Hello 2010: Best of 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR, BEAUTIES!!!

It's officially a new decade. Considering I remember exactly where I was 10 years ago at this time (y2k, anyone?), I'm feeling a bit old this 2010. Good thing my eye creams and anti-wrinkle potions are doing wonders to hide the age....

Anyway, Beauty Banter will be taking a wee bit of a vaca -- lounging pool -- and beach -- side in the Dominican Republic. We'll be sure to check in with updates so you be sure to check back!

Until then, stay inspired with our favorite beauty tips and products from 2009 (click on the pink links below):



5 Steps to Winter Relief - bye bye chapped skin

A Few of my favorite BRONZERS - a glow never hurt nobody

L'Oreal goes Sulfate-Free - and we can't live without it!

The Liquid Bronzer - How to use it, How to love it

Tips for staying youthful in the SUN - appearance is key

Alex teaches us how to Green Up Our Act - fun, organic products for all

How To: Highlight Eyes - like Blake Lively

How To: Flat Iron Curls - Like Nicole Richie and Alexa Chung, with step-by-step pics

Best of Body Oils - because extra hydration is always a plus

It Girl Harley Viera Newton -dishes on her fave products

The Winter Face Cocktail - for a glowing complexion

Supermodel May Andersen - spills on her beauty musts

HAPPY NEW YEAR, BEAUTIES!!!

Demi Moore For Helena Rubenstein

I was on twitter (my new obsession) when I noticed that Demi Moore (a.k.a. MrsKutcher) is on too. Naturally, I opted to "follow" her and the coolest thing is that she actually updates her account constantly... herself! It makes you feel like you're a great friend, texting with your great friend to see how her day is going. It's such an awesome form of (faux) communication!

Anyway, she's been shooting the Helena Rubenstein campaign (skin care company) and documenting the process. She writes that she'll be working on the campaign for 2 days with Mert and Marcus and calls them "amazing photographers."

She then sends a pic of herself in prep:


And here's a pic from the actual shoot:


It should be illegal how gorgeous Demi is - this pic is definitely not photo shopped, taken from a camera phone, and she looks phenomenal! Not a day over 25!

Demi did the Helena Rubenstein campaign last year as well. Here's that ad:


This takes staying connected with the fans to an entirely new level...

Anyway, twitter is the SHIT! Interesting news, fun gossip, even beauty info!

If you tweet, follow me!

Beauty Banter: http://twitter.com/beautybanter
Personal: http://twitter.com/sarahrhoward

Tweet, Tweet!

Department Store vs. Drugstore

As the economy plummets further into the depths of recession, my friend hair-crazed Jenny (if you don't remember her, click here) and I had an intriguing conversation about the difference between department store products (expensive) and drugstore products (less expensive).

So, as the new year approaches, here's some "beauty for thought" straight from the lips of hair-crazed Jenny:

She doesn't want to focus on her hair at the moment because it's become too exhausting (GASP!) - to layer or not to layer; cut or not to cut; highlight or au-natural. Instead, it's all about obsessing over the skin.

New York winter leaves skin dry and cracked. So, what's a girl to do when she is desperate for some moisture but also wants to combat wrinkles and not spend a month's rent in the process? Sure, there are tons of products that merge the two, but Jenny's found products - from both department stores and drugstores that fight dehydration as well as aging. The major difference is the price tag...

Cle de Peau La Creme - An intense moisture treatment for the face. It's a thick and cream that really seeps deep into the skin to rehydrate a dehydrated complexion. "Encourages the natural turnover of epidermic cells and protects support fibres, thus improving the softness, elasticity and firmness of the skin. "
PRICE TAG: $475.00


Boots No 7 Time Resist Night Cream - Just as effective and it contains a retinoid which works to combat signs of aging. "Pro-Retinol visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin smooth, supple and radiant." Not as moisture driven, but it still does the trick. Plus, it leaves the complexion glowing and dewy (and at times, even flushed - like a just-got-off-of-the-beach, I'm-so-tan look).
PRICE TAG: $15.99


In the end, we chalked it up to this: It's not about the price tag on a product. The expensive and inexpensive work just as well. It's all about alternating! Jenny believes in bi-weekly alternation. "It's like alternating shampoos. Once you use a product for too long, it stops working." Never use a product for longer then a month - regardless of the cost, your skin will become immune and it will stop doing what it's meant to do.

What drugstore finds would you use to substitute your department store products?

My Eye Cream Crisis

I've been trying not to be such a hoarder lately - in essence, I'm attempting to use all of my products that have been piling up in the cabinets and under the bed. It's part of a "me" cleanse - uncluttering my life to make room for bigger and better things (how Oprah of me, I know!).

I vaguely remember purchasing the Kiehl's Cryste Marine Firming Eye Treatment. I strutted into the boutique on Robertson Boulevard in search of a hydrating eye cream that prevented wrinkles - not as thick as the Imperiale Repairateur Eye Balm (this is basically a tub of oils), yet not as gentle as the Eye Alert. So, I settled on the Cryste Marine. I used it a few times and then somehow, forgot that I even owned it (this happens quite often as I consume SO MANY products that I usually try them and move on.... unless I absolutely die over them, then they are awarded permanent residence on the shelf).

A few weeks ago I decided to briskly "clean out" my product cabinet (and by "clean out" I really mean "move around") and that's when I rediscovered the Cryste Marine eye cream. I've gotta say, the second time around, I'm definitely feeling the love. I've used it religiously every night before bed because I like how soothing and firming it leaves my eye area. It absorbs quickly, forgoing that terrible "shiny eye" look that so many eye creams leave behind.

But I've noticed a major issue: it smells like S#%^!!! Seriously, the aftersmell is so vile I refuse to wear the cream during the day for fear that someone will stand too close to my face and cringe in disgust! The only reason I can think of for the smell is that one of the main ingredients in the cream is Criste Marine, "an unusual botanical found aside the Mediterranean Sea, as well as Padina Pavonica." Could this be the cause of the foul smell???

I really do like this product - it delivers results and I can feel the cream penetrating the eye area... so, I'm feeling desperate here.... what should I do? Move on or deal?

Have you ever had a product that you love, yet you can't stand the smell? If so, what did you do?
Beauty Banter needs YOUR help!!!

BEAUTY BANTER WANTS TO KNOW...

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

What is YOUR Spring beauty look???

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

Simple does it!

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

Setting the Record Straight

Okay, so I didn't want to have to do this but... there was an article written in The New York Times about the beauty blogging industry and well, let's just say that it was skewed quite a bit.

Click HERE to read the full article.

Apparently, the writer of the piece felt it necessary to insult beauty bloggers, making it sound like we only blog for the free swag.

For the record, I blog because beauty is my passion. I love to discover new products and pass them along to my blogging friends who are just as impassioned as I. And as many ladies out there know, a tube of lipstick or a free body scrub doesn't pay my rent, my car payments, my insurance... nada. What it does do, however, is allow me to stay abreast with the beauty industry, test products that I otherwise may not have the financial means to test, and then review it, and post the honest review on my blog for all to see!

I will keep blogging because I love beauty and although I may not be a beauty editor at some snazzy fashion mag, I am a beauty editor of a snazzy and fabulous beauty blog!

VOTE FOR BEAUTY BANTER

It's the time of year! Blogger Choice Awards is here and WE ARE NOMINATED!!!
Please take the time to vote Beauty Banter your FAVORITE health blog by...

CLICKING HERE

(it literally takes 2 clicks... 5 seconds, tops!)

When we win, makeovers for everyone!!! (Well, we'll do something special to celebrate!)

VOTE, VOTE, VOTE MY FELLOW BEAUTY WHORES!

xoxo,

Beauty Banter

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I'm off to Miami... my friend is co-hosting a party with CHASE CRAWFORD (gasp!) and I'm going along for the sweltering sun (with my SPF 30, but of course)!

How lucky am I?!

If you're in Miami, make your way over to Cameo for NYE... that's where we'll be!
I'll be the one gawking at Chase... (with the perfectly made-up face... a beauty whore has gotta show off for the New Year!).







TO ALL MY FELLOW BEAUTY WHORES...

HAVE A HAPPY, SAFE, AND BEAUTY-FULL NEW YEAR!

SEE YOU IN 2008!

xoxo,

Beauty Banter

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

Sending each and every one of you a MAC lip-glazed kiss and a very Happy Holiday Season!


Be safe, be happy, be beautiful!

xoxo,

Beauty Banter

Spice Up Your Life...

Spice Girls Reunion Concert Re-Cap:

LOVED IT!

Granted, they're not the greatest singers, or even the best dancers, but they sure look fabulous on stage! And they completely brought down the house! I've never seen the Staples Center so abuzz (although I haven't been to a Justin Timberlake concert yet, either)!
(picture on left - Reunion Tour 2007)

Posh looked TO DIE (as usual). She's seriously got the tiniest waist that I have ever seen. And her signature short hair is back to brown... bye bye, blondie!
Scary's body is out of this world. Dancing With The Stars did wonders for her abs (at one point, she was wearing pants and a midriff baring top and she had an 8 pack!!!). Not to mention, she's a new mommy (take that Eddie Murphy!) and is that toned (we should all be so lucky)!
Ginger Spice has a hot body too! Skinny, skinny legs and a flat stomach. I kept thinking to myself, this chick is so hot (yet I don't remember her from past Spice Girls fame).
Baby Spice is totally cute. She has gorgeous, flowing blonde curls and the most adorable face ever - with massive blue eyes!
And Sporty, well, Sporty hasn't changed much. Out of all the Spice Girls, I find her to be the most unforgettable. So not feeling that pony tail!

Seriously, I can't believe these "girls" can still rock it at... how old are they? I came home and immediately started doing sit-ups!

Oh, and the high light of my night... SEEING DAVID BECKHAM IN THE FLESH! He struck gold in the genetic pool - hot, talented and super wealthy! I would totally date him!

(For your viewing pleasure...)



Who is YOUR favorite Spice Girl?

Tell Me What You Want, What You Really Really Want

Going to the Spice Girls concert tonight in L.A....

Will definitely let you all know how it goes (and how they LOOK!). I'm a bit rusty on the old tunes.

xoxo,

Beauty Banter

Cancun, Mexico, Here I Come!

It's 90 degrees in Los Angeles (90 degrees in mid-November... this is why I drive a Prius, folks!), yet I'm still off on an island get-away!

I'll be in Cancun for the weekend with friends and fellow filmmakers for the 1st Annual Cancun International Film Festival!

I am so excited to relax beach-side with a good book and a nice drink (preferably a Pina Colada... or a dozen!) Night time is all about the films... and the parties!


Here's what I packed (beauty-wise):

• Creative Nail Design's Regal Revenge nail polish - a bold purplish fuschia - Already on my nails and toes...
• Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer in Sand with spf 20 - my must-have beauty product - it travels everywhere I go!
  
• Clinique's Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector - to fake flawless skin on a daily basis since I won't be wearing much face make-up (I'll be at the beach, come on!)
• Prescriptives The Illuminator - for an added bit of bronze and shimmer, perfect for highlighting my sun-kissed cheeks!
  
• MAC lipglass in Nymphette and plushglass in Bountiful - two equally beautiful pale pink lippies
• Smashbox's eye shadow trio in Opulence - I'll probably only use the nude and gold color and stay away from the deep brown (gold looks great on tanned skin!)
• MAC's Mineralize eye shadow in Engaging from their new Antiquitease line - again, another great gold and nude eye color!
• Prescriptive's False Eyelashes Plush Black Mascara - my absolute favorite new mascara - it lengthens, volumizes and darkens! And, it really gives off the impression of false lashes! Loving it!
• No 7 Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Face Wipes - the easiest way to remove make-up, and forgo a massive break-out!
• Peter Thomas Roth Max Daily Defense Moisture Cream SPF 30 - because I definitely do not want wrinkles!

Until I return, have a beauty-full weekend!

P.S. I am a RED kisser

This is SO fun!

You MUST MUST MUST try it!!

Your Kiss is Red

You are intense about kissing but easily distracted. You kiss for attention, power, and passion. It doesn't take a lot for you to want to kiss someone. If you see a kissing opportunity, you always go for it! Kissing Type: Kissaholic (admit it!) People See Your Kisses as: Seductive You Kiss Best With: An Orange Kisser Stay away from: A Blue Kisser

What Color Is Your Kiss?

***Click on the above link to take the quiz - literally takes 1 minute - and find out what kind of a kisser you are... Then tell us by leaving a comment!
Note to others: I am looking for an ORANGE kisser!!!***

Words Of Wisdom

Question?
What comes out of a sponge when you apply pressure?

Answer!
Whatever you put into it!

Note to Self: The sponge is your brain...

Words of wisdom from, Think Think Think and Think Again by J. Sakiya Sandifer

I keep this quote on my desk... I find it tres tres uplifting....

Got a favorite quote? Let us know! Cause after all, there's nothing more beautiful then intelligence!

WOMEN IN FILM

Check out this link looking back on 80 years of memorable women in film. It's incredible to see how the style of beauty has evolved through the years...

CLICK HERE

Can you name all of the actresses portrayed in this slideshow? Who do you think has been the biggest beauty icon of each generation?

Let's have a dialogue here, beauty whores!

CALLING ALL FELLOW BEAUTY WHORES!!! WE NEED YOU...

It's just about that time. We, at Beauty Banter, want YOUR help in deciding the BEST OF SUMMER 2007!!!

Here are the categories:

BEST OF LIPS - GLOSS, STICK AND STAIN
BEST OF BRONZERS
BEST OF EYE SHADOWS
BEST OF MOISTURIZER WITH SPF
BEST OF TINTED MOISTURIZER
BEST OF AFTER-SUN BODY LOTION
BEST OF BODY EXFOLIATOR
BEST OF SHAMPOO
BEST OF DEEP CONDITIONER
BEST OF SPRAYS FOR HAIR (SPF'S, WAVE SPRAYS, DETANGLERS)
BEST OF SCENTS


So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, tell us your favorites!!!

Stay BEAUTY-FULL!!!

BEAUTY BANTER ON TMZ!!!

In The Zone, Late Night Adventures with Kimberly Stewart....

KIM: LONDON CALLING

CLICK HERE to check it out!

Kim says, "P.S. Check out my B.F. Sarah Howard's beauty blog, www.beautybanter.blogspot.com for the most amazing beauty tips and trends and, of course, a little write-up on my favorite products too!"


Thanks to Kim and TMZ!!!

GLAM BEAUTY AWARDS

Move over Oscar, 'cause here comes the GLAM!!!

Glam.com is hosting their annual Glam beauty awards 2007 where, you, the reader, votes for your favorite lippies, mascara, bronzer, eyeshadow, shampoo, nail polish, etc.

We took a stroll through the Glam product nominee's and we've got to say, not so impressed.... Diorshow Mascara didn't even make it into the finalists!!!

What did, however, is Benefit's Benetint, Cargo's Bronzer and Mac's Plushglass lipgloss (three products we can safely ascertain as peronal faves!)

So check to see if your favorites made the Glam cut... and vote!!!
(Click HERE to peruse the nominees and to vote!)

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!!

Relax, remember and unwind!

Try that great bubble bath you've hidden away for that special occasion! Today is the day....

Wanna SWAP Make-Up?!?

If you already know of this website, then forgive me as I have just discovered it...

MAKEUPALLEY.COM is a beauty whore's virtual heaven. It's a place filled with make-up enthusiasts (a.k.a. fellow beauty whores), product ratings and reviews, a diary and wishlist AND a product swaping system... wait.... what?!
Swaping Beauty Products???

Yep!

So, here's how it works... similar to ebay, you post a product that you have tried and don't like or just don't want and you wait to see if someone else on planet earth happens to wanna "swap" products with you. If so, you send eachother the products. If not, well, try ebay.

This is a great idea in theory although I would never want to own a stranger's once used Mac Lipslick or Urban Decay eye shadow palette. However, if you're braver (and less of a germaphobe) then I, take a look at the swapping section of the site! Hey, your ten dollars can really take you far these days....