the application as opposed to the product. You can never blend too much!

2) Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher. I use it before I put on foundation if I am going out. It smooths your complexion while also being translucent. Also perfect for the morning after a big night.

3) Nail Polish Remover. There is nothing more unprofessional or unattractive than chipped nail polish.

4) Dry Shampoo. I have to make my Vênsette blow outs last!

5) Lip Gloss, I love Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. I am a fan of a natural lip.

What is your all-time favorite product?
Armani Beauty Rouge d'Armani Lipstick - Rouge 400. There has yet to be another lipstick that can compare in its pigmentation. I named the Vênsette Look Grace Kelly in Wicked after the the perfect pout this product creates.

What product do you buy in bulk?
Individual false eyelashes.

You moisturize your face with...
Gunilla of Sweden. Organic and a great price point

Favorite body product?

Fresh Sugar Body Polish

Favorite hair product?

Shu Eumera Satin Milk

Favorite beauty secret you've picked up along the way?
Your hair and makeup will never look as stunning as when in the hands of a professional artist...no matter how good you are with a brush.

Beauty icon you admire?
Anyone on the soap opera General Hospital. Though its not admiration so much as awe. We all know a person couldn't possibly look that perfect after a 24 shift in the ER or just giving birth but I can't help but be stunned how media promotes the fantasy of perfect beauty so unscrupulously.

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Caudalie Quenching Sorbet-Creme

2011-04-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Long live the face creme! While every other blog and media outlet will be inundating you with royal coverage, I thought, why not discuss a great cream to make us all feel regal?

So enters Caudalie Quenching Sorbet-Creme. While we all can't be real life royal heiness', we can definitely feel (and look) like royalty. And that all starts with the complexion.

Why I'm liking Caudalie Quenching Sorbet-Creme:

it's lightweight
hydrates well but absorbs easily
makes my skin feel nice ans smooth
leaves my face glowing
contains natural ingredients like grape-seed polyphenols, anti-oxidants, camomile and shea butter that recharge the skin
the packaging is pretty and pink
great for sensitive skin that still needs moisture
paraben-free and made without mineral oil
perfect to apply prior to makeup, gets the skin nice and moisturized

I think it's the perfect spring/ summer face moisturizer and I LOVE that it's in a pump (this way your dirty hands don't contaminate the cream.

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

"With its ultra-natural formula, Quenching Sorbet-Crème deeply hydrates all skin types, even the hyper-sensitive ones. The skin is instantly rehydrated, softened and soothed. Skin is immediately relieved of tightness and irritation."

Here's to hoping that HRH Kate Middleton used such a fab creme!

PRICE TAG: $40.00 for 1.3 oz

INSPIRATION: ROYALS PAST

2011-04-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

I had to! Royal fever has hit me full throttle... sigh.

With Kate Middleton, princess-to-be, ONE day away from HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, I thought it poignant to have a look back at some of my favorite royals from past to present.

What makes a royal timeless? Classic beauty, of course. Princess Grace and Princess Di are probably the most famous - and arguably the most beautiful, but there are many more that are just as timeless and just as classic. Royals, by nature, don't take as many risks or chances, but they always look put together, sophisticated and photog ready (which I love). Not a hair out of place, not an eyelash without mascara.

Here, some of the real life royal beauties:

PRINCESS LETIZIA OF SPAIN

She's got great genes, naturally, but an easy to maintain haircut, flawless skin and well defined arches give her that regal appeal. Notice how even her highlights are perfectly maintained. No trends going on here.

CROWN PRINCESS OF DENMARK MARY ELIZABETH

Tres sophisticated and very regal. Her raven hair, dark eyes and defined arches scream timeless. Eyes are very important when talking about classic beauty. So much of beauty comes from the eyes - the gaze, the stare, the story from the soul.

QUEEN RANIA OF JORDAN

Beautiful genes again, but, still, she knows how to work what she's got. A trend I'm noticing, royals have great brows. Rania's are no exception. She also has fabulous bone structure which definitely helps give her that classic appeal.

PRINCESS GRACE OF MONACO

From movie star to princess, it was a true fairy tale. How beautiful is that face? Those eyebrows? That flawless skin? Her makeup only added to an already effortless beauty. The epitome of classic.: effortless.

PRINCESS DIANA OF WALES

Princess Di definitely grew into her beauty, but I believe that's why people relate to her is because she wasn't untouchable. She was familiar. Although she had a classic elegance - the short hair, great skin, dramatic eyes, there was an ease to her beauty.

Who is YOUR favorite royal?

Trend Alert: Spring Cut + Color

2011-04-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's always great to get a pro's advice on what's hot each season. And there's no one quite like Joico Celeb Stylist George Papanikolas, and my personal favorite colorist when I am on the West Coast. He works with celebs like Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus and is the go-to for young Hollywood.

George dishes on some trends we are bound to see this season. From hair color to cut, here's what to expect -- and if you have yet to make up your mind on a new look, here's some inspiration.

"It's going to be all about effortless cool this spring. Hair with tons of texture but not perfect spiral curls. It will be a more exaggerated wave and will be more reminiscent of a surfer girl.

Last season Ombre was the hot look, but for this season that look is too contrived. Instead, the color will also be effortless and cool, with beach inspired highlights. Everyone will be asking for balayage highlights that are hand-painted. There will still be a rooty look, but not as exaggerated as it was in the past. Instead roots will be mixed with gold, honey strands gradually getting lighter to baby blonde at the ends. For brunettes it will be a similar effect with caramels and cinnamon tones.

For haircuts, the most asked for haircut is a long bob with bangs. The cut is very 70s inspired, but takes a modern approach with the shorter length. The texture stays with the effortless cool with exaggerated waves and roughed up texture.

We've also seen a resurgence of the pixie. The look is huge on the red carpet, and should be paired with a bold hue to make it for this season. White blonde, or a fiery red make this look pop."

Smooth Legs For Spring: Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment

2011-04-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

All anyone can seem to talk about is "royal this" and "royal that." So, in light of the Royal Wedding taking place on Friday, I thought I'd share a royal body treatment: Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment with Rose and Edelweiss.

Now, I don't remember ever being particularly keen on Chantecaille products before - I've definitely tried a lipstick or a blush here and there - but wasn't so obsessed that I took to this blog to write about it. Well, ladies, I may have to retry the goods because this body lotion is pure bliss.

Not only does the Retinol Body Treatment smell like roses (a personal favorite scent for any body treatment), but it also has the consistency of milk and is so refreshing drenched all over the skin. My body looks and feels ions healthier post application. It literally glows from within and it hydrates even the driest of skin (I know this firsthand because this is the lotion I've been using post Mexican sun - and it's been a life saver!).

A word (or several...) from the company:
"A transformative body cream that is the first to use active nano-encapsulated retinol in a 24-hour delivery system to radically improve skin's texture without causing irritation. Heals and smoothes uneven dry patches."

It's true love, a royal treatment for my royal skin. I feel nothing short of a princess after use (finding my prince, well, that's an entirely separate blog post....).

PRICE TAG: $92.00 for 6.8 oz (granted, it comes with a rather royal-size price tag as well, but it's worth every penny).

Best of... Organics!

2011-04-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

I love a natural product. I swear, the more I move into using natural and organic in my daily skincare routine, the more I see a difference in my skin - healthier, brighter, glowing. I get it, you can't give up ALL of your favorite products, but there are quite a few that you can substitute out with their organic alternative that are just as good, if not better. And your skin will thank you!

As promised, here is my list of organic and natural products you need to own NOW:

The Organic Pharmacy Peppermint Facial Wash - My skin breaks out every now and again, this is the first organic cleanser I've found that keeps the breakouts at bay. It's antiseptic and antibacterial, made with tea tree, lavender, aloe and peppermint. 26.50 POUNDS

Arcona Triad Pads - Remember Clearasil Pads? Well, these are the natural alternative. Made with cranberry, vitamin e and omegas 3, 6 and 9, use these pads whenever you need to tone. Also great to remove makeup or simply freshen up. $30.00 for 45 pads

ISUN Ultra Restore - An all-natural oil for normal to oily skin types that moisturizes, energizes, repairs and promotes an even skin tone. It leaves my skin refreshed and glowing. I literally look years younger! This entire line is AMAZING! $88.00

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Coconut - Smelling like a dessert, this all-natural deodorant gives you odor protection via essential oils and antioxidants, sans harsh chemicals, mineral oils, sulfates and parabens. $18.00

The Body Deli Radiance Enzyme Peel - An organic treat for your face that will have you looking years younger - and healthier. This honey resurfacing peel regenerates the complexion to give you a natural glow. All The Body Deli products are made with fresh organic ingredients and have expiration dates! $48.00

Tata Harper Restorative Eye Creme - It was a toss up, I love the serum and eye creme almost equally, but in the end the eye creme won. It leaves my eyes incredibly hydrated all day long. And the smell is pure natural. Buckwheat wax and Arnica help to reduce puffiness, while Eyebright Flower brightens. $90.00

Kate Logan Beauty Shea Salvation Balm - By far, the BEST shea balm I have ever rubbed on my body. It literally melts into my skin. And it has a natural lavender scent that radiates health. My skin is left moisturized, soft, smooth and glowing. 16.99 POUNDS

Weleda Skin Food - I cannot write a post on organic and natural products, without mentioning this long-time favorite. Weleda Skin Food is a must-have balm for dry and sensitive skin. I use it on my face in the winter, hands, knees, elbows and feet year-round. Actually, any part of the body that needs a little extra attention. It's magic! $16.95

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

2011-04-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Go organic and use natural ingredients when possible, remove all sulfates, parabens and petrochemicals from your products IMMEDIATELY, and be conscious of your carbon footprint! Start now. No excuses.

With that, please click HERE and read my Interview Magazine article of top picks for Sustainable Beauty products in honor of our beautiful planet. Your grandchildren will thank you...

Happy Birthday, Mother Earth!

xoxo,

Beauty Banter

p.s. check back monday for a round-up of some of my favorite organic products of late!

The Little Things In Life...

2011-04-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

I just popped into my local Sephora for some beauty R & R. Actually, I was all out of my foundation (Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation), so I went in with a purpose, picked up my color, and walked directly to the cash register line.

And that's where they get me every time. Either side of the line is filled with the cutest mini and travel size products that I don't need but are dying to own. As if I don't have enough beauty products at home! My eyes immediately focused on the Sephora Exclusive Benefit 3-in-1 Feelin' Cheeky! Minis: 3 .13 fl oz. jars of Posie Tint, a poppy-pink tinted lip and chink stain for a fuschia flushed look, High Beam, a luminescent complexion enhancer that highlights brow and cheek bones, and the cult favorite, Bene Tint, a rose-tinted lip and cheek stain for a just-ate-a-basket-of-wild-strawberries-look!

A $26.00 value for $15.00 - what more could a beauty-obsessed girl possibly ask for? Not to mention, High Beam is one of my all time favorite highlighters and Bene Tint is legitamitely one of the most amazing, stay on all day long, red as blood, lip stains on the market. Plus, I'm quite keen on the travel size bottles. They're actually more conveniently shaped to fit into my evening clutches. The original, larger size bottles are quite clunky and burdensome.

If you're like me, and you love a good tint and highlighter, then this purchase is a no-brainer. Grab yours today, before Benefit realizes people are loving the minis better than the real thing and pull the plug on the entire trio!

PRICE TAG: $15.00

Spring CLEANing

2011-04-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, Beauty Banterers - I’ve missed you! Seems just yesterday I was talking about gifts for the holidays and now it’s Spring. Really? (Well, it’s Spring here on the West Coast – those in the East may beg to differ.)

With the changing of the seasons, I find my skincare, hair care, and makeup all change in different ways. As does my perfume.

Although I have one go-to scent I wear year-round, I like to mix it up a bit from time to time. Come warmer months, the spicier, headier fragrances that work when it’s chilly make me feel claustrophobic. I want something lighter, crisper, and that will tolerate triple digit weather when it arrives (and it will soon enough, ugh).

When the fabulous people at CLEAN told me about the the new additions to their collection, I was thrilled to try them out. The company began almost a decade ago with the quest to create a scent that was simple and, well, clean – I think of it as the simplicity of something like Dove soap only in perfume form.

At the time, I remember being at a party and two different people had just discovered this new, go-with-everything scent. But instead of being a trend that faded, it’s become something of a classic and the CLEAN line has expanded to dry shampoos, lotions, men’s fragrances, and even hand sanitizer.

I am loving the new CLEAN Summer Escape Eau de Parfum ($49). This limited edition scent blends notes of citrus and bergamot with lily, cotton blossoms and coconut water. It’s subtle, which I find nice. I like to wear perfume, not have it wearing me. Especially in warmer months. And the mix of flowers, citrus, and bit of spice work well together.

They also shared the new CLEAN Cotton T-Shirt ($38/$69), an Eau de Parfum that mixes musk, amber, freesia and cotton flower to create a scent that’s fresh and crisp and, again, subtle. The musky tones are there to give you “the feel of stealing and wearing your boyfriend’s tee” but it’s still very light and femme. Personally, I’d love to see them release a linen spray in this one.

You can find the entire CLEAN collection at Sephora (online and in stores), Ulta, and drugstore.com. xo a.

WE LIKE YOU...

2011-04-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

LIKE US TOO!

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Click here and press the "LIKE" button. It'll only take you 20 seconds, tops!

xoxo,
Beauty Banter

INSPIRATION: Catherine Deneuve

2011-04-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

French actress, Catherine Deneuve may be pushing 70 years old, but her beauty is timeless. Classic. Eternal. While going through images of looks for Spring, I came across some beautiful pictures of a younger Catherine - winged liner, a perfectly painted pout, healthy and full arches - that resonate now just as easily and gracefully as they did back then.

Keep in mind, classic beauty never goes out of style. You cannot go wrong with black liner, mascara and a mauve pink matted lip.

Here are a few of my inspiration photos for "Spring on the Riviera" - a natural palette with a hint of drama, focused on the eyes (I'll use a black liquid liner - perhaps, Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner - Blackest Black).

Are you feeling INSPIRED by Catherine Deneuve's beauty?

Spring Tips From Paula Scandone

2011-04-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Haute Look Beauty's Paula Scandone offers Beauty Banter 5 exclusive Spring tips on everything from self tanning at-home to how YOU can wear the ever-popular bright eyes...

Have a read and take notes... these are not to be missed!

1. TREND: 70s hair

a. “The seventies are back this season! Getting the look is easy – wrap two-inch sections of hair around a wide barreled curling iron from the ends to about three inches from the crown. Don’t go all the way up – a more relaxed wave feels modern and fresh. Spritzing damp hair with a texturizing product can help the waves hold longer. I also love the new tourmaline curling irons without a clamp – a little pricier, but the waves last all day.

Let the waves cool then just separate a little with your fingers – it shouldn’t feel too “done.” Part to one side and secure with a pretty barrette – and you’re ready to disco all night long.”

2. TREND: Bright eye makeup

a. “Can real women wear the bright pinks, yellows and blue eye colors that were all over the runway? Of course – the trick is to keep things sheer. Blending sheer color along the lash line can add a great pop of color without going over the top. And be sure to skip the shimmer – brights look most chic in a matte color.”

3. TREND: Spa-skin at home

a. “Beautiful skin is the foundation for every beauty regime, but if a monthly facial isn’t in the cards (or the budget), there are so many great at-home options. It’s definitely worth investing in a cleansing brush for makeup removal – it goes so much deeper than regular cleansing without damaging the skin. For more impact, there are a number of over the counter AHA peels that can leave your skin brighter and dewier without the telltale redness. And I’m a big believer in “fake it till you make it” – on those days where you need an extra pick me up, try a dab of an illuminating serum. You’ll have that air-brushed look in a flash.”

4. TREND: False eyelashes

“False eyelashes have come a long way – there are so many great options that look so natural, chances are no one will even notice. Lash strips can add volume and length to your own lash line – just make sure you trim the lash strip to your own eye length. Otherwise, they’ll be harder to apply and look very artificial. Drugstore lashes can look just as good as the more expensive mink versions – just skip the rhinstones unless it’s Halloween.

Individual lashes will look more natural but can be a little trickier to apply – using tweezers will help place them where you want them. You’ll be surprised how a few clusters at the outside corners of the eye can make a huge difference.
Be careful when you’re removing them – don’t just yank, or you might pull off some of your own lashes. Instead, soak a cotton ball in eye makeup remover and press it against your lashes – the false ones will just slide right off after a few seconds.”

5. TREND: Self tanning at home

“I grew up in Florida, but even I am a believer in SPF, every day of the year. But I still love a gerGone are the days of the telltale orange legs of a home self-tanner! There are so many great products for a healthy at-home glow, there’s no excuse for the skin-damaging tan anymore. I’m a convert to the self-tanning towels that let you put an even sweep on the right amount of self-tanner over legs and arms.

Regular self-tanner can be too heavy for the face. A lot of skincare lines have some great facial tanners, but I prefer just blending a little self-tanner into a dollop of my regular day moisturizer – it creates a healthy glow without a radical change.”

Review: Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm

2011-04-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

"I’m a not-so-closeted makeup addict. I love testing, trying, buying and applying! This guilty pleasure began early on in life while in boarding school. A two-mile walk got me to a CVS, which was about as thrilling as it got. So, naturally, I went bonkers and I bought every moisturizer, shampoo and eyeliner possible.

The therapeutic euphoria of perusing the isles of a drugstore remains as strong, 10 years later. My roomie has to interrogate my Walgreens joy rides as if she were questioning the whereabouts of a rebellious Tween. “Where were you? What did you buy? How many? How much? Didn’t you just buy a lip balm? What is Witch Hazel and why?” But I thank her for it, because without her policing, I would be broke and homeless with a ton of moisturizers.

But I digress… Let’s talk lippies!

During my last therapy session at Walgreens; I landed on the Neutrogena section. I love me some Neutrogena. Maybe it’s marketing, maybe it’s the truth, but I feel like their products will actually protect and help my skin, versus clogging my pores.

So, when my eye caught this gem, I knew I had to reach out to Beauty Banter about it:

Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm. The product description from Neutrogena: “This sheer tinted balm with patent-pending ion_complex™ instantly moisturizes lips, leaving them looking fuller and more defined.” Ok, I believe that’s fancy talk for ‘this is a lip balm’. But in all seriousness the tint is great and subtle, and it does go on smoothly.

“In just one week, it helps improve lips’ texture and restores the look of rosiness, so lips look naturally beautiful even after you take it off.” I’m actually going to call truth on this one, my lips were chapped like a cowboy on Monday afternoon and by Friday, I didn’t even need lip balm!

“SPF 20 helps protect lips and keeps them looking healthy.” TOTES! Love the SPF factor! Neutrogena does a great job at sneaking in SPF into their lippies, making it worth the extra $ versus my $1.99 chap stick. We gotta protect those lips so we don’t end up with the mouth lines of a 90 yr old Atlantic City Casino regular.

Pros:

• Truly hydrating. I applied only once or twice a day and it really did save my lips. I mean, this is not Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream repair style, but it goes beyond what your average tinted balm does.
• Moisturizing: My lips are always chapped; pretty sure I sleep with my mouth open, so I look like I’ve returned from an expedition to Siberia every morning. I don’t need a lip salve, I need a lip saver. This one saves my lips.
• Lasts long: Nothing news-breaking, but it stayed on my lips thru a diet Pepsi
• SPF 20!
• Fab Colors:
Sheer Shimmer: delicate shimmer, so you don’t look like you put your disco lips on for breakfast. Which is, depending on your lifestyle, either a good or a bad thing. Tip: Put a dab on your bottom lip for a subtle lip plump.
Healthy Blush: Sold out in all the Walgreens I visited… so I’m guessing its fab L
Sunny Berry: Bright yet not overwhelming pink red color; stands out for sure; perf for beach!
Petal Glow: Favorite! It’s a dark pink- lavender shimmer (looks great on blondes and pale folk like moi).
Soft Caramel: I have way too many pink undertones for this color to ever look good on me, but it would work for olive skin complexions. Looked good on my friends.
Fresh Plum: dark terra cotta red; great for going out when you rock heavy mascara and cat eye look, but want something other than a shimmer as a lippie.
• Flavor: a very subtle, pleasant hint of fruit can’t but barely detectable.
• Texture: Smooth, light… feels similar to Nivea lip care
• The tube: the tube is flatter, more oval shaped, so more precise application and not as noticeable if put in back pocket. It’s nothing special in terms of design, but it’s a subtle sophisticated black tube. It also won’t roll off your desk, makeup counter, etc.
• Peeps agree: 4.8 out of 5 rating on Neutrogena

Cons:

• The tube: While it looks sleek and sophisticated, It’s also hard to locate in your purse
• The taste: Ok, it’s got SPF 20; so if you get some in your mouth it does taste like sunscreen, but I’d rather that than lip lines, for sure.
• Expensive: retails at $8.99. If it didn’t have the tint, I wouldn’t pay that much. I would just go back to a personal favorite and beautybanter.com discovery: EOS lip sphere
• Other comparable products:
- Burt's bees tinted lip balms: $7. Tried it… definitely not a fan of the color I bought… a bland Flintstones-vitamin orange. (Hibiscus). Also, no SPF

BOTTOM LINE: I’m a believer! They provide a lot of color for being lip balms and would look great for a day at the beach and girls night out. From one drugstore Junkie to another, I highly recommend"

Thanks to our fabulous reader Laura Healy for writing in with this wonderful product review! We, too, are believers! xo, Beauty Banter.

Girl Crush: Anna Paquin

2011-04-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

As if we don't want to see Scream 4 badly enough... the red carpet for the premiere was smoking with Hollywood's sexiest ladies!

I thought that everyone put on their A-game but my favorite was definitely Anna Paquin. Granted, I may be a bit biased as I am a MASSIVE fan of True Blood. Regardless, she looked incredible. From the brown smoky eye, to the pink-stained Spring lip, to the tan skin --- and that hair! A perfectly messy chignon to give her a fun and flirty sophistication without being too serious or old-fashioned.

Celebrity hair stylist Giannandrea created the mane look and here's what he had to say:

INSPIRATION:
“My inspiration for Anna’s hair at the Scream 4 premiere was Grace Kelly rock chic. It was quite simple, but she felt very cool and beautiful.”

GET THE LOOK:
“I started by applying Kerastase Volume Active Mousse to wet hair, all over the head, roots and length. I then dried the whole head with just warm air - no brushing - just using my hands from side to side, back and forth, down and up all around, in order to keep a natural feel and build volume at the roots. Next I brushed the hair with a Mason Pearson brush and used Klorane Dry Shampoo Powder all over just to add some dry texture.

I began to pull the hair back gently on the side and very soft at the top as I wanted it to look natural in a way that wasn't too constructed, almost as if she did it herself. I then began to twist the hair in the back into a soft messy bun. I use straight pins and twist each pin on to the sides, back and all around the head in order to create a clean visual texture. A bit of messiness and a few flyways are ok. I finished the look with Framesi Hair Spray.”

Doesn't sound too difficult... perhaps a new 'do for Saturday night?

A Tulum Beauty Treat: Mayan Clay

2011-04-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my vacation. I was in Tulum, Mexico where the beaches are white and the ocean is turquoise. Truly picturesque. They have this clay in Tulum, indigenous of the region, that is mean to heal, purify, rejuvenate and detoxify. It's the most amazing experience.

Mayan Clay, as it's called, was, by far, my favorite part of the trip. I used it several times over my 5 day stay and it helped with a variety of concerns from sun exposure to eye bags to a hair conditioning mask to aging and expression lines to acne. All in one vat of clay!

Depending on what your specific skin care concern is, depends on how you actually use the clay. For example, if you are treating a sun burn, you wouldn't actually let the clay dry completely on your body, but rather slather the clay on your skin and allow it to purify and heal.

For acne and as an overall body mask, you'd apply the clay all over and allow it to dry for 10 min for acne, 45 min for the body. This will absorb the skin's toxins and acids and balance the electromagnetic field.

For eye bags, you'd apply a thick layer around the eye area, mix with chamomile tea for 20 minutes adn do this 2 times a week.

For a hair conditioning treatment, you can apply a layer to your hair mixed with honey and leave on for 20 minutes. Again, this can be done 2 times a week.

For aging and expression lines, you can use the clay as a CLEANSER! The woman who founded the Mayan Clay company told me to mix it with water, apply wet and rub with fingers for 1 -2 minutes. Never let it dry, always keep it wet. Then rinse off. Do this for 6 weeks and you will notice glowing skin with a vast improvement in expression lines.

I covered my body from head to toe (including my hair) in the clay and let it bake in the sun. Then I ran into the beautiful luke warm ocean water to rinse off. It was a truly spiritual experience!

I brought home a small jar to use in my bathroom for weekly cleansings. Definitely won't be the same as running into the ocean, but it'll be a slice of Tulum in my bathroom.

While the website seems to be under construction, if you'd like more information on Mayan Clay, contact this email address for questions: mayanclay@gmail.com

I highly recommend the experience!

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: David Babaii Bohemian Beach Spray

2011-04-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

This week, our must have is coming a bit early. I'm taking a (much needed ) vacation, so I'm going to be radio silent from Beauty Banter for a few days. I'll try and check in early next week with a beachy update (perhaps a Spring Break Glam post?)...

In honor of my surf and sun vaca, I thought I'd post about one of my all time favorite vacation hair fixtures - David Babaii's Bohemian Beach Spray. I'm a sucker for au natural beach curls when lounging ocean-side and nothing helps to make a wave like a little beach spray (ocean water works wonders on the locks too). I have long been obsessed with John Frieda's Beach Spray - it had the perfect mix of shine, wave and hold sans the crunch factor - but, sadly, they discontinued. David Babaii's Bohemian Beach Spray is a pretty good alternative.

A word (or several...) from the company:
"Bohemian Beach Spray is an eco-friendly non-aerosol styling spray that works for all hair types. It can be used on wet or dry hair to create various hair textures and volume. Globally sourced, Bohemian Beach Spray contains sea salt from the Dead Sea in Israel for naturally enhanced texture; mineral rich Volcanic Ash from the Vanauatu Islands of the South Pacific for increased volume; a trio of Blue Algae, Mango and Kiwi that keep hair thoroughly hydrated. Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Hemp Oil and Cupuacu Butter further aid moisture retention. This extraordinary blend works together to create texture or volume, while strengthening and moisturizing. "

So, it's got the organic thing going on which I LOVE and it's good for my hair yet it still gives me that beachy, messy, just-stepped-out-of-the-ocean -curl thing. Au Natural never looked so good.

Vacation here I come! Hey, my hair gets a well-deserved vaca too!

PRICE TAG: $16.16

Making the Move: Organic!

2011-04-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

If you still have yet to hop on the organic band wagon, I'm not sure what you're waiting for. Organic isn't going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, more and more brands that we know and love are turning to natural and organic ingredients. WHY? Because they're better for you!

I asked Dara Kennedy, founder of Aylabeauty.com, to explain this worldwide shift toward organic - from the food we eat, to the moisturizer we put on our face.

Here's what she had to say (read up, especially you skeptics out there!):

"I’ve been excited to see a lot of great new organic skincare products available in the past few years: we’ve moved far beyond buying earthy-smelling balms at health food stores and can now choose from natural and organic products that are real problem-solvers for anything from acne to aging.
The reason why I think natural and organic products are becoming more popular is that we’re all so much more aware of the effect that the products we buy can have, both on our bodies as well as the environment. It seems to start with food—you might start buying more and more organics after being convinced of their health benefits—and personal care is the next logical step, since up to 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream (and some experts believe that percentage is actually much higher). Then, when you realize that the cosmetics industry is largely self-regulating, and new ingredients can be used with less testing than one might imagine, you really start to think, “Maybe I should be more careful about what I put on my skin.” When I worked in marketing and product development, I learned that consumers experience a lot of reactions that are probably the direct result of questionable ingredients in their products.

I don’t think you have to go all organic, all the time, but switching to a more naturally-inclined skincare regimen overall makes a lot of sense. That’s the philosophy we follow at aylabeauty.com. We carry a variety of brands from which we’ve picked star products that really perform—many of them are organic, some not—but we make sure that none of the products we carry contain any questionable ingredients. After all, a lot of those reactions you might have to questionable ingredients can ultimately age your skin more quickly, and who wants that?"

Dara also gave us an exclusive list of some of her favorite organic products... and if you're still unsure, "we offer them in mini sizes," she says. (Note: Aylabeauty.com is the only retailer to offer Organic Pharmacy products in mini, travel-like sizes -- a great way to test the goods!).

Here are Dara's organic picks:

Carrot Butter Cleanser: A deep cleanser that is out of this world – try it with the Organic Muslin Cloth
Double Rose Rejuvenating Cream: A lightweight cream that leaves skin feeling fresh and looking radiant
Antioxidant Gel: A nutrient-rich, anti-aging moisture gel that can be mixed with your favorite moisturizer in the summertime to lighten it up. Mixed with the Antioxidant Serum, it’s an amazing nighttime moisturizer.
Antioxidant Serum: A heavier-duty anti-aging serum, based on rose hip oil, which can add oomph to your daytime moisturizer. Try it at night with the Antioxidant Gel.

all products are available at Aylabeauty.com .

What's your take on organic? Love it or leave it?

Do you have a favorite organic skin or body care range?

FAVORITES: Hair Oil

2011-04-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Winter played mind games on my healthy hair. Frigid temps left my ends kind of fried. Now that Spring is upon us, dare I be seen with any type of frizz. That's why I'm all about beautifying my strands with a few extra drops of hair oil...

NOTE: While researching for this post, I noticed that a few of my favorite hair oils are no longer being manufactured... Ojon's Conditioning Shine Serum, Chris McMillan Hair Glossing Serum... sadness!

Here, my favorite hair oil of the moment:

Kerastase Oleo-Relax - I don't think there will ever be a time where I will not love (and live for) this product. It's the right amount of oil mixed with the right amount of shine. My hair always looks like a million bucks after a few pumps. $25.00

Liquid Keratin Sealing Shine Serum - A rather new product that I've been using on my mane and I'm quite impressed. Two pumps and you're shining like a salon visit. FYI - Keratin proteins have long been used to tame frizzy, unmanageable hair. $29.00

BB Defrizz by Bumble and Bumble - Great for curls, used on damp hair will define them. Used on dry hair will control them. Again, a few squeezes and you're good to go. No more frizz. $25.00

L'Oreal EverPure Smooth Frizz-Free Serum - A great drugstore find that is also sulfate-free. Keeps frizzies at bay while leaving hair extra shiny and beautifully healthy. $8.99

Any type of body oil - this is more of a DIY trick, after you're finished rubbing the oil onto your body, take the remainder left in the palms of your hands and gently pat onto your hair. It'll make your locks smell delish while giving them a nice, hearty dose of shine. And it's basically a freebie!

What's your favorite hair oil?

When You Can't Have Crealine H20....

2011-04-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

There's always Caudalie's Cleansing Water - another French alternative offered in the US of A (because, sadly, Bioderma's Crealine is not).

Like Crealine H20, Caudalie Cleansing Water is a water and rinse-free face wash that removes dirt and makeup. It is gentle, non-irritating, soothing and can be used on the most sensitive of skins.

I have a serious obsession with Crealine H20. Whenever a friend from France travels to the states, I beg them to bring over a jumbo bottle of the solution. While I use it mainly as a makeup remover - it is so sensitive I have absolutely no adverse reaction - it's also a great face wash supplement for skin types that are overdryed by washing too often.

The bummer of it all is that Crealine is impossible to find in the states. And I just ran out of my last bottle. Sadly, my only friend traveling from abroad was flying via carry-on and the bottle didn't make the trip. Hence, my need to find the alternative...

And I'm not mad at Caudelie's take on the water-free wash. While this formula does contain fragrance so it's not a mild (in my opinion), it still gets the job done. It removes my makeup effortlessly, doesn't irritate my eyes or skin and makes washing my face post removal, seamless. Again, the second wash in unnecessary. You could just leave your skin happy with the cotton pad removal of dirt, makeup and grime, but I'm a stickler for a little water love, so I do the double duty service.

Compare Caudalie Cleansing Water review to Crealine H20 review by clicking here! And if you find yourself in France, do bring back a bottle for moi, s'il vous plait?

PRICE TAG: $26.00

TREND ALERT: HOT PINK IS THE NEW RED!

2011-04-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

We've seen it on the runway, Nicki Minaj just pursed her lips in it at Vogue's Runway2Green Charity Event the other evening. But still, Fergie's hot pink lips, barely there eyes and flawless skin exemplifies the classic Spring 2011 bold lip look for me.

I decided to test out Spring's hottest hue - these are "real deal" images, taken on my computer with nothing but the lipstick and a click of my mouse. NO OTHER MAKEUP IS BEING WORN!

Love one, love them all, you decide what's your favorite pink lip because come Monday, you better own at least one of these gems in your beauty arsenal. A hot pink lip is the "it" look to duplicate all season long.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture 07 - This was the closest the the shade that Fergie wore. It felt moisturizing, not totally matte, which is nice for Spring, and while it definitely played up the fuchsia, it wasn't an overpowering fluorescent. It had even the slightest hint of a berry tone to it.

“As we all witnessed on the runway this season, the bright lip with clean skin, clean eye and strong brow is a great representation of the best Spring trends. A look so universal it goes from day to night and from the beach to the board room." - Dell, YSL Makeup Artist

Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani #600 - Out of all the lippies I tested, this one has the most berry and the least fuchsia. But I still liked the color, perhaps better for those wanting something a bit richer and less bright. A great in-between for people still unsure of the hot pink lip. The creamy, moisturizing formula had a nice sheen for Spring.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense #36 - Highly pigmented, it has the satin effect - a mix between matte and a pinch of shine. I love how intense the color is. If you're looking for bright, look no further.

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color SPF 12 in Cosmic Raspberry #3 -A creamy color that is, again, not very matte, but, again, incredibly and intensely bright. This would be my second choice to the closest Fergie lip. It, too, has the slightest bit of berry tone dosed in with the fuchsia which completely takes the fluorescent edge off.

Nars in Schiap -It's a semi-matte, again not totally matte (but more matte than the others) so you'll get a hint of creamy sheen. This one was a "hot pink" and definitely was playing with a hint of fluorescent. It had the bold factor completely covered.

"Hot pink is always a great accessory either for day or night, especially going into the warmer seasons... When using bright pinks, let the lip be the focus and stay away from blush that will conflict. Try a more bronzed and neutral shade on cheeks." - Madge Ogbe, NARS Makeup Artist

MAC Candy Yum-Yum - A totally matte lipstick that has zero sheen and is 100 percent fluorescent. This one appears to be the closest to Nicki Minaj's lipstick that she is wearing at the Vogue event. It is the boldest out of all of the lipstick I tried (and probably the wildest to carry off!).

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Tarina Tarantino Pearl Glow Primer

2011-03-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie, I don't always use a primer in the winter months. My skin is more sensitive and dry and I just don't feel like I need the added coverage. But come Spring and Summer, and a primer is the first step to my everyday makeup routine (when I wear face makeup).

But Spring is all about perfect, glowing, dewy skin - and if you weren't blessed with it via the gene pool, then you better fake it.

Which leads us to my current discovery: Tarina Tarantino Pearl Glow Primer. It gives you that ethereal, "glowing from the inside" luminosity. It's super light and, like all primers, should be applied after a moisturizer, prior to makeup. Think of it as carrying around your very own hand held lighting equipment - for that perfectly highlighted, pop of pearl shimmer. It makes your skin that beautiful.

I'm semi-obsessed with this specific primer because it looks so good alone, sans makeup. Truth be told, I have yet to wear it with makeup at all! And when I apply after my morning moisturizer, I use nothing else, yet people stop me and ask what's different about me? Am I well rested? Did I just get a facial? A peel? The secret to my glowing skin... a glowing primer.

Pearl Glow reminds me of another longtime favorite: Fresh Twilight Primer, although the Fresh one is definitely more creamy in consistency, hence it is a bit thicker and heavier on the skin. I think I'm actually preferring Tarina Tarantino's lighter, liquidy fluid. It casts a softer glow and doesn't cake up even the slightest. I have a feeling it'll look pretty fab with makeup on too. Will try it tonight, but I'm sure that it won't disappoint.

PRICE TAG: $32.00

FAVORITES: Brow Tools

2011-03-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

The F/W 2011 runways saw their fair share of defined brows. And I'm going to get a head start. this Spring, it's all about the arch for me. I suggest you do the same.

Here, 5 of my favorite brow tools to keep those arches in top form:

Anastasia Brow Duality - Comes in 2 dual shades, camille and sand, and shell and lace. Use on the brow bone to highlight and cover up stray hairs in between waxing appointments. $23.00

MAC Brow Set - A tinted brush-on gel that slicks brows into shape - and keeps them there. Comes in a variety of colors. $15.00

Shiseido Natural Eyebrow Pencil - My eyebrow specialist, Sue Ellen of the Pierre Michel Salon, uses this on my brows. It goes on smoothly and gently and helps to cover any sparse areas. $20.00

Anastasia Brow Fix Clear Wax Pencil - Tames unruly brows and is great to use after a powder. I like it before bed to keep my brows in place while sleeping. $21.00

Laura Mercier Brow Powder Duo - Really gets into the nooks and crannies of your brows and covers up any sparse areas to give you full, defined arches. Comes in a variety of shades, 2 per compact to mix together for the perfect color combo. $24.00

What's your favorite brow tool?

Spring Hair Color Trends With Tracey Cunningham

2011-03-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

One of my all time favorite colorists, the fabulous Tracey Cunningham of the Byron and Tracey Salon in Beverly Hills - and Redken Creative Consultant - (known for coloring the locks of such A-listers as Gwyneth Paltrwo, Fergie, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez - the latter of which has been rocking some fierce highlights on American Idol this season) shares her Spring/ Summer color tips for blondes, brunettes and redheads.

Holy run-on sentence!

Here is Tracey's trendiest advice for each hair hue:

Spring/Summer 2011 Trend #1: Brunettes

”The beautiful chestnut brown, seen on Jennifer Lopez, will be huge in the Spring and Summer months. A great base with shine and vitality with some beautiful light highlights close to the face creates an amazing glow. Also, the ombré style will be another great transition into summer for brunettes, with the gradation of color as it gets lighter towards the ends. As the weather warms up, even brunettes like to brighten up their color – it won’t get too dark or dull!”

Spring/Summer 2011 Trend #2: Redheads

“The reds moving into Spring will be really strong and vibrant. Emma Stone loves to play with different shades of red, but always has a really strong base of deep, almost burgundy color that gives her that extra sass and personality. Redheads will definitely trend in this direction!”

Spring/Summer 2011 Trend #3: Blondes

“As we move into Spring/Summer of 2011, the ombré style will be extremely prevalent with the blondes. Like with Drew Barrymore’s look, the roots that fade into blonde gives her a natural summer beach feel.”

Hope you have some new color inspiration... I'm loving the ombre look (as I have been seen last season!)... and will def be sticking with the darker roots, lighter locks for Spring.

How about you?

DRUGSTORE FIND: Shea Moisture

2011-03-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like a great skincare line that remoisturizes the body. Now make said skincare line available at a drugstore, namely Wallgreens, near you. Perfection.

Shea Moisture is bringing organic shea butter to the masses. With a bevy of products from African Black Soap Shea Butter to Coconut and Hibiscus Brightening and Toning to PMS Relief Palm, the range covers the every body care concern. Just click here to peruse.

And it's not just shea butter and body balms, there's also scrubs and washes and soaps. I'm a fan of the Coconut and Hibiscus Brightening and Toning Body Wash - it's creamy, lathers to perfection and smells delicious. And there's also an entire line of face (mostly shaving) and hair products (which I have yet to try but look equally as exciting and affordable).

Products range between 6.99 and 14.99 for a large tub of specialty body balm but average 9.99 for the shea butters. One to try: African Black Soap Infused Shea Butter - Infused with the potent healing blend of African black soap, oats and aloe, this soft, creamy certified organic shea butter is perfect for treating acne, breakout prone skin, eczema, psoriasis and other skin aliments.

Happy - and affordable - Shopping... May we all be well lubed up this Spring!

Making The Cut

2011-03-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

As Spring warms us with its presence, it seems like celebs are chopping their locks. Just a few days ago, model/ actress Brooklyn Decker tweeted a photo of her new shorter 'do (cut by celeb stylist Ted Gibson).

I'm a big fan of my long mane, so I won't be taking a scissor to my strands anytime soon. But kudos to those who can brave the change.

Are you one of the courageous ladies waiting for your pixie cut?

Here, a look at a few celeb chop off's... for inspiration, of course:

Scarlett Johansson (Cut by Oribe)

She's got the face to pull off both styles. I'm a fan of the volume and waves but the cropped cut landed her Sean Penn so, go figure.

Brooklyn Decker (Cut by Ted Gibson)

She looks a little too girl-next-door with the long locks. I think I'm liking this stylized shorter cut (and it's more of a lob (long bob) then anything ear-grazing). Although I'll need to see it done up with a full face to make an accurate assessment.

Kate Winslet (Cut by Orlando Piti)

Probably the most shocking chop, Kate went from long, golden locks, to a bleached pixie. O.M.Courageous! Loving the contrast of the bright blondish/white with the dark brows. Again, I'm on the fence in regards to the cut. May be a little too rock 'n roll for the momma. But hey, she's single and dating a model so there.

Which cut is your favorite?

Let us know by leaving a comment below!

GIRL CRUSH: Uma Thurman

2011-03-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since we've seen Uma Thurman walking a red carpet... and it was SO worth the wait! At Tuesday night's LA premiere of her new film, Ceremony, directed by my friend Max Winkler, (it's a must-see!), Uma looked fierce as ever. She put a contemporary twist on the staple braid, with flowing strands of curls, and did thick liner and lashes paired with a mauveish pink pout. Her hair hue wasn't too blonde, more golden like a modern-day Rapunzel.

At 40 years old, the actress has never looked better (or more youthful). Loving it!

Here's how to get the hair, straight from celeb stylist David Babaii, who tamed the tresses:

*David prepared Uma's freshly washed and conditioned hair by massaging a dime size amount of Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment into her tresses from roots to ends, combing it through with a wide tooth comb for even distribution.

*Next, he used a blow dryer to dry the hair with a large round brush, lifting the root area for added volume and cupping the ends under for a smooth, rounded finish.

*After drying, he applied an additional amount of Pequi Oil for control and then loosely gathered the hair with his fingers and braiding it into a long, loose braid down the center back.

*He secured it with a rubber band while leaving the shorter top and side layers free.

*To finish, David created soft loose curls with a 1 ½" curling iron by taking large sections and wrapping them around the inside barrel, holding for a few seconds.

*He then released allowing the curls to fall naturally to achieve a true French Bohemian Look.

So simple, I could totally rock this red carpet 'do at home! Watch out, Friday night...

ISUN ALIVE AND AGELESS SKINCARE

2011-03-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, I find a product line that is so fabulous, so epic, I get giddy just by the idea of sharing it with you, my readers.

Today is one of those times.

I had the pleasure of testing a truly fantastic skin and body line called ISUN Alive and Ageless Skincare and I can't stop trying out the goodies - or touching my skin! It's so soft, so smooth, so noticeably glowing. I was sent a plethora of products in sample sizes to test - around 30 - ranging from body scrubs to shea butter (that literally melts upon touch) to eye creams, face oils and specialty masks. There isn't a single product that I wouldn't recommend. Seriously. I'm obsessed with everything I have put on my face and body.

Founder Bunnie Gulick says (about the range), "ISUN is a celebration of our belief that a dynamic luminous quality of youth can be captured without medical intervention or invasive procedures. From formulation through production, ISUN has embraced the rhythm and flow of perfection that exists in the laws of nature so that you may experience the pure magnificence of nature’s many gifts."

With eco conscious ethics, integrity packaging and fair trade ingredients, ISUN isn't simply just another line of products, it's a way of life. Treat the world better, treat your skin better. Period. Sustainable beauty.

Here are my top 5 picks of products to try NOW:

ISUN Ultra Restore - Our purest, most transforming moisturizers are teeming with energy and alive organic and natural nutrients that penetrate deeply to truly make a difference in skin. Complex blends of organic therapeutic herbs, oils and essential oils with a stable, highly active form of vitamin C. $88.00

ISUN Blue-Green Algae Mask - The natural fragrance of organic blue-green algae from upper Klamath Lake with a hint of pure cooling cucumber distillate is a sign of this masks truly nourishing quality and cooling sensation with living gel. Blended in a base of algae and aloe gel infused with a soothing herb complex and oat milk, your skin feels hydrated, nurtured and calm. This is an excellent mask treatment for sensitive or inflamed skin. For a more cooling sensation, keep in the refrigerator. $38.00

ISUN Photo Cleanse II - The pure rosemary hydrosol base infused with other antioxidant and antimicrobial herbs such as green tea, echinacea, milk thistle, wild-crafted Tibetan goji berries and Amazon rainforest acai, Hawaiian noni and grapeskin extract protect skin and help prevent skin problems. $28.00

ISUN Antioxidant Body Butter - Luxury butters are blended with a distinctive herbal antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regenerating ‘Emerald Sun Oil’, and a ‘Himalayan-Rainforest Oil’ with goji berry, acai berry and urucum seed infused in sesame and rice bran oils. $56.00

ISUN Trim and Tone Body Oil - Active herbs and essential oils stimulate subcutaneous circulation and thermogenesis (heat creation or cellular energy production). These actions increase removal of fats, congested tissues and toxins. As toxins are released, an abundance of antioxidants are available to help ward off any damaging effects to healthy tissues. $48.00

Peruse the site and discover the wonderful mind, body and spirit gifts that ISUN has to offer you. Click here! Happy shopping.

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: MAC Studio Fix Lash

2011-03-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

If I had a dollar for every time I said I have found my new favorite mascara... I'd be a very rich girl. Well, ladies, I've done it again. Another find, another must-have. MAC Studio Fix Lash Mascara. And to think, it was just idly sitting in my drawer this entire time.

I recently did a clean out of all of my mascaras. It was time. They were getting old and clumpy and not applying properly which was frusterating the sh*t out of me. That's when I decided to look in my drawer of tricks (goodies) for a new mascara. And then I found it. MAC Studio Fix Lash.

With it's skinny plastic applicator, it gets the formula in those hard to reach places - like the inner corners of your eyes and directly on the lash line. With one application I have mega volume, clump-free and the perfect separation. The color is that dark black, almost like falsies. And it stays on all day without so much as rubbing or flecking off.

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

"Innovative, mousse-like formula gives superior definition, volume and lift by filling in sparse lashes for a dramatic effect. New moulded brush prevents clumping. Rich in pigments. Long-wearing polymers quickly coat from root to tip. Keeps lashes light, lifted, supple, and full. No clumping."

I've got to assume that this is a makeup artist favorite because the applicator really allows you to get into the lash line while the formula gives you that fake lash look. And it's SO easy to apply - how can you not go gaga over it? Perfect finish to a smokey eye. Or great to wear alone for a heavy lash effect with a bold red lip. LOVE IT!

So, if you're like me and on a constant quest for the best mascara, you must try this one! And let me know your thoughts!!! Do you adore as much as we do?

PRICE TAG: $14.00 (I must say, very affordable for a high end mascara in these current times!)

NARS PRO PRIME PRIMERS

2011-03-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

A primer is a must in the makeup regimen. Every good makeup artist will tell you that the primer is the first step to a successful makeup application - it locks in color, allows makeup to last hours longer and evens out skintone for a flawless canvas from which to paint.

For a quick recap on how to use a primer, click here. It's a must read!

Well, ladies, it's been years in the making but Nars has finally launched their Pro Prime Primer and... it's fantastic! It comes in two formulas - the PRO-PRIME Pore Refining Primer and the PRO-PRIME Multi-Protect Primer SPF 30 and the makeup artists - and their celebrity clients - are going gaga over the product.

I tried the Pore Refining Primer and loved how it kept my makeup in place sans the shine, yet it didn't make me break out or irritate my skin. It's oil-free (which I love) and it didn't have that waxy, silicone feel that so many quality primers seem to have. In fact, it felt infinitely lighter. The consistency was a bit liquidy, but once rubbed into the skin it absorbed easily and the makeup applied without a problem.

Here's the word on the street regarding Nars' latest and greatest product:

“It was perfect to achieve a smooth and flawless finish and perfectly matte skin,” said makeup artist Fabiola, on the primer she used for Mila Kunis’ look at the Cosmopolitan’s Fun, Fearless Female Of The Year event in NYC (the honor of which was given to Mila!)

“ I am a huge fan of the Pore-Refining Primer and love using this before a big event or red carpet,” said Monika Blunder about the primer she used on Amanda Seyfried at the LA premiere of Red Riding Hood. “Pores instantly look smaller and skin looks more matte. When I apply foundation over the primer, it just glides on and make up stays on for hours.”

“I use this primer because it's an amazing lightweight primer that creates a silky, smooth, nourished surface,” said KC Fee, who used the product on Kate Mara at the 2011 SAG Awards. “The added bonus is the SPF which is perfect for daytime red carpet events. It's become my go-to primer.”

“This multi tasking primer soothes skin and provides a lightweight and creamy texture. The SPF is perfect for on-the-go and the formula smoothes lines for an immaculate finish,” said NARS artist Jenny Smith who used the new primer on JULIA STILES for her attendance at Cynthia Rowley’s Fall 2011 show during New York Fashion Week.

Stock up before they sell out!

PRICE TAG: $32.00
available exclusively at www.sephora.com