Karl Lagerfeld is a Bear

Yes, Karl now has a bear lookalike. Renowned company Steiff is releasing a teddy bear made up to resemble Lagerfeld, down to the fingerless black leather gloves. Now Steiff bears are amazing and collectible, but a Karl bear? Only for the biggest fashion victim, or perhaps the hottest new baby gift for those kids that all Hollywood seems to be sprouting these days. You know new Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale will need one.

The bears will be exclusive to Neiman Marcus ( acc. to a Brit mag. but they say Neimans in NY and there isn't one, so I'm thinking Bergdorfs)and sell for the dollar eqv. of 750 Euros( in other words, a whole lot). Oh and there will only be 2500 of them , so shop fast. I think I may have to stop in during Fashion Week and see this in person just for fun.

Hey, Karl will be in town too, for the US premiere of The Duchess, at the Plaza hotel, no less, which happens to be next door to Bergdorfs.

all info/pic: hellomag

Total beauty Weekly Web Tour

In honor of the newest limited edition collection from MAC Cosmetics, Cult of Cherry; Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy does a gorgeous makeup tutorial, showing you how to achieve a fabulous look for this upcoming Fall season!.

Beauty Anonymous reviews YSL's fall eye shadow palette.

Alison of the The Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success & Happiness Blog thinks that Sue Devitt's Bermuda Triangle is a Great Way to Banish Wrinkles!

Viva Woman discovers that baking soda really whitens her teeth!

Looking for a lipgloss that will stay put and last a long time? Then check out The Makeup Divas review on the Mac Lustre Twins.

Fabulous Over Forty discusses all week about her experience at the L'Oreal Color Space at the MN State Fair.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings is surprised by a new fall lip color. Find out which one!

What are Jamie's 3 must-haves? Find out at Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog.

Crave for beautifully rejuvenated skin with absolutely no cost at all? Find out at Beauty Tyrant, she has whipped up askin rejuvenating peach facial!. You'll love your skin even more now.

Beauty Blogging Junkie has partnered with Three Custom Color to provide 25 readers with TCC's new Watercolours for Cheeks in Wallflower, a dewy beige. Click here for more info on how to enter.

If you're a Bobbi Brown makeup fan (and who isn't?) Beauty411 has the latest on new Bobbi Brown palettes!

MissWhoever-You-Are has found out how you can get a free tote YSL tote during Fashion Week. No Joke!

Wondering about Fall's Makeup Trends? Learn how apply a Pretty Power Pout like the pros on A Mom in Red High Heels.

Thought hair mousse was just an 80's trend? Think again. Daily Dose of Coffee tries out one of the most interesting hair mousses ever: Sebastian Whipped Creme.

Product Girl shows you how to make your own lipstick palette and it's easy as pie!

Don't miss out on your chance to win the entire line of Sera Anti-Aging skincare products over at Beauty in Real Life.

Chocolate lipliner? Sounds good, looks great! See it at Glossypink!

The Beauty Alchemist hits drugstore paydirt with Jergens Renew Lotion.

LashBlast had better watch her back. There's a new voluptuous lash in town, and she's wearing Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara. The creamy formula and six-sided brush took Spoiled Pretty's lashes up, up and away!

Butterfly Diary reviews the luxurious collection by Sultana de Saba , whose Body Karite Butter and Honey Mask will make Cleopatra wish she had been reborn. Check it out! .

Tracy Reese & Rebecca Taylor Spring 09 preview

Yes , it's almost time for Spring 2009 Fashion Week. I have 2 preview sketches to share. One each from Rebecca Taylor and Tracy Reese, plus the info on what inspired the looks.

Ms. Reese always does some of the best dresses each season and this green one is no exception.

"The Tracy Reese spring 2009 collection is an ethereal progression of nature through the seasons with delicate, yet sophisticated pieces that emanate modern romance

Pastel prints inspired by Japanese art feature chrysanthemums and hazy blue skies while structured leather is softened with touches of leaf appliqué. Relaxed and draped silhouettes feature hues of a sumptuous green garden that are intensified with Van Gogh inspired prints of the same palette. Summer comes full circle with architectural shapes and defined prints of sleek stripes and laser cut lace."

Rebecca Taylor, shows us a look that is more whimsical than I usually think of her, but it's very cute. Not sure if that skirt is a bubble style or the drawing simply looks that way.

Her inspiration this season:

“The Rebecca Taylor girl for Spring 2009 is a bohemian world traveler. She mixes her inherited couture pieces from her French actress mother with great finds gathered from exotic locations around the globe.”

-Rebecca Taylor

"Rebecca Taylor’s Spring 2009 Collection is inspired by the global traveler, flowers from her home garden, and ethnic prints with a feminine twist. Print mixed tops and dresses, light weight cashmere cardigans, and versatile bohemian beaded pieces that will transition seamlessly from day to night round out the collection. The color palette includes pretty, dreamy colors with shots of purple crayon, watermelon, and apple green. Rebecca Taylor’s favorite piece this Spring is a lightweight, paisley printed silk dress that evokes walks through the lavender fields of Province"

I will be at Fashion Week again, but just for a few days. I will see as much as I can and report in. I am in the midst of wildly trying to plan it.

Secret Obsession from Calvin Klein

Most of you have probably heard the ruckus over the steamy new ads for Calvin Klein's newest scent Secret Obssesion, but what's the scent like ?? Not many talking about that.

Let me start by saying I was never a fan of original Obsession. This was supposed to very different and it is. It is a soft, cozy and yes , somewhat sexy scent. It reminds me of a soft , worn cashmere sweater or wrap.

Secret Obsession starts with a bit of a powdery blast but that fades fast into the more floral aspects. The musk comes out just a little and also just a touch of fruit. As it dries down it becomes even softer and more of a floriental . I get a whiff of the plum note, as well as the rose, cashmere woods, and amber. On me there was no vanilla and just a hint of tuberose. It all goes together nicely.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one and I like it more than I thought I might.

Notes include:exotic plum, mace, rose de damas, jasmine, orange flower, tuberose, cashmere woods, burnt amber, vanilla and sandalwood.

The fragrance is available for pre -order at http://www.macys.com/ only right now, and will be in stores on Sept. 15th.

Price is 72.00 for 3.4 oz

The Facebook page:

http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Secret-Obsession-Calvin-Klein/21879349411?ref=s&refurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.new.facebook.com%2Fs.php%3Fref%3Dsearch%26init%3Dq%26q%3Dsecret%2Bobsession

Patrick Dempsey talks Fragrance

Mc Dreamy himself, Patrick Dempsey has a new fragrance coming out via Avon called Unscripted. His wife Jillian is a major makeup artist and is now with Avon doing collections for them and creative work.

Whats surprised me was that he seems to really know the details about his scent. You never know with celebs just how involved they are or knowledgeable. In this weeks TV Guide he gives a preview, while trying to playfully one up Eric Dane and new co- star Kevin McKidd.

Dempsey calls it " a shameless plug"

"It's called Unscripted , and you'll be able to buy from an Avon rep or online. The top note is cracked peppercorn, the mid note is lavender and fig, and the base note is vetiver with a little patchouli. It's very masculine"

A man that knows his top notes from mid notes, now thats cool. I believe the scent launches in November.

Philosophy's Soda Fountain Scents

I have been seeing Philosophy's new Soda Fountain body washes and lip glosses written about in various places and on Sephora.com but this weekend I finally went to Sephora that had them and got to do the sniff test.

All I can say is -wow. These smell incredible and incredibly true to their name. I found the lip gloss/balms to be more scent true than the 3in1s but they weren't bad. I was most looking forward to fruit punch and they didn't have the lipgloss in that. In the shower gel it has a bit of sweet burst thats a bit strong . The Root Beer and Cherry Cola are spot on and smell so good. The lipglosses are mouthwatering. I wasn't expecting to love the root beer as much as I did , but I think it will be must purchase in the lippie at least. I also can think of at least one friend who will be wild for these .

I noticed on the Sephora website that a Halloween set it out as well that has Pumpkin Pie, Black Licorice and Caramel Apple. Matching lip gloss in Caramel Apple.

The 3-in-1 shampoo, bubble bath and shower gel trio ($30) and the lip set ($28), are limited edition and are available at sephora and http://www.sephora.com/ only. (Each of them is sold individually as well at Sephora stores.)

Jergens Naturals Renew Body Lotion

I can't help but check out many of the new body lotions that come out. When one says natural, and is a bargain, I really have to have a look. So it was with the new Jergens Naturals line. I saw them in the drugstore & I picked up the brochure along with a coupon. I read it over at least 3 times trying to decide which one I wanted to try( I take my lotions seriously). I decided on Renew.

I have to say this is one of the best lotions I've tried in awhile. It's very moisturizing but not greasy, my skin actually seems smoother, and it has a nice, slight blueberry/pom scent to it.

Renew is labeled 93% natural ingredients. All in this line are paraben free, no animal by products or testing. Yes these are not going to be as natural or organic as say Burts Bees or Jason, but I think of them as a happy medium. You get many good for you oils, and less chemicals, but there are still some in there. Also,it's always nice to see more natural items be mainstream .

The lotion has grapeseed oil, blueberry and pomegranate extracts. I am all for anything thats antiaging to the skin . So is it chock full of antioxidants. These ingredients occur mid -way through the list, so thats pretty good, means there not just a drop at the end of the formula.

There are 3 other types in this line and the Jergens site has all the info, incl. ingredients for each.

Rite Aid has them on sale for 5.99 and if they have the display you can get the coupon for 1 dollar off like I did. ( except I paid a buck more at Walgreens last week).

http://www.jergens.com/

Total Beauty Weekly Web Tour

Find out what yummy scented body souffle The Makeup Divas is all excited about.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings discovers it's what's on the inside that counts with Elizabeth Grant's Vitamin C Body Lotion.

Viva Woman tells you how John Masters Organics Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum & John Masters Organics Mandarin Maximum Moisture help to lighten up some of her pigmentation caused by sun damage.

Beauty's SPOT figures out that waxing and plucking may be a thing a of the past with the Artemis Woman Personal Groomer.

Don't forget to enter Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog free giveaway from MORE Magazine.

Frappelattes gives L'Oreal's new Bare Naturale Mineral Mascara a spin and lets us know how it delivers.

Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy counts down the 10 most wacky beauty tips, that actually work!. You may just be surprised to see what they are!

Win a RisWallet from A Mom in Red High Heels. It's a hands-free solution for a busy woman!

Beauty411 tells you about a product that will help you

rewind lines and wrinkles. And it's completely painless!

Want a gorgeous tan without damaging your skin? Beauty Tyrant has found a summer must-have sunscreen that lets you enjoy the sun without worrying about your skin!

Meredith at Daily Dose of Coffee offers up some tips on purchasing the perfect mascara for YOU.

How to get your skin glowing like Beyonce-Talking Makeup!

The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are at it again...check out their latest giveaways with Luzern Labs and Sanctuary Spas.

Beauty Anonymous reveals her travel-friendly beauty goodies.

To celebrate the kickoff of the new Hills season, Glossypink tells you how to score Whitney Port's beautiful makeup.

Product Girl is having a giveaway and you can enter to win Essie's 6-piece fall collection. Good luck!

Ah, Fall! Celebrate the peculiar and sexy scents of Autumn with Fifty-Cent Head and Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs.

Find out what Beauty Blogging Junkie is using to hydrate her chlorine-ravaged locks here.

Urban Decay Friends and Family Deal

Urban Decay is having 30% off , a friends and family deal thru the 28th. Go to http://www.urbandecay.com/ and use code FFL30.

Hard Candy products are 75% off. ( no code needed)

If you've been eyeing the new lipsticks ( as I have) this may be the time to buy, while you stockpile Primer Potion.

Guerlain Fall Makeup

Thanks to the lovely Jason at the Bergdorfs Guerlain counter, I have pics of all the new items in the fall collection. As is usual for Guerlain, they are all really beautiful. If you haven't tried their makeup yet, you should. The Kiss Kiss lipsicks are a huge favorite. So pretty - both the lipstick and the case. One of the prettiest out there.

Van Cleef and Arpels Feerie Perfume

Van Cleef and Arpels, the amazing jewelers have released a new perfume called Feerie. The fist thing you notice about this is the bottle. It's a wow. I adore the silver fairy perched on a limb atop the bottle but some might find it too much. I like whimsical ( sometimes).

So what about the scent?

Well Feerie is very feminine and classified as a floral woody. To my nose it's more floral. One of the main notes is violet and thats there right off. It's a sweet violet and a touch powdery. There is some citrus mixed in there too. Feerie has a bit of berry-ness to it which might be the blackcurrant note. In other words, there is fruit but it's not a fruity fragrance. It seems to get sweeter and softer as it dries down. It has medium sillage and medium lasting power. If you don't like sweet, this one will be iffy for you.

I am glad I like it, since I really want that bottle. I have just a sample at the moment and wouldn't want to end up with a full bottle of something not so good.

The notes:
Violet, Blackcurrant, Mandarin
Bulgarian Rose, Rose essence, Jasmine
Iris Butter, Vetiver

Van Cleef is marketing this at the high end and it's available only at Neimans, Bergdorfs, and Van Cleef boutiques( a great excuse to go in one of their shops)

100 ml $ 150.00
50ml $ 110.00

Molton Brown and Owl's Lab Events

2 Fashion/ Beauty events to tell you about.

First up: Molton Brown

To celebrate the launch of their new travel essentials, the Molton Brown emporium invites customers to sip on some travel-inspired beverages to commemorate areas from around the world that are both popular travel destinations as well as locations where Molton Brown is sold.

On Wednesday August 20th from 5pm-close, customers can enjoy plum wine and chilled sake to experience the taste of Japan.

On Wednesday August 27th from 5pm-close, customers can enjoy Australian wine to celebrate the Molton Brown emporia opening there in the fall.

Travel brochures from both locations above will be available to clientele on the both days so customers can not only learn about Molton Brown, but get some great vacation ideas as well.

With every purchase of one Molton Brown travel essential (the traveller, globe trekker or stowaway-pictured $80.00) customers will be entered into a raffle to win a Molton Brown leather travel bag packed with Molton Brown therapies.

Locations:
California - South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol Street, Suite 2860
Costa Mesa
CA 92626
714 549 5951
Mon - Fri: 10 - 9.30pm
Sun: 11 - 6.30pm

Pennsylvania - King of Prussia
King of Prussia Mall
2nd level of the Plaza
160 N. Gulph Road, Suite 2375
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610 337 3051
Mon - Sat: 10 - 9.30pm
Sun: 11 - 7pm

New York - Madison Avenue
515 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
212 755 7194
Mon - Fri: 10 - 7pm
Sun: Closed

New York - SoHo
128 Spring Street (between Greene and Wooster)
New York, NY 10012
212 965 1740
Mon - Sat: 10 - 8pm
Sun: 11 - 7pm

New York - Third Avenue
1098 Third Avenue
Btwn 64th + 65th
New York, 10021
212 744 6430
Mon - Fri: 10 - 7pm
Sun: 12 - 5pm

New Jersey - Short Hills
The Mall at Short Hills
Molton Brown Suite B-127
1200 Morris Turnpike
Short Hills
New Jersey 07078
973 921-0700
Mon - Fri: 10 - 9pm
Sun: 12 - 6pm





Next: Owl's Lab is a cool shop in NYC that also has a website. For a limited time you can get 30% off your online purchase of some big designer labels. Use code hc08 at http://www.owlslab.com/
Some labels you will see:
Botkier
J Brand
Joie
Citizens of Humanity
Paul and Joe
Vena Cava
Vera Wang Lavender Label and more

Lancome's new Piha Black lipgloss

OK, are we going to wear black lips ? There's a dark lip and then there's black. I have to say I have never given thought to black. I have worn green once upon a time, and I love MAC Corsette gloss which to me is quite dark.

In November Lancome, with their new artistic director Aaron de Mey, is putting out a sparkly black lipgloss. Now it's said to be a sheer gloss, and one which will blend well. The pic shown is The Piha Black with the new red Color Fever lip called Piha Red, and while it's not what I could wear, I really like it. ( Totally Dita Von Teese)

The Color Fever Gloss in Piha Black is is part of a luxe lip set created by Mr. de Mey and also has the Piha Red shade inspired by a Louboutin shoe sole.
Only 500 of the sets will be available in the United States, exclusively at the Bloomingdale’s 59th Street location, http://www.lancome-usa.com/ and the five Lancôme boutiques.It sells for 48.00. The waiting list at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street has just opened. You can call 212-705-2886 to add your name

Now seriously, I have to try this and want it, if for nothing than the novelty. Who knows I might really like it ?

Your thoughts?

Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier Fragrances

Ed Hardy fragrances have been out awhile but I hadn't tried them until this weekend. I knew the woman's scent was fruit based and it very much is. It is very Strawberry and Musk, but not overpowering, not in your face. It actually goes on fairly soft. The vanilla is there too and I get a touch of the muguet( lily). It's very much a girly fragrance.

The men's scent I liked the best. It is also not overly strong and isn't too aquatic like many men's are. One of the top notes is sage and that is very present with a light touch of citrus. By the drydown the woodsy-ness has come out.

I could see this appealing to many men and some women.

These are great starter scents for the younger set, but really, I don't like to ascribe scent to age. I think you should wear what you like either way. That said, I think this is definitely on the may buy list for my 19 year old cousin this Christmas.

Late fall will bring more new scents from this line.

Women's notes:

Apple Souffle, Strawberry, Mango, Ruby Red Grapefruit
Freesia , Muguet , Linden
Amber, Musk, Tonka Bean,Vanilla Pudding

Men's notes:
Bergamot, Clary sage, Mandarin, Thuja
Mint Julep accord, Ozone
Musks, Sequoia Forest, Amber

Ed Hardy for Men and Women is available at
Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bon Ton, Boscovs, Gottschalks, Stage Stores, Sephoras and Ulta.
Prices are $55 for the 1.7 oz version and $75 for the 3.4 oz.

Estee Lauder Solid Perfume Nesting Doll

Perusing the Neiman Marcus website last night and this flashed by. I went back to check it out. Each year Estee Lauder does amazing and cute solid perfume compacts and this has to be one of the best ever. It carries a price tag of 350.00 .

It's limited and exclusive to Neimans. Maybe I will get to see one in person.

It uses red enamel, and crystals. The outer doll opens to reveal a second, separate doll inside.

Open this hidden doll to reveal Beautiful, the fragrance , in long-lasting solid perfume.

Approximate overall dimensions: 1-1/8"W x 2-1/8"T.

Smashbox Wicked Lovely

Well it's been a busy and kind of long week, so I don't have a review or big post but did want to share some of the info on Smashbox's fall collection Wicked Lovely. This has actually been out awhile and on my "to do", so here it is. The dark eye is a major fall trend and they have it in spades. Like many , I love the cream eyeliners, and this new set of 3 plus powder is winner.

Happy reading.

CREAM LINER AND LOOSE SHIMMER ($32)
Three sultry cream liners and a sparkling loose shimmer in one mirrored pot. These liners provide totally customizable eye definition that doesn’t flake, run or tug. An ideal tool for creating the perfect smoky eye, the mistake-proof formula is ultra-smooth and super-blendable. The loose shimmer provides the finishing touch for wickedly lovely eyes.
Available in: Wicked Lovely (liners: metallic taupe, metallic bronze, metallic charcoal; shimmer: sparkling pewter)

BLUSH RUSH in CHARM ($24)
Get a gorgeous rush of color with this ultra-luxurious, long-wearing blush. Packaged in an innovative swivel mirror compact, BLUSH RUSH is perfect for touch-ups on the go.
Available in: CHARM (soft warm pink)

EYE SHADOW DUOS ($24)
Sweep these luxurious shadow duos across lids for a super smoldering look. The velvety cashmere texture glides on and blends smoothly for gorgeous looks that last. These shimmering duos can be worn day or night to play up eyes.
Available in: SEXY/DEMURE (muted brown, shimmering peach), SINFUL/PURE (dirty teal, shimmering ivory)

DOUBLETAKE LIP COLOR in ($22)
A double-ended lip pencil and creamy lip color in one, this vitamin-packed formula has caffeine and nourishing wheat glycerides to moisturize and protect your pout while defining lips and imparting beautiful luminous color.
Available in: GOSSAMER (lip color: peachy pink; pencil: soft pink)

BIONIC MASCARA ($19)
BIONIC is the first ionic mascara that delivers longer, stronger and more voluminous super-power lashes. The specially engineered brush gently coats lashes with a long-wearing, water-resistant formula for a high impact lash in just one sweep. Aloe, wheat protein, and silk strengthen and condition.
Available in: BLACK



http://www.smashbox.com/ and sephora, department stores.

All the Beauty News ( for now)

YSL-
Sephora is now carrying YSL Makeup. This is great news since the line has always been harder to get , only at luxury dept. stores and recently on the brand's new site. I could rave about so many of the products but will just mention the Eclat de Givre shadow( shown). It's wonderful and the new 5 color Harmony shadows. I am partial to the green ( you can read about it here), but would buy them all if I could. The Touch Eclat is legendary and deservedly so.

Jouer-
Jouer was a cool beauty brand that just went away a few years ago. The brand is back exclusively at Henri Bendel now and online as of Aug. 15th at http://www.jouercosmetics.com/. There are nice palettes to mix and match with, and most items are multi use.

Guerlain event-
Bergdorf Goodman in NY has one of the best Guerlain spaces. They carry pretty much the whole line. They are now having some special preview/events if you happen to be in the area. If not, the makeup and some fragrances are online, and everything can be ordered and sent anywhere by calling Jason ( thats him in the pic there) at the counter-(212) 872-2734 . I highly recommend the Kiss Kiss lipsticks.
The scoop:
Come to the Guerlain Boutique, Bergdorf Goodman for a magical experience of pampering Tuesday, August 26th through Saturday, August 30th. Book your specialized appointment for:
-1 Hour Orchidee Imperiale Facials w/ National Facialist
-Private Consultations w/ National Make-up Artists previewing the New Limited Fall Color Collection & New Foundation
-New Limited Edition Fragrances Les Elixirs Charnels, (only 100 pieces available of each, exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman )
-Champagne & Chocolates(the best part)
-Whats New in Fall Colors?
Limited Edition Collection KissKiss Color Play Lip Palette, 2 Eyeshadow 4 Shades jeu de Nacre & Jeu de Nuit, Parure Aqua SPF 20 & Parure Extreme SPF 25 Liquid Foundations, 6 New Blushs 4 Eclats, 6 New KissKiss lipstick shades & New Formula KissKiss Extreme Lipsticks, 6 shades!

Lancome PWP-
Lancôme’s Purchase with Purchase offering at Bergdorf Goodman and Belk Lancôme counters gives you fashion and beauty all-in-one. For just $35.00 with any Lancôme purchase, you’ll receive a chic( and large) grey and burgundy tote filled with deluxe samples of our best-selling products including: Color Fever gloss and lipstick, Color Design eye shadow quad, Blush Subtil, Hypnôse mascara, Bi-Facil, Absolue Premium Bx face and night cream and a three piece brush set.

Macys is also having their own Lancome GWP right now as well.


Malle in Allure-
Perfumer Frederic Malle writes a column each month for Allure and September's is a really good one. He talks about many of the scents I've highlighted lately incl. Creed Love in Black and Estee Lauder's Sensuous as well as the newer version of YSL Elle.

Chanel Fall Perfect Brows Kits

Part of the fall Chanel collection is Le Sourcil De Chanel, or Perfect Brows kit in Brun.

The lit has 3 shades of brow color to mix and blend as needed, plus a very tiny and cute pair of tweezers, a mini brush and mini comb/brush.

The powder is very matte as brows should be and is a hard powder. The blending brush is a bit hard on the brow area, but it does get the job done. The shades are all on the darker side, as you would expect with brown. The lightest shade just works for me. I like how everything is packed in one container , and it comes in one of those nice velvet pouches that certain Chanel goodies arrive in. There is even a card to help you with application, not that you would need that.

Coco Mademoiselle Shimmering Touch

Coco Mademoiselle is a favorite fragrance of mine. Yes it's popular and most of my favs are more niche, but I just love it. It makes me feel good, and it lasts better than almost anything.

One great thing too, is that it comes in many forms. Some time back I blogged about the matching soap. Now next month they give us Shimmering Touch. A scented body gel that has some shimmer to it. I always think of splurging for the parfum, but maybe I will give this a go instead. I love the sound of it, and the Michael Kors body gelee that came out this year is wonderful, so this should be similar but even more luxe.

The details:

SHIMMERING TOUCH
The newest in fragrance luxury, inspired by the irrepressible spirit of the young Coco Chanel. Shimmering body gel leaves a delicate sheen on skin, bringing a luminous touch to shoulders, arms and décolleté, while imparting the feminine and sexy scent of COCO MADEMOISELLE. Chicly showcased in a contoured flacon with stopper, the sparkling formula
beckons invitingly through the glass. 1.5 oz. $65.00

MAC Plum Du Bois Blush

Plum Du Bois is a new MAC blush coming with the Cult of Cherry Collection later this month. I am loving it. I really thought at first look it would be too dark for me but with my bit of summer color , and some blending it's fine.

It's a gorgeous shade, not straight plum , but with a bit of brownish- brick going on. Much different than my other MAC plum fave Plum Foolery. Now for the super pale it may not work. I think when winter rolls around it may end being too much on me as well. Yes this is a fall shade, but with a tan it's looking good.  It really brightens me up , works as nice contour  and has lots of shimmer.

Top picture is with flash, second one not.

At stores Aug. 21st

Total Beauty Web Tour for the Week

Want perfect brows? Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy is RAVING about the latest goodies from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Check out this fun video she has put together of all her favorite must-haves!

Come check out what hair products The Makeup Divas are raving about.

Beauty Tyrant has found the foundation that can make you 5 years younger!. She'll tell you whether that's a truth or myth

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings tries out the much buzzed about It! Cosmetics Abs in a Box. find out what she thinks!

Beauty Anonymous falls in love with the Trance Deep Eyes Palette from Coffret D'Or Summer 2008 Collection!

Be sure to enter the [comfort zone] giveaway at Fabulous Over Forty

Bare Budget Beauty is giving away three new Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascaras! Enter today to win!

Beauty's SPOT has the exclusive pics of Duffy in NIVEA's new campaign for Fashion Rocks. The pictures will appear this month in Conde Nast's most fabulous titles as they ring in Fashion Week with the fifth annual concert.


Enter to win designer sunglasses from Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog.

Viva Woman looks at what causes your foundation makeup to oxidize and turn darker and how to best prevent it.

Look at what product A Mom in Red High Heels 'borrowed' from her husband and loves! He's not getting it back!

MissWhoever-You-Are has a peek at Harper's Bazaar September Fall issue and it's cover girl Tyra Banks.

How to get Fergie's Bohemian Hair Style with Redken-Talking Makeup.

Product Girl plays with Josie Maran's line and takes a look at her Finger Paints.

Beauty Blogging Junkie is giving away ten bottles of Redken Full Frame 07 Protective Volumizing Mousse! Enter here to win.

Beauty411 shares her new secret weapon to phenomenal fluttering lashes!

Check out Glossypink's Haute Couture Runway Beauty picks!

The Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success & Happiness Blog it rocks!

Jenn and Christine at Beauty In Real Life are giving away a Tassi

Click here to enter.

In the spirit of the 2008 Summer Olympics, Spoiled Pretty has teamed up with Beauty Blogging Junkie for some synchronized beauty blogging. These trained beauty athletes are providing readers with a dream team of products expertly culled from their extensive reviews. Find out which products take home the gold.

Boots Buy 2 Get 1 at CVS.com

Boots is having a nice special over at CVS.com. This might be a great time to stock up on an Alchemist favorite: Boots Protect and Perfect Body Serum .

It's a “buy two get one free” promotion for all Boots skincare and cosmetics on the CVS website. The promotion can be used for an unlimited amount of Boots products, so for every two Boots products purchased, customers will receive one free.

Additional benefits: spend $50 on CVS.com and receive free shipping

August 2 – 15, 2008

http://www.cvs.com/

Leighton Meester parties with Piaget

Ms. Meester looks totally elegant in this Nina Ricci dress last night at a party for Piaget .

A blogger's attempts at getting ready for a NY day

As you might have seen from an earlier post, I was in NY on Tuesday for a Total Beauty event and the National Underwear Day runway and party. Now like pretty much every woman out there, when these came up, first thought was " what will I wear"? I had no idea how fancy the Underwear event would be ( not very as it turns out) and it's 87 and humid, I arrive at 3 and need to wear the same outfit and keep the makeup fresh. and it's NY , you want to be stylish.

Trying to do all this gives me new appreciation for the celebs that do this on an almost daily basis. They may have helpers or hair people etc. but they still need to look fab and have it all pulled together. The time involved for them has to be huge. Even with free clothes.

So without further ado here's what I wigged out about and did beginning Sunday night while trying to sleep.

-- Realize that DIY pedicure looks pathetic. No time to change it , why did I pick this shade and such an old polish to boot ?

-- Nails looking not too good. No time to polish even, so file and whip out my trusty Neutrogena Nail Pen. Had this for years. Swipe on 2 coats and at least the nails have a shine to them.

-- Go to some stores ( not a big choice where I live but sometimes it's good) to see if I can come up with something better than what I have. Not really. Buy a skirt. Decide it's nice but not really what I want. Now have to return it.

--Plan my makeup, yes plan it. I always am thinking about what I need to do with that if it's an all day thing or a big event. My makeup not only gets complimented on, but truly does make it thru the whole day. What I used:

Estee Lauder Double Wear Powder foundation with MAC Minerlize Skinfinish over it.
EL Turbolash mascara
Benefit She Laq to hold eyeshadow from YSL on.

- -Self Tan legs. Keep out of pool even on hot day so it doesn't strip color.

-- Luckily hair was easy. Styled nice, used my Redken headset 25 hairspray
and get asked by an SA at Bendels if I just came from salon. Who hoo. He wasn't even trying to make a sale. Told you that stuff is gold.

--Because I am semi casual I wear strappy, sharp, mid wedge heels shoes. Yes my feet ended up hurting, they still do, but the shoes looked darn good.

End Result- Fine of course. we worry about these things and we look fine. No one paid any attention to my pedi I doubt, or even that much to what I wore. We got hand massages so that made my nails look better.

At the party I was less dressed up or way more dressed up depending.

I'm not a celeb so no one notices much, but I do, and that matters to me. Not high maintenance here, but not low either. Just need to remember that usually it all comes together.

Can you relate ?

Manish Arora for MAC

Here's some pics of the new Manish Arora Collection for MAC that arrives in October.

Loving the cases and the bright colors .

All the lipsticks, glosses and blush are LE, some of the eyeshadows have been out before and some are new.

Lydia Hearst at National Underwear Day

Yesterday was national Underwear Day? Did you know that ? Last night in NY there was a runway show and party of sorts hosted by model and newest Gossip Girl Lydia Hearst. The party itself was just ok, but I spent some time at the red carpet area( which was actually just a small black one) checking out the few celeb arrivals. Russell Simmons , who seemed very gracious, Richie Rich, who is a total doll. So sweet. Him, I got to speak too, he mingled instead of being whisked away. We chatted about his Fashion Ice outfits that I loved so much.

Then Ms. Hearst arrived. She is really beautiful and really thin. She looks a bit less like her mom in person but has those beautiful eyes. She seemed totally unprententious, even though she was posing for camera, she was laughing and pulling faces in between. Not taking it all too seriuosly which was cool. Her dress was stunning and I loved her makeup. If I had gotten the chance to talk to her I would have gotten the makeup scoop.

You can see by the one pic the crush of cameras, and that was really just a handful at a small event. What madness those bigger ones must be. Sometimes the people on the carpet seemed on autopilot in a way. I could totally see how that could get tedious in a way. But of course they are famous and making it big and thats a small thing to do , right ?

Thats it for now, the AC isn't working and it's too hot to blog for long.

New from Longchamp

I love Longchamp bags and wish I had bought one cheaply when in Paris. To celebrate the brands anniversary they are doing some new things for fall/holiday.

According to WWD- " Other projects in the pipeline include a new online customization service for September, proposing perforated initials for the house’s new leather Le Cabas tote, and a decorative, limited edition range of Pliage bags for the holiday season that includes Native American, Scandinavian and African themes"

I like the zip pull of this one but not too crazy about it otherwise. Wondering what the other 2 themes will look like. Maybe one will be the Pliage for me.

Bond 9 Lexington Avenue

It begins with the quote :
"See a shoe and Pick it up and all day long you’ll have Good Luck. "

I love that. Andy Warhol wrote that 50 years ago.

Does that mean I can go and get more shoes ?

Bond 9's new Andy Warhol inspired perfume is Lexington Ave. and ties in that love of shoes. The bottle has shoes all over it.

The scent itself is very gourmand. It's very pretty and Bond calls it a floral woody chypre. I generally like Chypres but it's a mixed bag with gourmands. It starts right off woody and almost plum-y . One of the top notes is Blue Cypress, another is fennel and I think thats giving me a bit of the plum effect. Not a sweet one though. I didn't notice big changes from top to finish, but the Orris( Iris) is very present mid- way as is the Creme Brulee.

The bottom notes are Patchouli and Sandalwood and you can smell a tiny bit of each of them.

To me is has a kind of smoky quality but one that is a foody- smoky. Somewhat like a just carmelized creme brulee . Then the Iris and floral quality wafts in . This seems perfect for fall. I can envison it alongside a harvest meal . Think big red wine and baked desserts.

As with most Bond 9 scents , a lot is going on here, but subtly.

The full note list in order:

BLUE CYPRESS
FENNEL

ROASTED ALMONDS
PINK PEONY
FLORENTINE ORRIS
CRÉME BRULEE
PIMENTO BERRY
PATCHOUL
SANDALWOOD

My favorite Warhol scent is still Union Square, but I like this and think it will be a very welcome addition to the Bond 9 collection.

Lexington Ave. retails for $ 135.00 for 50 ml and will be available in September.

Also , a bottle with a dangling, wearable Robert Lee Morris shoe necklace will be on counters for $ 575.00

Total Beauty Web Tour

The Makeup Divasreviews and shares photos of Mac's Sonic Chic Mineralize Blushes in Dainty and Merrily.

Tink at Casual Lavish explores other color options for Chanel Rodeo Drive nail polish.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings is having a fabulous giveaway of Marini Lash! Be sure to enter, and long lush lashes could be yours!

At Bare Budget Beauty, Jenn compares MAC Tendertones and the new L'Oreal HiP Jelly Balms! Which one do you think will win?

The Daily Cookie is celebrating her first reader newsletter with a GIVEAWAY! Sign up and enter for your chance to win a Kat Von D True Romance Beethoven palette for you and a friend.

Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy is back from her Caribbean vacation with a gorgeous Barbie-inspired makeup tutorial featuring pinks, blues, and purple hues from the latest M.A.C. collections!

Jamie of Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog questions whether hair extensions are worth the price.

Viva Woman shares a list of where to get free or inexpensive mineral makeup samples.

Is your makeup slip slidin' away in the heat? Beauty411 shares her thoughts on Skindinavia Makeup Primers and Finishing Spray

. The Muse is diving into Fall Collections! Check out her review on Urban Decay's Hot New 24/7 Concealer Pencil!

Beauty's SPOT addresses the toxic lipstick drama with, Lipstick, To Die For

Alison of the Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success & Happiness Blog is loving a do-it-yourself fragrance kit by Bramble Berry that lets you create a signature scent in literally, seconds!

Beauty Anonymous shares a review on Guerlain KissKiss Maxi Shine - Sheer Colours Volume Effect Lipstick!

The Beauty of Life may have been a blush novice before, but with Benefit Posietint in her life now she's totally hooked!

Beauty Tyrant has found the best waterproof mascara. She is currently swimming with mascara and loving her lush lashes!

Elke finds what was shown in the "Sex & the City movie, beauty wise.

Beauty Blogging Junkie shows you how you can channel a Mad Men character at various price points.

Glossypink gives you the lowdown on which Anastasia brow products are a hit, and which ones are a miss.

Fabulous Over Forty is talking Fall beauty collections this week. See what products are her favorites and what are not for women over forty.

Enter Beauty in Real Life's giveaway for a Kara James Rae Wristlet and some CoverGirl cosmetics!

Spoiled Pretty is hosting an egg-cellent giveaway. Enter today to win a PedEgg! You know you're dying to try it...

Frappelattes provides a how to apply foundation guide.

LUSH's White Wedding Giveaway

You know I kinda, sorta met Billy Idol once. Not that it was big deal, nor I a huge fan.

Lush, however is giving you a chance for a white wedding with their new bath bomb. My first thought is what a great shower or bridemaids gift bag addition this would make.

Best yet, this weekend ( TODAY the 2nd) and next they are giving away free ones on next 2 Saturdays in August.

Here are the details:

"With an elegant blend of floral notes to emulate the perfect bridal bouquet, White Wedding contains jasmine, a classic aphrodisiac to get the marriage off to a good start, Ylang Ylang (another aphrodisiac) and blends beautifully with jasmine to create a sultry and sexy lingering scent. Bergamot is added to evoke a feeling of calm and Rose, the symbol of love, is especially good for dry or sensitive skin. This stunning bath treat is pure white, with a handful of confetti inside."

"And because it’s always a nice day for a White Wedding, LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics are celebrating the wedding season by giving away the new White Wedding bath bomb absolutely free on Saturday August 2nd and Saturday August 9th!"

"Every hour, on the hour from 12pm – 5pm, a runaway bride will appear outside your local LUSH store to throw her bouquet. Catch the bouquet and you will be the lucky winner to receive this limited edition bath bomb."

Estee Lauder Turbolash Mascara

I have finally got my hand, or should I say lashes on a new vibrating mascara. Today I used the new Estee Lauder Turbolash. This hit the online site July 17th and is in Saks stores now and will roll out to all counters soon.( It is currently sold out online).

I have to say I definitely wondered about this, would it really work?

The answer is a total yes. It works amazingly well. You really don't feel the vibration much on your lashes but if you touch it to your hand you can. As soon as you unscrew the cap the vibration starts. I went slowly from bottom to top on lashes and right off got great length. 2 coats really did well, and they had a really nice curl too( no lash curler used first). I didn't see tons of volume but there was some.

My lashes looked really long and defined , so the next test was hoping it wouldn't run in a 90 degree day of being in and out a lot. Again, it held up great. No smudges and I am the mascara killer here. Now by late evening, when I tiredly rubbed my eyes, yes a bit smudged. Thats to be expected at least for me. I can count on less than one hand mascara's that don't run etc. on me.

The formula is very soft. No crunchy lashes. You can touch up anytime in the day even, just run the wand thru again. I tried this after 4 hours of wear and it worked. I didn't really need a touch up, but had to test it. One new swipe went on easily with no tugs, clumps etc.

30.00 is a lot for a mascara, but Turbolash gives you your money's worth. It hits all the bells:

Definition
Length
Good curl
Medium volume
Long lasting
Easy extra applications
PS- It is also the most glam mascara tube ever.

www.esteelauder.com/turbolash