Makeup and Manicures

Recyclebank/Pantene Quiz and All-Expense Paid Day of Beauty!

2012-01-27T12:55:00.004-05:00

Recyclebank always have amazing initatives and exciting news and giveaways for you! I'm helping to spread the word about the Pantene Nature Fusion plant-based bottle (so incredible!), and not only do they want to educate you, but Recyclebank wants to send you and a friend on an all-expense paid Day of Beauty!

Just take the interactive quiz below, and you will earn 20 Recyclebank Points, and be entered to win the Day of Beauty! So...what are you waiting for?

Fine Fragrance Body Wash for a Drugstore Budget!

2012-01-21T09:48:00.001-05:00

I LOVE scented things - candles, lotion, soap, body wash, room sprays - anything where a fabulous or comforting scent can be incorporated into the product. Whether it's a warm vanilla sugar, a sweet almond and fig, a pumpkin spice, or a simple shea butter, I'm on board.

That's why I was thrilled to received Caress' brand new Fine Fragrance Elixir Body Wash. I received the Scarlet Blossom fragrance and I am so in love. The scent is a blend of red lychee and patchouli oil along with their trademarked "Silky Fragrance Infusion", which uses a combination of multilayered fragrances and luxurious moisturizers to give that amazing aroma and smooth, silky finish on the skin.

I use a shower "pouf" to apply body wash, and wow, did this body wash lather! Some don't really create too much of a sudsy lather, but just a little of this created a mountain of suds! It applied so luxuriously, and the application plus the fabulous infused scent, made my body wash experience so much more enjoyable! It rinses off to leave behind amazingly silky and moisturized skin. My skin still had a light lingering fragrance, which I really liked. Sometimes body washes smell great, but they rinse off to leave behind no trace of the fragrance, so I feel like the great scent is wasted. The fragrance this Caress body wash left behind was faint, but not too strong that it would conflict with any scented body wash or perfume that I would apply after a shower.

I also love that they call it a "Fine Fragrance Elixir", because I really feel that the name is fitting for the product. The mix of scents is really sophisticated, and so unique. I wouldn't expect to find something like this in a drugstore body wash. If I could, I would walk around all day with the bottle to open and sniff it whenever I please - that's how good it is!

Overall, this is a new fave, and I will definitely continue to use it! Caress also offers their Fine Fragrance Elixir Body Wash in Sheer Twilight, which uses black orchid and juniper oil. They also have a full range of additional body washes in great scents, including their Exfoliating Body Wash, Silkening Body Wash, which also come in beauty bar soaps.

**I received this item for free, on behalf of the brand or PR company to give my honest review and opinion.

Florida Blogger Event (Lots of pics!)

2012-01-15T15:29:00.000-05:00

If you follow me on Twitter, you probably saw me tweeting pretty often in November and the first couple of weeks in December about the blogger event I was planning. I reached out to Anna (she's amazing!), the front desk manager or Soleil Spa Palm Aire, a local spa in Pompano Beach, to see if she would be interested in partnering to plan a South Florida beauty/fashion blogger event. She was completely on board, so I got to planning!

I reached out to a handful of companies to try and find sponsors and vendors for food, goodie bags product, and giveaways. I was able to secure some amazing sponsors including:
Sweet Tomatoes for all of the event food, Zoya Nail Polish donated bottles of their holiday-esque polish Sarah for every goodie bag, as well as some of their amazing new Collection Samplers to raffle off, NYS Collections Sunglasses donated some super cute sunglasses to raffle off, Adriana Marie Co. donated a variety of t-shirts for all of the guests, Island Company donated travel sized bottles of their sun care products for all of the guests, Cilea gave donated 3 of their Lash Enhancing Treatment serums to raffle off, and provided $20 off coupons for all guests.

Anna from Soleil Spa also put together goodie bags with salt scrubs and bath salts from the spa, and we offered $10 mini facials and massages by the spa's therapists and aestheticians. Anna also had the genius idea of putting a different scented candle in each goodie bag, so for the raffle, instead of putting everyone's names in the jar, we put slips of paper with each scent written on them, and whichever scent we chose, the person with that corresponding scented candle would win the prize!

Here are some snapshots of how the event went:

Event set up in the Soleil Spa Palm Aire outside cabana

Cute postcards I created for each guest with twitter handles
for each sponsor, and the event hashtag for easy tweeting!

Food provided by Sweet Tomatoes

Raffle prizes!

NYS Collection sunglasses

Goodie bags

Adriana Marie Co. T-shirts

Close-up of the goodie bag including Zoya Nail polish, Island Company sun care products,
Cilea Lash Treatment, and Soleil Spa Salt Scrub and Bath Salts

I also got in contact with Sashanie, a fabulous manicurist, who provided free polish changes four our guests!

Big ZOYA Nail Polish Deal!

2012-01-05T16:32:00.003-05:00

I just scored two Zoya Nail Polishes in gorgeous colors for FREE and only had to pay shipping ($6.95), which is less than the cost of one bottle (bottles retail for $8). You can get this same deal by heading over to Zoya's website, picking out two colors of your choice (this promotion excludes the "true" and "fleck" polishes), and just enter ZOYA2012 at checkout. My grand total was $6.95 and I chose these two beauties:

Kotori

Zoya describes Kotori as : A dense bright blue shimmer superimposed over a sheer black base. I'm head over heels in love with this shade and I haven't even tried it yet. Before buying nail polish online, I always search online for swatches by fellow beauty/nail polish bloggers. Looking at the swatch on a website doesn't always show the polish and payoff in it's truest form, and I love being able to see how the polish applies on actual nails. As soon as I saw a swatch of this gorgeous chock full of shimmer blue, I was sold!

Lolly

I'm actually really excited to try Lolly. It's a true hot pink matte. I've only worn matte nail polish once or twice, and I'm always afraid it's going to get scratched without a protective top coat, but the swatches of this really intrigued me. It looks bright and fun, so I can't wait to try it out!

Update: This deal was originally ending yesterday, 1/5/12, but it has been extended!! It now ends on 1/9/12, so you have 3 more days to get your two free Zoya polishes!

Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show Re-cap

2012-01-03T22:41:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago, you may recall that I posted about how I was invited by Nordstrom's Beauty Social Media Specialist to Nordstrom's Beauty Trendshow in Coral Gables, Florida. Nordstrom puts on these amazing fashion/beauty trend shows all over the country throughout the year, to debut over 20 cosmetics brands and trends, where models walk the runway in amazing outfits and makeup, while brand creators, representatives, and national makeup artists excitedly tell all of the guests about their newest products and techniques. The entire event is high every, as all of the brand representatives and the amazing host, Nordstrom’s Beauty Director Karen DeLauro are so enthusiastic about all of the products.

So...I rolled my cute butt out of bed at 5:00am (yes..5!) to ensure that I got there at 7:00am, which is when the pre-show Red Carpet VIP party started. (They hold the Trend Show before the store opens to the public.) Luckily, I was able to bring a friend, who is also a beauty industry girl, and she met me at my house at 6 so we could make the hour drive together to Coral Gables (after a quick Starbucks run of course!).

We arrived at the beautiful Merrick Park outdoor mall, where were then walked over to the huge downstairs courtyard in front of the the Nordstrom entrance. They had mimosas, coffee, and some breakfast pastries available to the huge crowd that came to see the show!

Strawberry mimosas - they know how to throw a party!

We were also greeted with a cute pewter colored tote bag (as you can see at the crowd shot below, everyone is carrying one)

They also had some tables set up with product, and some brand representatives outside to explain the products.

We thought this was the pre-show party, but little did we know, the real VIP pre-party was awaiting us bloggers inside! The wonderful Sharon (Nordstrom's South Florida Regional Marketing Manager) greeted us by the red carpet in front of the store, and led us inside to get the full VIP blogger treatment! The entire cosmetics section downstairs was set up with a ton of extra tables and stools to prepare for the stampede of people that would come back downstairs to shop and get their makeup done after the show.

(The lighting was dim, so excuse if some of my pictures came out blurry or with a weird tint, and some I actually took with my iPhone so I could upload them as I was live tweeting).

We were escorted upstairs, where the Nordstrom team was finishing to set up for the event. We were introduced to Angela, who has been organizing the Trend Shows for 11 years! She saw our pewter goodie bags that we received downstairs, and told us we could keep that one, but she had a much better goodie bag for us! She handed all of the bloggers the same bag, this time chock-full of products (even full size!) I'll give you a peek later in the post.

Angela also took us backstage to see how the show comes together, and we got the AMAZING honor of meeting John Fussell, the Global Brand Ambassador and National Makeup Artist for Chanel. We were able to chat with him, and even learned how he got his start. He went to art school and then worked as a model booker (booking jobs for models at the agency he worked for). At one of the photoshoots, the makeup artist never showed up, so with his art background (but never doing makeup before), he saved the day and stepped in as the makeup artist for the shoot. He loved it so much, that he continued doing it on the side, sneaking away from the agency to do side jobs as a makeup artist. He was later found out by his agency, when they were looking through a model's portfolio, and praised the makeup on a particular photo. When they asked John who did the makeup for that photo, he admitted that he did. From there, it's history, and he's now the National Makeup Artist for one of the most iconic brands in the world.

We had front row seats, and got a perfect spot near the end of the runway, so we could watch all of the models walk down and easily snap some pictures!

The host Karen (who I mentioned above) came out, and it was time to get the show on the road!

Brand representative and some male models showing off some Philosophy products:

Such a funny action shot!

Alex Chantecaille - the creator of Chantecaille Cosmetics!

Smashbox showing off it's amazing face primers and foundations:

Jeffrey Tasker - Regional Training Manager/Global Makeup Artist for Laura Mericer

John Fussell - Global Ambassador for Chanel:

Beautiful in Dior!

Gaga-esque MAC Model

The Elie Saab dress flown in from Paris!

The show was incredible! Following the show, we headed back downstairs, where we had an hour to visit all of the brands' counters and tables, where we received expert advice, tips, and more samples before our 11:00am makeup appointments. Check out this cool device by NuFACE. The representative gave my friend a mini lift - the handheld device uses microcurrent technology so you can lift, firm, and tone your skin at home.

You apply moisturizer and then use this over it to tighten, lift, and contour your skin (and you can use it on your body too). The demonstration was amazing. She did half of my friend's face, and we saw an instant difference - being in our early 20's, you wouldn't think we needed any kind of "mini-lift", but it looked like she got a mini brow lift and her eye area looked widened and rejuvenated - it was super cool.

I also met the fabulous Myisha from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, and she gave me an Alpha Beta Peel. This was a perfect way to prepare for my makeup appointment! We even got a sample kit of the Alpa Beta Daily Face Peel, so I'm really excited to try this again at home. My skin felt really refreshed and clean.

Angela was right when she told us it would be bombarded downstairs - she told us there were over 800 appointments that day! Luckily, we had appointments, so after our respective face treatments by the Dr. Gross staff, we headed to the Smashbox counter for some more pampering at our makeup appointments.

This event was so amazing and I want to thank Carla, Sharon, and Angela again for inviting me and giving us the VIP treatment! I can't wait to attend one of next year's shows!

Here's a peek into my goodie bag:

Exciting News from Aveeno!

2011-12-27T10:13:00.000-05:00

If you're an Aveeno fan, you will be happy to hear that they just launched their new digital e-store, which will be open until March. The online store offers holiday sets and products from their Baby, Hair, Face, and Body lines. They also offer free shipping when you spend $25 or more, as well as discounts and specials on a lot of their products and bundled deals.

This is great if you're looking for a specific product that you're unable to find in a store near you, or to explore the other products Aveeno offers - they have a ton of products that some of you may not even know about!

They also give out a free sample with every order, so get to it!

Lovin' Lips and Lashes!

2011-12-19T19:40:00.004-05:00

As a BzzAgent, from time to time I am sent products that make sense for me and my lifestyle, interests, and habits, so I was recently sent some great new Maybelline products to try out and share my opinion on.

I received their new mascara "Great Lash Lots of Lashes" - a new version of their infamous Great Lash mascara. The interesting part about this mascara is definitely the brush! It's a "heart-shaped" molded brush that they call the "Great Little Grabber". It was created to get to each and every lash with precision for lots of volume from corner to corner. You can build volume with each coat while helping to avoid clumps. I think this mascara was great to define lashes and add length, and the small precise tup definitely helps get individual lashes, corners, and bottom lashes.

Next up are their new Baby Lips Lip Balms. I received five different flavors, each with the same moisturizing and SPF 20 benefits. Some are colorless, and act as a regular lip balm, and others are tinted for a splash of juicy color.

Take a look at "Pink Punch"

It smells sweet and delicious too! I also received these babies (no pun intended)

Yes - that's me singing ;)

This balm feels great on my lips, and I can tell it's working to moisturize. The package indicates that they are Clinical Strength, and based on a clinical study after four weeks of use, they claim: 82% Visibly Less Dry, 94% Less Rough Lips, 77% More Supple Lips, and 77% Better Looking Lips.

I love that it has SPF 20 (especially the tinted ones so I don't have to sacrifice color for sun protection). I just wish that they did last a little longer on my lips before I had to re-apply. Other than that, I'm loving all of the new Maybelline products!

**I received this item for free, on behalf of the brand or PR company to give my honest review and opinion.

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream - Even for Those Without Eczema!

2011-12-18T23:30:00.000-05:00

While I don't suffer from Eczema (a common skin irritation that causes patches of itchiness, redness, and other reactions on the skin), once in a while I do get random skin reactions. It could be from touching something that caused a weird reaction with my skin, shaving, or because of dryness, but I think a lot of people get unexplainable skin irritations from time to time.

The Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream actually came in the mail at the perfect time! I do have sensitive skin that does sometimes get small barely non-visible bumps (but I know they are there and they annoy me!) and especially with the change in weather (although it's still not cold in Florida), and I was actually going to start looking for a powerful skin product to help, so this cream was a godsend. I first applied it before going to bed the very night that I received it, to any areas that felt dry or needed some extra attention. The next day, I noticed an instant difference. My skin in those areas felt smoother, and bumps seemed to begin to disappear. Happy with my instant results, I have continued using it now for almost 2 weeks (missing a couple of nights along the way), but I have used it pretty steadily. I have absolutely noticed a difference in my skin. As the packaging states, "...the cream was developed with leading dermatologists, and helps relieve irritated skin and intensely moisturizer to help strengthen the skin's natural barrier." It also contains "ceramides, essential lipids naturally found within the skin, which play a key role in restoring the skin's protective function".

It is clinically shown to help reduce the itching and irritation of eczema. While I don't have eczema, I definitely see results in helping with skin irritation. I am totally in love with this moisturizing cream and it will definitely continue to be a staple in my nighttime routine.

**I received this item for free, on behalf of the brand or PR company to give my honest review and opinion.

Fashion for Your Office Supplies

2011-12-14T04:01:00.001-05:00

This post brought to you by Parker Pens. All opinions are 100% mine.

Parker Pens are renowned for their classic, timeless, sleek style. They're well known around the world, and bring a feeling of class and sophistication no matter where you work or what you use it for. One of their missions is to revolutionize the way we take a pen to paper, and they are pursuing this mission with their new (and gorgeous) technology. They researched to find out what writing features are most important to consumers, and found that the ultimate pen would include: the beauty of a fountain pen, the smoothness and precision of a rollerball, the ease and longevity of a ball point, and a smudge-free, fluid experience. Taking all of this into account, they created the "5th technology". It features a cutting-edge refill tip and an engraved metallic hood.

This unique, breakthrough technology makes up the brand new Parker Ingenuity collection, which comes in six stunning finishes. Although it's a pen, not a piece of jewelry, the beautiful and modern style and trendy elements make this a must-have accessory.

Doesn't this ad just make you want to run out and buy one? ;)

One of these pens would definitely make me the blogger with the hottest pen on the block - it's definitely a luxury accessory.

Want one of these beauties for yourself? Be on the lookout for two upcoming Parker Pen Twitter parties! You can win some amazing prizes valued up to $200! Be sure to check out Parker on Facebook for more information on the Twitter parties.

Here's a little peak of when they were featured on LXTV's first look as the perfect accessory to complete your look:

Pre-Party Post for Nordstrom's Beauty Trend Show

2011-12-09T20:43:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is a very exciting day! Carla, the Beauty Social Media Specialist for Nordstrom, got in touch with me earlier in the week to invite me to Nordstrom's Beauty Trend Show tomorrow in Coral Gables (Miami). As part of the show, myself and a bunch of fellow beauty bloggers get to attend the pre-show Red Carpet VIP party where we get the opportunity to speak to some beauty brand experts such as Alex Chantecaille (Chantecaille Creator), George Smart (Osmotics National Educator), John Fussell (Chanel Global Ambassador, and Thomas Saujet (Hanae Mori fragrances).

We also get an exclusive swag bag for attending, priority seating for the show, and booked for a makeup application at a counter of our choice. I chose to get my makeup done at the NARS counter, and I'm really excited!

Carla also sent us some additional information Chantecaille. The story about the brand and their philosophy is really interesting:

Chantecaille is a luxury brand for skincare and cosmetics known for its uniquely high concentration of natural botanicals. The brand conducts extensive research to create their innovative formulas. They use plant-based formulas that focus on inflammation, healing, and anti-aging.

Their innovative technology works alongside older traditions including Biotechnology, Chinese medicine, aromatherapy and European flower pharmacology. Their products are well-known for creating a natural look, especially their translucent foundations.

I can't wait to meet all of the brand experts and owners tomorrow, and indulge in a morning full of beauty! Keep an eye out for my live tweets and photos on Twitter (@MakeupandManies). I'll be using the hashtag #nbeautytrendshow. Re-cap article to come following the event!

My Day of Pampering at the Four Seasons

2011-12-08T22:19:00.003-05:00

In honor of the Four Seasons' National Spa Week, they invited a select group of social media influencers to some of their nationwide resorts to enjoy a spa day! Being based in South Florida, I was invited to the Four Seasons Palm Beach resort to indulge in their Spa and Beach Retreat package. I was advised to choose two spa treatments, which would also include access to their amazing spa facilities, the beach, and lunch at The Ocean Bistro, and they also allowed me to bring a guest to enjoy one treatment and join me for lunch (I chose to bring my mom!) :)

The entry to the spa, along with the giant lobby, was gorgeous - with lots of fun products and decor to peruse.

We were greeted by Michael, the Spa Director, and were asked to choose one of the four scented oil combinations that would be used four our respective massages, and we both chose "Relaxation" which used lavender and chamomile.

They also had several organic juices available, we were both poured a glass of the juice that complimented our choice of lavender and chamomile massage oil.

Everything from the locker rooms to treatment rooms were absolutely impeccable.

Below (left) is the Treatment Waiting Room, where you can relax and wait for your therapist to come and get you to escort you to your treatment. There were some fresh, great flavored iced teas in giant dispensers, including an amazing Asian Pear Iced Tea. Below (right) is the Ladies Relaxation Room, where you can relax before, after, or in between treatments. This room is more calm than the waiting room, and you can spend time reading, napping, and just relaxing in some peace and quiet. They also had hot teas in a variety of flavors and tea-related condiments and snacks available.

My first treatment was the Amala Restoring Mud Wrap - a 50 minute treatment. I've never gotten a mud wrap before, so I was really excited! I walked into the treatment room to see this (and this picture doesn't do the room justice):

When it was time to start, the amazing massage therapist, Ruth, laid a large towel on top of the foil, and stepped out of the room while I got undressed and slipped underneath the towel (laying directly on the foil). She used a dry, rough loofa, and exfoliated my body section by section, ensuring to get rid of any dry skin. Although it might sound like it hurts, it actually felt good, and the ambiance is just so relaxing that you feel soothed no matter what.

After the exfoliation, Ruth applied the pale pink clay (Ruth told me it was the Amala Detoxifying Body Cleanse), which felt more like a warm, rich body butter. She massaged it in, section by section as I drifted off into full-on relaxation mode. Then she wrapped me up in the foil (which surprisingly was not claustrophobic feeling!) and while I was wrapped up, she gave me an incredible scalp and head massage. After the massage, Ruth slipped out of the room again, while I showered to rinse off the clay wrap in the private shower that my treatment room had. After my shower, I got back under the new towel that was laid out for me on the table, and then got the Amala Detox Body Butter massaged into my skin, section by section.

This treatment was so heavenly - I was able to totally relax while getting exfoliated, detoxified, and moisturized!

My next treatment was the Ocean Bliss Massage. My mom also chose this as her treatment, so we got our massages in the huge couples massage room. The lovely Ruth also gave me my massage. The therapists used the personally blended organic essential oils that we chose when you arrive, and they combine a variety of massage techniques, including Swedish and deep tissue. The massage was amazing, and we were able to have an extra 25 minutes in the treatment suite after our massage, so that we could each take a steam shower. We each got a salt scrub, and peppermint body masque to use in our steam showers. The Four Seasons' Palm Beach signature scent is Rosemary Mint - their hand soaps, body wash, shampoos and conditioners all sported the same delicious fragrance.

As part of the Beach and Spa Retreat Package, we also received lunch at the Four Seasons Palm Beach's restaurant, The Ocean Bistro. We chose to sit outside, and indulged in a yummy lunch. Check out my gi-normous turkey burger!

To cap off our day, we layed by the beach for another hour or so before heading home.

My day of pampering at the Four Seasons Palm Beach for the Four Seasons Spa Week was so incredible! I have to thank the amazing PR representative Eveliny who was able to make all of this happen for me, as well as Betty and Michael Perez at the FSPB Spa, for being so gracious and accommodating.

Aveeno Beauty Expert Answers and MORE Giveaways!

2011-12-06T15:17:00.010-05:00

I've talked about Aveeno's amazing skin and beauty expert, Dr. Jessica Wu before, and now she is answering some need-to-know beauty questions submitted by you, and fellow Aveeno Ambassadors' readers!

Talking beauty with Dr. Wu:

Suggestions for adult acne.

“Adult women with acne tend to have drier skin than teens with acne, so traditional acne medications are often too drying and irritating, and make the situation worse. Your best bet is to use a gentle foaming cleanser (like Aveeno Ultra Calming Foaming cleanser) to remove makeup & surface oils, followed by a sulfur-based mask or treatment product (check out Clearasil Adult Treatment Cream, Bare Escentuals Blemish Therapy, or Murad Sulfur mask). Sulfur is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, without being as drying as benzoyl peroxide. Since adult acne is often hormonal, it’s also a good idea to watch what you eat, especially when you’re PMS’ing: try to avoid dairy, refined carbs (bread, rice, potatoes, pasta) and sugar, which can trigger your hormones and make you break out. And, if you have irregular periods and facial hair growth along with your adult acne, be sure to see your doctor, since these can be a sign of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.”

What causes milia under your skin and what is it?

"Milia are tiny, round white bumps that can appear anywhere on the face. They’re a type of cyst, made up of oil and dead skin cells. They can pop up for no apparent reason, but are often associated with using creams that are too heavy, especially rich eye cream. They usually go away on their own, but sometimes they grow until they’re drained. The cyst contents are very hard, not like a whitehead, so they’re hard to squeeze. Therefore , it’s best to see a dermatologist, who can use a special instrument to drain it hygienically and safely."

Best treatment for under eye puffiness:

"It depends on what the puffiness is caused by. For example, if the puff comes and goes, or is worse in the morning, it may be due to water retention. In that case, avoid salty foods and foods with added salt after lunch and then sleep on an extra pillow. In the morning, hold cold teabags over your eyes for a minute or so, or use the Aveeno Anti-fatigue eye roller, both of which shrinks puffy tissues. Also, avoid hot water on your face. This should help reduce the fluid under your eyes. If your puffiness is associated with allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy eyes), taking an antihistamine or using a neti pot may help. However, if it’s a hereditary fat pad, the best treatment is surgery."

What are those chicken bumps on my arms and what can I do about them. The bumps on the backs of your arms are most likely a condition called “keratosis pilaris” which is caused by clogged hair follicles. This is a genetic condition that may improve with age. However, if it persists, you can minimize the bumps by exfoliating to help the dead skin cells slough off. I also recommend using a body wash containing salicylic acid to loosen the dead skin. In the morning, use a body lotion containing lactic acid (like Lac Hydrin or Am Lactin—both available at drugstores). At night, use a rich body butter to make the bumps smoother. For stubborn cases, I sometimes prescribe a retinoid like Retin A or Tazorac, and also do light in-office chemical peels.

I am most interested in how products work, or don't work, together. For example, is it ok to mix Aveeno Skincare products with other serums masques, spf moisturizers, and so forth? Do these things interact badly?

"Usually when my patients have a problem mixing their skincare products, it’s because they use products that cause too much irritation when used together: for example, using two different acne creams at the same time (like a benzoyl peroxide and a retinoid); or using a product with alphahydroxy acid and another with salicylic acid. Aveeno products are designed to be gentle and soothing, so you can generally mix and match them with your other skincare products. However, if you’re using a prescription product, check with your dermatologist first."

What are the best kinds of vitamins to take? Does you like Liquid or pill form?

"Depends on the vitamins…for example, most of us could benefit from omega-3 fish oil, which has been shown to help dry skin, eczema rashes, & psoriasis. It’s also anti-inflammatory, so it can help calm acne breakouts. For fish oil, I prefer liquid form; there are fewer additives and starches, and more of it is absorbed by the body. Stronger Faster Healthier makes a chocolate-flavored fish oil that I take every day. For hair and nails, I recommend biotin. This comes in pills."

Aveeno also has acclaimed hairstylist Patrick Melville on their side, and he has answered some of your hair-related questions!

Talking hair with Patrick:

What cut will create the most volume for fine, long hair? What should we ask for at the salon?

“The cut that is best for fine long hair is a cut that has long layers … some softer shorter pieces around the face. Also add a sweeping fringe that sweeps to the side and will create a lot of versatility and give hair maximum volume. Products are key such as lightweight volumizing spray at the root because as you know, volume comes from the root. Be careful and make sure to tell your stylist to keep the layers long as layers can also thin the hair if too short.”

I have long black hair that used to be shiny and silky, now it has lost some of its luster. How can I get it back?

"The best way to get back luster is to use the Aveeno Nourish+ Shine Shampoo and Conditioner along with the Aveeno Living Color Shine Glaze which can be used on all hair types. This will give you maximum shine and close the cuticle and boost the life back into your hair.”

I'd love to hear Patrick Melville's specifics on haircare for extensions and haircare for mixed hair (like hair for half black / half hispanic, hispanic hair care problems)

“The best way to treat extensions is to make sure they do not stay in too long or grow out too much as this will put stress on your own hair when using styling tools. Best way to take care of them is to be sure to condition the every time you shampoo and to use the Aveeno Nourish+ Leave in Conditioner before styling. This will make the extensions more manageable and will lock in moisture. This also applies to African American hair or Hispanic hair as it tends to be drier by nature and more coarse. Like your skin, when its dry you need to apply more moisture. The leave in conditioner locks in moisture and helps elasticity to lessen breakage.”

I’d love to get the scoop from Patrick about how to make thin hair look thicker. Mine just gets super stringy as it growns longer. It’s awful!

“Make sure you trim your hair on a regular basis and do not use any type of oil or silicone based products. You want to use a volumzing spray and apply a lightweight styling glaze to damp hair before blowdrying. Do not overblowdry and when you are finished use the Aveeno Nourish+ Style Fortifying Hairspray to create fullness and body, making hair swell and look thicker.”

Does Patrick have any hairstyle tips to get women over 40 out of the hair "frump"? Maybe some tips on how to update a look. Most images and tips I get are for young women, so I'd love some for "older" women.

“As you may know, women over 40 do not have to cut off their hair to look less frumpy. I suggest cutting the hair to the collarbone with some longer layers. This will give the hair some energy and still allow you to be very versatile with styling options. For example this cut allows you to put your hair back into a low chignon or a French twist. This will still give you that soft sexy look without having to cut off your locks while still being youthful and feminine.”

Now that you're more skin- and hair-informed, it's time to win some of the amazing Aveeno products that our experts recommended!
One lucky winner will receive:
AVEENO NOURISH+ Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, AVEENO Living Color™ Shine Glaze, AVEENO NOURISH+ Style Fortifying Hairspray, and AVEENO NOURISH+ Leave in Conditioner

Bonkers for Baubles

2011-11-29T23:01:00.000-05:00

I had heard of online jewelry boutique Bauble Bar, mostly through Twitter, but had yet to explore it's wondrous offerings until yesterday. I saw that Bauble Bar had a great deal going on (perhaps because of Cyber Monday, but it extends until this Wednesday!) and there was no way I wasn't going to take advantage! Since I was a first time shopper, I received $10 off my first order (which you can as well by signing up now), and the deal they have through Wednesday, is that with every $30 you spend, you get a free jewelry item from their Gifting Suite! I figured that I could choose an item for at least $40, so that I could use my $10 off but still spend enough to get my free bauble.

Priced perfectly at $40, I picked up this bad boy:

Bauble Bib Deluxe
"...a strand of bold gemstones mixed in with an arty array of pink pearl baubles"

For my free gift, I chose this gorgeous number:

Ivory Enamel Bangle

I also learned that every Friday, they have a "hidden bauble", where they have one item available for $10 that you have to comb through their website to locate. A $10 find plus free shipping sounds like a great deal to me!

I definitely recommend this online boutique if you love fashion jewelry - and hurry to sign up and order by Wednesday (11/30) to get a free item for every $30 you spend! If you decide not to order by Wednesday, you can still sign up to get the $10 in your account to use toward your first purchase!

Travel Like a Pro (and a Sweepstakes!)

2011-11-29T19:00:00.001-05:00

This post brought to you by TravelPro. All opinions are 100% mine.

With the holidays coming up, many of us are traveling over the next month, and the last thing we need is to have problems with our luggage. I was recently introduced to Travelpro luggage, which is actually the choice of flight crews all over the world (and who doesn't want to travel like a chic stewardess?!).

Source

Whether you need an overnight bag for a weekend getaway, a garment bag for a black-tie affair, or a heavy-duty suitcase to travel the Mediterranean, Travelpro has a wide variety of durable and stylish options. They have some very cool rolling duffles, as well as these genius Checkpoint Friendly Computer Briefs, which make it a lot less stressful if you travel and fly a lot with your laptop.

They also have a Limited Lifetime Warranty (assuming the damage isn't cause by you - AKA no placing bets on which grown adult can fit entirely into your suitcase).

Travelpro is currently having a sweepstakes, where they are offering you the chance to win BIG!

Win 500,000 miles from the Delta SkyMiles program, and two Travelpro Rollaboard bags! Enter the TravelPro sweepstakes for this amazing opportunity to travel far and wide, courtesy of Travelpro and Delta! Also, check out the recent press Travelpro has gotten to see how and where their luggage is being used!

More Aveeno Treats! Positively Ageless

2011-11-28T23:05:00.002-05:00

As an Aveeno Ambassador, I frequently come home to packages of Aveeno goodies awaiting me. My last package included their Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleanser, and their Positively Ageless Youth Perfecting Moisturizer with SPF 30.

Both of these products use Aveeno's Natural Shiitake Complex made with shiitake mushrooms, which are known for their medicinal and age-defying properties. The complex works with skin's own natural renewal process and are shown to reveal healthy, younger-looking skin in just 4 weeks!

I've been using the Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleanser these past couple of weeks and I absolutely love it!

It's a light foaming cleanser with tiny microbeads that are able to exfoliate and remove dead skin, dirt, and other impurities, but since the beads are so tiny, the cleanser is gentle enough to use daily, unlike other stronger exfoliators. I LOVE the way this cleanser smells - the fragrance is so fresh and natural. Besides the shiitake extract, it also has seaweed extract, hydrolyzed wheat protein which nourishes skin and minimizes pores.

The Positively Ageless Youth Perfecting Moisturizer is a nourishing lotion with SPF 30 which reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles to reveal younger looking skin. It supplies advanced sun protection and helps fight signs of aging and sun damage. It also uses the same Shiitake Complex to create softer, smoother, healthier skin.

The moisturizer is dispensed from the pump, and is pretty thick in viscosity but absorbs into the skin pretty quickly. I have been using this in the morning or before leaving my house during the day, since it has SPF, and tend to use my non-SPF moisturizers at night. After applying, I usually give it some time to dry and absorb before I start applying any makeup. It acts and feels a little more like a sunblock than a moisturizer to me, but it's great because it has properties of both which make it a great all-in-one product!

As always, I'm impressed by Aveeno and these two products are definitely worth trying!

**I received this item for free, on behalf of the brand or PR company to give my honest review and opinion.

Kelly Rutherford Looking Chic for Gossip Girl's 100th Episode Celebration

2011-11-21T19:44:00.002-05:00

In honor of my Monday night routine of watching (and usually live-tweeting about) Gossip Girl, this is a fitting post for tonight. The glamorous Gossip Girl cast got together last Saturday to celebrate the completion of the 100th episode of the show, airing January 30. You can read some details (don't worry, no spoilers since the cast is under strict orders not to reveal any details) on what TVLine was able to put together about the monumental episode.

Looking stunning in Peter Som, Kelly Rutherford sported an edgy, downtown chic up-do created by renowned hairstylist Ricardo Rojas.

Here's how he did it, so you can re-create this look at home: Rojas prepped with lifting and texturizing spray. Then, he rough-dried her locks with his hands, curling the ends up. Once her hair was dry, he added volume and body with dry shampoo to create the matted look. Next, he pulled the top section of the hair hair back and secured with a bobby pins to create a loose ponytail effect. Ricardo then pulled the rest of the hair from the nape of the neck into a ponytail and secured it in the middle with a bobby pin. He then molded the hair into a chignon at the middle of the head and used his fingers to scrunch the hair to create the edgy feel. Finally, Rojas set into place and set with hairspray.

Try this look at home and let me know how it goes!

My DIY Pedicure with Pink Papaya Products

2011-11-20T22:13:00.001-05:00

I was recently sent some Pink Papaya body products to try, and I was really excited to try out this new brand. I had actually never heard of it before it was brought to my attention, but now I'm so glad I discovered it! Pink Papaya was started by sisters Susan and Karen with the goal of offering quality products that women would love. They also give back to the community through three Pink Papaya philanthropy programs that you can read more about here.

I received their toetini travel set which includes a foot scrub, foot creme, pumice stone/foot brush (not pictured), and foot spritz (close up of this is pictured where I review it further down in the post). On the far right is their Creamy Body Butter in Samba Nights, which I received in addition to the toetini kit.

Retails for $28

Blackberry Fig Foot Scrub
This foot scrub smells SOOO good! Oddly, it kind of reminded me of a Burberry perfume that I have smelled before - maybe it has similar fragrances/notes? I have to try and look into that some more.
The scrub contains brown sugar, blackberry seeds, sweet almond oil, sesame seed oil, and Vitamin E.

I applied it in the shower by taking a small amount (Pink Papaya's instructions say a quarter-sized amount for each foot, but I think I even used less than that - because of the oils, a little seemed to go a long way). I did one foot at a time, starting on the top of my foot, and working my way to the bottom of my foot. I then took the pumice stone/foot brush that comes in the travel kit, and used the pumice side on the bottom of my foot, and the brush on the top, to really try and exfoliate and remove any dead skin. After doing both feet, I rinsed off the scrub, and my feet felt really clean and refreshed - I loved it!

Fig Leaves Sweet Almond Oil Foot Creme

After my shower, I actually decided to re-polish my toes, to really give myself a full-on at home pedicure. After my polish dried, I applied the foot creme that comes in the toetini kit (it smells very similar to the scrub, AKA amazing!).

This creme is so rich - a little goes a long way with this product as well. It uses golden jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and aloe vera to really soften the skin, and bilberry, yucca, and meadowsweet extracts to detoxify and refresh.

White Lily & Sage Refreshing Foot Spritz

For the finishing touch, I applied some of the refreshing foot spritz (I received the travel size that is included in their toetini kit, but I believe they sell this in a full-size bottle as well). It's 100% natural and uses menthol to cool, while propolis, sage, thyme, and white lily calm and soothe.

Creamy Body Butter
I also received their Body Butter (a separate product, not part of the toetini kit) in the scent "Samba Nights". I'm big fan of body butter, and there's did the trick.

Retails for $23.50

It's really rich and silky, as a body butter should be, but it also claims to firm skin and help stimulate cell regeneration. It has a soft, kind of floral/powdery scent. It uses shea butter and sunflower seed oil to moisturize, and cucumber and ivy extracts to tighten the skin. I fell in love with the way this body butter felt on my skin, and really loved how my hands felt after I applied it to my body. It left such a silky powdery feeling on my hands.

Pink Papaya also has these really interesting Butter Lotion candles. You light the candle and allow a pool of warm oils and butters to form. After extinguishing the flame, you apply the blend of oils onto your skin. The candles retail for $18.00, and would be a great gift for the holidays!

All in all, I was really impressed with the Pink Papaya products and will continue to use their products. They also do direct selling through consultants who throw parties (anyone can sign up to throw their own party, if you're interested in doing this). For more information, I definitely recommend checking out their website!

**I received this item for free, on behalf of the brand or PR company to give my honest review and opinion.

Exude Lipstick and Contest!

2011-11-08T19:20:00.002-05:00

Working closely to packaging and formulas in the beauty industry, I am naturally intrigued when I see fun, innovative packaging. That's exactly what Exude Lipstick is about. It's a modern approach to applying lipstick and lipgloss, using a unique lipstick component that has a clear casing around the lip crème or gloss inside.

Teamed up with brand ambassador and style icon Rachel Zoe, Exude wanted to create a fun, revolutionary way for women to apply their lip products. Exude is able to retain its shape over time, and dispenses the perfect amount of product, mess-free.

Lucky for you, Exude is having a contest where you can enter to win some exciting goodies! All three winners will receive a complete set of all 14 colors of Exude Lipstick. The tiered prizes are made up of good 'ol cash!

First prize: cash prize of $2,000

Second place: cash prize of $1,000

Third place: cash prize of $500

To enter, Exude wants you to do the following:

1. Follow @exudelipstick on Twitter

2. Tweet the following message (copy & paste it into a Twitter status update): RT @rzrachelzoe My #1 fall beauty must-have? @exudelipstick! Win every shade & major cash prizes! http://bit.ly/tUf3Wu #bananas

After Exude randomly selects the three winners, they will announce them on their Twitter and Facebook accounts, so be sure to follow @exudelipstick on Twitter, and "Like" Exude Lipstick on Facebook.

Good Luck!

Recap from Aventura Lucky/Dior Pretty Party!

2011-11-07T20:10:00.001-05:00

As you may have read here, I was invited to attend a Lucky Magazine Dior Pretty Party here in South Florida last Friday. The event was hosted by Brittany of the blog Clumps of Mascara, and it was a hit!

We met at the Dior counter in Bloomingdales, and we were escorted to a private, sectioned off area in the back of the makeup department. We started off with some yummy cupcakes!

Cupcakes and makeup - what could be better? ;)

National Skincare Specialist, Sheba, walked us through some fun Dior facts, as well as a complete makeup application using Dior products. As she demonstrated the steps on several of the girls, Dior freelance makeup artists applied complete makeup looks on all of the guests.

This photo was taken by Alex Minor - our fabulous photographer for the evening!

We learned about some of the must-have Dior skincare products and cosmetics:

L’Or De Vie - This is a concentrated, yet light, refreshing eye cream. It absorbs into the skin, and anti-oxidants help to smooth skin around the eyes. The freelance artists prepped our makeup look by gently applying this cream to our eye area. Although I am young and don't have any wrinkles, I instantly saw that my eyes look awakened and radiant - I looked refreshed. This cream takes away any puffiness, and you can apply your concealer directly on top of it (or Dior Skinflash which I am going to talk about next!).

Skinflash - This product is a concealer and eye illuminator in one. It comes in three shades, and as it conceals and hides shadows, it brightens the eye area and gives skin a radiant glow. You can apply it to bare skin, under your foundation, or on top of it.

Brow Styler - This defining brow pencil is a must-have tool that fills-in, defines, and shapes. I found it really interesting that it only comes in one universally flattering shade, so women of all skin tones and hair color can use the exact same pencil.

Diorshow Maximizer - Part of the infamous Diorshow line, this is a lash primer serum that preps, primes, plumps, and lengthens lashes before mascara application. It also contains hydrolyzed soy proteins to strengthen lashes, and promote healthy lash growth and vitality.

Diorshow Mascara - This mascara needs no introduction - it is one of Dior's topsellers, and as part of the fun Dior trivia Sheba shared with us, we learned that one Diorshow Mascara is sold every 6 seconds! It thickens, lengthens, and curls, and result is perfect glamorous, black lashes.

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer - This lip plumping gloss gives lips an instant pick-me-up (without painful stinging or tingling that other lip plumping products tend to have). It has a refreshing cooling sensation, and also helps to stimulate your lips' natural collagen production. It helps maximize and contour lips in only 15 days, and can be worn alone, under your favorite colored gloss, or over lipstick.

We all learned a lot about these great Dior products, and had so much fun testing them all out!

Here's some of the damage done after some cupcakes and playing with the products

All in all, it was a fun, glamorous night of mingling and makeup...success!

A special thanks to Brittany for the invite, and to Lucky Magazine, Dior, and Bloomingdales for sponsoring this great event!

Pre-Party Post for Lucky Magazine's Dior Pretty Party

2011-11-03T15:19:00.000-04:00

I was lucky enough (no pun intended) to be invited to a Lucky Magazine Dior Pretty Party here in South Florida, by the lovely Brittany of Clumps of Mascara. I am so excited to be able to take advantage of a fun event like this, since many events I get invited to take place in NYC.

The event will be a fun, glam girls night that will include cupcakes, Dior beauty experts and artists, mini-makeovers, and tips and advice from the Dior beauty team! It's an exclusive, intimate event, but because some other guests can't make it, I even get to bring 2 friends along. I am super excited to get to meet other South Florida beauty gals and can't wait to mingle and play with all of the gorgeous Dior products! We will be live tweeting tomorrow night throughout the event (about 6-8pm), with the hashtag #LuckyDior, so be sure to follow me (@MakeupandManies) and keep an eye out for updates and pics from the event. You can also follow Brittany (@ClumpsofMascara) to catch her tweets and pics of the event (and just in general, since she always has some wise words and inspirational tweets!).

Check back for my post-party re-cap to see all of the details and happenings of the Pretty Party!

Wicked Hot: Rag & Bone Spring 2012 with Sultra Beauty

2011-10-19T18:36:00.003-04:00

Sultra Beauty was the official hair tool sponsor for the Spring 2012 Rag & Bone show at New York Fashion Week. They partnered with renowned hairstylist Guido Palau to create the laid back-yet-chic hairstyles that the models debuted on the runway, and I'm going to share one of fabulous tools that he used to achieve them.

Sultra's Limited Edition Wicked Gold Decadence One-Inch Wave and Straight Iron

This versatile iron is surprisingly lightweight compared to other styling tools. It has flexible plates that help to easily create waves and curls. It heats to 375ºF, (it has an "on" and "off" switch, as opposed to a temperature dial that some others have), and it releases constant, even heat, which is one of the traits Guido referred to when styling the Rag & Bone show. "...I love how I can straighten and wave with it, while maintaining heat all the way through and giving the perfect shape." To create the looks for the show, he blow-dried hair with Sultra's Sophisticate Power Dryer, and after adding extensions, he smoothed out the hair and created a crinkly wave using the Wicked Gold Decadence Iron.

I love using flat irons to curl and wave my hair. Not all flat irons are curl-capable, but this one makes quick and effortless curls - I snapped a few pics during my process of trying it out!

For those of you who aren't sure how to curl your hair with a flat iron, it might be a little hard for me to explain in words/photos, but I'll try:

Slide the iron about 2-inches down from the root, as if you are beginning to straighten your hair.
Keep that section of hair in between the two flat iron plates, and flip the entire iron over (in a curling motion).
Continue to flip iron over and over in a curling motion, and the rest of your hair should eventually be wrapped around the iron. Tip: If you want a more funky or wavy look, you can just flip the iron a couple of times, and leave a few inches on the bottom hanging out, so that you get a wave in the middle, and the bottom remains straight.
Hold for a few seconds, and release to reveal your curl.

The Limited Edition Wicked Gold Decadence Iron also came with a gold carrying case (it snaps open and zips up inside - perfect for travel). It also came with a (genius!) mat that you leave on your countertop so you can lay the hot iron on it while styling your hair so you don't burn your countertop!

Some more specs on the iron: Infrared rays heal the hair and seal the cuticle, uses Japanese Kyocera Ceramic Technology, heats up in seconds, auto-off (so that if you accidentally leave it on (guilty) you don't, you know, burn your house down), heat-resistant body, 9-foot no tangle swivel cord.

Sultra's Wicked Gold Decadence Iron will be available for purchase beginning November 1st on Sephora.com and Sultra.com.

**I received this item for free, on behalf of the brand or PR company to give my honest review and opinion.

Bridal Shower Outfit Recap

2011-10-07T20:36:00.001-04:00

Last weekend I attended a bridal shower for one of my closest friends. As most bridal showers are, it was a daytime/brunch-esque type of shower. I put together an outfit after nabbing this fabulous shirt that I found in JcPenney:

As soon as I spotted it in the store, I completely fell in love! (I didn't know it at the time, but as I searched their website for the link, I saw that this was one of People Stylewatch Editors' handpicked favorites!) It fit just like I wanted it to and was so chic looking and only $19.99 - plus I had a coupon for $10 off $45 so I managed to find another super cute top and some earrings to add up to $45, and managed to get my $10 discount. I paired the top with high-waisted beige shorts that I had previously found at Macy's on clearance ($15.00) a couple of months ago, and ordered these bad boys by Michael Antonio from DSW.com once I realized that none of the wedges I had matched just right ;)

Only $19.99, plus I had a coupon code for free shipping, and another for $5 off that wasn't working, so I called customer service and I got 2-day shipping for free (which I needed, since I ordered them that Monday and the shower was Saturday - didn't want to take any chances), and the $5 off! Can I just say that DSW has some of the most amazing customer service I have ever experienced! I'm never sitting on hold, and they are always willing to help with discounts and promo codes to help get you what you need.

I topped off this look with some fun gold bangles and a gold ring from Forever 21, and my favorite MK Gold Chronograph watch that I live and die for. This was a birthday present from almost 2 years ago (which I picked out), but Michael Kors watches are definitely great investments. I wear this watch all the time and absolutely LOVE it!

The look was a hit and I managed to get the top, shorts, and shoes for great deals and will definitely be wearing these pieces again in different ways!

Sodastreamin' and BzzAgent

2011-09-30T13:17:00.003-04:00

As my "About Me" and even my Twitter Bio states, I am obsessed with Diet Coke. I love love love it, especially when it comes to Fountain DC (yes, I abbreviate Diet Coke, as I know several of my friends and fellow DC fans do as well).

I know it's bad for me, and I have tried to cut back. I've tried to make the transition to selzter/soda water (not club soda, which has sodium in it). This is where this little beauty makes it's debut:

The Sodastream. I 've heard about it before, but have yet to use it. As some of you may know, I am a part of BzzAgent, a (genius!) word-of-mouth marketing program, which allows members to become part of campaigns where we try out new products and share our opinions and feedback with the BzzAgent community. They recently implemented a new program where instead of waiting for email invites to campaigns, they have a new product available everyday, and we just have to show them we are interested. So, this is my shoutout to BzzAgent HQ's about my interest in the Sodastream Fountain Jet Soda Maker Starter Kit. Not only can it make plain soda water, but flavored seltzer and sodas too! Here's to hoping it can ween me off of my DC addiction (of course, the occasional DC doesn't hurt!).

Exciting News from AVEENO - PLUS Another Giveaway!

2011-09-29T13:02:00.012-04:00

As you know, I have the amazing opportunity of being a part of AVEENO's Brand Ambassador

program, and I have an exciting contest AND a giveaway from AVEENO to share with you.

AVEENO is offering one inspiring mother a chance to win the ACTIVE NATURALS Inspiring Mom Contest! Starting September 19^th, go to http://Fitpregnancy.com/Aveeno and tell them (in 500 words or less) about an ACTIVE NATURALS Mom you know and love to enter her in the contest!

She could win a trip to California to meet AVEENO's panel of celebrity judges, Jessica Seinfeld (Founder of Baby Buggy), Peg Moline (Editor in Chief of Fit Pregnancy & Natural Health) and Lisa Druxman (M.A. founder of Stroller Strides) and $5,000 will be donated to Baby Buggy in her name!

Baby Buggy is an amazing organization founded by Jessica Seinfeld (yes, Jerry Seinfeld's wife) which works with a network of over 50 community based organizations to distribute new and gently used essentials: from cribs and strollers to clothing and bottles, all of which are vetted for safety. The organization was started in 2001 to offer donations and relief to families affected by 9/11 and 10 years later has donated over 5 million items to families in need.

GIVEAWAY FOR YOU!

Besides the contest, AVEENO offered each blogger who shares the contest on their blog, a giveaway for their readers. This means you guys! One lucky reader from my site will receive an AVEENO Baby or AVEENO Positively Radiant product – the winner gets to choose!

Color Club Nails: Fashion Week Highlights

2011-09-24T22:36:00.004-04:00

Color Club Nail Color has been making some noise in the nail color industry. Newly available at the consumer level, they took Fashion Week by storm with some exciting and interesting designs.

They started out at the bridal themed Imitation Show. Their lead manicurist, Fumiko Kano, featured Color Club’s Incognito, a pinky beige tone along with silver glitter and small rhinestones from Color Club’s Art Club nail art line.

They then took the stage at the Charlotte Ronson show, whose team who chose Color Club's Pret-a Pink shade (a pinky-nude), which they felt would be the perfect fit to Ronson's minimal yet feminine aesthetic.

After Lincoln Center, it was off to Milk Studios where Katie Gallagher’s “SS12 Red Red Blood” Presentation was debuted. Led by celebrity manicurist Alicia Torello, from the Wall Group, the nail team applied Color Club's Where’s the Soiree black on the underside of the nail, with two coats of Color Club’s Red-ical Gypsy on the nail. The long rounded nail was finished with a holepunch at the tip with a double layer of Gutermann thread (very interesting!).

Check out videos on the Imitation Show, and Fashion's Night Out/the Charlotte Ronson show!

Stila Does it Again for the Betsey Johnson Show

2011-09-17T13:39:00.002-04:00

Stila Cosmetics worked their magic again at the Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2012 show at this year's Fashion Week. Check out what they used and how they did it:

-stay all day waterproof liquid eye liner in alloy
-long wear liquid lip color in petal
-glamoureyes mascara
-all over shimmer powder in kitten
-eye shadow pans in compact in puppy

Get the entire Betsey Johnson Fashion Week look by Stila Cosmetics for just $40 (a $106 value!)

Alice + Olivia - Hot Off the Runway with Stila Cosmetics

2011-09-17T13:26:00.002-04:00

At this year's Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Week, Stila created a bright and colorful look for the Alice Olivia show. They used blues and greens for a vibrant and wide-eye look, while pops of color of cheeks and lips made for a fresh and wearable look.

What they used:

-convertible color ( lipstick and blush-in-one) in gerbera
-glamoureyes mascara
-sparkle waterproof liquid eye liner in electric (a bright aquamarine)
-eye shadow pans in compact in chinois (a matte whiteish-nude)
-eye shadow pans in compact in mystic (a slightly shimmery powder blue)

How they did it:

(You can click to enlarge the look)

Right now Stila has their Alice + Olivia Fashion Week Look package (all of the above) available for $40 (a $109 value)

Backstage Hair by Ricardo Rojas for Walter S/S 2012

2011-09-17T12:51:00.000-04:00

Ricardo Rojas has been a master stylist specializing in both cut and color for over 15 years. Ricardo has a unique approach to his trade, explaining that “Each client is an individual...it’s about understanding a client’s personality to really know what will work on her".

In the course of his career, Ricardo has styled countless celebrities for the world’s red carpet occasions, including the Academy Awards, the Grammys, the Cannes International Film Festival and a laundry list of movie premieres and charity galas. He also spent eight years as the personal stylist for Donatella Versace

For the Spring/Summer 2010 Walter Presentation this Fashion Week, Ricardo created a texturized style, perfect for the fashionista on the go.

INSPIRATION: Ricardo was inspired by the fast pace of New York City; he created a fashion forward look that was chic, edgy yet very wearable.

Ricardo explains how we can all achieve this same look at home:

Rough Dry the hair, applying a texturizing spray gel
Tease the roots, moving from back to front to create texture
Using the Tango Brush (from Ricardo's new brush line), he pulled the hair from the sides back first, then the front of the hair
Secure the hair with a rubber band, wrapping a strand of hair around to secure the pony.

Sounds easy enough! ;)

Aveeno Positively Radiant Eye Illuminator and GIVEAWAY!

2011-09-06T19:53:00.003-04:00

AVEENO has done it again and created another genius product. Their Eye Illuminator features their Active Naturals Total Soy Complex which is boosted with Vitamin B and light-diffusing technology to rejuvenate the under-eye area and help you look radiant, fresh, and awakened. AVEENO's Active Naturals Total Soy Complex was created by AVEENO's scientists, who found a unique way to process soybeans to retain their naturally active benefits. The complex evens skin tone and texture, resulting in radiant skin.

The product is in serum-form, and uses a brush applicator to easily apply around the eyes. The packaging is clean and innovative, and you simply squeeze (carefully, to ensure you don't release too much product), and the serum releases onto the brush. You massage the serum into the skin until it is absorbed. The vitamins and hydrating ingredients help with dark circles and dryness around the eye area. This product smells great - fresh and soothing!

The box is quite clever, revealing a flap that has additional information and instructions.

GIVEAWAY
Now for the ~~fun~~ even more fun part! I'm giving away one AVEENO Positively Radiant Eye Illuminator for one winner to call their own! To enter: Simply leave a comment below telling me your favorite natural thing -it can be anything in the world - whether it's a fruit or vegetable, a particular natural/organic beauty product, swimming in a waterfall - anything natural! :)

For an extra entry, you can tweet about my giveaway. You can copy the following tweet: @MakeupandManies is giving away one AVEENO Eye Illuminator! RT and enter here: http://bit.ly/pmfWkR

The giveaway ends Friday, September 16 at 11:59 EST. The winner will be randomly selected and announced by Sunday, September 18.
You must be a US resident, and if under the age of 18, you must have a parent or guardian's permission to enter.

Good Luck!

**I am an AVEENO Ambassador and I received this item for free, on behalf of the brand to give my honest review and opinion.

App Love - DailyGlow Nail Polish App

2011-08-07T20:41:00.000-04:00

DailyGlow has created a super fun app that allows you to try different nail polish shades and patterns on your very own nails! I'm going to walk you through the basics, and then show you some fun I had with it!

It starts with a "default" hand

(P.S. notice the huge bling she's rockin')

If you take a look at the menu on the bottom, you can choose from options such as "Change Photo", which allows you to quickly snap a photo of your own hand with your phone's camera. You can make the nails shorter or longer, and thicker or thinner so that they will properly fit onto the hand. "Select Nails" brings up a long menu of different polish and design choices that you can select from.

Now for some fun! I am a HUGEEEEEE fan of the hit TV show Jerseylicious on the Style Network. I have never missed an episode since it premiered, and it is just so drama-filled and addictive, I can't help it! If you've ever watched it, you must be familiar with the long, LONG acrylic claws these girls have that they call nails. Usually french-mani, but one of my favorite girls, Olivia, has recently been donning animal pattern and blinged-out designs (sometimes a different design on each finger).

Exhibit A (Tracy from Jerseylicious)

Exhibit B (Olivia from Jerseylicious)

Exhibit C (Tracy again, with an even longer, "flaired" french mani that she has been sporting this season)

These are OOC! (Out of Control)

I decided to play around with the DailyGlow app, and make some "Jerseylicious" nails of my own. Have a look at my creations:

First Up: the Classic Jersey Zebra

Next we have: Jersey Bling a la Olivia

Next up: A Very Jersey Christmas

Last, but not least: the everyday Jersey French Mani

I also did an example of how you can shorten the nails, and chose this Kate Spade-esque design

If you have a smartphone and are able to download apps, I highly recommend you download the (FREE!) DailyGlow Nail Polish app and have some fun of your own! Also, here's a tip, since I had to make the nails thinner in width to fit the photo I took of my hand, it was easier to apply them once I turned my phone upside down, so I could line the edges up with my cuticles (otherwise it's really hard to see the cuticles and it's more difficult to place the nails).

Also, if you haven't seen Jerseylicious (this post is not endorsed by them, I just truly love the show), I highly recommend that you check it out, and definitely let me know what you think! Be sure to share your nail creations with me too!

Some Parisian Love

2011-08-06T10:09:00.001-04:00

Bath and Body Works has a new Paris Amour collection, and you can take the body lotion for a test drive for $1! They are currently running a promotion where you can purchase the 2oz signature lotion (originally $3.50) for just a buck!

Bath and Body work’s Signature Body Lotion formula is fortified with super conditioning ingredients including Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin for protection and hydration. It absorbs quickly to allow skin to feel soft and nourished, rather than greasy.

The exclusive Paris Amour is a blend of French tulips, apple blossoms and sparkling pink champagne, “inspired by a romantic stroll through the streets of Paris”.

Key Fragrance Notes: French Tulips, Apple Blossoms, and Pink Champagne

The travel-size Paris Amour Fragrance Mist has the same French Tulip, Apple Blossom, and Pink Champagne blend as the body lotion, but with added notes:

Top: Sparkling Mandarin, Petite Strawberry, Cassis, Pink Champagne, Apple Blossom, Dewy Freesia
Middle: Luscious Peach, Jasmine Petals, French Tulip, Water Lily, Frangipani
Dry: French Vanilla, Coconut Milk, Amber Wood, Sandalwood, Creamy Musk

Recap of Pop-up Boutique Launch

2011-07-23T22:35:00.000-04:00

Thursday night I attended the launch of the Global Fashion Brands/Farasha Boutique pop-up shop in Downtown West Palm Beach.

I love my new camera, but for some reason, certain inside lighting sometimes gives my photos a yellow tint :(

I was greeted with a goodie bag of beauty and hair samples, and entered the over 5,000 square foot boutique, which was filled with racks and racks of bright colored clothing. This boutique definitely screamed summer!

We were also offered cocktails made with Blue Feather Vodka, one of the event's sponsors.

There was a makeup section with KROMA Makeup, and was told that they would be having a great deal on their brow shapings this weekend while the boutique was open.

...And a Redken hair station for touch-ups, staffed with stylists from The Sanctuary Salon & Spa in West Palm Beach.

There was also a dermatology expert as well as an esthetician from The Sanctuary Salon & Spa, giving skincare analyses and showing off products from Dermalogica.

All--in-all, we had a great time! This was the launch event, held the night before the boutique was open to the public, but on this busy main street of Downtown West Palm Beach, the pop-up boutique is sure to be a success!

Fashion in Florida - Fashion Pop-up Shop in West Palm Beach and GIVEAWAY!

2011-07-18T21:12:00.003-04:00

If you haven't heard of Global Fashion Brands (GFB), it's a social e-commerce site that connects savvy shoppers to independent designers and retailers. It's a great, interactive platform for learning about local or independent brands that you otherwise might not be exposed to. It's brought to you by Nolcha, the infamous company that promotes the independent fashion market.

Being based in Florida, I basically cry every time I get an invite to something based in NYC, so I am thrilled that Global Fashion Brands is coming to Florida this week for an amazing event and pop-up boutique! They are partnering with Farasha Boutique, a women’s retail clothing and accessories pop-up concept, where they open temporary boutiques throughout the U.S., featuring one-of-a-kind pieces, which can later be found on their e-commerce store for a limited time.

Well, July 22nd – 31st, 11am – 9pm daily, South Florida fashionistas are invited to come shop, and see for themselves what these great independent designers have to offer. The pop-up boutique will be in Downtown West Palm Beach (218 Clematis St. in a space provided by WGCompass Realty Companies), and will feature independent fashion and jewelry brands including: Estela Balan, Body Rock Sport, Perfect Tan Bikini, Adolfo Sanchez, Margaret Miller, Monica Macha, and more!

It's going to be a 5100 sq ft pop-up boutique complete with a Fashion Lounge for guests to relax and receive style advice, and a Beauty Bar, July 22 – 24, offering mini facials, and hand and massage treatments.

Now for the (even more) fun part...a giveaway!!! This giveaway will really only excite local South Floridians, as 5 lucky fashionistas will win entry to the exclusive invite only launch party this Thursday, July 21 (the night before the pop-up boutique...pops-up).

Winners will enjoy cocktails from Blue Feather Vodka, and spa pampering from The Sanctuary Salon and Spa, while networking with industry professionals and fellow fashionistas! To enter, just comment below and tell me what unique fashion or jewelry piece you would hope to find at the pop-up boutique! Personally, I would love to fun some fun, interesting bangle bracelets...you can never have enough! (As winners will have to get to the event on their own, it is best if only local candidates enter to win).

For an extra entry, you can tweet the following:

South Florida: Win a ticket to the invite only launch party for Global Fashion Brands' pop-up boutique in West Palm! http://bit.ly/qt72kf

For those that can't visit the boutique, designs will be housed online at www.globalfashionbrands.com.

Jessica Szohr & Softer Underarms, a Winning Combination!

2011-07-14T23:46:00.006-04:00

As some of you know, Dove has launched their gosleeveless campaign, featuring the girl-next-door bombshell we all love to hate on Gossip Girl, Jessica Szohr (who plays Vanessa). (You can check out a behind the scenes video on Jessica's Dove photoshoot here). The Dove campaign is all about their newest Ultimate gosleeveless deodorant, which I was lucky enough to get to try out. First off, I am a HUGE Dove deodorant fan, and it is definitely my go-to brand of choice for deodorant. I have been using it for as long as I can remember, and not only are they comfortable, and really work, but they smell amazing!

The Ultimate gosleeveless is an anti-perspirant/deodorant with unique ¼ moisturizers and vitamins E and F. Not only is it designed to protect from wetness and odor, but the ingredients replenish underarm skin, to actually leave your underarm feeling softer and smoother. The whole concept is that in just five days, you will have beautiful underarms.

Ladies and Gentleman (hey, maybe some gentleman want softer underarms too!), I am here to happily report that in fact, my underarms do feel softer. Now, I'm not saying I had some crocodile skin underarms before, but I have been consistently using this deodorant since I received it a couple of weeks ago, and I really do believe that it has moisturized my skin and protected it from dryness and irritation. From time to time (especially during summer months when I wear sleeveless tops/dresses more often), I sometimes get slight razor burn or underarm irritation from shaving so much, and I have to say, my underarms have stayed pretty soft and moisturized since I have been using this deodorant. I would definitely recommend checking out this deodorant, especially if you are already a beloved Dove deodorant fan!

**I received this item for free, on behalf of the brand or PR company to give my honest review and opinion.

Feathers in my Hair

2011-07-08T21:06:00.002-04:00

So...I might be a little late posting about the trend, but I'm not that late on joining the pack. Today is exactly 3 weeks since I DIYed installed my feather extenstions. I stay installed because I chose to put in the extensions with the crimp bead, that basically won't come out until I take them out. I happy to report that now, 3 weeks later, I am still in love with my feathers. I actually forget that they are there, since they are lightweight and not bothersome.

Jennifer Love Hewitt sporting her feathered locks.

I ordered mine from ebay (from starasiastarr), who I would highly recommend for her fast shipping and HUGE selection! My package came with my choice of 5 feathers (I chose mostly neutrals, so they would blend in, but still stand out, from my dirty blonde hair: black and white grizzly, golden yellow grizzly, blond badger, black and brown grizzly, and a red and black grizzly, which is the only one that I did not put in, but I threw it in for good measure to have a funky one on hand if my mood calls for it). She also includes printed instructions, 4 crimp beads (color of your choice), and a small piece of flexible (plastic?) wire, which you will need in order to "install" the feathers. I applied the golden yellow grizzly, and black and brown grizzly together in one crimp bead fairly close to the top of my head, leaving about a half an inch layer of hair to lay on top of it to hide the (barely visible) bead. I then combined the black and white grizzly, and blonde badger feathers, and put them in near the nape of my neck, on the very left, so that when my hair is down, they lay underneath, but are still visible. They were really easy to install and I was so happy with the results!

For those of you who are feather-extension-commitment-phobes, I have some news for you! Sultra has launched a line of temporary clip-in feather extensions, so you can all join in on the feather-fun! Each extension clip comes with 4 different feathers attached, and they currently have 3 different color-combinations available for purchase online at Sephora.

The clip-ins are $25, and can be washed and curled, just like the semi-permanent extensions. The great thing is that they can be put in and removed as you please, so you can take them out for not-so-feather-appropriate occasions. (Although, I mean, when would you NOT want feathers in your hair ;) )

Skin Tips from Celeb Dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu

2011-06-04T09:05:00.004-04:00

Celebrity Dermatologist and author of "Feed Your Face", Dr. Jessica Wu, works with AVEENO and is sharing some great tips and tricks to keep your skin at it's best.

TIP #1
Many people don’t realize this but the condition of your skin has at least 50% to do with the food you eat – Choosing to eat the right foods is as important as choosing the right skin care ingredients. To keep your skin looking youthful, be sure to have some protein at every meal, since collagen (which keeps your skin firm) and elastic tissue (which helps it bounce back) are both made of protein. This will also help keep your blood sugar stable, which fights acne, rashes, and wrinkles.

TIP #2
Everyone focuses on what you can't eat, not what you can. You do not need to starve for good skin. For example, EAT PIZZA! Start with whole wheat thin crust, go light on the cheese and load it with tomato sauce and green & yellow veggies. Yum!

TIP #3
Incorporating tomatoes into your diet or preparing foods with tomato paste has been shown to help skin by protecting it from sun burn and sun damage. This is because tomatoes contain a high concentration of lycopene, a strong antioxidant. For best results, the tomatoes need to be cooked or processed. Also using a product like AVEENO®’s Positively Radiant Moisturizer with Total Soy Complex will assist with Sun Damaged Skin. Over time, the Total Soy complex naturally evens tones, smoothes texture and softens skin.

TIP #4
For clear skin, stay away from dairy. Milk cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products have been linked to acne breakouts. In recent years, research has shown that dairy is inflammatory, which means that is leads to redness, swelling, and pus – all of which can worsen pimples. Try switching to soy milk or almond milk: just make sure you are getting calcium another way. Also using a product like AVEENO®’s SMART ESSENTIALS™ Pore Purifying Facial Wash will restore radiance and rejuvenates the complexion.

TIP #5
The Omega 3 fatty acids in fish are shown to stimulate blood circulation, benefitting the cardiovascular system. Omega-3s have been linked with prevention and treatment of skin disorders. Also using a product like AVEENO®’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion with its unique natural oatmeal formula helps prevent and protect dry skin.

If you have a question for Dr. Wu, let me know, and I will pass it along!

Johnson & Johnson Summer Beauty Suggestions

2011-06-04T08:37:00.007-04:00

Being an Aveeno Ambassador, I also get useful beauty info & tips, such as Johnson & Johnson product suggestions for their Summer Beauty Regimen, which I am going to share with you.

Cleansing

Especially after a hot, humid day in the sun, cleansing is extremely important to rid your pores of dirt and replenish your face and body. First up is AVEENO SMART ESSENTIALS Pore Purifying Wash. This cleanses and removes impurities, without drying out your skin.
Next is CLEAN & CLEAR MORNING BURST Body Wash collection which is infused with BURSTING BEADS with fruit extracts to stimulate your senses.

Moisturize, Protect, Replenish

Moisturize with SMART ESSENTIALS^™ Daily Nourishing Moisturizer with SPF 30.

Protect by spraying on AVEENO^® Hydrosport Sunblock Spray (comes in SPF 50 and SPF 85), specifically designed for wet, dry, or sweaty skin.

Replenish by applying RoC MULTI CORREXION LIFT Anti-Gravity Night Cream's PROTIENT to firm and moisturize skin after a day in the sun.

For the Boys

We all know that guys want a simple, no-brainer skincare regimen that won't take them any more time than it would to slap some lotion on their face and call it a day. Well, that's what they can do with the LUBRIDERM Men's 3-in-1 body/face/post-shave lotion. This is a fragrance-free lotion, with minerals and essential moisturizers, can be used as a body, face, and post-shave lotion. This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula moisturizes and soothes skin, so men's dry skin issues can be solved in one step with a single bottle.

This month's AVEENO Pledge

2011-06-04T08:26:00.003-04:00

As a reminder, AVEENO and Recyclebank have partnered for the "Be and Active Natural" initiative. Each month, AVEENO posts a new pledge on their Facebook page to make the world we live in a better, more healthy place to live, which they encourage their fans to take (no cost involved). Your pledges add up to points, which you can later redeem for coupons and goodies!

This month's AVEENO rewards available from Recyclebank include:
▪ A coupon for $2 off any AVEENO product
▪ A free Eco-Tote, plus a sample of AVEENO Postitively Radiant SPF 30, and a free issue of
Travel + Leisure magazine.
▪Free pair of AVEENO^® sunglasses, plus a sample of AVEENO^®Positively Radiant^® SPF 30

June 2011 Pledge

AVEENO Road To Healthy Skin Tour

2011-05-02T20:26:00.006-04:00

As I've mentioned before, AVEENO has amazing initiatives to not only keep our world clean and healthy, but to keep you healthy. For the 4th year, the "Road to Healthy Skin Tour". they partner with the Skin Cancer Foundation, and travel to a cities around the country to give you a free full body skin cancer screening, the latest skin cancer information, and AVEENO sunscreen samples along with free copies of Fitness magazine!

Check out the tour locations and dates to see when they will be coming to a city near you. (You can search by date, or state)

To add to their skin-safety initiatives, AVEENO has launched their HYDROSPORT^™ sun block collection, which is specially designed with waterproof technology that adheres directly to wet skin, to protect it from harmful UVA/UVB rays.

AVEENO explains that "this groundbreaking collection is powered by the latest exclusive ACTIVE NATURALS^® Lotus Wax Complex, which provides naturally-derived water repelling technology for long-lasting broad- spectrum, photostable coverage."

They have also just launched their NATURAL PROTECTION sun block line, which is uniquely formulated with 100% naturally-sourced MINERALBLOCK Technology. This extra gentle collection is marketed under their "Baby" collection, but really, can be used by anyone.

It combines skin-soothing ACTIVE NATURALS^® oat and MINERALBLOCK Technology to ensure that delicate skin is protected and not irritated.This technology is a natural alternative which combines Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to provide superior, long-lasting sun protection.

Be sure to check out their Facebook page to see this month's pledge, and be sure to take part in each pledge to be a part of the Active Natural campaign, and to redeem your pledge points for prizes!

Do the 'Do

2011-05-02T19:57:00.004-04:00

As an AVEENO Recyclebank Ambassador, I receive exclusive and exciting beauty news.

Patrick Melville is a renowned celebrity stylist and the official spokesperson and branding consultant for AVEENO. AVEENO is sharing some of Patrick's favorite red-carpet celebrity looks and tips on how you can achieve the same looks at home.

Get the Look: Vibrant, Red-Carpet Hair Trends with AVEENO® and Patrick Melville.

This blunt fringe cut as seen on Sandra was a big trend on the runways this past New York Fashion Week. To get a look like Sandra’s, Patrick advises to shampoo and condition with AVEENO®’s Nourish+ Smooth line. Then apply a small amount of smoothing gel throughout from root to end. Blow-dry hair straight with a Mason Pearson brush. Take a little bit of hairspray and mist all over to knock down any flyways and brush hair again throughout with the Mason Pearson.

Here's what it takes to get this Hollywood Glamour look at home: shampoo and condition your locks with the new AVEENO® Living Color line. Next, towel dry out excess moisture and apply a volumizing mouse at the roots and soft hold gel creme throughout. Comb hair to make sure that product is evenly distributed throughout hair. Blow-dry hair with a Mason Pearson brush to lock in shine. Roll hair in hot rollers making sure to roll hair under except for the top sections. Make sure the front sections along the hairline are rolled forward. Let hair completely cool and take out rollers. Brush hair into shape using a Mason Pearson and help create those soft smooth beautiful waves. Spray hairspray on hands and smooth hair over to get rid of any flyways.

This is blunt fringe variation on Olivia is stunning and very easy to achieve at home. Shampoo and Condition with AVEENO®’s Nourish+ Smooth line. Apply a small amount of volumizing mousse at the roots and smoothing gel from root to end. Blow-dry hair straight from root to ends with a Mason Pearson brush. When hair is completely dry, flip hair upside down and spray with hairspray (try AVEENO®’s NOURISH+ STYLE Fortifying Hairspray). Throw hair back and brush over with Mason Pearson and gently run fingers through the hair to smooth over and add texture.

To get this look at home, shampoo and condition with AVEENO®’s Nourish+ Volumize line. Apply a volumizing mouse and soft hold gel creme. Blow-dry with a pure bristle round brush and set hair in large hot rollers from ends to root rolling up. Roll the front section forward and let the rollers completely cool before taking out. When complete, brush through with Mason Pearson and mist all over with hairspray to hold the wave (try AVEENO® NOURISH+ STYLE Fortifying Hairspray).

Try these looks at home with your favorite AVEENO products, for a glamorous Red Carpet 'do.

Made From Earth

2011-04-11T21:36:00.009-04:00

I recently got the opportunity to try out a variety of products from Made from Earth*. Their philosophy is "excellent customer service for high quality and healthy ingredients". All of their products are completely natural and organic. They do not use any synthetic or toxic ingredients, and literally stand by their brand name, "Made from Earth".

First up, Tea + Protein Herbal Shampoo

This shampoo is infused with plant-based ingredients, tea tree, and whole wheat proteins. I actually love that each product label tells an ingredient story, which explains the specialized ingredients, the history behind them, and how they are beneficial. (Very educational shower-reading material.) ;) This shampoo smelled delicious (almost as delicious as the Peppermint Conditioner, which is up next). The directions actually state to leave the shampoo in your hair for 2 minutes, to let the proteins activate and set in. I lathered up, and let the shampoo set in. It didn't lather up as much as some shampoos, but I still felt like it was doing it's job in cleaning my hair.

Yummm.....Peppermint Herbal Conditioner

This conditioner is like a warm peppermint treat for my hair. The peppermint aroma mixed in with the hot steam of the shower was so soothing and therapeutic. I really love for conditioners to be super thick and de-tangling, and this one wasn't quite as de-tangling as I would have liked, but this also could have been because it is made of up 100% natural ingredients.

After using some more, I was still able to coat my hair and de-tangle as I normally would have. I really let it sit in my hair before rinsing it out. The conditioner states that "It's oil is useful for hair care as it gives a cooling effect while leaving a "waxy" coating on the hair. The conditioner forms a protective layer over each hair, and restores moisture to hair follicles." The "waxy" part made me a little nervous, but the conditioner rinsed out and didn't leave any kind of waxy texture that I could feel on my hair. My hair still felt light and smooth.

Lip Balms

I received the Citrus Fresh and Vanilla Lip Balms. The citrus uses a blend of Vitamin C, Sunflower Oil, and Beeswax, and the Vanilla ingredients include Organic Vanilla Essential Oil, Rosemary Extract, Beeswax, and Organic Jojoba Oil. They are both moisturizing and smooth, and again, I love the fact that they use completely organic ingredients, especially because of the sweet flavors, I ~~almost~~ end up devouring most of it off of my lips.

Last up...Rosehip + Hibiscus Facial Serum

This Face Serum has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which help regenerate and repair damaged skin tissue. I liked that the serum wasn't thick or greasy, and it really absorbed into my skin. It felt light and fresh on my face, and it is chock-full of so many vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids, and natural oils. I have only used it a few times, so I'm excited to keep using it to see how my skin feels and changes.

*I received these items for free, on behalf of the company to give my honest review and opinion.

Quick OBSESSION post!

2011-04-09T00:12:00.005-04:00

Today as I was doing my daily scope online for all the hottest beauty and fashion news, I came across an AMAZING discovery...especially for someone like me, who as all my friends and family know, I am admittedly ADDICTED to Diet Coke.

Drum roll please....................

........................

GORGEOUS DIET COKE BOTTLES DESIGNED BY KARL LAGERFELD!!!! (Sorry for the caps, but I am superrrr excited!!!)

Karl has apparently lost nearly 100 pounds, crediting a lot to the beloved diet soda. "It's exciting for me because I love the idea and as everybody knows, I drink Diet Coke and nothing else, night and day," Lagerfeld said in a statement about the collaboration."

(One of the campaign photos)

They are launching in Europe this month, and in the US in June, but I haven't been able to find out what stores they will be launching in! If anyone hears of anything, PLEASE let me know because I need to own all 3 of these bottles! In the meantime, here are some pics I was able to find from the chic Karl Lagerfeld/Diet Coke Launch Party in Europe.

(via Access Atlanta)

AVEENO and Recyclebank

2011-04-07T21:28:00.008-04:00

I am so excited to be a part of the Aveeno/Recyclebank Ambassador Program. I am going to be bringing you exciting news and info on AVEENO's newest initiatives and products.

First, I want to mention how incredible the Aveeno brand's positioning and actions are. They really try and teach consumers about how to be the change, and they really inform the public about what can be done to literally make the world a better world to live in.

They have just launched an amazing Facebook campaign that I urge you all to take part in. Their "Be An Active Natural" campaign is all about encouraging you guys to take your first step towards a more beautiful Earth.

To take part in this campaign and be a part of the chance, the first step is to "Like" Aveeno on Facebook (which you probably already have, right ;) ). Next, you will join Aveeno's monthly "pledges" (don't worry, there are no costs involved). These pledges are simply small actions you can take each month, which Aveeno will post on their Facebook page, to improve your habits to help create a better world (it could be to inform and educate someone on something, or make a small change to your daily routine to reduce energy or pollution). Your pledges will turn to points, which in turn can eventually be used to redeem prizes such as products, coupons, etc...
(P.S. - If you "Like" them, right now they have a $1 off coupon available)

Aveeno also has some very exciting events up their sleeve - one which launched today in NYC! Aveeno actually created a pop-up forest, smack in the middle of Times Square! The idea was to really educate the public about sustainability, and how they can contribute to the environment and make a positive impact. They also had pledging stations on-site, where people could jump-start their pledging process by joining the Facebook page and taking their pledge.

Here are a few pictures that Recyclebank shared with me from today's successful event (since I am not in the NYC area, and was unfortunately unable to attend).

Head to their Facebook page to check out their current campaign and pledges, and keep an eye out for my future postings on Aveeno updates and goodies!

The Bee's Knees

2010-01-14T20:07:00.007-05:00

I received the opportunity to test out some Burt's Bees face products.* I love Burt's Bees lip balm and lotion, so I was excited to see these cleansing products from their "Natural Acne Solutions" line. I don't have acne, but everyone gets bothersome pimples every once and a while, and I don't mind using "acne" face products as a preventative measure for pimples.

The first product I tested was their Natural Acne Solutions Purifying Gel Cleanser.

This cleanser has salicylic acid (which I often look for in my face products, since this is an active ingredient that prevents/gets rid of pimples. It also has willow bark extract, which I have never heard of, but Burt's Bees says it contains natural Beta Hydroxy Acids, which penetrates pores to help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts, and works as a natural skin exfoliant. This face wash has a very strong lemony-scent, so if you don't think you would be a fan of that, this might not be the cleanser for you. It's not my favorite scent, but it does make me feel like it is doing a good job cleansing. Since it is more like a gel, it doesn't really foam, but my face does feel very clean after.

The second product I got to test, was their Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment.

This product also has salicylic acid and willow bark extract, as well as extracts such as tea tree and borage extract, which are meant to reduce redness, soothe skin, and promote smooth, soft skin in a natural way. The spot treatment also had that strong lemon smell, and since you don't wash this product off, the scent might linger for a little while before it goes away. I have been using this if I see a blemish start developing, or if I get a pimple. There is no "applicator" with this product, but I found if you take a Q-tip, and soak it by flipping the bottle upside down (the treatment comes out of a tiny "nose" of the bottle), and then hold the soaked Q-tip to the pimple you want to apply it to, it works pretty well.

*I received these products for free to test/review through BzzAgent, a word-of-mouth marketing company.

My Savvy Holiday Tips!

2009-12-17T19:59:00.006-05:00

I do a lot of shopping, and whether shopping online, or on a tight budget, I have some great tips to make getting through the holiday shopping season a little easier. This is a pretty easy post since I do most of these things! ;)

Never buy online without searching for a coupon code!

One of my FAVE websites is Retail Me Not. You search by retailer/website and can find any coupon codes that exist out in the cyber world. I have saved tons of money this way! Some sites even let you use more than one coupon code at a time.

Don't waste your money on expensive wrapping paper and ribbons

Dollar stores have some great inexpensive wrapping supplies. They offer wrapping paper, bows, rippons, gift bags, and tissue paper. Sometimes I have found tissue paper printed with patterns or designs, and was able to use that as wrapping paper for smaller gifts. Another great idea is to take plain white or brown craft paper, and paint it with designs, stencils, or stamps made from sponge. You can also use it plain, and dress the packages up with some fun ribbons.

Check out off-price retailers.

Stores like TJMAXX, Marshalls, and Ross often have brand name products for crazy, inexpensive prices! They carry designer perfumes, beauty/makeup items, home goods, purses, wallets, etc. You can also find great gifts like candles, jewelry boxes, stationary, and much more. It's usually hit or miss in these types of stores, but I have scored some major goodies for great prices.

Make sure to check the store's websites, newspaper ads, or for printable in-store offers before shopping.

Department stores often run ads in the newspaper, and offer coupons in their Sunday circulars. You can also do a search online for printable coupons for the stores you are planning on going to, and go directly to their website to see if they offer coupons you can print off their site. Check a few stores you know you will hit on your shopping excursion and you may save some bucks!

Price check online, shop around, and ask about price-matching

If you are looking for something specific (especially when it comes to appliances and electronics), check several stores online before you head out, to see who has the best deal. It's a pain to buy something, and then see it cheaper the next day. It might be a good idea to call ahead, and make sure it is the same price in-store as it is online. If not, ask if they are willing to match the in-store price to the price they are advertising online, or print out the page online, and bring it to the store with you - maybe a manager would offer to match the price. (This can work with competitors as well - print/bring the ad with the lower price, and see if another retailer would be willing to match it).

I hope you found these tips helpful! Remember, these aren't just holiday tips! Keep them in mind for birthdays and other occasions, and also when just shopping for products for yourself!

Running on MK Time!

2009-12-09T20:24:00.008-05:00

So, my birthday was last Saturday, and I got the Michael Kors watch I wanted! :) It was neither of the one's I posted about before, but rather the beauty below:

L-O-V-E

I have been super busy lately, but did have my E.L.F. MUAH Party and will share pics soon! I'm getting super excited about the holiday season--love the music, movies, even holiday-themed commercials...it all puts me in such a good mood! Now, working in the beauty industry doesn't leave me with a lot of cosmetics products to "wish" for during the holiday season, so I've decided to share a items that I do have my eye on for the holidays:

First, this ADORABLE gold-filled bow ring from sparklethots' Etsy shop

Now, I am usually weary of products that aren't solid gold, however, gold-filled lasts a lot longer than gold-plated, and sparklethots assured me that it is high-quality, and she has been wearing hers for more than 6 months, and says it still looks great. I don't plan on showering with it or getting it any more wet than when I just wash my hands, so I'm hoping for the best! Plus, for less than $35, it's a steal.

Something else I have my eye on is this super chic curling iron.

Instead of having the "clamp" like mouth piece which you push down in order to put your hair around the barrel, this is just a simple ceramic rod that comes in a variety of sizes (there are cones that get a little smaller, or straight rods in one side). The ceramic rod heats up and gives perfect, frizz-free, smooth curls. I used one of my friend's over the summer, and totally fell in love. I believe several brands make this style iron (they even sell it in the kiosks in the middle of the mall, however those are def overpriced). This brand is Le Angelique and seems to have some great reviews.

It's hard for myself to even believe that I'm having a hard time thinking of some other things I really want. I mean, I'm sure if I went shopping I would find things I want, but wanting instant gratification, I would probably just buy it right then and there. Being a kid, you're usually always surprised with the gifts you're given, but now it's kind of like a "What do you want and I'll get it for you" kind of thing with my parents/bf. I do miss the element of surprise in gifts, so I'm hoping for some of that this year!

Perk Up Your PC....With an OPI Mani!

2009-11-07T13:37:00.005-05:00

If you haven't yet heard, OPI and Dell have teamed up so that you can now get a Dell Mini, Inspiron, or Studio laptop in one of your fave OPI shades. There are currently 20 of OPI's classic colors to choose from, and six limited time shades (currently now from the Holiday Collection), which will vary by season. These OPI models are currently available in the Dell Design Studio, and select OPI shades will be sold in retail outlets. As Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive Vice President & Artistic Director, stated, “And now, with Dell laptops that coordinate with OPI Nail Lacquers, you can match your nails to your emails!” Well said Suzi. These new OPI color matching laptops are the new, ultimate accessory! You can also check out the color selection on OPI's website (where I took the screenshots from).

Fall is in the Air

2009-11-02T20:16:00.004-05:00

I love Fall. I love the cool, crisp weather (although here in South Florida, it takes a while for it to get here), I love pumpkin everything--pie, candles, bread, coffee, and a few months ago, I came across a product which I fell in love with, and it seems fitting to share it with you for Fall.

It's Slatkin & Co. Concentrated Room Spray in Kitchen Spice from Bath and Body Works. Now, if you're thinking "Kitchen Spice?", yes I know it might not sound like it would smell delightfully like fall but o-m-g, does it! I like it better than their cinnamon, vanilla, and even pumpkin scents ( <--and that says a lot!) They also have a Creamy Nutmeg scent which is very similar to Kitchen Spice.

The Kitchen Spice scent is almost a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin, and some other aromas that I just can't put my finger on (they don't list ingredients on the bottle). You really only need 1 spray to scent up your room (the bottle suggests 2, but I guess it depends how big the room is which you're spraying). I prefer this to lighting my candles (even though they also smell delish), but the candles' scents aren't as strong, and definitely don't kick in as soon (the room spray is immediate). The strength of the scent doesn't last for hours, but if you are looking for some instant gratification with a delicious kick, this is definitely a great product. It fades after a while, but still lingers around. (The Bath and Body Works site claims "400 hours of amazing scent in each little bottle") It's also great to spray a few mintues before guests come over, for your office, your car, or your hotel room while you're on vacay to make your room more "homey" feeling. Each bottle retails for about $5, and unless you use it like crazy, it lasts a good amount of time.

Now You Can Look AND Smell "Very Hollywood"

2009-11-01T11:45:00.004-05:00

Michael Kors and Sephora are bringing you a chic, glamorous Very Hollywood Solid Perfume Cocktail Ring. If you love MK's Very Hollywood scent, you are going to love this ring.

The ring is luxurious, and stylish, and has the notes of Mandarin, Gardenia, and Vetiver that Michael Kors' newer Very Hollywood fragrance is known for. The ring is $40, so it's a great deal for getting a chic cocktail ring along with the solid perfume.

The ring is a pretty large piece, but still doesn't look gaudy. It only comes in a size 7, but if your index, middle, or ring fingers aren't a size 7, this piece would still look great for show on top of your dresser, or it's convenient and light enough to keep in your purse so that you can apply/reapply perfume when you're on the go! It's only available at Sephora, and you can order it online.

Cheap Polish Finds for Fall

2009-11-01T10:59:00.005-05:00

While I was going about some errands at my local Walmart, I came across two great shades of Pure Ice nail polish that are perfect (and cheap!) finds for the Fall.

First, is Kiss Me Here. After doing a little research, I found out the the Pure Ice brand is part of a larger umbrella brand called, Bari Cosmetics Ltd. I visited the website hoping to find some photos of my new found polish purchases, however, the image they had for Kiss Me Here (the gray shade below), looked nothing like the actual product I purchased. You can see there's here (it looks like there's glitter in it), and compare it to the picture I took below.

I have been craving a flat/non-shimmery gray to add to my polish collection, and was thinking about purchasing Essie's new Chinchilly shade, but this polish prices in at $2, and was the exact gray I wanted.

The second Pure Ice shade I picked up was Scandal. (The image on Bari Cosmetics Ltd. website is more accurate for this shade and you can see it here) but I also took my own photo shown below.

This color is a very dark plum (kind of reminds me of OPI's Linkin Park After Dark, but doesn't quite look as black after the second coat, which Linkin Park tends to do). It's a perfect, rich, dark color for Fall, and for those of you who like dark shades, but don't necessarily like to wear actual black polish, this is a great option. For those of you who do like black, but want to change it up, or are looking for an alternative, this is a great choice (especially for only $2!)

I'm getting my mani this Thursday, so I'll be bringing these 2 colors along--not sure which one I want to get yet, but I'll be taking one of these for a test drive this week!

A Little Taste of Summer

2009-10-21T22:06:00.020-04:00

The cooler winter months are fast approaching, but you can still have a little taste of summer. Drop by Sephora inside your local JCPenney store (this offer is only valid in Sephoras inside JCPenney stores), and present this coupon for a free sample of either LORAC TANtalizer Baked Bronzer, or LORAC Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick (both pictured below in full-size versions). So print it out and head over now before they're gone!

The Gift of Time

2009-10-10T20:04:00.006-04:00

These are the 2 gold Michael Kors watches I have my eye on right now (I obv wouldn't get both, but I'm not sure which one I like better. I originally loved the one to the left, but I just want to make sure it's not too "blingy"). So, now I'm looking at the chronograph style one also. They are both gold, but for some reason, the one to the right doesn't look as gold in the pic.

I'd love to know if any of you have one of them/know someone who wears one, and get your thoughts! (I'm hinting to the bf about it for my birthday--not till December, but can't believe that's already less than 2 months away!)

Charlotte Russe Goodies!!

2009-10-10T19:25:00.015-04:00

Although the term is played out, I truly am a "Bargainista". Ever since I could remember, I always found (and get a thrill out of) finding great deals! First, I figured I would share that Charlotte Russe is having a Columbus Day sale, where their sale items are 50% or more off! I also have a coupon code that gets you an additional 10% off AND FREE SHIPPING! (Code: OCTOBER1) This is a win-win for me, because sometimes I am hesitant about ordering clothes/shoes online because I really like to try things on, but with the free shipping offer, I figured I had nothing to lose because as long as I keep the packing slip, and the tags are on, I can return the items to any Charlotte Russe store. Below are the 2 things I just placed an order for on their site, and some other great CR deals.

These are my 2 recent purchases from the Charlotte Russe website. The shoes are Zipper Mule Slides in Rust, and were originally priced at $26.99, are on sale this weekend for $13.49, and using the coupon code for an additional 10% off, they came to $12.14 (can you beat that?!)

The Ruffle Blouse Jumper is sooo adorable and I'm really hoping it fits right and looks good, because if not, I will def be disappointed! It was originally priced at $28.99, lowered to $14.49 this weekend, and with the 10% off came to $13.04!

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Living in Florida, I don't wear boots too often. It's almost the middle of October and it's still in the 90's here. But, sometimes it does get chilly here (sometimes down to the 40's) but when it hits low 70's, I usually whip out my boots. Since the weather doesn't call for boots that often, I usually don't spend too much on boots, so I'm thinking about actually stopping into the Charlotte Russe store to get these babies:

For a mere $30, they will last me through the short "cold" season.

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I'm sure most of you are familiar with the clothing store Kitson. The popular L.A. based clothing boutique is usually graced by the presence of many celebs. The Charlotte Russe website actually carries Kitson brand clothing and have a bunch of Kitson merchandise on sale this weekend. The t-shirt pictured below is only $13.00 (use same coupon code I mentioned above: October1 for 10% off and free shipping).

One Stop Skincare

2009-10-08T18:11:00.004-04:00

Shespeaks is an online community created for women, with forums to discuss products, books, health and wellness, beauty, etc. By being a part of this program, I sometimes get the opportunity to received products for free to test, review, and give my opinion on my blog. I recently received some products by Mèreadesso Woman - skincare line - that I actually had never heard of, so I was excited to test it out.

Mèreadesso Woman is beauty regime, but without much of the, well, regime. Loved this quote from their site/press materials:
"When Linda Stephenson - a former cosmetics executive - grew weary of her own beauty regime, things could have gotten ugly. Instead, they got ridiculously good-looking." (Kind of reminds me of Zoolander--haha)

Linda used her degrees in Chemistry and Botany to create Mèreadesso Woman - a simple skincare line with minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and botanicals.

Mèreadesso's Face + Neck Cleanser is a non foaming all-in-one makeup remover, mask, scrub and toner. It comes with a microfiber cloth, and I found the system kind of interesting. You dampen the cloth, massage the cleanser into your skin (wet or dry) and then use the wet cloth to buff your face by rubbing it in gentle circular motions. I've been using this for a couple of weeks now, and my face does feel smoother after use. I really like the cloth/buffing with the cleanser because I feel like it cleanses my face better than just rubbing in face wash with my hands.

They also sent me the Mèreadesso Woman Face + Neck Toning Gel. I don't always use a toner. Once and a while I do, but sometimes I just stick with moisturizer after I was my face. I have to say though, I did feel refreshed after using this, and my face almost felt tighter after it dried.

The Mèreadesso seem more on the expensive side--I believe the beauty package I was sent with the full size Face + Neck Cleanser (which included the microfiber cloth and a reusable pouch to store it/travel with), and the Face + Neck toner, retails for $140. (Cleanser: $38 USD, Toning Gel: $102 USD) And with their sleek and sexy packaging, and great ingredients, its not much of a surprise. What I really like about this line, is that there aren't particular products for "particular" skin types. Like they state, their combination of ingredients addresses all the needs of your skin, and the needs of all skin types. "One step, one product, for every woman".

If you're not much of a toner girl anyway, I suggest getting the more reasonably priced Face + Neck Cleanser - especially because that's their main product that they market as their One Step Skincare Solution.

They also offer a Body Toning Cream if you want to check it out!

Anna Sui for Target: Inspired by Gossip Girl

2009-09-13T22:40:00.004-04:00

Although many New Yorkers got to preview and shop the new Anna Sui for Target collection before anyone else, today it went on sale for the rest of the public. The collection is inspired by the CW's hit show Gossip Girl, and Target's website even allows shoppers to click on the names of the show's main characters to see the outfit Anna created based on their personal styles. The collection is super fun and playful with touches of edgy-rocker and boho-chic. Below are just a few:

The looks range from about $19.99 for t-shirts, to $149.99 for a leather jacket. Check out the rest of the collection. I'm so excited for this & can't wait to see what else she comes up with!

Umm..Put WHAT In My Hair?!?

2009-08-10T22:43:00.004-04:00

Naturallycurly.com is a website that has great tips and advice on hair -especially managing frizz and curls. One of their more recent articles talks about one of the newer hair treatments - bull semen. Yes, that's right - it's called Aberdeen Organic Bull Semen Treatment, and the protein is supposed to hydrate and lock in moisture and shine. It's a 45 minute hair treatment, that has become all the rage in London, and costs about $90-$140. Read the whole article at naturallycurly.com.

Max Factor Makeup - Soon to be No More

2009-07-16T18:27:00.003-04:00

If you're a fan of Max Factor makeup, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Proctor and Gamble has decided to phase out the U.S. distribution of Max Factor beauty products. P&G has rather decided to focus its efforts on its best-selling brand, Cover Girl. If you're a fan of a specific Max Factor product, start stocking up now, because products will no longer be hitting shelves come early 2010.

Review! Retro-Chic by Joshua Shampooing Potion

2009-07-10T12:52:00.007-04:00

Joshua Bernard is a hairstyle out of Houston and President of Retro-Chic International. His hair care products utilize the first ever Vitamin Enriched Microencapsulation Conditioning System. I got the opportunity to test out the Retro-Chich Shampooing Potion.

This shampoo works well on all hair types, including chemically treated or colored hair (which mine is). It smells sooo good, and the consistency is thick and creamy, making me feel like it is moisturizing and cleaning and the same time. The bottle is super chic looking and still holds a good 12 ounces of shampoo. It has a natural and maximum color protection formula, vitamins, and anti-oxidants, which made me feel like it was really protecting my hair. After rinsing it out, my hair felt clean and healthy. It's a great professional quality shampoo to use on a daily basis. You can find Retro-Chic by Joshua products at BeautyChoice.com. Check out their product page on Retro-Chic products, and find the Shampooing Potion here for $16.00.

Retro-Chic offers a variety of other products including Conditioning Potion, Retro-Bonding Shampooing Potion, Retro-Bonding Conditioning Potion, Retro-Bonding Remedy, and Fixation.

Bic Soleil Bella

2009-07-10T11:57:00.003-04:00

I recently got the chance to test and review Bic's new Soliel Bella disposable razors. Unlike other razors, Bic's Soleil Bella has 4 blades instead of 3. The moisture strip on the razor is enriched with coconut milk and really makes for a smooth shave. It also has a pivoting head to help get every angle. The razor also has "e-z rinse" technology which allows water to clean out the blades more efficiently. The handle is super comfy because of its rubber grip. They come in tropical colors of blues and greens, hence the name Soleil Bella - Soleil meaning sun and Bella meaning beautiful in French. For about $6 for the set of 3 razors, you really can't beat the price - and you might even be able to find coupons online for it! I definitely recommend giving these a try!

Free Wax at the European Wax Center

2009-06-29T11:03:00.003-04:00

Is there a European Wax Center near you? If so, get a free eyebrow, bikini, or underarm wax for FREE today! The salon is giving out free waxes to first time customers only. So, if you have never been to any European Wax Center location before, you are eligible! The only requirement is that you must be a state resident to the state of the location you are visiting. Find your nearest location. Salons are only in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, and Texas. You don't need a coupon or anything - just make sure you have your drivers license to show that you are a resident of the state! Also valid for men on eyebrow, ear, or nose wax. Once you are in their system, you get a $5 referral credit for everyone you refer! Before you go, you can e-mail me at makeupandmanicures@yahoo.com, and I'll give you my full name if you'd like to mention I referred you! :)

VS PINK Private Shopping Event!

2009-06-28T09:53:00.003-04:00

Are you a fan of Victoria's Secret's PINK Collection? If so, they are having a private PINK NATION shopping event at free standing pink stores tonight from 6:30-8:30 pm. I have heard from some that the event is open to anyone, however, I suggest you join PINK NATION (it's free!) just to ensure your entry. Once you join PINK NATION, you can log on on their website and download your free pass to the event! (Feel free to bring your friends!) The event is said to have FREE PINK goodies, personal consultations with PINK stylists, special offers, and complimentary snacks and beverages. You will also be the first to view the new PINK Collection! The event is ONLY at free standing PINK stores (not Victoria's Secret). Here are the malls and locations participating: Florida Mall in Orlando, Aventura Mall in North Miami Beach, Natick Collection in Natick, Mall St. Matthews in Louisville, Woodfield Mall in Schaumberg, Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, West Town Mall in Knoxsville, Easton Towne Center in Columbus, Riverchase Mall in Birmingham, and Ross Park Mall in Pittsburgh.

Free Coach gift!

2009-06-27T09:26:00.004-04:00

Poppy is the latest collection from Coach, so they are giving out free gifts! Fill out this form, and then just print out the confirmation page that comes up after. Bring it into your local Coach store (this offer is only valid in full-price retail stores), and receive your free gift! I have heard from several people it is a set of Coach pencils (pictured below) in a gift bag with a Coach button, but I am sure it varies from store to store.

Shop at Bebe?

2009-06-26T08:11:00.004-04:00

If you shop at Bebe, get $10 off any purchase of $10 or more! Get something $10 or under for free, or use it to just get $10 off your larger purchase! Just print out the offer & enjoy!

Get a Free 10-day supply of Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Foundation and Mini Kabuki Brush!

2009-06-26T08:01:00.003-04:00

Print out this offer, and bring it into any Sephora inside JCPenney and receive a free 10-day supply of Bare Escentual's bareMinerals matte foundation and baby kabuki brush! If they run out, they will give you a free custom sample of anything you'd like!!

Free Clinique Gift at Macy's!

2009-06-15T15:18:00.003-04:00

Hurry and print your voucher for a free 2 week supply of Clinique All About Eyes or All About Eyes Rich from Macy's! Visit this link, then check off one of the boxes (any box - it doesn't necessarily have to be a skin problem you have), then on the left, you will see something that says "Special Macy's Offer, Learn More Now" click that, and it will bring you to the page where you just click "Print Voucher" and you're good to go!

Free Crabtree and Evelyn Hand Therapy Lotion!

2009-06-15T15:04:00.003-04:00

Hi beauties! Sorry for the 2 week hiatus - eek! I've been going through a lot lately, and now I'm moving this upcoming weekend, and leaving for a little vacay to NY in 2 weeks! But I have some exciting posts coming up, so I need to get back on track! Self Magazine had a promotion on June 11, and when you joined their Self Challenge, you get a coupon for a free Hand Therapy Cream from Crabtree and Evelyn. If you'd like, can still sign up for the challenge - they give you healthy meal plans, get-fit routines, and a chance to win a trip to Antigua! If you missed the day to sign up for the Crabtree and Evelyn lotion, you can print it out here. It is good at any Crabtree and Evelyn retail store! It has an additional coupon for 15% off your entire store purchase! Enjoy.

And the Winner Is...

2009-06-01T19:36:00.004-04:00

I have randomly picked a winner for my Pevonia Botanica Tropicale Giftset winner. Congratulations to Andrea P. Andrea, I have e-mailed you, so please respond with the information I requested. Thanks to everyone for entering! Stay tuned to my blog and keep reading for more exciting posts!

LipSense Product Review

2009-05-31T17:04:00.005-04:00

I recently received the LipSense Liquid Lip Color to review from Independent SeneGence Distributor, Karen Hurley. I received "Pink Ice" which is a bright, kind if bubblegum pink (I'm pretty sure it's the pink one in the picture below). The lip color is a lip stain, but unlike the lip stains that come in the marker form, this comes in the form of a lip gloss - in a tube, with a wand!

The color went on smoothly and absorbed quickly. I then applied the moisturizing gloss they provide you with, and get this - the gloss brush is white, and NO color came off on it! It really did instantly stain my lips. In case you accidentally get some a little above or below your lips and onto your skin, you can use the "Ooops! Remover" (pictured below, along with the moisturizing glass). The remover is also in the form of a gloss with a wand, making it super easy to apply.

When you are ready to take off the stain, you can also use the Ooops Remover to take it off. You just apply it to the lip color, and then wipe it off.

I love that the color stays on a really long time, and I even tested it by drinking out of a white cup - no lip marks! This is perfect for a long day or night out - the color will stay stained on your lips, and you can just re-apply gloss (either the clear, moisturizing gloss it comes with, or your own fave gloss). You can also just leave the stain as it is, and not apply gloss for a more matte look.

The SeneGence company also offers other products, which Karen also has on her site, such as LipSense Highlighters, LipSense Shimmmer, LinerSense, Moisturizing Glosses, EyeSense, LashSense, and others you can see here. Have a Twitter? You can follow Karen at @LipSense.

GO GIRL Products

2009-05-23T20:41:00.007-04:00

The GO GIRL product line features practical and convenient 0n-the-go beauty and fashion related products. It all started when the founder Shelly realized that her hair always managed to shed onto her clothes, and she never had a lint roller handy - walking down the street, who would?? So she created "LINT-ON-THE-GO-SHEETS!". These handy sheets (pictured below) are portable and disposable lint removing sheets that remove hair, lint, fuzz, and dandruff on the go.

After being such a success, Shelly extended her product line and created other great, convenient on-the-go-products. Here are some more of her great products:

Smudge-Sponge: Dry sponges that remove deodorant and powder smudges from clothes.

VAVA-VOOM: Silicon Reusable Nipple Concealers

CHIC: Double Sided Apparel Tape

Heal-A-Heel: Moisture Socks - just apply your favorite lotion,

Bug'n Out: Disposable Nipple Concealers

Check out the rest of her product line. Enter GOGIRL at checkout for 10% off!

Memorial Day Looks for Less!

2009-05-22T17:18:00.009-04:00

Want these looks? Check them out:

Makeup and Manicures wishes you a safe and happy Memorial Day!