beauty in real life...: 10/1/08

Friday, October 31, 2008

fashion week fun....how i met lauren ezersky

This has been loooonnnng overdue...but better late than never, right?

There was one major highlight for me at Fashion Week, other than hanging out at Fashion Week with Christine, and that was meeting Lauren Ezersky.

In case you aren't familiar with her, here's a clip from her show Behind the Velvet Ropes, that I believe isn't on anymore.

I loved her coverage and her chemistry with every designer that she interviewed. Loved.

I also adored her show.

So when I saw her at Fashion Week, I just about freaked out.

Christine did me a total bestie-friend favor walked up to Lauren and asked her if she wouldn't mind taking a photo with me.

Can I just tell you how sweet and nice and gracious she was?

She immediately said yes and posed with me.

All I did was gush about how much I loved her and how she was such an inspiration and blah blah blah.

She smiled the whole time and was so sweet to sit through two photos.

Another thing is please understand that I hate being photographed.

Especially when it's like a million degrees outside...as it was then...and I look like crap...like I do here.

But that was totally worth it considering that I was able to be thatclose to someone I've always admired.

I have another celeb sighting that...well...didn't go so great...and I'll be sharing that with you soon.

I totally promise.

Jennifer

happy halloween from origins

Today only, Origins is offering 2 free samples and free standard shipping with any online order!

You get to choose one mask and one cleanser (while supplies last) of your choice!

Head on over there for more info.

origins.com

Jennifer and Christine

julie hewett los angeles - cheekie cheek and lip shine

I adore anything that allows for simplicity.

For me, that's the perfect combo of lips-cheeks. When I'm running around after Little L and running errands in my "mom van"...I will begin to work on Big L for an improvement on that soon...there is little to no time to check myself in the mirror to make sure that I look put together.

What makes this cheekie cheek & lip shine ($24) just perfection, is the fact that you can use this on your lips and cheeks....it's actually flattering to both and hydrating enough to make each look dewy and fresh.

My two faves are rosie and natural. One (rosie) gives a totally gorge pinky glow and the other gives that just-right-oomph of slight color when I need it.

I use my fingers to apply it, but you could easily switch in a lip brush and a cream blush brush to apply it if you prefer.

There are four other colors to choose from...vampie, bettie, peachie, and jami. I'm starting to think that peachie is calling my name.

There are more Julie Hewett reviews to come, but I had to mention her palettes before I signed off.

While I haven't tried one yet, I'm loving what I'm seeing.

One that caught my eye was her Mandy Palette ($48) which was created for Mandy Moore during the filming of her movie Because I Said So.

It contains two cheekies in peachie and natural, as well as a shimmy in goldie (review to come on that fab gem), and a lip lush in mimi.

To die.

Check out juliehewett.net for more products, more info, and to make a purchase.

Jennifer
photos courtesy of julie hewett los angeles
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

aerin lauder private collection - amber ylang ylang

This is one of those scents which captures you at first glance. Without any idea of what the fragrance itself actually smells like, we're swooning over the bottle design and that exquisite cap.

Fabulous.

With notes of Golden Amber, Ylang Ylang, Bulgarian Rose, Honey, Incense, Vanilla and
Sandalwood...it sounds very warm and sexy.

Absolutely essential for the colder weather ahead.

And that embellished cap?

It was inspired by an exquisite hammered gold necklace and matching bracelet that Aerin received as a gift from her grandmother Estēe.

We love how they interpreted it using the semi-precious stones of tiger eye, smokey quartz and red agate...and scattering them over the front.

Too sweet.

Amber Ylang Ylang will be available in North America and internationally beginning in November 2008.

Suggested Retail Prices range from $65 for the Eau de Parfum Spray (1 oz) to $300 for the Parfum Spray (1 oz).

We've actually seen it online at esteelauder.com, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Bergdorf Goodman right now.

Jennifer and Christine

Thursday, October 30, 2008

last minute costume ideas...twinkly fairy

Instead of being a slutty witch, slutty cat, slutty pirate, slutty nurse, slutty maid, slutty...well...you get the idea...why not go for some cuteness and go for a twinkly fairy look?

Total Beauty got the Director of Makeup Artistry for MAC Cosmetics, Gregory Arlt, to give you the lowdown on how to do this look at home using products you probably have sitting around anyway.

And, please remember...no slutty fairies please. That's just wrong on so many levels.

Jennifer and Christine

pink giveaway with artemis woman

For our last Pink Giveaway this year, we have one Pink Heel Smoother ($19.99) from Artemis Woman.

This product, especially made to commemorate October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month is available for a limited time only, through the month of October.

Two percent of profits generated by the sale of this product will go to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation who want to "eradicate breast cancer and improve the quality of women's health through innovative research, education and advocacy." Artemis Woman has, since its inception in 2002, been committed to breast cancer causes.

Company co-founder, Lisa Kable, discovered she had breast cancer at age 30 while breast-feeding her newborn. After diagnosis and treatment this wife and mother of two made a full recover and she is now a 9-year breast cancer survivor.

The Artemis Woman Heel Smoother is the company's signature product. It's a two-speed battery-operated pedicure device that is the #1 Podiatrist Recommended Pedicure Appliance on the market.

It proudly wears the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance on its packages. Now, women who prefer home pedicures to expensive and time consuming salon pedicures, can remove the dry, crusty, and callused skin from their heels and feet with their new PINK Artemis Woman Heel Smoother!

PINK Heel Smoothers are now available at Wal-Mart, Walgreens and online artemiswoman.com.

To enter the giveaway, send us an email at beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with "Pink Heel Smoother Giveaway" in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.

We will randomly select one winner November 5th at 11pm est. The winners will be announced on Thursday, the 6th!

Alright, just to clarify...One entry per person, duplicate entries will not increase your odds of winning. For this giveaway, only US residents may enter. You have from now until November 5th at 11:00 PM EST to enter.

Good luck!

Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
bbnbcacontests

*Please Read This: If you fail to include all information we will disqualify your entry. One winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. Duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. Giveaway sponsored by Artemis Woman. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm on Wednesday, November 5th, 2008.

pink giveaway with nubar winners....

This week's Pink Giveaway we had 2 bottles of Nubar's Oh'Baby Pink nail polish.

Oh'Baby Pink is a fresh new pink shade dedicated to the We Care Collection, in support of the Fight for Breast Cancer awareness and City of Hope's strive for finding a cure for Breast Cancer. Support this Effort by purchasing N260_Oh'Baby Pink and we will donate 10% of all proceeds from the sale of the Baby Pink color towards finding a Cure for "Breast Cancer". Fresh, Beautiful and full of energy and new life. Formaldehyde Toluene and (DBP) Phthalate FREE.

For more information on the Nubar, check out bynubar.com.

And now onto the winners....

Melissa L.

and

Brittany K.

Congratulations!!! We will be sending out your new Nubar Polish soon.

Don't forget to enter our Avon Giveaway, worth $100!!! You can enter here.

Jennifer and Christine

last week....

So here's the story about me last week....

My husband was out of town for the whole week. He left Sunday and didn't come home until late Friday night. And on Saturday we had an office get together for his work AND he signed "us" up to bring a dish that required 12 hours of cooking.

My son refused to take a nap....the whole week.

I had a cold that I was fighting and I was losing miserably.

So, the night before hubby got home I was watching an old episode of Family Guy and it couldn't have been better timed. You seriously could have swapped me for Lois.

After watching this, I decided I needed to go relax. Enter Organics by Noah's Naturals Sea Salt Soak ($17).

This soak is supposed to draw out impurities from the skin, leaving the skin feeling healthy and smooth from the pure mineral sea salt. It is also supposed to ease tension and help you relax because it has lavender. Actually, the container is ginormous and it only has sea salt and pieces of lavender in it. It smells great and looks pretty sitting out by my tub. I did feel more relaxed when I was done.

For more information on Noah's Naturals, check out noahsnaturals.com

Christine

stila limited edition surprise and shine record a message palette

Stila has taken their talking compact idea one cool step forward, by creating a Surprise and Shine Record a Message Palette ($40).

Perfect for the holidays and beyond, it allows you to gift your bestie...or other lucky recipient...with gorgeous colors and your own personal message that you can record yourself!

Use your imagination and get creative...give them some quick application tips, record their own personal mantra that they can hear each day and feel great about themselves, or just sing them a little song...whatever you can think of.

The kit itself comes with three eye shadows...Nude, Wheat and Espresso...and a Convertible Color in Peony.

So perfect and so easy to use, you just might have a hard time giving this up yourself!

Find it at stilacosmetics.com, Sephora Stores, sephora.com, Studio at Fred Segal
and Space NK, London.

Happy shopping!

Jennifer and Christine
photo courtesy of sephora.com
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

what do angelina jolie and terri seymour have in common?

They're both fans of Hourglass Cosmetics.

Celeb makeup artist Melissa Walsh used Hourglass Cosmetics on Terri Seymour’s gorgeous beauty look at the 30th anniversary Carousel of Hope Ball this past weekend.

For long-lasting coverage and a flawless complexion, Walsh started with Veil Fluid Makeup and Veil Invisible Powder as a base and added a pop of dark shimmer to Terri’s eyes with the Color Link Palette in Dusk.

A palette that we think is just divine.

Some of the other major celeb fans of Hourglass include...Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Julianne Moore, Demi Moore, Maria Menounos, Molly Sims, Uma Thurman and others!

You can find Hourglass Cosmetics at Sephora stores and at sephora.com.

Fabulous night out look...no?

hourglasscosmetics.com

Jennifer and Christine
photo of terri courtesy of getty images
photo of palette courtesy of sephora
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

zelens radical defence serum

As I get older, I've been gaining more of an interest in serums.

I'm intrigued by the prospect of using a product, in conjunction with my kick butt moisturizers, that will create some sort of super-powered duo and make my skin look fabulous in the process.

Zelens Radical Defence Serum is something that I've been using daily for the past couple of weeks...and have liked what I've seen so far.

It's managed to brighten areas that needed brightening, make my skin feel hydrated, and soften things up too.

I swear at the end of the day, my skin still looks as good as it did starting out....like all glow-y and even.

J'adore.

zelens.com

Jennifer
photo courtesy of zelens
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

juicy couture event at nyc flagship

We are insane for Juicy Couture.

I mean...their velvet and terry tracksuits are de rigueur for stay-at-home moms are they not?

And let's not even talk about their other to die for fashions, accessories, and perfumes.

Love does not even begin to describe our feelings here.

Well here's your chance to meet the designers face-to-face.

Juicy Couture founders Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy will host a meet and greet for all Juicy lovers at their new Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York City next Saturday, November 8th!

The fashionably chic pair will be signing postcards and giving away a limited quantity of Viva La Juicy tees to shoppers who spend over $200.

So...one more time...

When: Saturday, November 8th 11am – 1pm

Where: Juicy Couture Flagship, 650 Fifth Avenue (Cross street 52nd St)

If you do go...please check back with us and let us know how it went and what you bought!

Jennifer and Christine

beauty buys under $10 - herbal essences body envy volumizing shampoo and conditioner

So the other week, I was literally having the most craptastic week ever.

First off, I woke up to the eye infection from hell. Or at least the eye doctor I went to thought it was the eye infection from hell.

Turns out it..well...not quite sure what it was really because after a week it ran it's course and went away.

FYI...that's definitely not due to the eye doctor's superior prescribing skills.

Basically, instead of some drops or eye goo, she gave me pills. Pills that apparently are the stuff you would prescribe after a tick bite in the hopes to prevent Lyme Disease.

Huh?

So that's why my eye like NEVER HEALED until I stopped taking it. Thanks doctor.

Until it did heal, I had to relegate myself to not testing any eye makeup at all.

That meant no mascaras, no eye shadows, eyeliners, concealers, etc...

For the love of God I was going insane.

So as not to depress myself further...and draw attention to my hideous red, puffy, and oozing eye...I concentrated on other areas of the body.

That's where this shampoo and conditioner came in.

They were my saving grace and have henceforth been given a permanent place in my shower.

Let me just tell you, that's not an easy feat.

It's getting really cramped in there with all of the things that I test on a daily.

What makes these so special?

Well, for one, they are a-m-a-z-i-n-g.

Seriously...they are.

The shampoo manages to clean without stripping or dryness...and condition it enough to feel soft, shiny, and not heavy.

Just unreal volume that lasts through the entire day...I kid you not.

Plus the scent is that perfect I-can't-stop-sniffing-my-hair scent that makes me smile everytime I get a whiff of it.

And it made Big L actually STROKE my hair and say the following...wow your hair feels so soft and silky...I love how it smells too.

No joke.

The most fabulous part is that you can pick these up for way under $10 at any Target, Walmart, CVS, any mass market retailer, and drugstore.com.

Oh and if you head on over to herbalessences.com, you can take a really cute interactive quiz that will help you find your fragrance factor. Both Christine and me took it, and that's how we both figured out that Body Envy matched us perfectly.

Head on over now to check out your best scent match and also find out more info on how you might be able to get a free* haircut!

Jennifer
photos courtesy of drugstore.com
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

*limited time offer. check with herbalessences.com for more info.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

avon beauty breakthrough tour giveaway..

Here is something we previously mentioned (click here to view): The Avon Beauty Breakthrough Tour is heading across the country, beautifying cities inside and out at every stop. Now in it’s 7th year, The Beauty Breakthrough Tour brings Avon’s unique combination of beauty and technology to women while challenging communities to join forces and raise funds for their local domestic violence agency.

For more Information on the Tour, click here.

One more thing...Avon is offering up everything you see in the picture on the right to one lucky reader. The gift bag (worth $100) will be FILLED with skincare and makeup products.

To enter the giveaway, send us an email at beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with "Avon Breakthrough Tour Giveaway" in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.

We will randomly select one winner November 3rd at 11pm est. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, the 4th!

Alright, just to clarify...One entry per person, duplicate entries will not increase your odds of winning. For this giveaway, only US residents may enter. You have from now until November 3rd at 11:00 PM EST to enter.

Good luck!

Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

*Please Read This: In entering this contest you are giving us permission to forward your name and mailing address to representatives for Avon for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize(s). If you fail to include that information we will disqualify your entry. One winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. Duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. Giveaway sponsored by Avon. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm on Monday, November 3rd, 2008.

estee lauder holiday 2008 vintage jewels

This Holiday Season, Estee Lauder is releasing their Vintage Jewels Collection.

Inspired by the totally gorgeous and opulent jewel tones that are just killing it fashionwise...it just screams glamour.

We're dying over the soft blacks, intertwined with rich Amethyst, Sapphires, and Emerald hues.

Just rich enough to wear with the layers and nubby fabrics of the season ahead.

Love.

While you're over at esteelauder.com,why not check out their new features?

Among the cool new extras...like a skincare and foundation finder...spokesmodels Gwyneth Paltrow, Elizabeth Hurley, Carolyn Murphy and Hilary Rhoda are all being featured on the new Estee Lauder website.

Read up on their personal profiles. Learn more about their beauty must-haves and check out some behind-the-scenes images. You can also take an inside look at each model from their Estée Lauder advertising shoots.

Interested in what exact makeup they're wearing in the ads? They've got the products and the tips on how to apply the looks at home!

Definitely make some time to head on over and check it out!

Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

christine's nail color of the week...i'm not really a waitress

I didn't forget!!

This week I am wearing OPI's I'm Not Really A Waitress. I normally reserve this color for the toes, but I was feeling adventurous. It's a deep red. I think the picture on the left is with flash and the one on the right is without flash. It looks more like the picture on the right. I seriously need a new camera.

I stumbled across this color about a year ago when I went for a pedicure. I love this color. It was really hard to find and totally scored on Makeup Alley. Then recently I was at Ulta, and they had a whole display just for this color, so it shouldn't be so hard to find anymore.

Next week....I'm not sure yet. Maybe something lighter, I have been doing a lot of darker colors lately. I'll have to wait and see how I feel while perusing my options.

A brief note...I went and had a manicure done right before I took these pictures. It was one of the worst I have ever had, so please don't look too closely at the nails, just enjoy the color!

Christine

we're so loving...ottavia et emma

Ottavia et Emma, a new line from head designer Allesandra Coderoni, is totally on our radar lately.

The drool-worthy simple, but chic fashions made their debut at Fashion Week in NY and got some great reviews from those who attended their little kickoff event.

We adore how she perfected the basic white tee, as well as work her genius with separates like skirts and pants.

The line, named after her two daughters, also boasts some divine you're-not-going-to-see-these-on-everybody tops and cashmere that are just to die.

We think that Ottavia et Emma's philosophy says it best...for a sophisticated woman who feels feminine and elegant with a strong sense of quality and style.

We. Love. Her.

ottaviaetemma.com

Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

Monday, October 27, 2008

clinique bonus time!

It’s bonus time at clinique.com and this offer is the shiznit!

For a limited time, every purchase of $21.50 or more will automatically earn you a fabulous free gift. You can choose one of three wristlet bags filled with 6 fall makeup favorites...in adorable mini form of course...to help you get one of the looks below.

Choose from Weekend Casual, Professional Polish or Evening Drama.

Each kit is detailed below, or you can visit for more details and great tips on how to get each look!

Weekend Casual

Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
Different Lipstick in Spiced Apple
Fresh Bloom in Peony with brush
Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Butter Pecan
All About Eyes
Eye Lash Curler
White and silver floral wristlet

Professional Polish

High Impact Mascara in Black
Long Last Lipstick in Honey Nut
Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Sunset Glow with brush
Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Butter Pecan
All About Eyes
Eye Lash Curler
White and silver floral wristlet

Evening Drama

High Definition Mascara in Black
Full Potential Lips in Voluptuous Violet
Fresh Bloom in Peony with brush
Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Chocolate Kiss
All About Eyes
Eye Lash Curler
White and silver floral wristlet

I'd probably go for the Evening Drama look...I can see Christine going for that too...it's the adorable glossy that comes with it. We're suckers for a glossy lippie!

There are no offer codes. You can simply add the gift to cart and checkout! Plus receive FREE Standard Shipping with any purchase of $50 or more. No offer code needed.

How easy is that?

clinique.com

Jennifer and Christine

the perfect pinky pick-me-up...lorac blush in desire

A great pink blush has the ability to perk up my complexion quickly and easily.

It just provides a great pop of color that brings a fabulous glow to my skin tone.

One of my current faves is LORAC Blush in Desire ($18) a divine pink with great subtle shimmer that goes on smoothly and instantly brings my skin to life.

It looks a little shocking in the pan, but believe me...it'll make your fair to medium complexion sing.

If $18 is a little splurgy for you, try CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in Classic Pink.

While it's not the exact same color, it will definitely give you the same pinky-pick-me-up. And it will complement fair to medium tones as well.

Just remember that with either one, start off with a light hand and then go back to reapply...there is such a thing as too much here.

Try Sephora, loraccosmetics.com, and beauty.com for the LORAC blush.

Check out drugstore.com or your local mass market retailer for CoverGirl Cheekers blush.

Jennifer
photo of lorac blush courtesy of beauty.com
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

mac...red she said - holiday 2008

When in doubt, wear red.
-Bill Blass

Red She Said...one of the many new collections from MAC that's available now at counters and at maccosmetics.com...brings to mind old Hollywood glamour.

Gorgeous color for lips, cheeks, eyes, and nails...try not to go all Rita-Leena-Veronica on us.

Cause you know you're tempted.

Lipstick ($14)
Quiet Please sheer frosty pale beige
Crazee frosty mid-tone coral red with pearl
Pomposity frosty mid-tone blue pink with pearl
“Red” She Said mid-tone blue red
Soft Pause sheer dark brownish berry

Dazzleglass ($17.50)
Sugarrimmed milky pale pink with red, teal and white pearl
Baby Sparks pale pink with violet pearl
Miss Dynamite sheer orange-y copper with pearl
Love Alert raspberry red with red pearl
Date Night deep plum with blue and gold pearl

Mineralize Eye Shadow ($17.50)
Word of Mouth frosty pale beige/copper pearl stripe/frosty blue grey
Threesome frosty burnt red/copper pearl stripe/frosty mid-tone pink
Outspoken frosty plum/silver pearl stripe/frosty violet
Persuasive frosty light blue/silver pearl stripe/frosty indigo
Inter-view frosty deep navy/copper pearl stripe/frosty bronzy brown
Danger Zone frosty true red/silver pearl stripe/frosty black

Fluidline ($15)
Silverstroke richly metallic platinum
Blacktrack solid flat black

Eye Brows ($14.50)
Lingering Soft taupe brown
Spiked Bottle brunette
Stud A deep rich blackened brown

Fibre Rich Lash ($12)
All Black black

Beauty Powder Blush ($18)
Stark Naked shimmery mid-tone mauve with gold pearl
Enough Said shimmery light bronze with gold pearl

Nail Laquer ($11)
Beiged Bliss silken beige-brown
Rougemarie immodestly sexy red-blue

Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

nivea lip care a kiss of shine, natural glossy lip care

Absolutely perfect for my no-makeup days.

I generally throw it on when I need a little oomph, without going for a full-on lip.

It really has no color, but manages to impart a gorgeous shine once on.

Not gloopy or gloppy, or anything like that. Just simple and moisturizing.

While it doesn't taste like anything...it does smell exactly like the Passion Iced Tea over at Cheesecake Factory.

A fact which took me a million where the heck have I smelled this before to figure out.

Nivea Lip Care A Kiss of Shine, Natural Glossy Lip Care under $5 at drugstores and other mass market retailers. Try nivea.com to find out where to purchase.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of drugstore.com
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

Sunday, October 26, 2008

pink products - raquel welch wig collection

How fabulous is this...direct from our inbox...

Every year, the Raquel Welch Wig collection and HairUWear donates approximately $1 million worth of Raquel Welch signature wigs to the American Cancer Society.

As part of its ongoing commitment to the cause, each year since 2003, Raquel Welch Wigs are given to women who are suffering from cancer.

The wigs are then distributed to cancer patients nationwide via wig banks operated by the American Cancer Society.

As a style icon and woman, Raquel is always adding new looks and styles to her wig collection to indulge women everywhere to look and feel fabulous - whether it be as a sassy blonde, chic brunette or sultry redhead!

For more information and to find out where to purchase Raquel Welch Wigs, head on over to hairuwear.com.

Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
bbnbca

crabtree and evelyn introduces india hicks island night collection

I have been avidly watching Top Design lately and I love it's main judge/host India Hicks.

So how cool is it that she has collaborated with Crabtree & Evelyn and created a new scent called India Hicks Island Night.

Capturing the essence of twilight in the islands, it was inspired by her life in the Caribbean.

Hicks worked closely with Crabtree & Evelyn - from fragrance and formulation to packaging and design.

The result is described as a delicate balance of orchids, night-blooming flowers, orange blossom, green island palms and a woody musk accord.

Sounds fabulous...no?

The Island Night collection has also been awarded the Royal Warrant by HRH Prince of Wales. I honestly have no clue what a Royal Warrent is...but it sounds really official.

The collection includes Eau de Toilette, Evening Fragrance Compact with Enhancer, Creamy Body Wash, Milky Bath, Rich Body Cream, and a Smooth Body Lotion.

Things we're also loving....

Scented Candle : This is honestly the coolest looking candle that could fit into almost any decor. Love it in a minimalist setting, a beach front home, or my master bathroom. It features her fragrant candle poured into indigo glass and wrapped in a bracelet of silvery coral. Approximate burn time is 50 hours.

Fragrance Diffuser: An elegant amethyst-colored glass diffuser, etched with India’s signature coral design, holds black reeds that were inspired by the limbs of a favorite tree of Hicks. Lasts approximately 90 days

All India Hicks products are free of parabens, mineral oil, sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate, propylene glycol, and colorants.

You can find them all at crabtree-evelyn.com.

Jennifer and Christine
photo of hicks courtesy of domino magazine

Saturday, October 25, 2008

weekend reads...from the beauty blog network

Here is what our friends over at The Beauty Blog Network have been up to this week....

The Muse lets you know the scoop on the US Debut of the Paul & Joe Disney Collection that was exclusive to Japan only last Spring! Click on over for the details and the Muse's past review of this cute collection!

Beauty Anonymous reviews Paul &Joe's latest Moisturizing Foundation Primer.

The Makeup Divas reviews YSL Rouge Volupte in Sweet Honey.

A Touch of Blusher reviews two eye palettes from CARGO's fall 2008 collection.

Beauty Junkie in SF continues to find great pink products to support Breast Cancer Awareness month, like Origin's Peace of Mind On-the-spot Relief.

Lilan from The Daily Cookie reviews Ojon's luxe Tawaka "The Ball", a chocolaty rich body scrub for bath time.

Beauty411 shares the details on a new sun-kissed and sexy Bobbi Brown collection!

Cybelesays is giving away mascara and eyelash curler from me by {me}zhgan. Click here to enter!

Find out which dark and dangerous product Glossypink is obsessing over!

Beauty Blogging Junkie has your Halloween faux lash needs covered with this lash round-up.

Liquid Cashmere?! Beauty Banter uncovers a new body care line that claims to have bottled liquid cashmere!

Makeup Moxie's got her eye on the new Lash Stash from Sephora.

Spoiled Pretty wants to help you tame your unruly mane. Which is why they've partnered with Aveda for an amazing giveaway. Enter to win Aveda's Smooth Infusion Kit ($107 value), a 4-step smoothing system, with a smoothing brush!

Jennifer and Christine

bioelements oxygen cocktail

So here is something that I thought sounded very interesting. Bioelements Oxygen Cocktail ($37).

This is an oxygen-boosting serum, that is supposed to give you a younger glow and help with surface wrinkles and dry skin. You can use it under your moisturizer in the mornings or as your moisturizer depending on how you want to use it.

It is also supposed to boost skin's oxygen uptake, fight skin aging - which is perfect for skin over 35, and promote a younger, less lined appearance. It is a hyaluronic acid-based liquid gel blended with oxygen Tissue Respiratory Factor.

I just started using this, so I can't give a full review, but so far I like it. I haven't noticed any drastic overnight-kind of improvements, but I have noticed that my face is not as dry as it usually is for this time of year. I am normally trying to crawl out of my skin it gets so tight and itchy. But so far, I have no urge to crawl.

For more information and to purchase, head on over to bioelements.com or call 800.533.3064.

Have a great weekend!!!

Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

weekend reads....from total beauty

Good afternoon!!!

Go pour yourself a big cup of coffee and then come check out what's been going on with our friends over at Total Beauty...

Viva Woman tells you different ways to use mineral water to boost your beauty.

The Makeup Divas are giving away one pair of Anastasia Limited Edition Swarovski Pink Ribbon Precision Tweezers (retail:$33.00) So hurry and enter, contest closes October 25th.

Beauty Anonymous reviews Paul & Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer.

Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy hangs out withR&B songstress Cassie, and gets the full scoop on all her beauty secrets. Click to read what she had to say!.

Discover from Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog how to fight back fat and muffin-top with the Unbelievabra!

The Jet Set Girls are giving away 3 tubes of B. Kamins Lash Fortifier worth $90 each! Who wouldn't love to have longer lashes?

Beauty411 shares the details on a new sun-kissed and sexy Bobbi Brown collection!

Eileen over at MissWhoever You Are gushes about her new haircare routine that is simply DIVINE! and has her hair looking fab.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings gets a little help from her mom for the review of some new products in Dr. Obagi's new skincare line, ZO Skin Health! Click here for the story.

Fabulous Over Forty meets Carmindy and discusses her book Get Positively Beautiful.

Alison of the Advice Sisters reports on how girls rule at Sheckys Girls Night Out and Sheckys Beauty Night Out on the Advice Sisters Blog .

Glossypink has found a new miracle product for shiny, healthy, frizz-free hair!

Beauty Blogging Junkie has your Halloween faux lash needs covered with this lash round-up.

Talking Makeup launches MissLush.com new makeup and beauty video sharing website!

Spoiled Pretty wants to help you tame your unruly mane. Which is why they've partnered with Aveda for an amazing giveaway. Enter to win Aveda's Smooth Infusion Kit ($107 value), a 4-step smoothing system, with a smoothing brush!

Jennifer and Christine

the envelope by senna

Holy Mackerel!

This palette is positively ginormous in size (it measures almost 12 inches in length) and the amount of products it contains is astounding.

Come on....16 eye colors, 6 blushes, 1 shimmering face powder, and a bronzing duo?

Fabulous.

You could buy this and literally be set for the next year...all you need are some brushes and some lippies and you're done.

Thank us later.

The Envelope by Senna ($99) is available at sennacosmetics.com.

Jennifer and Christine
photo courtesy of senna cosmetics

Friday, October 24, 2008

taming the flyaway beast with kerastase serum nutri-sculpt

Serums are perfect for this time of year.

They are the best way to tame flyaways without weighing your hair down completely.

You can use them on dry or wet hair...but my preference is on dry hair as a finishing product.

The trick is to start off with a small pump or two...depending on length...rubbing it in your palms and fingertips to emulsify it, then applying it to your hair from underneath.

Go back over front pieces, when you've only a little bit of the product left on them.

This way you won't use too much product all at once.

You can always add more if you need it.

My favorite one to use is Kerastase Serum Nutri-Sculpt ($29). True...it's a little on the splurge side, but it does the job and doesn't make my hair feel heavy at all.

Plus...one bottle will last eons with me.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of kerastase

winter 2008 haircolor trends from tracey cunningham

Tracey Cunningham, Redken's Creative Consultant for Color, is dishing out the scoop on what's hot in haircolor for the upcoming winter season.

Utilizing Redken's new Spotlight Collection shades, she's letting us in on what's hot for blondes, brunettes, and redheads.

Blondes: look for a chic champagne hue with hints of soft rose and violet tones similar to Nicole Richie this season.

Brunettes: won’t want to go too dark, and will look for a rich, sultry brown with soft violet reflects, think Amanda Peet.

Redheads: will shy away from bright red color and look for a luxurious, sophisticated cool red-brown tones, similar to Lindsay Lohan.

Here's what to ask for at the salon...Color Fusion Mahogany Glam and Shades EQ Mahogany Glam...both by Redken.

The three permanent Color Fusion Mahogany Violet shades will give a cool and sophisticated veil of plum tones over rich mahogany shades.

The Shades EQ Mahogany Glam line are demi-permanent shades that infuse blondes and brunettes with soft reddish-brown tones with subtle hints of violet. Shades EQ’s no-lift, non-ammonia formula guarantees no lightening of hair’s natural pigment and prevents swelling and cuticle damage.

Try redken.com for more info and to find a Redken salon near you!

Jennifer and Christine

mac technakohl liner

The perfect pencil for getting thisclose to your lashline without breaking a sweat.

Then it can turn around and deliver a thicker line in an instant.

It comes in about 12 different colors, but I love Photogravure...a soft black with a slight brown undertone.

I applied it to my bottom lashline and got about as close as I've ever gotten. It really allows those lashes to pop without having to apply any mascara.

For my upper lid, I applied it to the line as well, but at a flat angle (like the MAC site suggests) and then smudged it a little.

Perfect.

Jennifer
photo of technakohl liner in auto-de-blu courtesy of mac
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

Thursday, October 23, 2008

win a $1000 sephora gift card with lucky mag online

How fab is this?

Lucky magazine and Sephora is running an amazing $1,000 Sephora gift card giveaway.

They also have a free shipping offer from Sephora too!

To win and retrieve the code, all you have to do is head to luckylookout.com/katvond/.

While you're there, you can also get make up tips from celeb makeup artist, Kat Von D...and you can check in daily to gain insight into her life and score some more prizes!

So...whatcha waiting for?

Head on over today!

Jennifer and Christine

beauty buys under $10 - venus embrace

Yesterday I was strolling through my local Target. It was one of those rare times I was actually able to go up and down every aisle...thank you preschool!

Anyhoo, I came across a huge box with the new Gillette Embrace Razor in it. I have been in the market for a new razor so I thought I would give it a whirl. It was a special bonus box and also came with 2 razor cartridges, a Satin Care shave gel, an Olay Quench body lotion (travel size), a holder for the shower, and a travel case. And guess how much all of this was...

$7.49!! Pretty sure that is close to what just the razor would cost. i just looked it up online and you can buy it on sale for $8.99 - just the razor and shower holder.

I normally use the Venus Breeze - that has the shaving gel built around the razor. I love it because I am either too lazy or in too much of a hurry to use shaving cream. So something that has everything built in has my name all over it. But I couldn't pass up this deal and I thought I would try out the new Embrace and all 5 of it's blades. It works really well and I did pair it up with the shaving gel that came in the box. The nice thing about the Venus razor is that you can put any of the cartridges into it and it will work. So, if for some reason I don't need 5 blades, I can keep the razor and just put in the Breeze cartridge.

So, if you are near a Target and need a new razor I would run and try this one, especially since it comes with so many extras!

Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

pink giveaway with nubar

For this week's Pink Giveaway we have 2 bottles of Nubar's Oh'Baby Pink nail polish.

Oh'Baby Pink is a fresh new pink shade dedicated to the We Care Collection, in support of the Fight for Breast Cancer awareness and City of Hope's strive for finding a cure for Breast Cancer. Support this Effort by purchasing N260_Oh'Baby Pink and we will donate 10% of all proceeds from the sale of the Baby Pink color towards finding a Cure for "Breast Cancer". Fresh, Beautiful and full of energy and new life. Formaldehyde Toluene and (DBP) Phthalate FREE.

To enter the giveaway, send us an email at beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with "Pink Nubar Giveaway" in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.

We will randomly select two winners October 29th at 11pm est. The winners will be announced on Thursday, the 30th!

Alright, just to clarify...One entry per person, duplicate entries will not increase your odds of winning. For this giveaway, only US residents may enter. You have from now until October 29th 11:00 PM EST to enter.

For more information on the Nubar, check out bynubar.com.

Good luck!

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
bbnbcacontest

*Please Read This: . If you fail to include all information we will disqualify your entry. Two winners, chosen at random, will receive the prizes mentioned. Duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. Giveaway sponsored by Nubar. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm on Wednesday, October 29th, 2008.

celebrate viva day at juicy couture flagship in nyc!

To celebrate the new Viva La Juicy fragrance, Juicy Couture will be offering hand massages and free samples of Viva La Juicy lotion at its brand new Fifth Avenue flagship store on Saturday, October 25 from 11am to 5pm.

The store, which is located at the corner of 5th Avenue and 52nd Street, will have models on hand to greet customers and photographers to snap photos for guests to take home.

So remember...

What: Viva Day!!

When: Saturday, October 25, 11am – 5pm

Where: Juicy Couture, 650 Fifth Avenue at 52nd Street, 212.796.3360

If you go...be sure to come back and let us know how it went! We'd love to hear about it!

Jennifer and Christine
photo courtesy of sephora.com
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

pink giveaway...pedegg

Congratulations to Venus D.!!

Venus has won a limited edition pink PedEgg.

The PedEgg company is donating $50,000 of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Just like the original, the Pink PedEgg™ is engineered with over 100 precision stainless-steel micro-files that gently remove calluses and dead skin to give your feet the incredible baby soft look and feel that everybody loves. Two high quality emery buffing pads are included for the ultimate finishing touch.You and your feet will love the PedEgg™ and together with the Limited Edition pink PedEgg™, you can help your feet and help find a cure for breast cancer.

For more information on the Pink PedEgg or to buy one for yourself, check out pinkpedegg.com.

with love (always),
Jennifer and Christine

np set show loose dust eyeshadow duo

Gotta love a product that combines what you need in one complete package.

NP Set Show Loose Dust Duo in Australia ($26) is all that and a bag of chips (editor's note: sorry for the old school line...felt like being a little corny today).

It combines two fabulous colors, a gorge green and a peachy gold (see pic bottom left), along with the sponge tipped applicators to apply them with.

Easy.

You can use the pointy applicator to line your eyes or to apply the shadow all over the lid.

You can wear the colors alone, or get creative and come up with a few different combos of looks...like maybe the of-the-moment smoky eye with color?

There are also four other duos to choose from and all are just as fun and flexible.

The absolute easiest place to find them?

Target.

Yes, just head on over to your local Target that carries the NP line...or target.com...and pick one up for yourself.

Done.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of target and np set
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

miss teen louisiana arrested and delivers the perfect mug shot

Alright...this is something that we literally just heard about.

The reigning Miss Teen Louisiana was apparently arrested on Saturday...for pulling a dine-and-dash and for possession of the wacky weed.

As a result, she has to hand over her crown...something she would have done in 11 days anyway when a new Miss Teen Louisiana was to be selected.

The best part in all of this?

Well...one is her mug shot...seriously, she looks amazing in it...proof that pageant girls are always on.

And two...she only got caught because she left her purse back at the restaurant.

Duh.

Check out the complete story and pics here at celebglitz.com and more on the story over at foxnews.com.

Jennifer and Christine
photo courtesy of celebglitz.com

philosophy pumpkin spice muffin...high foaming shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath

This has been sitting in my shower for the past few weeks...making me irresistibly happy.

It's just the right scent that makes my whole bathroom fill with the warmth of pumpkin spice when I use it.

The lather it creates is insane...a rich bubbly one that cleans without leaving me feeling all filmy after. It just makes my skin feel soft and smooth.

Plus, that crazy-lovely pumpkin-y smell that I adore permeates the bathroom while I use it, but doesn't linger on my skin afterward...really.

Now all I have to do is figure out a way to stop the craving for a grande Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks every time I'm done using it.

Try philosophy.com and sephora.com for more info or to purchase.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of philosophy

lancome oscillation mascara launches today!

We missed the boat on the first limited-edition offering on this.

Christine was on vacay and I was so caught up in doing my mommy duties, that I forgot to make the purchase online.

In case you're like us and don't have one of your own right now, here's your chance again to pick one up.

Today, Lancome's Oscillation is hitting counters, Lancome boutiques, and lancome-usa.com...so make sure you get your hands on one.

For those of you who already have one...or will be getting one...here are some application tips straight from Lancome...

-when you apply the mascara, apply in slow, straight and steady strokes

-don’t zig-zag and don’t wiggle

-don’t overpump the wand...there’s plenty of product on there for multiple coats

-if at first you don’t succeed…don’t give up...Ôscillation takes a few tries to get the hang of it

--Ôscillation is great for the lower lashes, so don’t forget to apply there.

Once you get your application method down, there are a few tricks you can try.

-apply and then go back and re-apply to the tips alone...you can get amazing length this way

-or try this tip that a celebrity makeup artist shared...put the wand right at the base of the lashes, activate the vibrating action and hold in place for a few seconds, then slowly sweep to the tips of the lashes

The result is beautiful thick lashes at the base and major oomph.

Try lancome-usa.com for more info or to purchase.

Jennifer and Christine
photo courtesy of lancome
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

prescriptives friends and family event

Psst...want to save some money?

Well...head on over to prescriptives.com, make some purchases, then enter FRIEND8 at checkout.

From now until Friday, October 24th you'll get 25% off your entire purchase plus free shipping! And you can get to choose a free sample at checkout (for a limited time).

Not bad huh?

Head on over now before all of your faves are sold out!

Jennifer and Christine

mac shadowy lady eye shadow

Here is a compact I find myself reaching for more and more lately. These are great colors and you can do a ton of different looks. I usually use the 2 lightest colors on my lid and use the darkest purple as a liner. I have yet to use the blue, but one of these days I'll venture out of my comfort zone.

This compact goes with the Cult of Cherry collection from MAC. It features limited-edition shades of Light Fall, Smudged Violet, Deep Truth and Shadowy Lady in a lush textural mix of satin, lustre and matte finishes.

The last all day and hardly crease. Although I do use a cream shadow as a base which helps to anchor anything I put on top of it. You can find this compact at maccosmetics.com for $36.

Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
photo courtesy of maccosmetics.com

last day to enter....

Today is the last day to enter to win a Pink PedEgg (retail value $10) for Pink Giveaway.

It is a limited edition and has the pink ribbon. Also, the PedEgg company is donating $50,000 of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Just like the original, the Pink PedEgg™ is engineered with over 100 precision stainless-steel micro-files that gently remove calluses and dead skin to give your feet the incredible baby soft look and feel that everybody loves. Two high quality emery buffing pads are included for the ultimate finishing touch.You and your feet will love the PedEgg™ and together with the Limited Edition pink PedEgg™, you can help your feet and help find a cure for breast cancer.

To enter the giveaway, send us an email at beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with "PedEgg Giveaway" in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.

We will randomly select one winner October 21st at 11pm est. The winners will be announced on Wednesday, the 22nd!

Alright, just to clarify...One entry per person, duplicate entries will not increase your odds of winning. For this giveaway, only US residents may enter. You have from now until October 21st 11:00 PM EST to enter.

For more information on the Pink PedEgg, check out pinkpedegg.com.

Good luck!

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
bbnbcacontest

*Please Read This: In entering this contest you are giving us permission to forward your name and mailing address to representatives for PedEgg for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize(s). If you fail to include that information we will disqualify your entry. One winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. Duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. Giveaway sponsored by PedEgg. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm on Tuesday, October 21st, 2008.

david babaii for wildaid

Kate Hudson and David Babaii have joined forces to create David Babaii for WildAid, a line of professional hair care products and tools offered at an affordable price.

They both wanted to create products that were cruelty-free and natural, but were also amazing for your hair.

All of their products are developed using natural and exotic ingredients, no parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals or animal products.

WildAid also dedicates 10% of revenues generated to WildAid, a global wildlife conservation organization.

It has also received PETA’s cruelty-free certification...which is pretty darn cool.

In addition to shampoos and conditioners, you can also choose from some fab stylers...like...Bohemian Beach Spray, Hair Polish, Fibers Molding Paste, Volcanic Ash Sculpting Clay, Mise en Plis Light Styling Spray, Mise en Plis Extra Hold Styling Spray, Amplifying Whipped Mousse, and Volcanic Ash Root Amplifier.

Plus two appliances...Professional Styling iron and a Professional Hair Dryer.

Another thing we love about Babaii, is on his website...db4wildaid.com...you can not only find out more about the line and make purchases, you can also pick up some great tips.

Here are some tips that David himself delivered for Styling on a Budget:

1. Invest in a great haircut that will last for several months and will grow out with style

2. Use energy efficient styling tools that save on electrical power and are eco-friendly

3. Don’t overwork your hair; if it’s naturally straight don’t waste time trying to curl it. If it’s curly save time and electricity by letting your curls air dry.

4. Always carry a rubber band and some simple bobby pins in your purse or beauty case to put your hair in a messy ponytail and pin some hair with the bobby pins. These simple items make a great inexpensive evening look.

5. Use professional-grade products like I use on my “A” list clients. You can get these for lower prices at CVS, Target or Duane Reade. I shop there all the time!

One last thing, aside from his hair appliances, you can get them for under $15! Not bad considering how amazing they are for your hair and the planet.

Love that.

Jennifer and Christine
photos courtesy of david babaii for wild aid

Monday, October 20, 2008

kerastase paris resistance ciment thermique

This is probably the most ingenious product that provides amazing results.

You can literally notice a difference the first time you use it.

I was lucky enough to score this on my trip out to LA for the Total Beauty Summit...and this was in my little goodie bag.

First off, it smells like grapefruit...love that.

Second, you apply it to your damp hair and then blow dry for the ultimate protection.

But that's not it.

The more you use it, the better your hair will look.

Seriously.

I apply about a nickel sized amount, from the mid-shaft down, and then blow dry as usual. It's not too heavy for my hair at all and it makes it really soft and shiny.

No static. No dryness.

Just the most perfect blowout.

Try kerastase-usa.com for more info or to purchase.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of kerastase
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

nars holiday 2008 collection

NARS has just released their Holiday 2008 collection online at narscosmetics.com. The colors are positively to die for and had both of us surprised at the fact that there are some pretty bold colors in there.

Love that.

Here are some of the highlights that you can get your hands on right now...

Super Orgasm Blush ($25) I am a huge fan of the original NARS Orgasm...and this one takes it one step further. Richly concentrated and enhanced with more intense golden flecks, it may just become a new favorite.

Jolie Poupee Duo Eyeshadow ($32) Two fabulous powder eyeshadows in one chic compact...a vibrant violet and pearlescent purple. You can do an a-mazingly bold eye or a more subtle wash of color. We die.

Night Life Single Eyeshadow ($22) We love a metallic eye and this will help deliver it in all of it's shimmery-silvery goodness.

Silent Night Single Eyeshadow ($22) Gold is everywhere this fall...and it's definitely present in this single shadow offering. Great for warmer complexions to warm up your eyes in the most sublime way.

Canaille Lipstick ($24) A perfect satin lipstick in shimmering mahogany. Love.

All Night Long Lip Gloss ($24) We love lippies here. Love. This one is combining our lippie love in a semi-sheer dusty raspberry shade. Be still our hearts.

Orgasm Nail Polish ($16) This is something to check out...we're curious to see this on. The blush we love in nail polish form...classic peachy-pink with a golden shimmer.

Try narscosmetics.com for more info or to purchase.

Jennifer and Christine
all photos courtesy of nars
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

jaqua pink buttercream frosting hand soap

Who doesn't love to use a hand soap that smells good?

Jaqua Pink Buttercream Frosting Hand Soap ($14) is all that and then some.

Stick this in your guest bath, or hog it all to yourself in your master bath, and you'll be surrounding yourself in the divine scent of pink buttercream frosting every time you use it.

Really.

It also cleans your hands without making them dry...that's due to the fruit and plant extracts, vitamin E and aloe...which is another good thing if you're a frequent hand washer.

The only downside to this, is that I constantly craved a big honkin piece of cake, each time I lathered up.

Dare you not to do the same.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of jaqua

something you can actually do at home...the rachel bilson inspired casual updo

One of our favorite sites....whowhatwear.com offers up short videos on current trends in clothing and accessories and sometimes beauty and hair.

This short little vid features one of our favorite hairstylists...Sarah Potempa...delivering the info on how to get that perfectly mussed up Rachel Bilson updo.

Enjoy!

In the video, Sarah uses Aussie Opposites Attract Mousse and Aussie Moist Leave-In Creme as a finishing product.

You can find both for under $5 at any drugstore, grocery store, Target, and Walmart.

I'm not sure what headband she used, but I did find this L. Erickson Double Skinny Headband in Midnight Reflections that's just the right way to top off the look.

Perfect.

Be sure to check out WhoWhatWear each day for the best that fashion has to offer!

Jennifer

Sunday, October 19, 2008

elgydium toothpastes and brushes...a fave of celebs

What do Chloe Sevigny, Allison Janney and Rachel Leigh Cook all have in common?

Well, besides being actresses, they are fans of the Elgydium line of oral care products.

In fact Elgydium (the leading oral care line from France) is so popular, it was also featured in one of this year’s most coveted gift bag, the 12th Annual Entertainment Tonight Emmy Party gift bag.

For this year’s bag, party-goers and red carpet stars alike received the line’s most popular products, favorites of the French, fabulous and famous...Elgydium Whitening toothpaste and Whitening toothbrush.

We were both given a chance to try out both toothpastes and the brushes as well.

The brushes come in four different styles:

The Creation Toothbrush - its advanced design offers precision, control and comfort while brushing. The bristles are diamond-rounded for gentle yet thorough cleaning.

The Whitening Toothbrush - featuring double rows of diamond-rounded bristles that use Microball technology for gentle cleaning, whitening and increased removal of plaque (up to 48% in clinical studies).

The Supreme Toothbrush - non-slip rubber grips on all sides, in addition to multi-level bristles to reach all areas of the teeth and gums. Four raised, rubber polishing ridges enhance teeth whitening and cleaning of the gum line and triangular, textured bristles also help to ensure an effective cleaning.

The Luminous Toothbrush - offers non-slip rubber grips on all sides, a small head and a long, slender neck for ease in accessing hard to reach areas and for enhanced comfort.

You can even get them in different colors as well.

What I love about the toothpaste is the fact that it's minty without being overwhelmingly so. It cleans my teeth well and keeps them feeling that way.

I love using it with my favorite electric tooth brush, but testing out their brushes left me waxing a tad bit nostalgic for a manual one.

The one I tried (the Whitening toothbrush) really got in there and did a pretty fabulous job of cleaning my teeth and making them feel polished.

Big L even liked the one that I gave him to test, the Supreme, that he's actually been inching away from his other clunky electric one more and more.

While, truthfully, it's hard to go back to manual after using our electric wonders...these brushes will definitely find their way into our carry-on bags when we travel.

The Elgydium line is available at CVS.com and amazon.com.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of elgydium

travel goodies - lisa hoffman night and day single packette

Absolutely de rigueur for the traveler, a mom on the go, or just a way to try out the line before you buy the whole she-bang...Lisa Hoffman Night and Day Single Packette ($20).

It contains ten mini doses of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing formulas in a resealable disposable pouch.

Each airtight ampule contains: Day and Night Cleanser, Toner, Day and Night Creams, Day and Night Eye Cream, Day and Night Lip Serums.

A little tip...if needed, you can recap the ampule and it will last longer.

If you're planning on traveling for a longer period of time and don't feel like trusting your full sized bottles to your check-in bag, or don't want to resort to dollar store travel bottles that will inevitably open and spill your stuff all over your carry-on...try The Seven Day Kit ($120).

It's substantially larger and contains a seven day supply of her 24 Hour Skin Care Packettes...with the added bonus of a Linen drawstring travel bag.

We also have some reviews to come on some of her products, so be on the lookout for those.

Jennifer and Christine
photo courtesy of lisa hoffman

amy poehler raps on snl - yes...totally not beauty related...but funny as hell

We are so not trying to be all political up in here, so we'll refrain from any commentary on any of the debates.

Or who each of us thinks should be the next president.

But please, please tell us you saw this rap on SNL last night...

An extremely preggers Amy Poehler rapping? Loved it!

Jennifer and Christine

Saturday, October 18, 2008

pureology widget - hair info at your fingertips

There is no question how much we love PureOlogy haircare. I started using it years ago when it first came on the scene...way before this beauty blog darlings. It's one of those rare products that actually does what it says it will do and stands behind it.

Something that came up in our inbox and intrigued us was this....the PureOlogy
Widget.

It's basically a downloadable virtual desktop application that provides users (that's you guys) with the latest news from PureOlogy including product launches, cause marketing initiatives and promotions as well as fun polls and product giveaways.

Here's a pic of what it would look like...

Our goal is to create an exciting, interactive alternative to the traditional email blast so consumers and salon professionals have early access to the latest info from PureOlogy. PureOlogy brand loyalists want to be the first to know about upcoming product promotions, participate in surveys and register for events and join us in supporting the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC). -Rachel Weiss, Senior Director of Interactive for PureOlogy.

The Facts:

The PureOlogy widget will update consumers with new contests, surveys, product promotions, weekly beauty tips and the latest product launches. Users can locate a salon in your area by visiting the PureOlogy salon locator.

PureNews

Consumers receive up to date information on new product launches, hair tips from PureOlogy National Artistic Team Members and PureOlogy news around the country.

PureGiving

Throughout 2008, PureOlogy and the NOCC hosted 21 NOCC and PureOlogy Walks to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer around the U.S. with a national walk in September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness month in Los Angeles, California. Download the PureOlogy widget to hear about walks happening in your area as well as ovarian cancer symptoms and how to detect early signs.

PureProduct

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Visit pureology.com/widget, to download yours today!

Jennifer and Christine

oral b pulsonic...the review

Jenn and I both recently got a chance to try out the new electronic toothbrush from Oral B....the Oral B Pulsonic.

Since I just got my first rechargeable toothbrush less than a year ago - I am still learning what makes for a good one, but so far, I am liking what I am seeing.

Right out of the box I noticed how slim and light it was. It very comparable to a regular toothbrush in size and weight.

The second thing I like with this Oral B brush, is that it not only has the 2 minute timer, but it also does the 30 second timer for each quadrant of your mouth.

The third and most important, it cleans my teeth really well. They feel clean most of the day, even after my coffee. It is also easy to clean the brush itself and holds a charge for a really long time (at least in comparison to the one I already had, we won't name names, but it's a lot heavier and impossible to keep clean.... and now belongs to my husband. ha!).

It also has a few other features that I don't really need, but now that I have them I probably won't be able to live without them in the future. It has a second brush attachment that can get in between your teeth and remove the yuckies (yes that is a clinical term). And it has 2 cleaning modes...clean and sensitive. Clean mode is obviously to clean your teeth and is the mode that has the timers. The sensitive mode is to clean your tongue and any other areas of your mouth that may require less powerful cleaning.

Here's what Oral B has to say about this little gem...With more than 27,000 gentle sonic vibrations per minute, Pulsonic's bristles clean and promote naturally whiter teeth while allowing maximum maneuverability and control with the slim and lightweight handle design. The specially-designed Pulsonic brush head contours to the teeth to provide an effective clean.

Oral-B Pulsonic is available at department, retail and specialty stores nationwide for $69.99. For additional information regarding Oral-B Pulsonic, visit oralb.com.

Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

beauty deal of the week...kerastase paris

We're all friends and family here...right?

Good.

Then there is a major opportunity to save some bucks over at kerastase-usa.com. For the first time ever, they are offering 20% off all purchases when you enter BLUEMOON at checkout!

20%!!

Plus if you join My Kerastase, you'll be entitled to other exclusive offers! Better hurry though, this only lasts until October 19th!

Jennifer and Christine

christine's nail color of the week...the good earth

Today I found myself surrounded with Fall. It was drastically cooler than the previous week, a little windy, and cloudy.

Leaves were falling everywhere.

I knew I needed to redo the nails and wanted to use a color that screamed "Fall is here!"

What did I find in my massive, ever-expanding bin of polish?

Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen - The Good Earth. Below is the picture (taken outside). It is a deep brown with a very subtle shimmer to it, so that it's not too flat. I am liking it. I have caught myself checking out my nails several times today.

Tomorrow will be the real test though...me and the family are headed to Busch Gardens, if the manicure can survive a theme park and a toddler it can survive anything.

You can find Sally Hansen almost everywhere and retails for around $6.

Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

Friday, October 17, 2008

spotted....britney spears looking fab in her minnie rose cashmere shawl

Somebody check our temperature...now...we're totally loving Britney Spears lately.

Dare we say it...she's looking so put together and...can't believe that we're saying this...fashionable.

This photo has us dying, mainly because her super-cute shawl is to die.

Love.

We actually got the 411 on this in our inbox and here are the deets...it's a White Cashmere Ruffled Shawl by Minnie Rose.

One size fits all and majorly soft...well it is cashmere.

The best part is that you can throw this over anything and it instantly ups the gorgeous factor.

Available in a variety of colors, it retails for $308.

Definitely a splurge purchase, but something that you could totally get a lot of use out of.

Try minnierose.com and madisonandfriends.com for more info or to purchase.

Jennifer and Christine
photo courtesy of minnie rose
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

philip b peppermint and avocado volumizing and clarifying shampoo

I'm truly adoring Philip B Peppermint and Avocado Volumizing and Clarifying Shampoo ($24).

It's perfect for removing all of the gunk that goes in your hair everyday.

Just use it once a week, a little bit more if your hair is oily, and you can get rid of all of that stuff that has been building up all along.

It has a lot of peppermint in it...2.3% Pure Peppermint Oil to be exact...so it's something you'll definitely feel on your scalp as as you use it.

That awesome tingly feeling that I love.

Plus it's safe for color-treated hair...I can say that it definitely didn't strip away any of my color in the process.

They do suggest that you follow up with their Philip B® Light-Weight, Deep Conditioning Crème Rinse. I didn't have that one to use, but I did use one of my own deep conditioners and it worked fabulously...no static and soft hair with body.

Just be sure to use a conditioner though, because it cleans your hair that thoroughly.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of philip b
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

aglow...prescriptives holiday 2008 color collection

Prescriptives is bringing out the glow-y goods this holiday season.

We're so in l-o-v-e with the eyeshadow quads and the lippies.

Oh yes. There's lippies.

Winter Reflections All-Over Highlighter ($35) The nifty pearl little doodads, will enhance and illuminate your face and cheeks with a radiant glow.

Pearly white, soft beige and a hint of pink blend together to highlight, define and contour the face with a soft wintry sheen that is flattering to all skin types.

Our tip...dust a big brush over all of the pearls and apply to your face as a final finishing touch, or your chest for a little oomph. You could also take a smaller brush and use as a highlighter wherever you please.

Winter Reflections Eye Color Quad ($42) We love quads. No seriously...we adore them. These are to die for in a sleek platinum mirrored compact and come in Cool and Warm palettes with lurve-ly colors.

Warm: chestnut, brunette, suede, and banana
Cool: oyster, twinkle, eclipse, and shell

To apply, try their new Eye Definer Brush ($19). It has a firm, rounded head with tapered edges, which allows for absolute customizability.

Colorscope Lipcolor ($17.50) Delectable shimmery color that glides on smoothly. In gorgeous, soft, and luminescent shades that will light up your look....limited-edition golden quartz, true bronze, limited-edition winter rose, and wisteria.

Colorscope Lip Gloss ($17.50) Sheer gloss. Sugary-coated shades of frosted ginger, crystallized rose and shimmery nude...all limited-edition colors...twinkling, peachy, rosy, and icy.

Blush More or Less ($21.50) A mousse cream blush that is said to provide an ultra-light, powdery finish. Vibrant and buildable colors highlight cheeks that glisten in soft peach and pink. Colors: santa fe sun and sonoma rose.

All are available in November at Prescriptives counters and prescriptives.com.

Jennifer and Christine
photos courtesy of prescriptives
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

proactive solution oil-free moisture spf 15 moisturizer

For a couple of weeks there, I was literally suffering from the worst breakout I've had in a long time.

I have no idea how I got them...but it was ugly.

Really ugly.

It's times like this that I resort to my Old Faithfuls...the products that I can turn to time and time again when I need help...stat.

Proactiv Solution Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15 Moisturizer ($25) is one of them.

This has the ability to provide great hydration, without being a greasy slick under my makeup.

It doesn't clog my pores and feel heavy at all...just perfect.

No wonder why Allure magazine named it the Best Facial Moisturizer for Oily/Acne Prone Skin, in their October Best of Beauty Issue.

You also don't have to sign up for the whole system to get this. Just head on over to proactiv.com to find out where the brand is being sold in your area...normally at various mall kiosks.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of google
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

Thursday, October 16, 2008

nars cosmetics - how-to create a beautiful cheek

Here's the second video we have from NARS.

This time the focus is on creating A Beautiful Cheek. It provides a detailed guide on achieving gorgeous, contoured cheeks by NARS International Senior Stylist Uzo.

After the video, you will see a breakdown of products used to achieve the look when you click Click Here for the Steps in this Video.

Be on the lookout for two additional videos which will be launched in the next six weeks...lips in early November and eyes in December!

We'll be sure to keep you posted darlings!

Jennifer and Christine

10 minute face with Trae Bodge

Trae Bodge, Co-Founder of Three Custom Color Specialists, gave us some great tips on how to achieve the perfect 5 minute face (which can be viewed here).

This is a continuation of that post, and with just 5 more minutes you can take the 5 minute face from day to night.

To go from day to evening with this look (while also incorporating Fall/Winter Trends!), we suggest the following:

EYES & BROWS – To create more of an evening look using the Fall trend of a smokey, bronzey eye, apply another layer of the brown or grey eye pencil along the lash line and buff along that line and then upwards towards the crease with a bronze eye shadow to create a shimmering smokiness (Three Custom Gilded Eye Shadow would be great for this, pictured right). Depending on your eye shape, this can be repeated underneath the eye for more drama. Apply an additional layer of mascara on top and bottom lashes.

CHEEKS – We recommend going neutral for this look. Try a soft, neutral beige in a gel formula, and use this tone on the lips as well, lining the lips with a neutral beige pencil for more definition. For the blush, try Three Custom's Wallflower, pictured left. I have this and I wear it almost every day. It is super natural so that when you play up your eyes, there's not too much going on everywhere.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS - Three Custom Color Specialist's Gilded Eye Shadow (New!), Wallflower Watercolors for Cheeks and Beige Lip Liner.

For more information on the products listed here, check out threecustom.com. And a big thank you to the fabulous Trae Bodge for sharing some great tips for the woman on the go!

with love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
photos courtesy of threecustom.com

essie winter colors

What did I wake up to this morning in my inbox???

An email from Essie letting me know their Winter Collection is here. I am pretty much looking forward to every single color. I may just have to buy all of them, because I can't decide which one to get first. Although Rock Star Skinny did catch my eye right away.

You can get y our hands on these colors anywhere Essie is sold. Although it's early while I write this and I haven't had my morning cup o' coffee yet, I think Ulta is having a buy 2 Essie products, get the 3rd free. You can also check out essie.com.

Alright, I may have to hold off on the Ulta trip, I just went online to essie.com and it says the new colors will be available November 1st, but you can buy them right now on their website. I may have to make a trip to Ulta to do some "research" and give you an update. For now drool over these lovely 6 shades and try to figure out which one to try first....

Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

limited edition chanel la beaute du voyage essential travel collection

For those who love to travel in style...Chanel is offering a limited-edition La Beaute Du Voyage Essential Travel Collection ($175).

Contained within the signature Chanel bag, is...

- Chanel Sleep Mask
- Hydramax + Active Serum Active Moisture Boost
- Soin Tendres Levres Hydra Treatment Lip Care SPF 15
- Pro Lumiere Correcteur Professional Finish Concealer in Medium
- Inimitable Mascara Multi-Dimensionnel in Noir-Black
- Mini Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in Seashell.

Head on over to chanel.com for more info or to purchase.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
photo courtesy of chanel

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

quickie review - sally hansen overnight lip recovery

The essential for lips.

Apply it at night and by morning you'll wake up to a softer pucker.

I've been applying it religiously each night for the past few weeks and I love how it makes my lips feel....smooth without chapping.

This is due to some major ingredients like Oligopeptides (yeah...I honestly have no clue what these are, but they work!), vitamins, and Yuca.

The result hella moisturization.

De rigueur with this season's it colors for lips.

With all that attention on your pout, you need something that will keep them in top shape.

This is it.

Try sallyhansen.com for more info or to purchase.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of sally hansen
proud members of the total beauty and the bbn networks

pink pedegg giveaway

For our next Pink Giveaway, we have a Pink PedEgg (retail value $10).

It is a limited edition and has the pink ribbon. Also, the PedEgg company is donating $50,000 of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Just like the original, the Pink PedEgg™ is engineered with over 100 precision stainless-steel micro-files that gently remove calluses and dead skin to give your feet the incredible baby soft look and feel that everybody loves. Two high quality emery buffing pads are included for the ultimate finishing touch.You and your feet will love the PedEgg™ and together with the Limited Edition pink PedEgg™, you can help your feet and help find a cure for breast cancer.

To enter the giveaway, send us an email at beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with "PedEgg Giveaway" in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.

We will randomly select one winner October 21st at 11pm est. The winners will be announced on Wednesday, the 22nd!

Alright, just to clarify...One entry per person, duplicate entries will not increase your odds of winning. For this giveaway, only US residents may enter. You have from now until October 21st 11:00 PM EST to enter.

For more information on the Pink PedEgg, check out pinkpedegg.com.

Good luck!

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
bbnbcacontest

*Please Read This: In entering this contest you are giving us permission to forward your name and mailing address to representatives for PedEgg for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize(s). If you fail to include that information we will disqualify your entry. One winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. Duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. Giveaway sponsored by PedEgg. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm on Tuesday, October 21st, 2008.

kiehl's new scent - forest rain eau de toilette

New from Kiehl's 1851, a brand new fragrance to fall for.

Forest Rain Eau de Toilette ($38.50) is described as a spicy, yet woodsy blend, inspired by many of the classic essences once sold in their original apothecary, and is appropriate for both men and women.

It's also the first new Eau De Toilette from Kiehl’s since the introduction of their uber popular Musk Eau de Toilette in 2004.

We're all giddy at the sweet deep forest green glass bottle that houses the fresh blend of Muguet, Vetiver, Citrus and Cedar Wood.

Here are the notes broken down...

Top notes: wet grass and muguet petals combined with a peppery sweet citrus and earthy guaic leaves.

Middle notes: damp moss with jasmine and other white flowers.

Bottom notes: deep sunbleached hay, cedarwood and vetiver, and a soft musk.

If some of those essences are leaving you scratching your head...just remember the spicy, yet woodsy blend part...the perfect compliment for fall layers...j'adore.

They also have accompanying Forest Rain Liquid Body Cleanser and Forest Rain Hand and Body Lotion.

Depending on what you want, you can use them on their own, or combine them for major scent lastification.

All are available in Kiehl’s stores and kiehls.com.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
photo courtesy of kiehl's
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

prescriptives virtual skin foundation

Prescriptives Virtual Skin Foundation ($33) has been my latest crush.

Theirs is definitely one of the suggested brands when it comes to finding that exact color match.

It's so easy to find your match with the amount of colors they offer...over 30 for the Virtual Skin alone!

The one I tested is Real Bisque and it's the perfect color for my skin-tone.

What I love most about it is that it blends in seamlessly to my skin and maintains a natural finish...yet covers what it needs to cover.

Lightweight, so it has that divine I-can't-feel-that-it's-on-but-it's-on feeling. Plus it was the right choice for my sometimes-normal, sometimes-combo skin.

If by chance you'd still like to check out their other options, you're bound to find one you like. With over 200 ready-to-wear shades in 9 foundation options and a million different Custom Blend Foundation choices, the possibilities are endless!

Jennifer
photo courtesy of prescriptives
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

we've been featured on limelife!

We were so thrilled that one of our recent posts was featured on the fabulous LimeLife's Beauty Blog Roundup! Check it out here!

Yay!

In case you aren't familiar, LimeLife is a site that delivers the 411 on all things beauty, fashion, celeb, movies, shopping, life, and whatever else you can think of!

Be sure to stop by and see what else they have going on.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
photo courtesy of importfood.com

PS This pic of a lime actually had nothing to do with limelife's logo...I just liked it!

nars cosmetics - how-to deliver a healthy radiant complexion

You know how we are all about visuals in makeup application...right?

Well the great people at NARS have decided to start making their own videos to air on narscosmetics.com.

Because we love you guys so much...and because the lowdown on this popped up in our inbox like a minute ago...here is the first video up for viewing.

Video 1 is entitled A Healthy, Radiant Complexion and features NARS International Senior Stylist James Boehmer giving tips and tricks on using foundation and concealer.

Enjoy!

More videos to come!

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine

pink giveaway with anastasia winners...

We are happy to announce the 2 winners of our Anastasia Giveaway, each winner will receive an Anastasia Limited Edition Swarovski Pink Ribbon Precision Tweezers.

We just wanted to remind everyone, if you are not one of the lucky two, you can purchase these tweezers. Anastasia teamed up with the WCRF (Women's Cancer Research Fund) and will donate 50% of all proceeds from the sale of these tweezers to this fund. They are only available at Nordstrom and on www.anastasia.net and can be yours for $33.

These tweezers are handcrafted in Italy from the highest-quality steel with custom-slanted tip and calibrated tension, this professional must-have tool handles even the finest hairs with ease. This special edition is hand-adorned with a genuine Swarovski Crystal Pink Ribbon.

Now back to the winners....

They are:

Laura S.

and

Cecilia P.

Congratulations!!

Keep an eye out on your mailbox ladies, they should be arriving soon.

Everyone should check back later this week for another fantastic pink giveaway.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine

5 minutes, 5 questions with ben skervin

Ben Skervin, Celebrity Hairstylist, has worked with an enviable celebrity client list including Keira Knightley, Madonna, Cat Deeley, Natalie Imbruglia, Orlando Bloom and Hugh Jackman. His newest role is as the new International Hair Stylist for Head & Shoulders. And he is also our latest victim of 5 minutes, 5 questions. Enjoy!

1. What hair trends are you loving for fall?

Soft Waves - Texturized and flowing hair
Relaxed Updo - Loose and messy
Sleek Ponytail - Smooth and shiny

2. What's the best way to pump up the volume in our hair?

Use volumizing products shampoos and styling. Also, try blow drying upside down.

3. How can we keep our hair and our scalps healthy?

Using a haircare system containing a zinc compound formula is best, such as Head & Shoulders. Using an ordinary cosmetic conditioner with a H&S shampoo can wash away up to 70 percent of scalp care ingredients deposited on the scalp, the Head & Shoulders conditioners contain 0.5 percent pyrithione zinc (ZPT) to help maintain and enhance scalp protection. Using a system like Smooth & Silky shampoo and conditioner will provide you a healthy scalp and healthy hair.

4. We're trying to grow out our hair and it's not going so well. What are some things we can do to get us through that awkward stage?

If you are growing your hair out and you notice the ends are getting limp and straggly consider getting more frequent trims. It will keep your hair looking fresh and help it grow faster to your desired length.

5. What's the best piece of beauty advice that you've ever received?

Always use less hair product than you think you need as you can always add more but you can't take out!!!!!!

Uhh, we are both guilty of the last one there. We have learned over the years to start with less and slowly add more - especially when it comes to waxes, mousse, hairspray. Christine still has the occasional overuse mishap, but we are working on it. She just gets so excited to try out new hair products!

For more info on Head and Shoulders, check out headandshoulders.com.

with love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

emanuel ungaro collection for mac

We are loving the soft romantic feel of the colors from the Emanuel Ungaro Collection for MAC.

Loving.

The colors are soft, dreamy, and gloriously wearable...behold...

Emanuel Ungaro Lipstick in Pure Rose and Freckletone ($14)

Emanuel Ungaro Lipglass in Pastel Emotion ($14)

Emanuel Ungaro See Thru Lipcolor in Not So Shy ($14)

Emanuel Ungaro Eyeshadow in Phloof!, Mineral, Lilac Touch, and Soft Flower ($14.50)

Emanuel Ungaro Cream Color Base in Fresh Bougainvilliea and Fresh Morning ($16.50)

Emanuel Ungaro Beauty Powder in Flower Mist Dew ($22)

Technakohl Liner in Auto-de-Blu ($14.50)

Brow Set in Mink ($13.50)

Zoom Lash in Lofty Brown ($12)

We die.

The collection can be found at maccosmetics.com and MAC Counters.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
photos courtesy of mac
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

Monday, October 13, 2008

pink products - decléor tonifying lotion

Aromatherapy may be used to naturally balance the mind, body and spirit and according to the National Cancer Institute, may help cancer patients improve their quality of life and reduce stress and anxiety.

Decléor Tonifying Lotion ($33) is infused with lavender and petit grain essential oils, and orange, kiwi, and mallow essential waters. It's also said to be perfect for all skin types.

During the month of October, they are also including a sample sized Aromessence Neroli as a gwp. Neroli is an elixir of 100% pure and natural essential oils specially formulated to comfort and treat skin that is exposed to daily stress.

The fabulous part is that Decléor will donate 15% of net sales of Tonifying Lotion during the month of October to Cancer and Careers, a program of CEW Foundation (cancerandcareers.org).

Try Nordstrom stores and online at nordstrom.com.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
photo courtesy of decleor
proud members of the total beauty and bbn networks
bbnbca

essential for victoria beckham's new pixie...the ts2 detailer tourmaline mini styling iron

We think a lot of people were shocked when Victoria Beckham (who shall forever be known as Posh Spice to us) showed up at Fashion Week in her uber chic pixie.

Take it from someone who had a pixie that short...you need something tiny to style it if you want it to be ultra sleek.

So it's no surprize that Victoria uses the TS-2 Detailer Tourmaline Mini Styling Iron ($39) to keep things in order.

Don't let the pic of the iron fool you. It is tiny...like way cute tiny.

But, it also packs a wallop.

It's the perfect size for straightening short hair, bangs, and touching up spots on your hair that might need extra attention.

Its small size allows you to get close to the scalp and the hard to style areas. The adorable size also makes it perfect for travel. Especially if you're trying to fit everything in your carry-on to avoid the major charges for extra bags.

We used it on Christine's chin length bob and loved how it easily straightened her fine blond hair effortlessly. We were able to get close to her scalp and even get those fine little baby hairs that always seem to avoid our regular flat iron.

I tried it on my crazy cowlicks and some other hairs that were being annoying that day and loved the results too.

A fabulous find.

To purchase, head on over to ts2products.com. For more info, try jdbeauty.com or call 1.800.523.2889.

Jennifer
photo of victoria courtesy of google
photo of iron courtesy of ts2
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

anastasia beverly hills brow enhancing serum

Did I ever tell you about the time I had my eyebrows waxed by an overzealous plucker who plucked half of my one eyebrow away?

Really?

Or the one who decided to forgo her usual amazing waxing and tweezing skills, only to instead pick up a razor and shave my eyebrows into bizarre thin wisps?

No?

Then I had to have told you about the most recent encounter (a few months ago) with the over-zealous waxer...right?

The one who left one of my eyebrows looking something like a tadpole...a fat body with a squiggly tail?

Her?

Yeah...that really nice person left me afraid to set my tooshie down in a waxer's chair for a while.

Since that incident, I've tried numerous things to get my brows to grow back.

Only two things have worked...exfoliating the brow area (Elke's tip) and this...Anastasia Brow Enhancing Serum ($35).

Since using both before our visit with the fab Elke, I noticed a major improvement in the growth of the hairs in the brow area.

Together, they are the one-two punch that deliver thicker brows.

Love.

I apply this at night on clean dry skin (after cleansing and exfoliating) and saw results after a couple of weeks (they say it can take up to four).

It doesn't smell or irritate my eyes and my eyes tend to be sensitive to things like that. Plus it's clear on...so if you're in bed with the hubster, he won't look at you funny.

The price is a little up there, but mine has lasted my a while and once you've noticed better growth, you can always lengthen the time between applications.

One tip though...the brush itself doesn't get all the way down inside the container. So you might need a QTip to get at what's left once you're at that point.

Try anastasia.net, sephora.com, or nordstrom.com to purchase.

Jennifer

photo courtesy of anastasia
proud members of the total beauty and the bbn networks

estee laurder limited edition 23k gold signature collection

Just something to drool over. Estee Lauder's Limited Edition 23K Gold Signature Collection is online now at neimanmarcus.com.

Up for the purchase is their Limited-Edition Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick ($100) and Limited-Edition Signature Shimmer Powder ($250).

Both are ensconced in a 23k gold-plated case inlaid with Crystallized™ Swarovski Elements.

Um...can you say major splurge?

You may commence commenting now...love or leave?

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine

Sunday, October 12, 2008

burn jel plus

Direct from our inbox...

Accidental burns are a serious matter, every 25 seconds someone in the United States is burned or scalded in their home, according to the American Burn Association and the Burn Foundation, with more than two million burn injuries reported each year in this country.

Really...think about it...you've had to have burned yourself at least once with a curling iron or flat iron.

When hairstyling mishaps occur, Burn Jel Plus, developed by Water-Jel Technologies, the world’s leading provider of professional burn treatments used by EMS workers and fire fighters is an effective, easy-to-use, over-the-counter treatment to make minor burns look and feel better. It contains Lidocaine for fast-acting pain relief which provides controlled cooling of the burn site by acting as a heat exchanger. Burn Jel Plus continues to cool and sooth the skin with vitamin e and tea tree oil.

To prevent burn damage from heated styling appliances, Burn Jel Plus offers the following tips:

- Allot an appropriate amount of time to style hair. Burns are most likely to occur when you are in a hurry.
- Read all instructions carefully as some products heat faster and operate differently than others.
- Understand how to properly use hairstyling tools and educate younger people on their correct usage as well.
- Always style your hair in bright light and with mirrors so you can see various angles.
- Unplug products after use and allow to cool on a burn-resistant counter before handling or storing.
- Check the internet for protective gloves which some appliance manufacturers offer to prevent burns on the hand that is holding the hair.

If an incident does occur Burn Jel Plus can safely be applied to the neck, face, or other skin surfaces.

It is now widely available across the country at stores including CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Wal-Mart at the suggested retail price $8.99.

For more info, visit burnjelplus.com.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine

pink products - someone spoil me...a social gifting site

Many blogs and websites are doing something for BCA Month.

One site we're loving is Someone Spoil Me, a social gifting site.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month they have launched their Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Guide (someonespoilme.com/gifts/breast-cancer-awareness-gifts/)
which recommends gifts that donate a portion of proceeds to breast cancer research.

Their goal is to do everything they can to help raise as
much money towards the cause as possible.

In addition to their breast cancer guide, they are offering a free raffle on their
site to win a Free Helen Ficalora Pink Ribbon Necklace.

Also, as of October 31, they are converting this gifting category to a "Think Pink" category. In order to bring awareness to the disease beyond this month.

Gotta love them for that.

Hat ($69) and Pink Ribbon Soaps ($29) are available at someonespoilme.com. For more information, or to check out their other offerings, be sure to head on over there today!

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
photos courtesy of somone spoil me
proud members of the total beauty and bbn networks
bbnbca

Saturday, October 11, 2008

christine's nail color of the week

We are starting another little segment here at Beauty in Real Life. Since I have been crowned resident lover of all things nail polish, I thought I would start sharing my favorite picks. I normally paint the nails once a week anyway so why not take a picture and share the love.

I'm starting things off with a bang...Chanel Le Vernis nail color in Dazzling. It's being relaunched for the holidays and I love it. I have received numerous compliments on it. I normally don't do red - I'm more of a pastel pink in spring and more berry/wine colors in fall and winter. So I'm branching out here. I think this color would be universally flattering. It's sort of an red-orange but deeper (see pictures below - one on the left is with flash and my old camera so it's blurry and the one on the right is no flash and not as blurry).

And man does Chanel know how to make nail polish. This stuff lasts and lasts and lasts and for $20 a bottle it better! I just got done trimming the front flower bed sans gloves and there is not a nick or scratch to be found. I only have one other Chanel color and I have given my mom a couple - who has become a huge fan of the polish and "subtlety" asked for it for her birthday...wish granted in the ways of Ballerina - a pretty light pink, perfect for my mom. I tend to only look at their limited edition colors since you can't really get them anywhere else. I am dying to get my hands on a bottle of the Haute Chocolate, but that is for another day.

If you are looking for a great red, check out Dazzling. I can only find it on chanel.com at the moment, but I am sure as soon as they get the holiday goodies out on display you will be able to find this sitting along with it all at the department stores. Although it is fun to order from the site - it comes all wrapped up and a bow.

Next week....maybe one of the Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Fall Colors.

Christine
photo courtesy of me :0)
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

weekend reads...from the beauty blog network

Here is what is going on with some of our friends in the Beauty Blog Network....

Lilan from The Daily Cookie reviews a new innovation in mascara from Givenchy. Is Phenomen'Eyes really phenomenal?

Raging Rouge posts the first of many Shop Pink Features, listing some of the many beautiful products that will contribute a portion of their profits this month to Breast Cancer charities.

A Touch of Blusher reviews RMK's fall 2008 makeup collection.

StyleBell scopes out Hillary Duff’s 21st Birthday bash and tests out the party favor, the Pureology Nano Shampoo and Conditioner!

Musings of a Muse takes on Guerlain Midnight Butterfly with intense product photos, a look using the products, and a detailed review!.

The Makeup Divas reviews the new Fall DiVine Collection by Eminence Organic Skin Care.

Beauty Anonymous reviews Alima's mineral loose powder eyeshadows.

Beauty411 shares the Bobbi Brown Pink Ribbon Lip Collection with you. A beautiful way to support Breast Cancer Awareness month!

Beauty Junkie in SF finds a lovely eyeshadow duo that supports breast cancer awareness and was designed by another dynamic duo, Sephora's Besty Olum and Too Faced's Jerrod Blandino.

Think before you pink and check out Makeup Moxie's consumer guide to the best pink beauty products.

Find budget beauty with Beauty and Fashion Tech's look at the ultra cheap, yet ultra nice Tropez Eyeshadow Palette.

Girl Gloss loves the affordable lip items in the N.Y.C. Metro Metals Collectionl

Who says you are too old to glitz your eyes up with a little glitter? Cybelesays shows you a product that any woman can wear .

Glossypink reviews this cult classic beauty item and gains the ability to speak French!

Actress Shiri Appleby tells Beauty Banter exclusively how she achieves her look as Dr. Daria Wade on the television hit series, E.R.

Erin ofScandalous Beauty shows you how tocreate the most dewy, sexy, luscious skin with Make Up For Ever foundation .

All Lacquered Up concludes its three part The Nail Files series with CND, going behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week to show you how to custom blend nail colors straight from the catwalk.

Pursebuzz.com takes you back in time with a fun and easy Classic Hair style. Try it for an everyday look or for Halloween to complement your costume.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic shares a bit of her trip to Paris!

with love (always),
Jennifer and Christine

weekend reads....from total beauty

Take a minute and relax this weekend and check out what has been going on with some fellow bloggers over at Total Beauty...

Viva Woman shows you how she gets rid of her blackheads and whiteheads with simple home remedies.

See Fabulous Over Forty for a video interview with Isaac Mizrahi and his new book How to Have Style.

Beauty Anonymous reviews Alima's mineral loose powder eyeshadows.

Beckie of Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog reviews Carmindy's new book Get Positively Beautiful. Carmindy, TLC's makeup artist on What Not To Wear, is not just another pretty face who penned another pretty book.

Frappelattes shares her beauty must-have -- the eyelash curler -- as well as a guide on how to use an eyelash curler.

Beauty Tyrant explains why she's in love with the Corioliss flat iron, and with only 5 reasons she is totally smittened!

Beauty411 shares the Bobbi Brown Pink Ribbon Lip Collection with you. A beautiful way to support Breast Cancer Awareness month!

Vampires are so hot right now, but a copy paper white complexion isn't. Find out what Beauty Blogging Junkie is recommending to bring some "life" into your skin tone this fall.

Top 10 Makeup Products By Talking Makeup!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings is having a giveaway! Find out how you can enter to win over $90 worth of beauty products!

Glossypink is loving this golden pink eyeshadow, and yours is just a drugstore-trip away!

Stop by Beauty Blvd. to find out how to keep your nails and hands looking beautiful this winter!

The Makeup Divas reviews Anastasia Brow Duality.

Alison of the Advice Sisters has posted her entire archive of fashion week with personal photos of backstage and the runway, and videos of Anna Sui, Omnia Luo, and Melanie Von Alexandria.

See The Beauty Alchemist for a look at Guerlain Holiday makeup 2008.

The Jet Set Girls try out Stila's new Paint Your Pout Red talking palette.

with love (always),
Jennifer and Christine

Friday, October 10, 2008

how to get cheekbones like lucy liu without the plastic surgery part

We love Lucy Liu here. She just has this fresh-faced beauty thing down pat.

Three things we adore?

- her hair
- cute freckles that she doesn't try to hide
- incredibly high cheekbones

While we don't know the secret behind her hair...yet...and you kinda have to be born with freckles...we do have the 411 on her high cheekbone look.

First off, let's just get the obvious out of the way first, she has may-jah cheekbones already...right? What we have is an easy way to emphasize them without the complicated contouring part.

According to InStyle magazine and Lucy Liu's personal makeup artist...Erin Ayanian Monroe...all you need are two kinds of blush, a rosy hue and a lighter pink one.

Take the rosy blush and apply it to the apples of your cheeks. Then apply the lighter one just above that and blend it out towards your temples.

One blush to try is Two Faced Ooh La Rouge in Pink Provocateur ($18).

It's the colors you'd need in one convenient place. Just open and apply for easy defined cheeks without all of that crazy contouring annoyance.

Done.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
photo of lucy google
photo of blush sephora

prescriptives super line preventor xtreme

New from Prescriptives is their Super Line Preventor Xtreme ($38).

Said to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles by 49% immediately upon using...it sounds like pretty miraculous stuff.

Containing something called Xtreme-Lift Complex™ which is made up of Micro-nutrient Water, Hexapeptide, White Birch Extract, Silymarin and Siegesbackia.

All of these ingredients work with skin’s natural repair process to visibly lift and firm and enhance the skin’s natural renewing activities.

We're intrigued.

Other facts that have us curious...

- Skin looks more lifted by 58 percent after eight weeks
- Improves skin’s texture by 43 percent after eight weeks
- Fills in lines (even deeper forehead lines) immediately
- One application diffuses the look of lines and wrinkles for up to eight hours

Come on...isn't your interest just a tad bit piqued now too?

Try prescriptives.com for more info.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
photo courtesy of prescriptives
proud members of totalbeauty and the bbn networks

duwop eyecatchers...for the perfect smudge-y eye

DuWop Eyecatchers ($18.50) are genius.

They come in four colors:

blue eye intensifier - rich amber brown with blue and gold flecks
green eye intensifier - lush burgundy plum with bronze flecks
brown eye intensifier - deep blue violet with golden shimmer
all eye intensifier - velvety black

All you have to do is find your eye color and that is the one you can use to make your eyes stand out even more.

I actually tried the All Eye Intensifier...it's black, but not the scary black that you think you can't use. More like a softer black that allows you to create the easiest smudge-y eye you've ever done.

All I did was apply a good amount of it on the inside rim of my bottom eye and then (this sounds crazy, but it works) smush my eyes together and hold them like that for a few seconds.

Then I opened up my eyes and added a little more here and there until it looked gorgeous...smudging a little with my fingers and a QTip as I went.

I finished off with a coat of mascara on my upper lashes and I was done. A perfect eye look that only took a couple of minutes to achieve.

Plus it gave my brown eye color a little oomph.

Love!

Try duwop.com for more info or to purchase.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of duwop
proud members of totalbeauty and the bbn networks

vavoom switch flicks

We're all about versatility here and this one definitely fits that definition.

Featured in the November Lucky as a rock-star secret, Vavoom Switch Flicks ($16) can be used as a gel on wet hair, or (our fave use) as a wax on dry hair.

It has the ability to deliver that of-the-moment disheveled look. A cool piece-y and more textured style that we adore.

To use on dry hair, just blow dry and style as usual.

Once your hair is done, take about a pea-sized amount and rub it between your hands.

Then take your hands and rake them through your hair all around...choosing pieces here and there to twist a little, section out a little, and define a little.

Just muss it up.

The result is hair that isn't weighed down and looks fabulous without looking like you're trying too hard.

A word of caution though, although this is very lightweight, be sure to start off with less and then add more if needed...a little goes a long way here and if you use too much at first, you might have to start all over again.

Other than that...rock on dahlings!

Jennifer
photo courtesy of vavoom
proud members of totalbeauty and the bbn networks

Thursday, October 9, 2008

pink products - philosophy she colors my day fantasy bubble bath

Philosophy’s She Colors My Day Fantasy Bubble Bath ($20) fills your tub with rich bubbles that keep you moisturized.

Fabulous right?

Well, it gets even better...Philosophy is generously donating 100% of the net proceeds from the sales to the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund to support the early detection of women's cancers.

This product is being sold exclusively on philosophy.com and at a special website created by the brand.

There you'll be able to listen to a song co-created by Christina Carlino (founder of Philosophy) and her friend Stuart Mathis.

A song that was inspired by the artwork of her daughter.

Called She Colors My Day, it celebrates the beautiful relationship between a mother and her daughter.

Recorded by multi-platinum artist Amy Grant, its lyrics have also inspired both an Art of Grace Keepsake Gift and Sketch Book...in addition to the bubble bath...to build hope and awareness for all women's cancers.

At the site, you'll also be able to listen to the song, view and create your own slideshows to the song, and download the song.

Visit shecolorsmyday.com to learn more.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
photo courtesy of philosophy
proud members of totalbeauty and the bbn networks
bbnbca

nars black eye set....

Yep you can now give yourself a black eye thanks to NARS.

No, not the painful, embarrassing, wearing your sunglasses inside regardless of the brightness level black eye....

It's a smokey eye.

NARS The Black Eye Set ($60) is the ultimate tool kit for creating a flawless, smokey eye. It contains the Eyeliner Pencil in Black Moon – a precision pencil providing intense pigment for definition and lash thickening effect, Mascara in Black Orchid, which accentuates the eye creating longer, thicker lashes, Duo Eyeshadow in Pandora, which works superbly for lining and contouring the eye and NARS Eye Makeup Remover, which removes all traces of makeup with no irritation.

So, I have actually had this kit for a while and anyone who has read our little blog from back in the beginning knows that smokey eyes are not our forte around here. So when I heard it was called the Black Eye Set, intimidation does not even begin to describe what I was feeling. I immediately thought back to a giveaway we had with smokey eye goodies and reader left a comment about her lack of skills and hoping she didn't end up looking like a crazy raccoon or a hooker or a crazy raccoon hooker. I thought, "I am totally going to end up looking like a crazy raccoon hooker".

It took me a while to actually try this out. The first try was not pretty and I probably would have done those crazy raccoons proud. Thank goodness this set comes with makeup remover. The second time, I was looking a little less crazy. Today, I tried it for a third time and I am so proud of myself. My previous crazy look had nothing to do with this set, just my skill level. I actually practiced with other eyeshadows and liners before trying this one again. I rather waste the cheaper stuff than a $60 set on practicing. A side note...if you were to buy everything in the set separately it would be around $100!

Here are NARS directions for this set....

To create a smoky eye: Line the inner rim with NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Black Moon, blending above the lash line to the outer corners. Smudge the color up onto the lid, and set with the white shimmer side of NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Pandora. Darken the smoky Black Moon with the matte black side of Pandora. Apply two to three coats of NARS Mascara in Black Orchid. To finish, re-line the inner rim of the eye with Black Moon.

I pretty much followed this directions, I applied the eyeliner (only on my upper eyelid) and then followed with the white and black shadows (the black scared me but it actually goes on pretty lightly and you can make it darker or lighter depending on how much you use). Then I took an angled brush and just put a little of the black shadow on my lower lash line from the outer corner to about the middle of the lash line and I smudged it to make it softer. And I did 2 coats of mascara on top and barely touched the mascara to the lower lashes, just enough to add a hint of color...it's 10 am here, I'm not going to go to crazy this early in the day. If I was going out later at night I would put a little more on. Actually, for me and doing mostly mom thing during the day, I probably wouldn't use this for daytime, but for date night - definitely.

This is a limited availability item, but on narscosmetics.com it's still available and has free 3-day shipping with it! It's also available at Nordstrom and Sephora (free shipping there too!).

Christine
photo courtesy of sephora.com
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

the beauty blog network comments4acure

We are proud to be counted as members of both the Total Beauty Network and the The Beauty Blog Network.

Both networks are doing something to raise awareness about Breast Cancer during the month of October.

You've already heard about the Total Beauty - Total Cure Campaign...now we're here to tell you a little about the Comments4aCure Campaign that various members of The Beauty Blog Network are participating in.

Throughout this campaign several Beauty Blog Network Members will be conducting reviews and giveaways of limited-edition Pink Products that were offered to them by the prestigious Estee Lauder Companies.

Elke, the founder of the BBN, has this to say about Estee Lauder's generous donation of products...

I have never had a company be so giving and so supportive of what we do as a blog network. And as the premiere beauty blog network online, we are honored to be able to take part and support the Estee Lauder brands and their products by getting the word out, sharing our own stories, and raising awareness in our 2nd year of supporting cancer charities.

You might be asking yourself...what exactly is Comments4aCure?

Well...after learning that two Network members were dealing with the life-altering news of a cancer diagnosis last year, Von Freudenberg rallied her bloggers and together, they created a way to use the power of their blogs to raise money for cancer awareness and prevention.

Beauty blog fans are invited to join the bloggers in their continuing march with Comment4aCure: A three day initiative that will donate a pre-determined amount of money per blog comment to a cancer organization of the blogger's choice. Each comment made is another step in the fight against breast cancer.

By getting readers to support us by leaving a comment, we look forward to creating a dialog and supporting everyone involved. The response this year has far surpassed last years, and I look forward to another successful campaign. - Elke

Many bloggers are even doing other things as well. Things like...going pink, discussing and creating pink makeup looks, cleaning out their beauty closets and conducting giveaways for donations, etc...

One of our pals, Jami over at Bionic Beauty, will even be donating $1 for every sale of her uber cute pink tees!

Here is a list of the participating blogs for Comments4aCure:

Elke Von Freudenberg

Mystical Beauty's Musings

Sarah's Surprises

Beauty and Fashion Tech

Girl Gloss

The Beauty Blog Network Blog

The Daily Cookie

The Life of A Ladybug

Raging Rouge

Beautiful Makeup Search

Makeup Junkie

Glossy Pink

Christina Loves

Bionic Beauty

Mischo Beauty

Makeup Junkie

The Makeup Girl

A Touch of Blusher

Hello Dollface

Beauty Junkie in SF

All Lacquered Up

Makeup Moxie's Beauty Blog

Be sure to stop by during the month and check out what's going on!

Also...beauty fans are asked to visit the official Breast Cancer Network Page to get the latest on member's posts on product reviews and contest announcements.

So be sure to check out beautyblognetwork.com for more info daily!

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of totalbeauty and the bbn networks
bbnbca

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

the brick artist + neiman marcus christmas book = one heck of an expensive holiday gift

Alright, so this is nuts.

You see this guy here?

This guy is Nathan Sawaya. He's an artist. Except his medium is something that I literally step on a million times a day in my living room...Legos.

He can replicate anything...bridges, animals, buildings, even people.

What the cool part?

Well, as I was perusing through my new Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, guess what I saw in the Wow! Gifts section?

For the mere price of $60,000 each, you can get a life-sized replica of yourself and your loved one in Legos.

Really!

And the crazy thing is...they look like you!

Well, not exactly. They have a weird video game circa early eighties feel to them, but they do look eerily similar.

Try neimanmarcus.com to find out where you can get your copy of the Christmas book.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of the art of the brick
proud members of totalbeauty and the bbn networks

pink products - clinique dramatically different moisturizing lotion

Speaking of Clinique...for every purchase of their limited-edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion ($35),$10 will go towards The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

While I don't actually use this myself...I know a lot of people that do.

One of which is my mom.

Her skin is still gorgeous with very little wrinkling and she's 77.

Seriously.

This limited-edition bottle also comes with the uber adorable key chain, which features a silver-tone Clinique "C" and a Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon.

Head on over to clinique.com for more info.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of clinique
proud members of totalbeauty and the bbn networks
bbnbca

clinique superdefense spf 25...the review

As most of you know...I'm the oldest out of the two of us.

I have about 7 years on Christine and I'm trying my darnedest not to let it show.

Let's not forget that my son is trying to age me about 20 years with his toddler antics...his latest one is jumping off the arm of the couch...backwards!

And then there's my husband, who likes to "help out" with the laundry and always manages to shrink my favorite shirts in the dryer. Every-single-time.

So...uh...yeah...I'm in dire need of anything that would help with the stress that I deal with on a daily.

Enter Clinique with its Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer ($43).

It's like they understood my needs and stuck all of them into this green jar.

How?

Well...it contains Red Microalgae Extract which is said to neutralize responses that surface as lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone...it basically helps with the skin's immunity defenses that become compromised while dealing with emotional and psychological stressors. That's why my skin looks brighter and refreshed even though I'm literally a big ball o' stress some days.

The cream is rich, but not too much...I tested the dry combination and my skin just drank it in. I smooth it on in the morning, before I do my makeup and it instantly makes my skin feel hydrated...without the greasiness you associate with richer creams.

I also love the fact that it has a high SPF of 25. Something that's perfect for right now, because we're always in the car heading somewhere it seems. This will protect my skin from the UVA and UVB rays that can get at me no matter how I try much I try to hide.

Pretty good huh?

Anyway...I'd better go...it's too quiet. Little L must be into something major. The last time he was this quiet he was trying to paint the walls with my eyeshadow.

Jennifer
photo courtesy of clinique

the avon beauty breakthrough tour

Direct from our inbox...a great event for a great cause...

The Avon Beauty Breakthrough Tour is heading across the country, beautifying cities inside and out at every stop. Now in it’s 7th year, The Beauty Breakthrough Tour brings Avon’s unique combination of beauty and technology to women while challenging communities to join forces and raise funds for their local domestic violence agency.

Making 12 stops from coast to coast from September to November 2008 stopping in cities like Chicago, Birmingham, Tulsa and Phoenix, the 1,600 square foot Beauty Pavilion is manned by a team of Avon Representatives and led by Beauty Expert Julie Kalvaitas. The tour gives women the opportunity to experience Avon’s advanced products firsthand, from the brand’s groundbreaking ANEW anti-aging collection to its wide range of cutting edge lip formulas.

Within the Beauty Pavilion, a large Wishing Wall is erected at each stop where you're invited to stop by and sign a Wishing Wall Card with your wish for a better tomorrow. Each person who signs a Wishing Wall Card will be entered to win $500 to make their wish come true. In addition, Avon is challenging each city to come together to support the fight against domestic violence in their community. The city that collects the most Wishing Wall Cards at the end of The Avon Beauty Breakthrough Tour will win a $20,000 donation from Avon for a local organization.

Celebrities like Callie Thorn of FX! Network’s Rescue Me; Keisha Whitaker, model/actress and wife of the Academy Award Winner Forrest Whitaker; Lauren “Lo” Bosworth, star of the hit MTV series, The Hills have all done their part by signing their own Wishing Wall Cards. The cards will be on view at every city stop.

Highlights of the Beauty Pavilion include:

* ANEW Skincare Bars: Skincare consultations, featuring ANEW Skincare, allowing women the opportunity to experience anti-aging skincare brand first hand, while learning how to fight all stages of the aging process through personalized skincare consultations.

* Lip Service Stations: Women are invited to receive a complimentary lip makeover and learn expert tips for lips at one of the many Lip Service Stations, featuring Ultra Color Rich Mousse Lipstick, Glazewear Liquid Lip Color and Avon’s breakthrough Pro-To-Go Lipstick – the only lipstick that combines luscious color, and hydrating lip care, into one fabulous lipstick that you can open, apply and close with one hand.

Discover a more youthful you at the Avon Breakthrough Beauty Tour, where beauty and technology meet. For more Information on the Tour, click here.

Here are the scheduled stops on the tour:

October 11th-12th- Chicago Country Music Festival in Chicago, IL

October 16th-19th- Tulsa Oktoberfest in Tulsa, OK

October 24th- 26th- What Women Want Festival in St. George, Utah

October 31st- November 2nd- Arizona State Fair in Phoenix, AZ

November 7th-9th – Ozark’s Women’s Living Expo in Springfield, MO

November 14-16th- TBD

So find the city nearest you and stop on by! A great way to get beautified inside and out!

One more thing...

If the tour is not stopping in a city near you, you can still do your part to help out.

Avon is selling their Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Bracelet ($3 pictured) and Keychain ($7) in order to bring attention to the cause. 100% of the net proceeds goes towards Speak Out Against Domestic Violence.

So let your mouse do the clicking and get to work!

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine

get gossip girl worthy volume with pureology purevolume thickening mist

I have finally entered the world of Gossip Girl and...lord help me...I'm addicted.

The clothes, the accessories, and the hair has me tuning in as much as the story lines.

One thing I've noted, is the gorgeous mane seen on one of the stars, Blake Lively.

Totally full of body and bounce, somebody sign her up for a shampoo commercial...stat!

Anyway...one product that I love to bring on the volume in my hair is Pureology PureVolume Thickening Mist ($21).

First, I wash with my favorite shampoo and conditioner. Once done, I towel dry my hair and apply the Thickening Mist underneath at the roots in sections. Then I blow-dry as usual.

The result is hair that has body and doesn't go limp on me later in the day.

It also doesn't feel sticky, weigh my hair down, or leave me with a big mess of static....gotta love that.

It's made with the same AntiFade Complex® that their shampoos and conditioners are known for so it protects my color and makes it more vibrant and shiny.

So how do you get your hair to look like a Gossip Girl?

Well, two things can help...a great round brush and the nozzle on your dryer.

I rough dry my hair first, mainly using my hands and a vent brush to guide the hair. Then when it's pretty much dried that way, I go in with my round brush and do the finishing blow-dry in sections. Smoothing it out by aiming the dryer down the hair (on the top), with the brush underneath.

The result is volume at the roots with just the right amount of straightness.

Done.

Jennifer
photo of blake lively courtesy of google

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

revolution organics

Introducing some new organic beauty products that we're sure you're bound to hear a lot about...Revolution Organics.

These products will be following the standards of the certified organic USDA seal, the highest possible standard. Basically, they are held to the same rigorous standards as the foods we eat, ensuring the formulas are completely healthy and safe.

The collection is launching with three Organic Beauty Multi-Taskers that have over 50 uses from head to toe:

Certified Organic All-Over Body Balm – A portable all-over solid moisturizing balm that instantly softens, smoothes and protects skin.

Certified Organic Lip Balm – A carefully blended lip balm that helps to repair and restore lips to their healthy, supple fullness naturally.

Certified Organic Skin Crème – An ultra-rich, non-greasy, concentrated treatment that smoothes, hydrates, nourishes and protects for beautifully, healthy skin.

All Revolution Organics products are free of chemicals, parabens, synthetics and artificial ingredients and are scented only with USDA-certified perfume blends. The products are free of fillers, including water, so each pure, concentrated organic product delivers more so consumers can use less. Created for use anytime, anywhere, the travel-friendly formulas meet airport security guidelines and are healthy for the whole family.

Available now at beauty.com.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine

pink giveaway with anastasia

We have 2 pairs of Anastasia Limited Edition Swarovski Pink Ribbon Precision Tweezers to giveaway this week.

These tweezers are handcrafted in Italy from the highest-quality steel with custom-slanted tip and calibrated tension, this professional must-have tool handles even the finest hairs with ease. This special edition is hand-adorned with a genuine Swarovski Crystal Pink Ribbon.

Anastasia teamed up with the WCRF (Women's Cancer Research Fund) and will donate 50% of all proceeds from the sale of these tweezers to this fund. If you are not one of the two winners of this giveaway and would like to purchase them, they are only available at Nordstrom and on www.anastasia.net and can be yours for $33.

Both of us have been using her regular tweezers for a while now and love them!

To enter the giveaway, send us an email at beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with "Anastasia Giveaway" in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.

We will randomly select two winners October 13th at 11pm est. The winners will be announced on Tuesday the 14th!

Alright, just to clarify...One entry per person, duplicate entries will not increase your odds of winning. For this giveaway, only US residents may enter. You have from now until October 13th 11:00 PM EST to enter.

For more information on Anastasia, check out www.anastasia.net.

Good luck!

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
bbnbcacontest

*Please Read This: Two winners, chosen at random, will receive the prizes mentioned. Duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. Giveaway sponsored by Anastasia. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm on Monday, October 13th, 2008.

5 minute face with trae bodge

Trae Bodge, Co-Founder of Three Custom Color Specialists, gave us some great tips on how to achieve the perfect 5 minute face. Sure there are days when we can spend unlimited time getting ready, but for some of us out there, those days are few and far between thanks to the pitter-patter of little feet. As a mom and Creative Director of her own company, Trae Bodge has a demanding schedule and some great makeup solutions for the woman on-the-go....

We all know how tough it is for busy Moms to treat themselves to a beauty regimen. Despite our hectic schedules, we still all want to look our best! The goal is to even out the skin tone and perk up the face overall, all of which can be achieved in a few short minutes. The steps below offer solutions to these specific issues, with the time constraints of our busy lives in mind.

FACE: To even out the skin tone and cover dark circles, use a creamy concealer – use one that matches your skin tone - with a concealer brush to cover redness and dark circles. Apply the concealer where you need it most and then blend outwards. To set the concealer and give the face a healthy, sun-kissed glow, generously dust the forehead, nose and chin with a sheer bronzer.

EYES & BROWS: To create eyes that look well-rested, dust a sheer peach eye shadow over the eye lid and up to the brow bone. To define the eyes, lightly line the upper lashes with an eye pencil (grey or brown both work well) and buff outwards to soften. To erase redness and to create brighter, wider eyes, swipe the inner rims of the eyes with a flesh toned pencil (Three Custom's Clarifier, pictured left would be ideal, $14). Apply a thin coat of mascara or a clear brow gel on the lashes to softly define. To frame the face and tame the brows in seconds, brush brows upward and then outward with a clear brow gel.

CHEEKS: To perk up the face, the dab the cheeks with a clear pink/peach tone. Gel formulas work well here as the same shade can be used on the lips as well, which creates a harmonious look.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: Three Custom Color Specialist's Crème Concealer (available in shades 1-10), Concealer Brush, Mom on the Go Collection in Cool or Warm (includes eye shadow, bronzer, lip & cheek stain, clarifier pencil, clear brow gel and applicator brushes and pictured right), Black Mascara and Warm Brown or Smoke Eye Pencils.

For more information on the products listed here, check out threecustom.com. We are totally loving the Mom on the Go Collection....everything you need in one kit - just add foundation and mascara and your good to go.

with love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
photos courtesy of threecustom.com

chanel holiday 2008 makeup collection

We are so in love with this collection it is not even funny. The colors are so now and absolutely stunning. The shimmery shades have us swooning...seriously.

Some of the highlights?

Limited Edition Poudre Precieuse is a gold highlighting powder that comes with a gorgeous half moon brush to apply it. It's sheer, luminous, soft, and sparkly. Must apply anywhere you want to glow.

Another little goody for the face is the new Éclat Lumiere Highlighter Face Pen in Beige Rosé. Sounds to us like Chanel is putting up a contender to YSL Touche Eclat...no?

For eyes...

Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in limited-edition Beiges de Chanel, a range of soft-to-deep shades of cream, taupe, gold, and brown.

Loving the idea of a rich brown eye...divine.

La Ligne De Chanel Professional Eyeliner Duo in limited-edition Brun-Lamé, a combination of dark brown and soft brown sparkle. Fabulous.

For your pout...

Le Crayon Levres Precision Lip Definer in Rouge, a true red will deliver that essential line, necessary when applying the perfect red lip.

Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Nude, a pale nude; limited-edition Exaltation, a coral red; Ardent, a rosewood shade; and Audace, a true red.

Aqualumiere Sheer Colour Lipshine SPF 15 in limited-edition Cancun, a soft beige.

Creme Gloss Lumiere Brush-On Creme Lip Colour in limited-edition Praline Rose, a pink bronze, or Canelé, a warm bronze.

Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in Red Shine and limited-edition Gold Shine.

And last...but certainly not least...nails...

Le Vernis Nail Colour offers two new limited-edition shades: Perle Rosée, a warm beige-pink, and the next sell-out shade Haute Chocolat, a chic chocolate gold.

All are due to hit stores and online at chanel.com this month. We didn't see it online yet, but keep checking in.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine

Monday, October 6, 2008

get ready for fall with diptyque, bond no. 9, slatkin and co., philosophy, and philip b!

We both love the fall. The weather is perfect. The air is crisp and both our little ones started going to Toddler Adventure twice a week!

Life is good.

Our other favorite parts are the smells and scents that you associate with this time of year.

Never is it more timely, to smell pumpkin, chai spices, apples, leaves, caramel, woodsy notes, etc.

Here are some of our fun picks for home and body. This should at least get you started, if not excited for the season.

For the body:

Philip B Chai Latte Soul and Body Wash ($42) an enticing blend of Indian spices...including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger root, black pepper and nutmeg...combines with the natural humectant, honey and naturally exfoliating milk proteins to gently cleanse, exfoliate and replenish the skin. It's also infused with Black Tea to help tone and tighten the skin.

Philosophy Double Rich Hot Cocoa Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath ($16) Why? Well...a) it smells like hot chocolate b) you can use it and not gain one ounce and c) did we tell you that it smells like hot chocolate?

Bond No. 9 New York Lexington Ave ($135 for 50ml) literally the perfect fragrance for autumn and winter. It has notes of peony, orris, patchouli, sandalwood, cardamom, fennel, almonds, cumin, and even crème brulee. It's scent smells all-at-once mysterious and seductive.

Our hubbies went ga-ga over this...literally.

For the home:

Diptyque’s Feu de Bois Candle ($60) is the perfect substitution for a crackling fireplace. The earthy-but-refined candle is infused with a complex scent that is evocative of fir trees, firewood and autumn woodlands.

We figured out that it's the oh-so-chic packaging that gets us.

Slatkin and Co. Caramel Pumpkin ($13) combines whipped pumpkin puree, buttery caramel and a succulent seasonal fruit medley of ripe plum, crisp apple and juicy nectarine. The bonus is that it comes in this adorable ceramic pumpkin that can be used after the candle burns out.

The boxed candle Slatkin and Co. Boxed Candle - Leaves ($17) contains Autumnal notes of golden nectar, juicy mandarin and red delicious apple are paired with toasted cinnamon stick, mulled cider spices and freshly harvested red berries.

Totally loving the frosted glass and the fall images.

Be sure to click on the links to find out more info or to purchase...and Happy Fall!

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

our wants and realities...bobbi brown deluxe beauty trunk and the sephora blockbuster palette

What we're totally dying over...

In case you've hit the lottery...or you just roll like that...here's something for you:

Bobbi Brown's Exclusive Deluxe Beauty Trunk ($2000). It's literally overflowing with Bobbi products left and right.

I'm sure the kitchen sink is crammed in there at the bottom.

It comes with everything you see here...but...alas...Bobbi herself does not come with it.

What we'll probably end up buying because if we spent $2000 on a ginormous trunk o' beauty, our husbands would seriously have a conniption...

Sephora Brand Classic Blockbuster Palette ($48) comes complete with 64 eyeshadows, 32 lip colors, seven cheek colors, one translucent shimmer powder, four double-ended shadow applicators, two blush brushes, two lip brushes, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Okay..just kidding about the partridge...but you get the idea.

You get all of this for under $50!

Amazingly affordable and will deliver countless looks on your pretty little face.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

real life tips...the perfect nude lip and cheek for fall's smokey eye

We always give you tips on how to do the smokey eye...but what about the rest?

What do you wear on the rest of your face while sporting the smokey, gunmetal, or smokey/color eye?

My suggestion is that you go nude.

Um...get your minds out of the gutter people....not that nude.

I'm talking about a nude cheek and lip. The perfect combo when you want your eyes to steal the show.

A product that has been delivering the nude for me lately is Three Custom Color Specialists Watercolours for Cheeks in Wallflower ($21).

It's a gel based formula that delivers a wash of soft shimmering beige for cheeks and lips.

On my skin tone it's a barley there dewy color...on fairer tones (like Christine), it's nude-but-better. A multi-tasker because you can use it on your lips as well.

Love.

Avon Glazewear Extreme Lipgloss in Classic Nude ($6) the perfect nude-but-doesn't-wash-you-out nude. A fabulous finishing touch on the look and keeps your lips feeling soft without the gloopy-stickiness of other glosses.

My one word of advice though? Be sure you thoroughly exfoliate and condition your lips before applying...chapped lips will not work.

If the thought of going so barely-there leaves you feeling...well...totally naked...you could always go nude with a very slight pink tone as well. Emphasis on the word slight...keep it very light pink here ladies.

My favorite pink for this is Smashbox Blush Rush in Bare ($24).

It's described as a cool dusty rose, but delivers a gorgeous hint-of-pink-with-a-slight-shimmer nude color...the kind of hue that would look good on everyone.

That's always a good thing.

Jennifer
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

Sunday, October 5, 2008

how do celebs get red carpet ready?

So the primetime Emmy's are over. But we're still delivering the tips...this time courtesy of It's a Glam Thing.

At a special pre-Emmy event, they grabbed some of the hottest up-and-coming celebs and asked them how they get Red Carpet ready.

Here's their fabulous advice!

To check out some more videos, head on over to itsaglamthing.com.

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine

Saturday, October 4, 2008

total beauty - total cure giveaway winners....

A HUGE thank you to everyone who entered our giveaway for Total Beauty's Total Beauty - Total Cure campaign!

And now onto the winners of the 10 sets of CARGO's blu_ray™ Collection (a value of $130 each, retail for $59)...

Shelly T.,
Zoe B.,
Kim M.,
Aleksandra B.,
Kimberly K.,
Laurie L.,
Jenni B.,
Rebecca A.,
Annemarie Z.,
and Gillian B.

For those of you who didn't get a CARGO set, head on over to Beauty 411 and Beyond Beauty Basics on Monday, both blogs are having giveaways with Total Beauty - Total Cure.

And check back here throughout the month of October for more pink product reviews and giveaways!!

With love (always),
Jennifer and Christine

elizabeth grant giveaway winner....

September's Elizabeth Grant Giveaway winner is....

Kristen P.!!

Congratulations Kristen! We will be sending you the Elizabeth Grant Caviar Day Creme (which retails for $100) this week, so check your mail!

We are a fan of many of the Elizabeth Grant products and hope you enjoy the Day Creme. For the rest of our readers check back here later today for the winners of our Total Beauty - Total Cure Giveaway.

with love (always),
Jennifer and Christine

weekend reads....from total beauty

Here is what is going on with our friends over at Total Beauty......

Viva Woman tells you how to use a homemade oat mask to reduce your facial pore size and improve your skin's texture.

Beauty Tyrant shares her fall '08 must-have fragrance: Pacifica Solid Perfumes.

See what Fabulous Over Forty has listed as her Five Favorite Fall products.

Beauty Anonymous likes to shop at convenience stores in Asia.

Boutique Flair reviews Bethesda Sunscreen Soap.

Jennifer Lopez Launches Deseo For Men-Talking Makeup!

The Makeup Divas reviews Bobbi Brown's Shimmering Nudes Eye Palette and Creamy Lip Color in Sunset Gold.

Beauty411 kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness month with a Pink Ribbon Lip Collection that will amp up your look and help a great cause!

Beauty Blogging Junkie tries out Givenchy's innovative new mascara, Phenomen'Eyes and loves it! You'll be shocked about whom Amber guesses is the inspiration for the product. Find out here.

Glossypink has a new favorite foundation--it's long-wearing and natural-looking!

Don't worry, girls! Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog has their Manic-Monday-Bailout-Blues-Twisted-Silver FREE Giveway to cheer y'all up. Enter now to win this chic bracelet valued at $100!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings finds something that is better than bareMinerals Mineral Veil. Why is it better? find out here!

Alison of the Advice Sisters investigates the hot new fragrance,Secret Obsession--Calvin Klein's Latest. Find out why it's sexy...and so Satisfying! Check out the video that was banned from the networks, featuring actress Eva Mendes

The Jet Set Girls review Estee Lauder's Vibrating Mascara.

Butterflydiary compares Bliss' Triple Oxygen Mask to a jolt of joes on your face.

NARS has a new blush called Super Orgasm. No joke. Visit Spoiled Pretty to find out what makes it so special and where you can get it.

with love (always),
Jennifer and Christine