Monday, May 31, 2010

My Tagalongs

Summer often means travel and for many, travel due to work is a constant thing.

My Tagalongs is a company that makes travel friendly, inexpensive ways to make your trips easier. These come especially handy for long trips where you need to really conserve packing space or short hops where you are trying to keep it light.

Some items include:

Vitamin Pod- Not as fancy as the huge one Samantha carries in Sex and The City2 but it's cute, and will hold your vitamins or meds for most trips . This is definitely an area you want to keep organized. ( Just keep in mind that internationally, sometimes customs will need see bottles with official info.) So label this a domestic travel item. $ 5.00


The Jet Set- a set of containers that will get thru security in your carry on.
Set contains 2 small .5oz/15ml airless-pump refillables and 2 jars, that seal tight . $ 8.00


Handywoman's Kit-With scissors, knife, the smallest tweezers ever, nail file, toothpick and pen, all the tools you may need during your vacation. $ 6.00
The website has much more . You can buy in store throughout Canada, in the US it's online only. http://www.mytagalongs.com/



Sunday, May 30, 2010

LAVANILA Healthy Baby


Years back The Body Shop had a wonderful baby line called Mama et Toto. I bought it for all baby shower gifts and the moms always raved about how much better than the basic stuff it was. It's long been discontinued but now there is a new Baby line on the block and it's even more natural. LAVANILA Healthy Baby.

LAVANILA Healthy Baby is all about the most natural, chemical free products for sensitive baby skin. It can also be used by adults.

I've had a chance to try the Baby Butter. It's serious moisture but not greasy, sinks in fast and has a light baby powder scent.

According to the company:

"The 100% Natural Baby products are not only chemical-free, but the first to deliver 30 essential vitamins and minerals specifically formulated to support the health and development of delicate baby skin, the gateway to infection.

These vitamin rich formulas blend the highest quality all-natural and organic ingredients with immune supporting botanicals for a luxuriously healthy collection that clinically benefits the unique needs of baby skin , are Pediatrician tested and approved, and completely free of harsh chemicals "

Ingredients include noni juice, organic calendula flower, organic aloe, shea and cocoa butters.

The line includes Baby Wash, Baby Lotion, Baby Bottom, Baby Butter and Baby Block( sunscreen).


All are available exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com

Thursday, May 27, 2010

L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Cleanser

I may be the last person to try the new L'Oreal Go 360 cleansers. I pride myself on being the first to try many things but I was, as you may be, not too sure about that scrublet thing.

Then my friend at Butterfly Diary tried and raved about it. Since I am also always looking for new and great cleansers , I was sold.

I went for the green one, Deep Facial Cleanser. I need deep with my oily, pore clogged skin and well I like green cleansers as a rule.

The scrublet works great and not too be worried about. It is super soft on your face , but really gets it clean. It massages lightly and you feel as if you are getting deeper clean than normal. My skin/pores looked it as well.

The Scrublet is trademarked and has 500 bristles and it pops right into the bottle for easy , no mess storage.

The cleanser itself lathers well with only a small amount and a nice, light scent. Notes in there include orange flower and mint. It's also oil free.

There are four Go 360 Clean Formulas including a scrub and a cream version.

Clarins Instant Sun Light Click &Gloss

If you want a sparkly gloss with an easy click applicator and SPF , then the new Clarins Instant Sun Light Click & Gloss might be for you.

Easy to use , it has lots of shimmer and the shade I have ( vanilla) is light enough to wear anytime and also makes a nice top coat over a deeper lip. The SPF in gloss is a summer must have , as the shine of gloss attracts the sun's rays to your lips more. It's good to have a couple SPF glosses handy all through the season.

There are 3 shades: Vanilla, Coral and Cinnamon.

Retail is $ 18.00 and they are available at http://www.clarins.com/ and at Clarins counters .


Clarins Summer line also includes waterproof eye pencils, the pretty Instant Sun Light eye quad, Instant Sun Light Smooth Compact Highlighter and a Fix Makeup setting spray.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Stila One Step PrimeColor


The Stila One Step foundation is a huge win, and now they have added a new One Step- PrimeColor.

PrimeColor is a multi purpose product. It can be used on face as all over color, or on cheeks. lips and eyes.

It's a cream formula, not greasy at all, more matte and blends really well . I have Bronze Babe and as much as I love bronze, I was worried when I first squeezed some out, that it was too dark. It wasn't. As I said it blends easily and on my fair skin as a blush and as all over bronzing, it was fine. There is a bit of shimmer in this shade, but only a little. On lips it was very matte, so for me, a balm or gloss would be needed.

What I love about this is the practicality ( and that's not a word you hear me utter often). This is made for summer days. If you're headed for the pool , beach or lake or maybe a girls spa getaway , this is one of those products that is easy to carry, use and gives you just enough color for casual, hot days.

PrimeColor uses mineral pigments, is water resistant , has Stila's Youth Revival Bio-Available Mineral Complex™ and comes in 6 shades including a Kitten version. Some have shimmer, some don't.

Shades are :

Per Suede (tawny)
Bronze Babe (bronze)
Pop of Pink (pale pink)
Capri Coral (coral)
Rosie Posie (warm rose)
Kitten

$ 22.00 at http://www.stilacosmetics.com/ and Sephora.com

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Glamour Squad Weekly Links


Diva Debbi wants to know does Allure still allure??? She ponders the fate of her subscription, while still finding new things that MUST be tried, like Conair's new Curl Up clamp free curling iron

Clumps of Mascara goes to The Makeup Show NYC!

Krasey Beauty takes you on a journey, and shows you all of the amazing body art at The Makeup Show

Butterflydiary writes about the MAC Venomous Villains Collection that debuts in the fall. Which cartoon character do you think is synonymous with pure makeup evil?

The Product Pasha tests a few natural yet effective sunscreens

Eve Pearl Kisses Of Pearl Duo Lipgloss


Eve Pearl is a well respected makeup artist and has 5 Emmys to her name . She has been the key makeup artist for the View and personal makeup artist to Meredith Viera. Well known in artist circles with a huge pro line and a studio/boutique in NYC but not as mainstream, I had seen but never tried any of her line before getting a gloss duo at The Makeup Show.

Out of the box I was impressed with color and the pigment. I like that the gloss has "grip". meaning it really sticks and has hold on the lips. It's also very shimmery, moisturizing and lasts long for a gloss. There is also great pigment. These are not sheer. The texture is not gritty or sticky and feels good on.

I'm not crazy about the flavor, it says it's mint, but to me it's an herbal mint. Not that bad but not great either. Depends on what you like.

Overall this is defintely a good gloss, and better than many that I've tried in hold and pigment.

My duo is called Moonlight Kiss and Stardust. There are 3 other color combos and all are at http://www.evepearl.com/ for $ 22.00

Monday, May 24, 2010

Make Up For Ever Aqua Creams



The new Aqua Creams from Make Up For Ever are pigment powerhouses. What you see in the pot is exactly what you get.




The emerald green is swoonworthy beautiful. I use it on the whole eye with some light gold shadow in the inner corner, and it makes a great liner as well. The brown is a perfect mid-deep brown with shimmer. A great layering shadow or for a smoky eye or just by itself which is how I've used it so far.

They are blendable but not super creamy. There's good stick to them ( but a non -sticky texture) and that keeps them on the eye , lip or cheek much longer. Mother of Pearl particles give shimmer and depth.

These are made to withstand water, humidity, hot photo shoots etc. They are smudge and tear proof and come in 21 shades ( 6 for lips/cheeks, 15 for eyes). All can be blended or mixed as needed .

I am happy to report that the Aqua Creams last long on my eyes. I've said many times about my severe eye makeup melt , so I was anxious as could be to try these. I do get a tiny bit of wear after several hours but overall these last longer on me ( and remember I can melt almost anything it seems short of permanent makeup) than most eyeshadows .

Color #9 is a coral/pink for lips and cheeks. Same bold pigment for long lasting lipcolor. This is not a pale, quiet shade and it lasted well on my lips even with a gloss topcoat .

Aqua Creams are in store/ on site now at Sephora.com and retail for $ 22.00

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Kerastase Our Treat Event

If you love Kerastase or have been wanting to try the much lauded brand, here's a chance if you have a salon that uses the line nearby.

Called the Our Treat Event , it's on May 26th (in the eastern half of the US) and on June 23rd (in the western half of the US) where participating Kérastase Consultant salons will open their doors and offer Complimentary Kerastase Treatments Rituals and Blow-Outs - valued at $100.

Additionally, Kérastase has also partnered with Locks of Love and will encourage guests who receive treatments to donate $10 to the cause. This is the 2nd year for the event and in 2009, nearly 700 salons participated and nearly 13,000 complimentary Kérastase rituals were performed on clients who attended.

Visit www.kerastase-usa.com/ourtreat to find a location near you. You do need to make an appointment as well.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Maybelline Sneak Peek at Summer/Fall

Maybelline has a raft of new launches coming this summer season. Building on the success of all those new releases last year and early this year, they will expand a few lines and bring a popular mascara from Europe to our shores.

- Color Sensational Lipstick will come in a new Pearls version. Contained in a pearlized case with a shimmer finish in 10 shades. ( These hit stores in June)

- A Color Sensational LipStain will also be launced in 10 shades. This is a water based formula with berry nectars and will be a pen style wand.


- The Falsies Volum' Express is a new mascara here that has been hugely succesful in Europe according to Maybelline. This uses a fiber brush with a slightly flat tip that is cupped like a spoon. Pro Keratin fibers are in there for volume.


- Eye Studio Color Gleam Cream Eyeshadow- an addition to the Eyestudio line , a new cream formula . Each compact will have 3 bright shades with a shimmer finish.

- Instant Age Rewind Protector Finishing Powder- new to the fab Instant Age Rewind line, is a powder with SPF 25 .

- Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation- a mousse foundation for those with dry skin. This is said to provide up to 14 hours of hydration.







All images/info: WWD and Maybelline UK

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Hourglass Illume Bronzer/Blush Duo


Hourglass has a new bronzer/blush combo out called Illume, that combines two cream to powder products for easy , even on the go , application.

Illume features the Hourglass hallmark- the swivel top lid with a mirror . It's oil and wax free.

The creams are very emollient in the case but it flash dries on skin to a powder type product that you can't even feel. The bronze shade is medium and can be blended down , the blush is an easy to use on almost any skintone pink. You can fingers or a brush to blend. Shade combo shown is Sunset.


Retail is $ 40.00 and is on site at Sephora.com and also at Barneys.

Glamour Squad Weekly Reads


Annoucing our new 24/7 website :
http://www.glamour-squad.com/index.html


Krasey Beauty discovers her glow from within with Dior's Shimmer Star Powder

Diva Debbi'sColorist at Warren Tricomi used Inoa, L'Oreals cutting edge, ammonia free permanent hair color .
Find out if it is worth the up charge

Butterflydiary
tests the Everlasting Gobstopper of manis with CND's new Shellac nail
polish.

Clumps of Mascara reviews another mascara from Revlon. Is it another fail?


The Product Pasha chats with Lavanila's Danielle Raynor about the new Healthy Baby Collection and gives some way!

The Beauty Alchemist goes To The Beach with MAC

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Burts Bees Amazon Contest & New Lip Balm


Burts Bees is debuting a new lip balm and you may win a trip to the Amazon because of it.

To celebrate the debut of Burt’s Bees® new Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açaí Berry this May, Burt’s Bees is giving fans the chance to win a once in a lifetime eco-getaway to the Amazon—home of the exotic, antioxidant-rich superfruit.

The sweepstakes will run from May 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010 .
http://burtsbees.promo.eprize.com/acai/?affiliate_id=homepage

One grand prize winner will win a one-week trip for two to one of three Brazilian Rainforest destinations. The all-expense-paid trip includes all transportation, lodging, flights, food and beverages, as well as eco-tours, activities, and excursions. Discover the lush, green haven that inspired Burt’s Bees’ Rejuvenating Lip Balm in one of these exotic Brazilian Rainforest destinations:

- Tropical Manaus – A luxury Brazilian eco-resort located at the gateway to the majestic Amazon rainforest
- Ariau Amazon Towers – The largest treetop hotel in the world with luxury accommodations in the middle of the Brazilian Amazon
- Jungle Othon Palace Boat – A hotel boat in the Amazon designed to offer comfort and entertainment as it sails down the Rio Negro

To enter to win the grand prize trip and other Burt’s Bees prizes, just visit http://www.burtsbees.com/ to sign up from May 1st, 2010 through the end of the year. When you tell a friend to enter, you can gain additional contest entries—the more friends you tell, the better your chance of winning.

Win Fifi Nominated Fragrances Via The Fragrance Found.


You know what a fragrance fan I am, and one of the biggest days of the year for fragrances is coming on June 10th. The Fifi awards. The Fifis are the fragrance industrys highest awards, their Oscars if you will . To help celebrate , The Fragrance Foundation is giving away a different 2010 nominated fragrance every day via their Facebook page.

Here is the list, the details and the link. Good luck and happy sniffing.

___________________

Starts Monday, May 17th at 5pm. One a day, everyday at 5pm (in the order
listed below) until they run out of product. More product may be added.

To enter you must become a fan of the FIFI Awards Page
& make any comment. http://www.facebook.com/fifis

• In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon (Women’s Private Label)
• Enchantment of Twilight Woods (Women’s Private Label)
• Halle by Halle Berry (Women’s Popular Appeal)
• Faith Hill Parfums (Women’s Popular Appeal)
• Patrick Dempsey 2 (Men’s Private Label)
• Tom Ford White Suede (Unique Boutique)
• EAU Mega by Victor + Rolf (Women’s Nouveau Niche)
• Very Hollywood by Michael Kors (Woman’s Luxe)
• Flora by Gucci (Woman’s Luxe)
• LOLA by Marc Jacobs (Woman’s Luxe)
• Only the Brave by Diesel (Men’s Luxe)
• D&G Fragrance Anthology (Men’s Luxee)

______
Winners will be announced via Facebook. You may enter only once per Give-away. Winners will be selected in a random drawing. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age and over.

The fine print:

Alternatively, those not wishing to join Facebook can submit their name for consideration by sending their name, address, and age to: Facebook Give-Away c/o The Fragrance Foundation, 545 Fifth Avenue, Suite 900 New York, NY 10017. No purchase is necessary. Odds of winning will depend on the number of entries received. Any applicable taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. Void where prohibited.

The Fragrance Foundation reserves the right to cancel, suspend, modify, or terminate the give-away in the event of any technical malfunction, including any unauthorized tampering or anything beyond the control of The Fragrance Foundation.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Gemma Arterton Previews New Chanel Makeup


At last night's premiere for Prince of Persia, actress Gemma Arterton was made up by Kate Lee using Chanel makeup, giving us a sneak peek of some products coming soon.

I might mention too, that Gemma looks amazing in her grecian goddess dress. I was sad to read in an interview with the Daily Mail that she had been recently told by a designer that she was too big . She states being a 8-10 which is a damn fine size if you ask me. Who woudn't want that figure ?

The makeup details according to Kate Lee:

"I prepped Gemma's skin with Chanel Hydramax + Active Serum. On her eyes, I used a beautiful violet grey shadow from a new palette launching in July- Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Enigma.

I lined the inside of Gemma's eyes with Chanel Intense Eye Pencil in Clair, also launching in July. This beige shade is a nice alternative to white - it gives a more modern effectand is not quite as harsh, making the eyes appear wider.

Finally, I applied two coats of Chanel Inimitable Mascara in Noir. I used a generous amount of Chanel Hydramax + Active Lip Care on her mouth,and added just a bit of Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Dynastie for a touch of colour.

To complete the look, I applied Chanel Powder Blush in Fandango on the apples of her cheeks."

Monday, May 17, 2010

Lancome Definicils Precious Cells Mascara


Today has been test day for the brand new Definicils Precious Cells mascara from Lancome. I have been a fan of the original Defincils for years and it's the best selling luxury mascara in the world.

Now Lancome has applied the Precious Cells ingredient Malus Domestica ( Swiss Apple) to this new mascara for conditioned , resilient lashes. Hyaluronic acid and Arginine are in there too.

You get the great definition of Definicils here obviously , but some volume as well. Lashes are very soft and I also got a lot of length . The wand is small, which I like, and is new. It has short and long bristles. The formula of Precious Cells is a creamier one and this is a wet mascara. I wipe some off before using.

Application is a breeze, it goes on smoothly, and I had no smudging issues all day. It's also made to remove easily with little to no pulling on lashes, therefore less lash fallout.

Definicils Precious Cells is available now at http://www.lancome-usa.com/ and in Lancome boutiques for $ 29.00.

Lancome counters will launch it shortly.
PS- In Europe the new mascara is Hypnose Precious Cells.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Things I Learned In NYC & at The Makeup Show

This weekend was the always fabulous Makeup Show in NYC. I got to do a short preview visit as I wasn't able to attend the show itself. The day also included a stop at the pretty Lancome boutique on the Upper West Side.

Some highlights:

- Sandy Linter is amazing. In case you don't know who she is, she is currently the Makeup For Every Age expert for Lancome , but has been in the business for decades doing fashion , Vogue covers and much more. She did a quick touch up on my eyes, that was much needed and made such a difference. All she used were gold and black pencils and Oscillation mascara. Oh and she loved my own blush application. Getting praise from Sandy Linter =priceless.

-Lancome has some great new products just out and coming soon. Stay tuned.

- OCC Lip Tars pack more pigment than anything I have ever seen . I mean, wow , in the extreme. I have used their nail polish but never the lip tars. But I have wanted to. I have Grandma , an orange/coral ( it's not as red as my image seems) and while I love it , it's way too much for me. It's bolder and more vivid than you can imagine. For darker skin tones it would be better. There are many shades and it's so thick that a droplet is all you need .


- James Vincent, makeup artist and Makeup Show co -founder is a very fun, funny guy. Ok, I knew this from past visits, but it's worth mentioning when a guy channels Aretha, Oprah and Dionne Warwick all in one short presentation.


- I think Make Up For Ever Aqua Creams will be a dream product . Waterproof, sweatproof. More to come on then once I try them. I am all about getting these asap.

- The Makeup Show is going to Europe. Possibly within a year.

-I love too many very expensive fragrances. ( No surprise there, right ?) Newly discovered- yet another Heeley, Iris de Nuit and Penhaligons Extract of Limes . Don't get me started on the Cire Trudon candles. Happily L'Artisan's new Nuit de Tuberose did not move me.

- Everyone in NYC and visiting NYC is wearing gladiator sandals. But me. I think I am over them. They just aren't flattering on.

-For the first time I saw the line at the Village locale of Magnolia Bakery for cupcakes and I tried one uptown. Popularized by Sex and the City , the Village location is busy. Here's the thing- they are just ok. Sugar Sweet Sunshine are better , and I hear Crumbs is too. Save the hour line time and try one of these places instead. Or watch them make the cupcakes in the window, so you can say you were there .

Friday, May 14, 2010

mark. Totally Balmed Tinted Lip Balms


If you're a regular reader, you know I love my tinted lip balms. I try as many as I can. New to me were ones from mark. by Avon. Actually these were my first ever mark. products I've used.

The Totally Balmed lip balms are very moisturizing and have nice shine , and a little shimmer. The plum color ( Totally Hot) packs a lot of pigment but the pink one( Totally Sweet) has almost no tint. It's barely there.

These have SPF 15 , Vitamins A,C and E and have a light mint flavor. Perfect for summer days when you might want lighter makeup or are heading outdoors for the day.

2 other shades are : Totally Bare( tawny/cocoa) and Totally Cute( pink/coral) and they sell for $ 8.00 each.


Available through a mark. rep or online at http://www.meetmark.com/

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

MAC To The Beach


To The Beach has gotten a lot of pre- press for months now with a few images popping up here and there. At last the release date is near- May 27th and I have some product to show you.



The packaging is very,well, preppy beachy. Green or orange with seashell motifs on the outside compacts. The star product will be the embossed Seahorse highlighting powder, reminiscent of the Lillyland floral one. That's also one item I don't have in hand yet. Lustre Drops are brought back too. I loved those last year.

The line is very coral and bronze and perfect for summer. The blushes , new Bronze Body Oil and Float On By eyepencil especially call to me. The bronzing oil is a shimmering , lightly bronzing ,scentless, quickly absorbed oil.


MAC Eye Shadow-
-Sand & Sun: Light Peach (Matte)
-Firecraker: Frosted Mid-Tone Red Orange (Veluxe Pearl)
-Sweet & Punchy: Bright Yellow Green (Veluxe Pearl)
-Shimmermoss: Green with Green Pearl (Veluxe Pearl)
-Humid: Intense Green with Shimmer (Frost)

MAC Lipstick-
-BeachBound: Sheer Frosted Pale Peach (Glaze)
-Lazy Day: Light Dirty Blue Pink (Lustre)
-Thrills: Rosy Copper with Gold Pearl (Frost)
-FunBathing: Mid-Tone Bronzed Plum (CremeSheen)


MAC Lipglass
-Easy Lounger: Light Baby Pink with Multi-Dimensional Pear
-Flurry of Fun: Sheer Sparkly Peach
-Splashing: Mid-Tone Blue Pink with Soft Gold Pearl

MAC Lip Pencil-
-Life’s a Breeze: Soft Pink
-Temperature Rising: Loudmouth Orange

MAC Eye Kohl
-Float on By: Dark Green Turquoise
-Rosemary & Thyme: Mid-Tone Olive Gold with Shimmer

MAC Powder Blush-
-Hipness: Intense Coral with Soft White Pearl (Frost)
-Get-Away Bronze: Mid-Tone SunTan (Frost)

MAC High-Light Powder-
-Marine Life: Multicolour Pressed Powder

MAC Nail Lacquer-
-In the Buff: Muted Taupe Avocado (Cream)
-Scorcher: Creamy Bright Coral Red (Cream)

MAC To The Beach Cream Bronzer-
-Beach Bronze:Golden Glow with Soft Gold Finish
-Weekend:Mid-Tone Deep Orange Brown w/ Soft Pink Pearl

MAC Bronzing Powder-
-Golden:Muted Golden Tan Beige with Gold Shimmer
-Refined Golden:Finely Spun Golden with Soft Pearl Finish


MAC Lustre Drops-
-Pink Rebel:Blue Pink with Gold Pearl
-Sun Rush : Peachy Bronze with Gold Pearl

MAC To The Beach Bronze Body Oil-
Glowing Tan with Multidimensional Golden Shimmer

MAC To The Beach Bag $49.50

New Nicole Miller Fragrance


Nicole Miller is back in the fragrance game with her new self named Nicole Miller fragrance.

Billed as a floral, it's actually very oriental , so I would call it a floriental. It's has a bit of a throwback nature to it. It's deeper and more oriental than most new releases these days. If you are an amber, aldehydic or spicy floral lover, this may appeal to you.

It is not quite a bold oriental but it also not soft or light . It has great sillage and staying power, and is no shy flower but not in your face either. Somewhere in the middle.

Notes include: cassis sorbet, orange, clean aldehydes, yellow gardenia, ylang ylang, orange blossom, violet leaves, black patchouli, oakmoss, cedar and amber.

The perfume is currently exclusive to Saks.

The 1.7 oz retails for $65 and the 3.4oz for $95 .

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Kim Kardashian Contest


Want to design the next version of Kim Kardashian's fragrance? Read on ...

"Starting today, and for the next week, fans are invited to help Kim and Sephora design the artwork for a limited edition version of her rollerball fragrance that will be sold in October to support breast cancer awareness. The winning design will be on Sephora shelves nationwide.

10% of every sale of this limited edition rollerball will be donated to Young Survival Coalition, an international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer.

Visit Kim’s site at http://kimkardashian.celebuzz.com/2010/05/design-rollerball.php
for more info and to download the template, and then email your design to kimsrollerball@gmail.com . Kim will be logging in to check out all the designs, pick her three faves, and then fans will choose who wins by voting on their favorite."


Diet Coke For Your Nails

In the UK ( and sadly only in the UK) Nails Inc. has this very cool promotion going. If you buy 2 500ml bottles of Diet Coke in select Boots you can get GWP of a Diet Coke by Nails Inc. nail polish. Boots quite simply rocks.

There are 4 nail colors , each inspired by a fashion capitol- Milan( red), London( nude), New York(fuschia) and Paris( purple).

I totally love the kitsch factor here and the colors look nice enough. I'll take a London, please. Although the Milan is the color of Coca Cola all the way.


If any of my UK readers have these or have checked them out, please let me know.

Monday, May 10, 2010

C.O. Bigelow Lemon & Orange Blossom

If you are an orange blossom fan such as myself, than you'll want to try C.O.Bigelow's Lemon and Orange Blossom line.

I adore orange blossom and have the Cream Body Wash from this line so far. I don't usually see this scent done well outside higher priced lines . Bigelow gets it right. They use natural lemon oil and extract as well as orange blossom extract. The lemon gives a little tart citrus kick that goes well with it , but the scent is mainly true,fragrant orange blossom. Sweet, summery and very pretty. The body wash is thick , creamy and moisturizing but not heavy.

I've decided that the matching Body Cream is a must buy. I've looked at Jo Malone's orange blossom body cream for awhile . I can now have the Bigelow at a fraction of the cost and that is a good thing.




Moisture-Rich Cream Body Wash is $ 12.00 for 8 oz
Moisture-Rich Body Cream $ 15.00 for 8 oz

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Glamour Squad Weekly Reads



The Beauty Alchemist stays sun safe with new Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Creme


The Product Pasha guides you through the tricky world of self-tanners with Tanning 101


Clumps of Mascara encourages women of all shades to rock a red lip.

Diva Debbi thought this photo of Brooke Shields backside was a good reminder of why a 3-way mirror is still our best beauty and fashion accessory


Krasey Beauty travels to Mauritius and Hawaii, all by way of Givenchy Beauty's summer collection.

Butterflydiary reviews the new, brightly printed FEED Guatemala bags that are now at Lord & Taylor.


Friday, May 7, 2010

The Gap T-Shirts for Met Museum Costume Institute

By now you've most likely seen images from the annual Met Ball gala on Monday. It's a huge deal and one we fashionistas look forward to each year.

This year's lead sponsor was the Gap. Designers like Rodarte made dresses with the Gap for celebs like Jessica Alba to wear.

For those of us non gala go-ers , the Gap has a line of very cool T shirts made to commorate the exhibit called American Woman. These are not your simple logo tees. They have major style. I have my eye on the Screen Siren one( shown) and maybe the Heiress. ( Also shown is the Flapper). Notice too, that online most Gap tops incl. these go to size XXL( 20) making them accessible to many sizes .

This collection is available only online and at a few select CA, NY and Chicago locations.




Thursday, May 6, 2010

Guerlain New Kiss Kiss Baby for Summer


Guerlain has created 2 new shades of their Kiss Kiss Baby lip balm for the summer collection. These luxe balms have wild mango butter and Luffa oil for moisture and SPF 10 for sun protection. I loved these when they came out and you can read that first post here

The 2 new shades are Coral Sunset and Cherry Summer. Cherry Summer is shown in my photo.

Available now for $ 31.00

Beauty Riot Quizzes and Contests

Total Beauty has re-launched Beauty Riot and to celebrate , they are doing 8 weeks of fun quizzes with prize winning potential. The first one ends tomorrow and is called 8 quizzes, 8 awesome prizes. A new one will start sometime on the 7th and each week another new one will pop up.

Here's the link and full details if you want to give it a go. Good luck.

Each week (for the next 8 weeks), Beauty Riot will introduce a new quiz on the sweeps page.

They'll include fun topics such as “Which Star Inspires Your Hair?” or “What's Your Beauty Addiction?”. Your readers will be entered to win a prize when they take each quiz.

Entries will roll over, so if you don't win the first week, you are automatically entered in the second week and so on. By the last week, you could have up to 8 entries in the sweeps.
Some of the great prizes being offered include; A Year's Worth of Shoes and Handbags ($800 DSW Gift Card); $250 Charlotte Russe Gift Card; a Pink Flip Cam ($150); 8GB iPod Touch ($200) and $250 Forever 21 Gift Card.

The contest is open to U.S. residents only.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Kiehl's Mother's Day Sets

Just in time for Mother's Day gifting, Kiehl's has put together several special sets with mom in mind. Featured here are two, the rest can be viewed in Kiehl's stores or online .

I particularly like the lavender set for moms. My dear friend The Movie Mommy notices I often gift her with lavender everything. She's a mom of two youngsters, works full time and has the hubby, the house, etc. I think she needs it. Every mom needs a little stress reduction. Pampering is good too and both these sets deliver on that.

Lavender Collection $ 54.50

• Lavender Foaming-Relaxing Bath with Sea Salts and Aloe, 8.4 oz.
• Bath and Shower Liquid Body Cleanser in Lavender, 8.4 oz.
• Deluxe Hand & Body Lotion with Aloe Vera & Oatmeal in Lavender, 8.4 oz.
• Midnight Recovery Concentrate (deluxe)
• Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate (packette)

Creme de Corps Essentials $ 73.50
• Creme de Corps, 8.4 oz.
• Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream, 6.8 oz.
• Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish, 6.8 oz.
• Midnight Recovery Concentrate (deluxe)
• Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate (packette)