We honestly miss the hell out of Friends...Thursday nights just aren't the same anymore.
While you're probably getting ready to head out for some fab New Year's bash, or maybe you're just getting ready to hit the couch to watch some ball dropping...why not watch this funny clip from Friends.
It's the one where Ross and Monica get to dance on Dick Clark's New Years Rockin Eve and it's positively hilarious.
Enjoy and have a safe and Happy New Year!
Jennifer and Christine
If you haven't tried Rue La La yet, what's stopping you?
What better place to find major brands you love at insanely low prices?
Honestly...you need to see it to believe it.
To celebrate the New Year, Rue La La is having a Final Sale.
30 brands in one boutique.
And lucky you...you have an exclusive VIP Membership Code!
Just go to ruelala.com, select Invited by a Member, and enter this email address as your key to get in: VIP@ruelala.com.
That's it!
Then just let your charge card and your mouse do the shopping!
This Final Sale is only going on from December 31st at 11 AM - January 2nd at 11 AM. Don't miss your chance to save some boo-koo bucks on many of your favorites.
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
With Beautyfix, every beauty addict’s dream is finally realized! Now you can experience the latest and greatest products without spending a fortune. And we’re not talking about tiny little sample packettes here – we’re talking about travel to full-sized products.
Every quarter, our panel of beauty industry experts comb through hundreds of beauty products and determine what products truly are amazing. Not only do we share this information with you, but Beautyfix members have the ability to get the top picks for $50 a quarter. No, that’s not a typo. $50! In addition, being a part of the Beautyfix community entitles you to exclusive, member-only deals on the best beauty products.
Jenn and I have actually received this specific Beautyfix (which is the first one) and very few of the "samples" were actually sample sized. Almost all of the products are full sized. This particular Beautyfix is valued over $400, but if you sign up and join Beautyfix, you can get everything for $50. They have a new "fix" every quarter that you pay the $50 for and then give your opinions of the products.
This quarter's Beautyfix includes Amarte Aqua Veil Pure Hydration Serum, Natural Wonder Cream, Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust Powder, Kronos Phyx, MLab Anti-Aging Treatment Cream, PCA Skin pHaze 9 Purifying Mask, PerriconeMD Cosmeceuticals Firming Neck Therapy, Redpoint NOC-Out Cover Up Compact and a 15-day trial of Sensa.
For more information and to sign up, head on over to www.beautyfix.com.
And now for the winner....
Congratulations to Andrea F.!!
Check back later this week for another giveaway announcement.
with love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
Nothing is shouting "SPRING" like Bobbi Brown's new Collection Bobbi Brights. The new Collection features a huge palette of 35 eye shadows, 4 new creamy lip colors and 6 new lip glosses. (to view the pictures larger just click on them - you can see each item and color better)
Edgy, fun and of the moment—that’s what the Bobbi Brights Collection is all about. Beautiful bolts of color designed by Bobbi Brown to be worn one at a time, when the mood strikes.
Collector’s Edition BOBBI BRIGHTS PALETTE:
Inspired by the “fun kit” Bobbi uses at Fashion Week. This collector’s edition palette is designed for the woman who wants to play and experiment with bright color. Features 35 soft matte shadows in a colorful shade range that includes everything from pinks and greens to blues and purples. All the shades are new and exclusive to this palette, which features a unique, fold-out design and full size mirror.
Suggested Retail Price: $70.00
CREAMY LIP COLOR:
Just in time for Spring, Bobbi is adding four fresh new shades to her popular Creamy Lip Color Collection. Each of the shades is designed to complement the Bobbi Brights Eye Palette.
Suggested Retail Price: $22.00
LIP GLOSS:
Bobbi has created six nude to bright gloss shades and packaged them in her signature compacts. The gloss pans, which feature clear protective covers, can be popped out of the compacts and inserted into her customizable palettes.
Suggested Retail Price: $20.00
The Bobbi Brights Collection is available January 2009 at all Bobbi Brown Counters and online at www.bobbibrown.com.
Jennifer and Christine
After doing some extensive reading while sick for these past couple of weeks, I learned that many of the pros recommend hair powder to extend the life of your color.
Instead of washing your hair everyday, they suggest every other day or every couple of days. Then use hair powder to absorb excess oil on days when you don't wash.
Simple really.
While I can't really go that long without washing the old locks, it is nice to have a product that can suck up the oil in my hair that tends to come around if I go a day without washing it.
Enter the Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder ($34) in brown.
Any day I wake up in the morning with some oiliness...and I don't feel like the usual shampoo...I spray this on and voila...instant volume, satin finish, and texture.
It feels a little funky on at first, but definitely gives it a unique texture...I can see why the pros use this at fashion shows for the crazy dos that they create. It'll help you hold any style with ease.
This also totally did the job of making my hair look presentable and not droopy. So that's good.
The only downside I can say about this is that...well...it's basically a tinted brown spray that you are spraying on your hair. And in the air.
So...uh...if you have any light colored surfaces in your bathroom...um...it will adhere to it.
I suggest prompt removal of said tint because, otherwise, you'll be left with little brown spots all over.
Trust me.
While it adheres to the walls well, it definitely washes out easily the next day. And don't worry about it running down your face if you get caught in the rain, didn't happen.
Just thought you might be wondering.
Head on over to bumbleandbumble.com for more info and for some suggestions on how to use this product.
Jennifer
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
MAC has a new line out! MAC Chill is one of the latest collections which features new eyeshadows, lipglass, liner and lashes. Ice the competition. The temperature drops, predictability plummets, but a new beauty barometer sets the tone with light snowflake lips,twinkle shimmer shades with opalescent pearl.
LIPGLASS
Icescape Sheer pale pink with pink pearl
Naked Frost Sheer taupe with silver pearl
Frozen Dream Sheer cool mid-tone pink with pearl
Snowscene Sheer white with multi-dimensional pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN
EYE SHADOW
Arctic Grey Frosted mid-tone grey
Wintersky Frosty neutral mid-tone pink
Apres-Ski Matte dark brownish grey
Mont Black Sparkly black with multi-dimensional pearl
Vellum Pale white duochrome with violet opalescent shimmer
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50 U.S./$17.00 CDN
PENULT IMATE EYE LINER
A new, permanent classical liquid pen liner in a modern, plastic barrel with cap package that provides precise and bold line application. The carbon black pigment provides the richest and deepest black. Rapidblack True black
Suggested Retail Price: $16.50 U.S./$20.00 CDN
REFLECTS GL ITTER
Reflects Transparent Teal Sparkling white with turquoise
Reflects Antique Gold Sparkling taupe
Suggested Retail Price: $17.50 U.S./$21.00 CDN
LASHES 41
Slightly more dramatic length than other M·A·C Lashes. Overlapping hairs give a luxe, lush look.
Suggested Retail Price: $12.00 U.S./$14.00 CDN
Available North America: December 26, 2008 at all M·A·C locations, or call 1.800.588.0070, or go online to www.maccosmetics.com.
Still recovering from the Christmas ham?
Or maybe you're still hitting some major holiday bashes.
Either way, here's a little video from Allure featuring the a-mazing Bobbi Brown. In it, she's showing us how to do a bold lip that looks fab and lasts forever.
Enjoy.
Jennifer
Today only, from 10am-2pm, the first 150 guests to bring their unused beauty and personal care gifts (up to a $50.00 value) to any of the seven Carol’s Daughter stores (store locations listed below) can swap their unwanted gift and go home with a brand new item from Carol’s Daughter of an equal or lessor value!
What to get...how about their best-selling new scent Pearls by Carol's Daughter ($45)?
With the gorgeous notes of lemon verbena, apricot and peach...a floral heart of intoxicating jasmine, rose and violet leaves...and the warmth of vanilla and sweet caramel...it will surely please.
Check it out at any Carol's Daughter store location below...
Flagship Store – Harlem, NY
Roosevelt Field Mall – Garden City, NY
Heritage Store – Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn Atlantic Terminal – Brooklyn, NY
Westfield Fox Hills Mall – Culver City, CA
Westfield Wheaton Mall – Wheaton, MD
Newport Centre Mall – Jersey City, NJ
Jennifer and Christine
Merry Christmas!
While Christine and I are with the fams, enjoy this little video from Jeff Foxworthy.
Hilarious.
Now we don't care who you are...that's just funny.
Jennifer and Christine
Philips Norelco has come out with a product for men that might be just right for your husband, boyfriend, dad, brother...or maybe you could find yourself as the Secret Santa for that one guy in your office with the hair sticking out of the top of his sweater. (I had a teacher in high school with that problem - it actually came up and out of the top of his sweater...very distracting when trying to learn physics...oh all right...I passed notes during physics class, but it was still distracting. )
Check out Phillips Norelco Bodygroom for men. I have seen it listed anywhere from $30 to $60 depending what site you look at, so do some research before purchasing. Amazon has it for $29.99 with free shipping.
Here are the details: Men can trim more than the tree this holiday season with the Philips Norelco Bodygroom which makes a great holiday gift! The Philips Norelco Bodygroom+ has been specifically designed for all areas below the chin - and belt - and has five comb lengths for superior style customization.
Please check out Shaveeverywhere.com for full details on the product.
I have to say, almost at the same time both of our husbands asked if they could either a). enter the contest...which mine did (don't worry his entry was deleted) or 2) if we could get them one of their own. So, I'm pretty confident this will be a hit with the men for the holidays.
Congratulations goes out to Paula W.!! Somebody in her life is about to be a little less hairy.
Alright, for me Santa came a little early. I've been insanely sick with Bronchitis and a sinus infection since last week.
Yeah...I feel like crap.
Ho ho ho.
Considering it's Christmas Eve and I still haven't finished shopping for Big L...I'd better get cracking.
In case you're like me and are doing the last minute gift scramble, here's some fabulous gift sets from Lorac...and two are under $50!
Not bad huh?
With Beautyfix, every beauty addict’s dream is finally realized! Now you can experience the latest and greatest products without spending a fortune. And we’re not talking about tiny little sample packettes here – we’re talking about travel to full-sized products.
Every quarter, our panel of beauty industry experts comb through hundreds of beauty products and determine what products truly are amazing. Not only do we share this information with you, but Beautyfix members have the ability to get the top picks for $50 a quarter. No, that’s not a typo. $50! In addition, being a part of the Beautyfix community entitles you to exclusive, member-only deals on the best beauty products.
Jenn and I have actually received this specific Beautyfix (which is the first one) and very few of the "samples" were actually sample sized. Almost all of the products are full sized. This particular Beautyfix is valued over $400, but if you sign up and join Beautyfix, you can get everything for $50. They have a new "fix" every quarter that you pay the $50 for and then give your opinions of the products.
This quarter's Beautyfix includes Amarte Aqua Veil Pure Hydration Serum, Natural Wonder Cream, Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust Powder, Kronos Phyx, MLab Anti-Aging Treatment Cream, PCA Skin pHaze 9 Purifying Mask, PerriconeMD Cosmeceuticals Firming Neck Therapy, Redpoint NOC-Out Cover Up Compact and a 15-day trial of Sensa.
For more information and to sign up, head on over to www.beautyfix.com.
We also have one Beautyfix to give away!
And now for the giveaway details.... to enter the giveaway, send us an email at beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with "Beautyfix Giveaway" in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.
We will randomly select one winner December 29th at 11pm est. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, December 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 December 29th 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 Beautyfix 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 Beautyfix. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm EST on Monday, December 29th.
Jenn and I both recently got a chance to try out the new electronic toothbrush from Oral B....the Oral B Pulsonic (to see the review, click here). And now we are sharing the love and giving one lucky winner their very own.
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.
And now for the winner.....
Congratulations go out to Kate B.!!!
We have one more giveaway for the holidays, so check back later today for the announcement!
with love (always),
Jennifer and Christine
This line of brushes have been featured in our blog before and with good reason...they're a great item for not a lot of money.
All of the ecoTOOLS brushes feature animal-free taklon bristles, which are made from soft and pliable synthetic hair. Even the silvery metallic-y thing that holds the hair on the brush (called a ferrule apparently...who knew) is made from recycled aluminum cans.
The packaging themselves are reusable pouches and printed with plant-based ink, utilizing resources that minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Tell us that's not eco-fabulous.
Some new products we think would make excellent stocking stuffers are the Retractable Kabuki Brush ($7.99 seen above), which is perfect for applying face powder or bronzer.
The bristles are insanely soft and we didn't see any shedding when we pulled and flicked at it. It totally applied our blush on very smoothly.
The sleek retractable case, made of recycled aluminum, is definitely a plus for travel.
The 5 Piece Brush Set ($9.99) is another good stocking stuffer and perfect for travel.
The set comes with a mineral powder brush, concealer brush, eye shading brush, baby kabuki brush and hemp and linen cosmetic bag.
This set is the way to go when you are in a hurry and need something quick and easy to throw in your bag, or maybe for a second set of tools to stash away in your desk at the office.
Again with the soft bristles and non-shedding. Where else can you get four brushes for under $10?
EcoTOOLS can be found at Walgreens, Kmart, and Ulta stores or online at eco-tools.com.
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
The Makeup Divas reviews and tells you about a romantic and stylish home fragrance line that have made their way into Elton John and P.Diddy's homes. Check it out HERE.
StyleBell finally uncovers the secret to Curling with a Flat Iron! Watch the video and you will be on your way to making beautiful waves!
Felicia over at ThisThatBeauty is giving away limited edition Diane Von Furstenburg lipstick HERE.
A Touch of Blusher loves Dior's spring 2009 collection.
Beauty411 gets her dreamgirl on and shares a Holiday Luxe Gift Guide!
I don't know about you but for me during the harsh winter, my lips take a brutal beating. Between the frigid air and wind outside and then the dry, dry heated air inside, my lips are beyond done before Winter actually starts.
June Jacobs Lip Kit ($60) is a unique, preservative and paraben free, anti-aging lip treatment. This Lip Kit will naturally enhance lip structure, improve contour, add volume and define the lip line in a three step process. Packaged in a deluxe gift box. The gift box is really nice and the jars are heavy duty glass.
There are 3 steps to the kit. First is a Lip Scrub, which you are suppose to apply in a light circular motion and then rinse off with warm water. The scrub includes yummy ingredients like sugar, avocado oil, grape seed oil, vitamin e, sunflower seed oil, pomegranate extract and goji berry fruit extract. The second step is a Lip Masque that you apply and leave on for 2-3 minutes and then rinse off with warm water. It contains kaolin/bentonite (clay and antioxidant), arginine (amino acid), and gylcolic acid, plus a few other things. The last step is the Lip Renewal which is essentially a lip balm, but you apply liberally to lips at bedtime and throughout the day. And the Renewal is full of mango butter, Shea butter and few other things I can't pronounce much less spell.
So...how does it all work....I have to admit that I have had the June Jacobs Lip Kit since the summer and when I tried it back then I was not happy with it. I think I rubbed the scrub to hard into my lips and they felt worse after I was done than before I started. Granted it does say in the directions to apply the scrub in a light circular motion. I was so desperate a few weeks ago to get my lips back in shape that I decided to try this again. I used the light circular motion and it worked much better. Plus, this stuff smells amazing. Good enough to eat...but I wouldn't go that far.
You can find this and other June Jacobs products at junejacobs.com and skinstore.com.
Christine
Because confidence is the most beautiful accessory to wear, enter to win a $500 personal coaching gift certificate from Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog (sessions conducted via phone or in person by a Certified Personal and Executive Coach).
Lipstick Addict makes a review on elf cosmetics : All Over Face Color in Pink Lemonade and Brightening Eye Color in Noveau Neturals so check it out!
Viva Woman reviews THINgloss: a lip gloss that can make you thin!
Beauty Junkies Unite has some decadent sweets to share that won't go straight to your hips! Come check out the new Sweet Decadence eye shadow collection from Bare Escentuals. Eyeshadow swatches have never been so sweet!
Don't miss the first installment of the Holiday Gift Guide over at Bare Budget Beauty!
Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews The Body Shop's new line of mineral makeup, Nature's Minerals. Click here for the scoop!
Beauty Anonymous takes a look at Paul & Joe Spring 2009 Makeup Collection.
Need an amazing and affordable holiday eye palette? Look no further than Purminerals Holiday Eye Palette in Celebrate, Reflect, and Inspire as reviewed by CaliforniaCosmetics.
The Latest Holiday Beauty Deals Addicted To Lipstick Has put together a list of all the Holiday beauty deals you can find this week on the web.Click here for all the latest beauty deals and steals to buy.
The Makeup Divas reviews and tells you about a romantic and stylish home fragrance line that have made their way into Elton John and P.Diddy's homes. Check it out HERE.
Fabulous Over Forty has a Prescriptives Px Protect giveaway. Be sure to sign up for a chance to win!
Indian Girl shares her easy steps to follow a complete Night Time Skin Care Routine
Happy Holidays from Makeup Files! Just in time for the holidays, Trisha is giving her readers a discount on The Complete Eyebrow Guide, 50% off! Take advantage of the half off discount from now until the end of the year.
Halle Berry Hair Styles-by Talking Makeup!
Beauty411 gets her dreamgirl on and shares a Holiday Luxe Gift Guide!
Boutique Flair sampled several products from Skin Care Rx. Just what the Dr. ordered for beautiful skin!
eye4stylesee her picks for the best of the bunch!
Find Your Best Concealer at The Beauty Blog.
The Mineral Makeup Blog reviews Pur Minerals Pressed Mineral Foundation.
The Mineral Makeup Blog reviews Pur Minerals Pressed Mineral Foundation.
Suzanne at RN Guide to Skin Care answers the burning question, " What is a Peptide?
The Beauty Alchemist is giving away 1 Beautyfix Kit of products . Enter thru Dec. 27
Glossypink shows you some gorgeous holiday looks (and has a special song to Santa!)
Beauty Blogging Junkie shares some shimmery holiday party/NYE product recshere.
MissWhoever You Are dishes on her new fave fragrance, Bond No. 9's Bleecker Street, perfect for the holidays!
Spoiled Pretty is really embracing the season of giving. Enter to win a Burt's Bees Overnight Bee-Uty Bag, Mint Medley Gift and Radiance Gift. This week, Spoiled Pretty is also giving away three 1 oz bottles of Look, Vera Wang's latest fragrance!
Another gift set that's perfection for the holidays.
Lavanila The Healthy Body Butter Trio ($30) comes with three delicious scented lotions...Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Coconut, and Vanilla Grapefruit all in 2.75 oz sizes.
It's a great way to introduce someone to the fabulosity that is Lavanila, or give your favorite traveler a treat.
It's available at Sephora and sephora.com.
Also available from Lavanilla is their limited edition The Healthy Shine Lip Trio.
A $44 value, you can grab it for only $20.
Not bad for a fun little stocking stuffer.
Using 100% pure apricot, jojoba, and sunflower oil deliver the shine. Powerful antioxidants, essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids provide the nourshing and 100% pure shea butter locks in moisture and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
Then there's the sheer wash of color that hits it out of the park.
Yeah...we're totally keeping this one for ourselves.
Again try Sephora stores, sephora.com or lavanila.com.
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
BeingTRUE is a fabulous line we recently had a chance to test out.
I tried out their eyeshadow in Lava, a totally gorgeous smoky grey.
After noticing right away that the colors are very rich and saturated, a little went a long way for me.
The color selection is amazing, 23 shades that remind me a little of Bobbi Brown in their wearability. Think divine purples, neutrals, browns, and others...all complementary, all perfection.
Another genius thing they have, is you can either buy the colors as an individual compact ($18 seen here) or you can buy just the color pan ($15) to add to their Color Cache, which is a 6 well refillable compact.
Pretty smart and a nice way to save a little if you're buying more than one.
From what I can tell, the only way you can purchase BeingTRUE is to find a salon or spa near you that sells it.
For that you'd have to head on over to truecosmetics.com for the details.
Jennifer
proud member of total beauty and the bbn networks
Everyone has at least one person in their lives who is a classic perfume nut.
Meaning, they wear the same perfume...generally a gorgeously scented one no doubt...year after year.
It's their signature fragrance.
If they're into any of the Yves Saint Laurent’s classic perfumes, or maybe you're looking to find your own scent...YSL just might be able to help you out.
YSL Beauty US now sells Cinema, Yvresse, Rive Gauche, Rive Gauche Pour Homme, and Opium pour Homme (pictured).
To help you out even more they're throwing in FREE 2-day shipping on all orders (until Dec 21st for delivery by Christmas), so you can rest easy if you're a last minute shopper.
To find the YSL Classics for Him click here.
The YSL Classics for Her can be found here.
And, check out the YSL Holiday Gift Guide right here.
Happy shopping!
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
NARS Cosmetics makes Holiday shopping one step easier with its first-ever online Holiday Shopping Guide! Featuring six new must-have sets for $50 and less, this site is sure to become a favorite. Below are the highlights on NARS' newest introductions, available at narscosmetics.com/holiday08.
NARS Lip Gloss Collection - $45
Create festive pouts in NARS' favorite shades with this Lip Gloss Collection. Boasting five all-time popular shades - Striptease, Orgasm, Bloodwork, Harlow and Triple X – this set is the ultimate in creating a sexy lip with serious shine. Valued at over $60.
NARS Holiday Eye Palette - $50
Showcasing six of NARS' most sought-after eye colors (Bohemian Gold, Himalayas, Kilimanjaro, Night Flight, Ondine and Surabaya), this ultra-chic Holiday Palette puts on-the-go glamour at your fingertips.
NARS Lovejoy/Albatross/Dolce Vita Set - $50
Packed in a signature NARS box and valued at $60, this must-have set includes a Highlighter/Blush Duo in Albatross and Lovejoy, plus a Dolce Vita Lip Gloss.
NARS 3-Piece Duo Lip Gloss Set - $45
Give the gift of sultry lips with this Duo Lip Gloss Set. Included are three dual-ended lip glosses offering six of the most sought-after shades: Boogie Nights/Giza, Rose Birman/Chihuahua and Harlow/Sweet Dreams. Encased in a black box with a NARS-labeled ribbon.
NARS Striptease Lip Gloss /Deep Throat Blush Duo - $45
Create a shimmery lip and a radiant, healthy complexion with NARS' classic favorites: Striptease Lip Gloss paired with Deep Throat Blush.
Is the man in your life almost impossible to shop for? Mine is...seriously how many video games can I really buy the man?
Well....Philips Norelco has come out with a product for men that might be just right for your husband, boyfriend, dad, brother...or maybe you could find yourself as the Secret Santa for that one guy in your office with the hair sticking out of the top of his sweater. (I had a teacher in high school with that problem - it actually came up and out of the top of his sweater...very distracting when trying to learn physics...oh all right...I passed notes during physics class, but it was still distracting. )
Check out Phillips Norelco Bodygroom for men. I have seen it listed anywhere from $30 to $60 depending what site you look at, so do some research before purchasing. Amazon has it for $29.99 with free shipping.
Here are the details: Men can trim more than the tree this holiday season with the Philips Norelco Bodygroom which makes a great holiday gift! The Philips Norelco Bodygroom+ has been specifically designed for all areas below the chin - and belt - and has five comb lengths for superior style customization.
Please check out Shaveeverywhere.com for full details on the product.
And now for the giveaway details....we have one of these Phillips Norelco Bodygroom that we would like to give to one lucky winner. You know the drill... To enter the giveaway, send us an email at beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with "Bodygroom Giveaway" in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.
We will randomly select one winner December 23rd at 11pm est. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 24th!
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 December 23rd 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 Phillips Norelco 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 Phillips Norelco. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm EST on Tuesday, December 23rd.
Behold! The culprit behind my insanely static-y hair!
This hairdryer by Remington.
I figured it out after realizing that this was the only new addition to my routine.
After my other dryer died a few weeks ago, I picked this one up on a whim at my local Target.
It was pretty quiet, had a really nice long cord, and great temperature control settings.
The price wasn't bad either...about $37.
Honestly though...that was pretty much the end of the love right there.
What did I realize right away was it wasn't at all faster than my regular old dryer, even though it boasts tourmaline and ceramic powers.
The really big problem?
I think for me it delivered such intense heat, it actually succeeded in drying out my hair...thus making it more flyaway and static-y than normal.
Not good.
Luckily for me I had saved my receipt and packaging. I took this back to the store for a refund...even though I'd been using it for a few weeks.
So thank you Target for that.
Jennifer
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Where can you get the best of a beauty line in one place, for waaaay less than it would be for you to purchase all at retail price?
That's where Duwop comes in with their Best of DuWop Kit...a $122 value that can be yours for only $44!
Perfect for a DuWop lover, or just someone who wants to try a new fabulous line.
In the kit you'll get:
Mini Venom Trio - their covetable Lip Venom glosses in mini form
Eye Duet in Macchiato - a fab duo of velvety warm taupe shadows
Payoff - a clear liquid that intensifies eyeshadow color
Blushbooster Apple - a beautiful light color that provides a great pop of color
Revolotion - body-bronzing moisturizer with SPF 15
Reverse Lip Liner - a makeup essential...a colorless matte pencil to prevent feathering of lip color
Treat someone for the holidays or just hog it all to yourself.
Find it at Sephora stores or at sephora.com right now!
Jennifer and Christine
Jenn and I both recently got a chance to try out the new electronic toothbrush from Oral B....the Oral B Pulsonic (to see the review, click here). And now we would like one of you to experience one for yourself or give someone one heck of a present!
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.
To enter the giveaway, send us an email at beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with "Oral B Giveaway" in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.
We will randomly select one winner December 22nd at 11pm est. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, December 23rd!
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 December 22nd 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 Oral B 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 Oral B. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm EST on Monday, December 22nd.
Here is a color that I have had on either my hands or my toes or both since the first week of September. I'm Fondue of You is from OPI's La Collection de France and I love it. i first tried this color out when I went for a mani/pedi and the salon only had 3 of the then new France Collection and this was the better of the 3 shades. I wasn't super thrilled about it but I wanted to try something from the France Collection. I do most of my manicures myself, but I do go to the salon at least once a month for pedicures and when I go to this salon in particular, I always pick this shade. My husband actually knows it from all the others and when I come home he says..."I see you went with your standard color." I love it for Fall and Winter and I finally went a bought this color from Ulta when they were having their OPI polish on sale so I can use it anytime.
I have seen it described as a"chocolate covered cherry" and OPI's website says it's a luscious shade of milk chocolate. There is some red in there, it's not a solid brown - which I think you can see in the picture (side note: I am soooo hitting the after Christmas sales and getting a new camera so be patient, clear pictures will be coming soon!). I thought having stuff in the background would help the camera focus but I don't think it worked although, now you know I have a ferocious kitty...all 7 pounds of her and a chair from IKEA and beige carpet.
Christine
You know how much we adore Bioelements and their products here at Beauty in Real Life...and...lucky you...we had 5 Bioelements Lutein Indoor Protective Day Cremes to giveaway that retail for $49.50 each.
Wintertime skin protection from indoor light and pollutants. Bioelements Lutein Indoor Protective Day Crème is the first and only product on the market to address harmful blue light and is a perfect moisturizer for the long indoor days ahead this winter. Artificial lighting emits high levels of blue light which penetrates all the way to the dermis level, just like UVA rays. Blue light may cause free radical damage to cell membranes, leading to accelerated skin aging. And while sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays, it does nothing to ward off the damaging effects of workday exposure to blue light. Developed through cutting-edge research, this revolutionary new moisturizer utilizes 100% natural Lutein derived from the petal of the Marigold Flower. Specifically tested and proven to protect skin from damaging blue light, the natural yellow carotenoid pigment only found in Lutein absorbs and filters out potentially damaging blue light from visible light.
Bioelements Lutein Indoor Protective Day Crème is available in spas nationwide or online at Dermstore.com or SkinCareRX.com. You can also visit bioelements.com for more information.
Now onto what you all want to know....the winners.
Congratulations go out to....
Suzanne U.,
Shana S.,
Kiriann D.,
Catherine L., and
Yasmin W.
Check back later today for yet another great giveaway!
Jennifer and Christine
A mascara definitely worth the $26 price tag.
Although I am starting out with decently long and darker lashes, this defines them well and gives me extra length.
With a short bristled flexible head, the mascara wand totally reminds me of my L'Oreal Clean Definition Telescopic Mascara and I love how it enables me to get every hair...even the smaller ones.
The formula goes on crazy-smooth and lasts, without smudging, till I take it off at night.
Plus, no clumps.
No wonder this has won an Allure Editor's Choice Award.
To find your Lancome High Definicils Mascara, head on over to your local Lancome counter, or try online at lancome-usa.com.
Jennifer
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Prompted by her doctor to change her life and eliminate chemicals from her surroundings, makeup artist Renata Helfman sought to maintain her lifestyle using exclusively green products.
After collecting sophisticated, eco-chic formulas for skin, hair, body and home from around the world, Renata decided to provide a one-stop eco-shopping destination to share her finds with fellow Angelenos.
The result was Vert, Los Angeles’s first beauty boutique to specialize in high-end eco-friendly products.
Some of the products you'll find...Josie Maran Cosmetics, Arcona, L’Artisan Parfumeur, CARE by Stella McCartney, Naturopathica, Nuxe, Red Flower and Me & Ro.
Not to mention other fabulous and naturally luxurious goods.
Surely you won't be surprised when we tell you that the store is also a celeb fave, counting green devotees like Molly Sims and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
If you're looking for some last minute “green giving” gift ideas...Renata Helfman, owner and founder of the boutique, can even custom make gift bags for just about anyone on your list, even the dog!
She can also make great suggestions and answer questions through the site’s FAQ page. And there’s free shipping for all orders of $75 or more!
How eco-fabulous!
If you're in the area, you can find Vert at 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice, CA. If you're not able to get there, check them out online at vertlosangeles.com.
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Viva Woman found Moroccan rhassoul clay great for facial cleansing!
The Jet Set Girls are giving away a White + Warren Cashmere Ombre Scarf worth $195!
Indian Girl tells us how to embrace the dark lip trend and is giving away Julie Hewett Lipstick in Sin Noir to help you do just that ! Enter Today !
Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews Bioelements Quick Refiner. Find out what she thinks of this liquid-gel exfoliator!
Beauty411 shares the details of the lovely Dior Black and White Ball Collection. One of the prettiest holiday collections of the season!
Top Blushes by Marta-Talking Makeup!
Alison of The Advice Sisters wrote about a soap that not only cleans YOU, but also help to clean up land mines a cause close to the heart of a special princess, and lots of glittery "eye candy," too.
Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog weighs in on the best of the best mascaras.
Beauty Anonymous shares Chanel Spring 2009 Makeup Collection.
Beauty Secrets Revealed shares an Essential Oil Recipe For Healthy And Strong Nails.
Makeup Files has you covered this holiday season. Save money with the 5 Beauty Gifts under $15 or, go for broke with the 5 Extravagant Beauty Gifts over $50. That'll help cross some names off your gift list!
Frappelattes smells and gives her two "scents" on Armani Code for Women. (It smells delicious!)
Beauty Junkies Unite checks out beauty newcomer, on10 Cosmetics and finds something yummy in the process!
A little behind on your holiday shopping? eye4style has you covered with this giveway of two $50 gift cards to AZJeans.com!
This week Fabulous Over Forty has a beauty gift to fit any Beauty on a Budget.
Love the scent of chocolate and vanilla? Head on over to The Makeup Divas to see what vanilla cocoa body creme smells so amazing!
Beauty411 shares the details of the lovely Dior Black and White Ball Collection. One of the prettiest holiday collections of the season!
A Touch of Blusher looks at Guerlain's spring 2009 collection.
Beauty Anonymous shares Chanel Spring 2009 Makeup Collection.
Bored of Black? Beauty Junkie in SF finds Benefit's Bad Gal Plum to be a lovely second option for your lashes.
Glossypink gives you the makeup tips to look fierce like JLo at the latest red carpet premiere!
Face Candy reviews Philosophy's Under the Mistletoe Lip Gloss Trio.
Makeup Moxie thinks that Crackberry addicts and lipgloss junkies will love the Clinique Happy Thoughts Sets.
Beauty Banter reveals the 1 product you need to fake a flawless complexion...
So if I didn't have 10 three-year-olds on their way over right now for my son's birthday party, I would be running over to Tyson's Corner (my closest Bobbi Brown) and totally taking advantage of this great offer. Maybe next weekend I can find some time. I love having someone do my makeup and also learning some tricks on application.
This would be perfect to do before your next Holiday shindig.
Here are the details:
Absolutely Free—And Absolutely Fabulous!
Bobbi Brown counters all over the country are offering free holiday makeup lessons. Print this out and bring it with you, or just show up at any Bobbi Brown counter and we'll add a little sparkle to your holiday look.
Click here to find the nearest Bobbi Brown counter.
Christine
Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital Eye SPF 28 ($36) is the bomb diggity of daytime eye moisturizers.
First, it hydrates your under eye area without being greasy. Then it makes your fine lines look non-existent.
I look perfectly awake and refreshed. Like I just woke up from a 10 hour sleep...even though it's more like 6 or 7.
Plus there's also the major SPF of 28 to protect your delicate eye area from the sun's evil-aging rays.
Thanks for that.
I adore how as soon as I put it on...and I am not kidding here...it instantly improves the look of any darkness and puffiness.
Instantly.
This stuff is a-mazing.
Find it at any Lancome counter or at lancome-usa.com.
Jennifer
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
We're both literally obsessed with Lucky magazine. We devour each issue we get and remark to each other how on-point everything inside of it is.
We've never been disappointed.
Well, the team over at Lucky have an online site dedicated to sharing great style...it's called Lucky Style Spotter.
They're having a fabulous giveaway where you can enter to win a TAG Heuer watch!
All you have to do is decide which of these looks (in the pic above) best describes you – sporty stylist, uptown classic, downtown chic or funky fashionista?
Show them and you could win one of four watches from TAG Heuer!
There will be four winners...btw...the watches are worth between $1,150 - $4,500!
Just head on over to luckystylespotter.com/contests/17 and follow the directions to enter...it's that simple.
If ten of our readers enter, there will be a reward for one of you...a shopbop.com gift card worth $50! We'll decide the winner from those first 10 who enter! Easy huh?
All you have to do is send us the link to your uploaded look...as part of the contest you do have to upload a photo of yourself showcasing the look that best describes you. Don't be shy. We know you're gorgeous!
Once you're all entered, send your link to beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with Lucky Style Spotter in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and address too. Out of the first ten people to do so, one randomly selected winner will receive a $50 gift card from shopbop.com!
Easy!
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Today has been quite the crappy, rainy, windy, cold day. One thing not looking too crappy...my hair.
I know...you are wondering how in the world that is possible, but I think it has something to do with Straight Making No Frizz Styling Spray for fine to medium hair ($24).
When this first fell into my lap I assumed this was another not-so-great product that was going to produce some really horrible bed-head (and not in a good way). Especially since the directions tell you to spray until you can't spray anymore...10-15 sprays for short hair and they increase from there. And they say you can't apply too much, the more the better. Cut to me going, "ummm...yeah right, we'll see about that."
This stuff is supposed to block out the 2 main causes of frizz - humidity and friction and last for 16 hours. In addition to the frizz fighting it also is supposed to add shine and softness and help repel dirt and oil. And everything is enhanced with heat appliances. That's a lot of things one product is supposed to do.
How does it measure up? Well, I went out in the rain today and normally I would come back with all my little fine baby hairs all curled up and frizzed...like a halo above my head. Today....there is no halo of hair. There is actually less frizz than most normal days without the rain. And the first thing I noticed was how soft my hair felt.
Living Proof also makes this same product but for curly/wavy hair, no Frizz Wave-Shaping Curl Defining Styling Spray. Online at their website, everything is sold out, but I have it on good authority that this line of hair products will be available at Sephora and QVC in February.
Christine
You are seeing sneak peeks of the actual ads for CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Foundation that feature the hysterically funny and fabulous Ellen DeGeneres.
With this new innovative product CoverGirl and Olay formulas work together to balance skin's textural and color variations in order to provide a smooth, even finish.
Basically that means it will glide over your skin and not settle into any fine lines...it will literally appear as if you have nothing on while making your skin look divine.
Love that.
The only downside?
The foundation won't be available until January 2009.
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Here is a product that I have wanted to try for years...literally years. Why have I never gone and bought it? I have no idea. Was it worth the wait.....ummm....heck yeah!
I heart Bumble and bumble Surf Spray ($21).
I have seen this mentioned in countless magazines. I saw it being used at Fashion Week. I finally had to get it.
I have tried this in a couple different ways. I have applied it to wet hair before I blow-dry, I have applied it to dry hair after I have blow-dried, but before the flat iron. I have applied to both wet and dry hair...that was too much for my hair to handle.
The way I seem to be using it the most is on wet hair before I blow-dry. It adds a little extra oomph and just enough texture since I have straight, fine hair. What I love is that it does not have a strong scent. It's almost neutral...almost. And the other thing that I love is that it lasts all day long. I have a problem with touching or playing with my hair throughout the day and I have been working really hard to not touch it too much which has been helped by the fact that I just cut it all off again but this also helps.
If I had longer hair or hair that wasn't pin straight, I would use this on wet hair and then blow-dry with the diffuser to get some waves going. Or use it after my hair was dry and then use my flat iron to get some waves/curls going.
Lesson for the day...don't wait years to try out a product. You will be sad that you didn't buy it sooner.
Christine
Lancôme is making its debut on HSN this Thursday and Friday!
Joan Poulton, Lancome's vice president of education who also apparently has an amazing amount of product knowledge, will be sharing the goods for the home audience.
The star product of the show will be Ôscillation, their uber-popular vibrating powermascara.
Joan will discuss why Ôscillation is the mascara of the year and show how this innovative product is so revolutionary.
We're thinking some major product demos with models.
She'll also showcase two of Lancôme's cult products: Bi-Facil, the must-have eye makeup remover (and Jenn's fave), and Cils Booster XL, the best-selling luxury lash primer.
Some lingo that diehard HSN fans will understand...there will be flexpay and free shipping and handling!
Here's the showtimes:
Thursday, December 11
3 pm and 8 pm
Friday, December 12
9 am, 2 pm, and 7 pm
So tune in and happy shopping!
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Elemis is rolling out the big skincare guns this holiday and delivering not just one, but several fabulous gift sets.
Each set is for a specific desired result...smoother skin, anti-aging, body care, etc.
We're loving these two for the sheer fact that they're both under $100 and a superb way to check out the line.
The Divine Beauty Set ($95 pictured left) contains these divine products:
New Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask 15ml
New Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream 20ml
Special Size Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 30ml
Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream 15ml
Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules 14 caps
All are reported to help smooth the appearance of your wrinkles and impart a gorgeous glow besides.
Another we're going ga-ga over is their Revealing Beauty Set ($99).
Perfect again because it's a selection of some great products:
Full Size Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash 200ml
Special Size Liquid Layer SPF 30 15ml
Special Size Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 30ml
Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Serum 10ml
Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Night Cream 15ml
All meant to peel away the years and leave your skin looking more youthful, smooth, and fresh.
Love that.
While we can't give you a review of either because we're still testing, we can say that what we've seen so far is divine and if their facial products are anything like their body care creams...well...we're in for a major treat.
To find out more about the Elemis line of products, visit elemis.com.
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Okay...so what I've been dealing with lately is static.
Like crazy static.
Like I literally walk two feet across the room touch a doorknob or something and zap instant painful static.
Of course it's migrated it's way to my hair.
I have no idea why...nothing has really changed with my shampoos and conditioners, just crazy-annoying static that is driving me n-u-t-s.
Clearly the colder-dryer weather and the fact that the heat is now on in the house is taking a severe toll on my locks.
I'm rolling with it though...the best that I can.
I appreciate your condolences.
Anyway...what I've been doing besides using some majorly hydrating shampoos and serums...is using this.
L'Oreal Studio Smoothness Smoothing Cream is something that I switch back and forth from when I need some flyaway control.
While the directions say that you can use this on your wet hair, I only use it on my dry hair as a finisher.
It does a great job of keeping everything in line without weighing down my strands. It also smells great and that's always a plus.
The fact that you can find this pretty much everywhere for under $10 is the best part.
Done.
Jennifer
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
You know how much we adore Bioelements and their products here at Beauty in Real Life. Now is your chance to get your hands on this new day creme that is perfect for winter.
We have 5 Bioelements Lutein Indoor Protective Day Cremes to giveaway that retail for $49.50 each.
Wintertime skin protection from indoor light and pollutants. Bioelements Lutein Indoor Protective Day Crème is the first and only product on the market to address harmful blue light and is a perfect moisturizer for the long indoor days ahead this winter. Artificial lighting emits high levels of blue light which penetrates all the way to the dermis level, just like UVA rays. Blue light may cause free radical damage to cell membranes, leading to accelerated skin aging. And while sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays, it does nothing to ward off the damaging effects of workday exposure to blue light. Developed through cutting-edge research, this revolutionary new moisturizer utilizes 100% natural Lutein derived from the petal of the Marigold Flower. Specifically tested and proven to protect skin from damaging blue light, the natural yellow carotenoid pigment only found in Lutein absorbs and filters out potentially damaging blue light from visible light.
Protect your skin against indoor environmental assaults that can cause dehydration, dullness and surface wrinkles.Plus, it's powerpacked with beta-glucan, as well as sweet almond and jojoba oils to enhance your skin's natural moisture barrier, shielding it from low humidity, forced heat and stale, re-circulated air. Used daily, skin becomes visibly smooth, comfortably moist and perfectly hydrated. Radiance is restored and your complexion becomes less reactive to environmental irritants.
Bioelements Lutein Indoor Protective Day Crème is available in spas nationwide or online at Dermstore.com or SkinCareRX.com. You can also visit bioelements.com for more information.
To enter the giveaway, send us an email at beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with "Bioelements Giveaway" in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.
We will randomly select five winners December 15th at 11pm est. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, December 16th!
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 December 15th 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 Bioelements for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize(s). If you fail to include that information we will disqualify your entry. Five winners, chosen at random, will receive the prizes mentioned. Duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. Giveaway sponsored by Bioelements. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm EST on Monday, December 15th.
I have been trying out the new mascara from Loreal. The new Double Extend Beauty Tubes Technology Mascara, a revolutionary lash extension effect mascara the provides up to 80% longer-looking, nourished lashes.
There are a couple different things that make this mascara unique from the others. For starters, you apply a basecoat before the mascara. The basecoat is the white tube and goes on white to the lashes. I think this is so you can see where you need to apply the mascara...which totally works. If you still see white, you missed that section and can go back with the mascara and get all of your lashes.
The second difference is that this mascara forms as a tube around each individual lash so it instantly makes every lash stand out and not clump together. (I think the basecoat also helps with the clumping as well). The mascara also is suppose to lengthen your lashes up to 80 percent. I don't know if I would say 80% but it definitely does lengthen them. Between the tubes forming and the lengthening of the lashes it almost looks like you have false lashes on. I think the brush also plays a major part in the application of the mascara as well. You can really get into the inner corner and outer corner very easily and it helps with the clumps as well. Beofre I forget, the basecoat and mascara have to be applied one eye at a time, meaning you apply the basecoat to one eye and then the mascara and then switch to the other eye. That took some getting use to. Once I applied the basecoat to both eyes and then the mascara and the basecoat had started to dry too much by the time I was ready to apply the mascara. Plus the instructions tell you to complete both steps on one eye at a time.
The mascara is not hard (my lashes felt very soft and flexible) and it is very longwearing. It is also suppose to be smudge-proof, flake-proof and resist smearing and running. I can say that it is pretty good with all four of those statements. My only complaint with this mascara is the removal process. Does it bother me enough to not use the mascara? My answer is no, but I do consider it before I apply. This mascara only removes with warm water. There is not a makeup remover on the planet that will work. Since it only removes with water and there are a bazillion little tubes on your lashes, well, it makes a mess all over your face. I have gotten better with the removal process and now it only takes a minute or two to get all the tubes off. I highly suggest a cotton pad or ball or washcloth. It says you can use your fingers, but I found that using your fingers just spreads the mess around. I also suggest really, really wet cotton balls/pads or washcloth. The more water the better.
It has been Ophthalmologist and allergy tested and is suitable on sensitive eyes & for contact lens wearers. You can find this mascara wherever Loreal is sold for around $10.95.
Christine
The seasonal flavors protect lips from the sun with SPF 20 and have the same great moisturizing properties as Softlips' other popular flavors. Each holiday flavor comes paired with a complimentary Softlips favorite: Sugar Cookie with Cherry or Winter Mint with Vanilla.
For more information on Softlips, check out their site at softlips.com. You can find Softlips just about everywhere. I get mine at Target.
Something that just came into our inbox and we're excited to check out is new Sublimage Texture Universelle Essential Regenerating Cream by Chanel.
Going on their wildly popular and effective Sublimage Essential Regenerating Cream,which is said to address the problems of wrinkles, loss of firmness, dehydration, lack of radiance and inconsistency in pigmentation...Sublimage Texture Universelle Essential Regenerating Cream ($375) is going to be its lighter version.
Perfect for warmer seasons or climates.
Another thing is that Chanel is renaming its original Sublimage Essential Regenerating Cream and calling it Sublimage Texture Supreme Essential Regenerating Cream.
It'll still be the same fabulous product, just a little name change to reflect how amazing it feels on your skin.
While the Texture Supreme is available right now under the name of Sublimage Essential Regenerating Cream ($375)...it's lighter version won't be available until February 2009. (editor's note: the Texture Supreme name change should be effective in February as well)
Try any Chanel counter or chanel.com.
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Love these brushes from adesign.
Here are the two that I tested and adored. They totally became part of my makeup brush arsenal.
First off, one of my favorite products to use is cream blush. I love the consistency and the ease of use...fingers make for easy on-the-go application.
When I'm looking to be more precise and want to apply it quickly and without streaking, I use this adesign Cream Cheek Brush ($30).
It's basically a shorter version of a foundation brush that applies cream colors to your cheekbones with ease. Perfect for that fabulous dewy blush that looks as if you just came in from the cold.
This adesign Angle Eye ($22) is the perfect implement to swish on eye color to your crease and add highlight colors where ever needed.
Because of the angle you are able to get your eye color right where you need it by using the wiper technique.
Just hold the brush at your crease and apply it like an arch, back and forth.
The brush is so insanely soft, it literally whispers across your skin...dispensing color as it goes.
Love.
You can get adesign brushes at select distributers or go to adesignbrushes.com to purchase online.
Jennifer
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
If you were one of the lucky 300 who were the first to purchase the Inspire $133.00 three-piece fragrance set at Macy's Glendale Galleria...you had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Christina Aguilera, have her autograph your fragrance bottle, and receive a gift with purchase!
Christina Aguilera made a majorly public appearance at the Glendale Galleria on Friday, December 5th.
She discussed her new fragrance Inspire, signed some bottles, greeted her fans, and posed for some pics.
Like Christina, Inspire encourages women to be confident, sexy and to reinvent themselves.
The fragrance contains her favorite floral notes of Freesia and Tuberose and starts at $49 for a 1.7 oz bottle.
We're loving how fabulous she's been looking these days.
Gorgeous.
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Basically the perfect gift for your traveling friend or for someone who's in need of some quality makeup brushes.
The five essential brushes...a face brush, a contour brush & liner brush, an angled blending brush, an eye shadow brush, and a smudger brush...come in one sweet little pink quilted pouch.
Too cute.
Plus they're quality brushes for the price...a $134 value that will only set you back $49!
I love all of the brushes in this set, but my fave has to be the smudger brush all the way to the right.
Makes for the easiest eyeshadow-as-eye-liner-then-smudge look that takes seconds to do and only requires a couple of swipes.
Perfect.
Smashbox Travel Brush Collection ($49) at sephora.com, smashbox.com, beauty.com, Ulta, and your local Smashbox counter.
Jennifer
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
When it comes to cellulite, there are very few women who are immune. I mean, even if you're skinny-skinny you probably have some clinging to your thighs.
The celeb solution is either lipo, crazy diets, insane workouts, or special massages that cost a whole lot of money.
Nutra Luxe MD has come up with the solution with their Infrared Massager. It's a more budget friendly $99 for starters and it claims that with just 10 minutes use a day you can start to see results in a few weeks.
While we can't attest to that because we haven't had the opportunity to try it, it's certainly not going to cost you an arm and a leg to test those claims for yourself.
If you're curious, head on over to blissworld.com for more info and to purchase.
Jennifer
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Beauty Anonymous introduces you to the blossoming pink of Jill Stuart Spring 2009 Makeup Collection.
Beauty411 shares a Holiday Gift Guide featuring 10 Beauty Gifts for Under $20. Don't miss it!
The Makeup Divas introduces you to a trendy new makeup line called Cliche Cosmetics.
A Touch of Blusher looks at Max Factor's spring 2009 eyeshadow palettes.
Beauty Junkie in SF thinks that Philosophy's The Recipe Box is the cutest holiday gift for those bakers on your list. It is cheap, fun, and useful!
Raging Rouge kicks off the holiday season with a list of glamorous beauty gift ideas that cost less than $30!
StyleBell discovers Carrie Underwood's secret to fabulous hair, MorrocanOil!
Beauty Banter offers a refresher course on how to wear a red lip right! Plus favorite Holiday red lippies!
Felicia at ThisThatBeauty introduces you to a powerful eye care duo that promises brighter, more youthful looking eyes Check it out!.
Face Candy gives you a posh gift idea - a Coach Legacy Lip Gloss Charm.
Glossypink gives you a sneak peak of Spring beauty trends!
Makeup Moxie is swooning over Guerlain's mini Kiss Kiss lipsticks.
Cybelesays.com is giving away hardcover copies of Bobbi Brown's new book, Makeup Manual: For Everyone From Beginner to Pro. Click here to get over to the contest!
Get the straight talk from Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog by winning a $90 Karmin flat iron this week, and then learn the secret to to flat ironing your tresses.
MAC dazzles Beauty Junkies Unite with the new Little Darlings Pigment collections and wins over a new fan!
Beauty Anonymous introduces you to the blossoming pink of Jill Stuart Spring 2009 Makeup Collection.
Viva Woman has received a tip that drinking milk can help you stay slim and trim. Do you believe it?
A Mom in Red High Heels has an exclusive discount for Pashmina International! Save big and make pashminas your signature gift this Christmas!
Planning a vacation for the holidays? Trisha over at Makeup Files shows you how to pack your makeup for any kind of trip.
Anyone who has been reading this blog for a while knows that I am not one to use lipstick....lipgloss is my number 1 lip product. Lately, I have been playing around with my eyeshadow colors - nothing crazy, just playing around with different shades of purple and grays. And when using more color on the eyes, you should be more neutral on the lips. I have a couple neutral glosses, but when I was digging around in my drawer of lippie goodies, I came across this.
This being, Pure Rose lipstick from the MAC Emanuel Ungaro Collection ($14). It is a pastel pink with white pearl.
I love this shade of lipstick! It is the perfect nude/soft pink lip with a little shimmer to it. I still apply a gloss on top - but it's a clear one. With the gloss, this lasts longer than some lipglosses I own.
Now for the bad news...this particular shade is sold out online. I saw it getting a crazy price on ebay. But I'm thinking you might want to check out your local MAC store or MAC makeup counter in a department store before making a bid on ebay. I know there have been times I saw something sold out online but I was able to get it locally. Or someone may be crazy enough to have it on their swap list on MakeupAlley. You never know.
Christine
Are these not the cutest little things you've ever seen?
The Sally Hansen Salon Mini Manicure Kit ($9.95) is the perfect little stocking stuffer for your nail polish obsessed friend or relative.
They will flip over the absolute adorableness of the mini-me bottles.
Each contains everything you need for a salon-perfect manicure: four best-selling Salon Nail Lacquer shades, Salon Double Life Base and Top Coat and comprehensive instructions to deliver the ultimate mani.
In the Mini Manicure Set 1 (on the left) you'll get the traditional holiday shades of red, gold, silver, and white.
Mini Manicure Set 2 comes complete with some of the essential hues for fall/winter 2008 and 2009...think gorgeous brown and deep berry for two of the colors.
Find these at your local Walgreens, CVS, or Rite Aid.
Happy shopping!
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Call this the coolest gadget-y gift ever.
The Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide is the first and only power toothbrush that uses a wireless digital display to help improve your brushing habits.
It also has sensor to tell you if you’re brushing too hard and alerts you when it’s time to change the brush head!
Can you say fabulous?
I can't tell you how many times I've heard a dentist say that people always tend to brush too hard or not long enough.
This makes it a complete no-brainer.
Love!
Plus if you go on oralb.com and check out their special offers, you can sign up for a $15 mail-in rebate on the Triumph.
Not a bad gift to give your hubby huh?
Find it at amazon.com, drugstore.com, and bestbuy.com as well as other select online merchants.
Jennifer
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Something that won't be available till January, but we're totally dying over them, are these CoverGirl Outlast Lipstains ($7.29).
Soon to be ten gorgeous colors that will stain your lips gorgeous shades of pinks, berries, and nudes...and last for-ever.
You literally cannot get these anywhere right now.
Well...unless you head on over to your local bebe where you can preview the product in advance as a free gift-with-purchase!
Here's the deets:
bebe holiday shoppers will be treated to an exclusive preview of CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain, a fabulous product...trust us.
At select bebe retail locations, with your purchase of $100 or more, you'll get a fabulous exclusive lipstain free!
You need to mark your calender, as this is only happening Friday, December 12 through Sunday, December 14, while supplies last.
Here are the bebe locations:
* Fifth Ave., New York
* Columbus Circle, New York
* One West 34th Street, New York
* Roosevelt Field, Long Island/Staten Island
* Beverly Center, Los Angeles
* Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles
* Santa Monica Promenade, Los Angeles
* Sherman Oaks, LA Valley
* Newport, Orange County LA
* Arden Fair, Central California
* Fashion Valley, San Diego
* SF Centre, San Francisco
* Oakbrook, Chicago
* Oak Street, Chicago
* Watertower, Chicago
* Woodfield, Minnesota/Chicago
* Lenox, Atlanta
* Northpark, Dallas/Austin
* Houston, Houston Metro
* Forum Shops, Las Vegas
* Fashion Show, Las Vegas
* Venetian, Las Vegas
* South Beach, Miami
* Dadeland, Miami
* Aventura, South Florida
* Tampa Int’l, Central Florida
* King of Prussia, Philadelphia
* Tyson’s Corner, Virginia/DC/Baltimore
* Ala Moana, Hawaii
* Royal Hawaiian, Hawaii
* Scottsdale, Arizona
* Green Hills, Central Midwest
* Garden State, Central New Jersey
* Short Hills, Central New Jersey
* Valley Fair, Easy Bay (San Francisco)
* Stoneridge, East Bay (San Francisco)
As if that's not enough, bebe and CoverGirl are teaming up for an amazing sweepstakes. One lucky winner will receive a $1000 shopping spree and a beauty gift from CoverGirl worth $500!
You can enter here at okmagazine.com/bebeglam.
Good luck!
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
The colors in this limited-edition Blackberry Bloom ($30) are such a great complement to the colors of winter.
Kind of a deep mauve-ish, slightly metallic-y combo.
Although it says all over color, I wouldn't suggest taking a big brush and swirling it all over your face...especially for those that are on the fair to medium side.
A little too much.
Apply this to your cheeks with a big brush, or take a smaller brush and pick up the lighter colors to add for highlighting where you need it.
Much better and totally gorgeous.
For an easy casual look, just sweep the color onto your cheeks. Add a swipe of the really light center of the flower to your eyelids and finish off with a coat of mascara.
Grab the complementary Full Potential™ Lips Plump and Shine in Sugar Full ($18) for a hint of color...or go for Blackberry Bloom for a deeper pout with more pow.
Polished and ready to go.
Jennifer
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Last month on November 12th, L’Oreal USA’s professional hair care brands hosted an event in NYC to raise awareness for an important issue – Diversion.
In case you're not familiar with Diversion, it is the unauthorized sale of professional hair care products at non-salon retailers including mass retailers, drugstores, grocery stores and most online ecommerce sites. And, it affects consumers negatively in many ways.
We're talking stolen, counterfeit, and many times contaminated products are being sold to us...the unsuspecting consumer.
We couldn't believe this either...so watch the video for more info on this important issue.
Basically the gist is, only buy products from authorized salons and online merchants.
Period.
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
video courtesy of davidcraggs.com
So here's the story, over Thanksgiving weekend my husband decided to redo our master bathroom. I think he got really, really tired of me asking when we were going to redo it and finally caved....after almost 2 years. Anyhoo, he assured me he would be done in 2 days - 3 at the most, but for sure before the weekend was over. So, I needed to get whatever I needed for those 4 days out of the bathroom.
Fast forward to today....I am still using MJ's bathroom and haven't been allowed back in mine....but I have once again been reassured it will be done by this weekend. I'll keep you posted but I'm not holding my breath.
My point...I only grabbed the essentials that I needed. And since the other bathroom is about half the size of mine I didn't feel right schlepping everything in there just so I have options....at least when it came to my foundation. I admit to bringing a couple palettes of eye shadows with me - a girl's gotta have some options.
The foundation that I grabbed was the Prescriptives Any Wear Multi-Purpose Foundation Stick with SPF 15 ($35). I picked this one for a couple reasons. 1). Space is an issue and these are only a couple inches tall. The reason, well, you get 2 of these (just like the picture) and they are small so you can keep one in your handbag or your makeup bag at the office or for travel. Reason #2, in the winter I like a little extra coverage and this is a medium coverage cream foundation that you can build on if you need more. I don't apply this to my entire face, just where I think I need to even out my skin tone.
This foundation is super easy to apply since it's a stick, it's easy to get it just where you need it. It blends easily and it does leave a smooth finish like it claims. And it does last most of the day (also like it claims - up to 8 hours). It is also suppose to soothe skin with Aloe Extract and Vitamin E, my skin has not been irritated by this makeup and I think it helps with the cold weather. My only complaint is that if you use this on a daily basis, you are going to go through one of the tubes pretty quickly. Once I realized that, I started to go easy on the application and just applying it where it absolutely needed to be. I would probably suggest either finding this foundation in a regular size and then using these tubes for touch ups when you are out.
Here's hoping I get back into my bathroom this weekend!
Christine
Monogram your way through the fashionable world, with luxe lips and pressed powders in shades forged with Sheer Spark to Sheer Mystery. Fabulously favourite Air of Style Scent Concentrate follows in your wake, back for a limited time only. Own the look internationally.
Estée Lauder is introducing new Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizers...the first moisturizer to target and measurably reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and reverse away the years by helping skin behave in a younger way.
Using some major testing and a whole lot of scientific words that neither one of us understand, they've
After all of this testing, what did they find?
Aging cells are “revived” while skin feels deeply hydrated, plumped and toned, with a naturally volumized look from deep within. Skin regains the responsiveness of younger days, resisting the daily environmental aggressors that accelerate aging and the formation of lines and wrinkles. In clinical testing, every woman tested showed a reduction in the look of lines and wrinkles.
So um...yeah...we're guessing that it's pretty darn good.
Plus they're lightly scented with a blend of fresh notes of pear and lemon, followed by a floral accord of cherry blossom, peony and lily finished with sheer musk, blonde woods and creamy sandalwood.
The moisturizers are both dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested and the Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizers can be used in combination with Perfectionist [CP+] and Advanced Night Repair for maximum wrinkle reducing results. Apply Perfectionist [CP+] AM and Advanced Night Repair PM on clean skin before applying Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizers.
The Time Zone line of products are making their debut at Estée Lauder counters and at esteelauder.com this month.
Pricing is as follows...
SPF 15 Creme for Dry Skin $58.00
SPF 15 Creme for Normal/Combination Skin $58.00
SPF 15 Lotion for Normal/Combination Skin $58.00
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Bobbi Brown's first ever Friends and Family Sale has been extended from December 2nd to December 4th!
Shop online at bobbibrown.com and get 20% off your order plus free standard shipping!
Best of all, the proceeds from your purchase will still help support their donation of $10,000 to Dress for Success.
Just don't forget to enter the code BFF08A at checkout and enjoy your savings!
Get to shopping!
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
An absolutely perfect gift for the finicky relative/friend in your life.
Each Vivabox gift box contains two gifts in one: Open the box for an immediate ‘taste’ of your experience—in a number of fun and exciting categories—then redeem the enclosed gift card for a full experience of your choosing.
You can choose between...
Tea Time - Experience the soothing gift of tea with a sampling of tea gifts.
Gourmet to Your Door - A gift of dinner for two delivered right to your door
Spa Beauty - Share the gift of luxury with a manicure and pedicure
Spa Massage - The gift of a massage or a facial
Fragrance - Give the perfect gift of fragrance when you don't know which one to choose
Coffee Talk - Create the atmosphere of the cafe in your own home.
Wine - Six bottles of wine delivered to you for your personal wine tasting experience.
Bar-B-Que - Everything needed to become the Grill Master
One we're loving right now is either of the Spa boxes.
Within each spa themed Vivabox, your gift recipient will receive a selection of natural bath and body products to begin their relaxation at home, and then can choose to have a massage, facial or manicure and pedicure at the location of his or her choice using the enclosed gift card. The entire experience, even the tip, is included!
The best, however, is that the gift card is redeemable at one of over 4,000 day spas in the world- including some of the most exclusive spas in the US. Whereas a normal massage or facial might cost you well over $200 at those spas, the Vivabox spa card allows you to receive the same exact service for less, all because of its amazing partnership with SpaFinder!
Too fabulous!
The best part if the all-inclusive boxes range from $50 to $160!
Perfect for this penny-pinching holiday season.
Head on over to vivaboxusa.com for more info and to make a purchase!
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
How lucky are we?
David John, a Los Angeles-based stylist who works his hair magic at the uber-chic Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon in West Hollywood, actually took some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions for us!
Check out his fabulous responses...with some great tips for winter haircare...below!
1. What hair trends are you loving for winter on the West Coast?
The latest trends that I'm seeing in hair for winter are we are taking color down a notch and warming things up. I'm doing more richer cooler reds with amber highlights. Blondes are adding rich lowlights of caramel and chestnut while keeping their lightness.
Cuts are a bit cleaner. Still lots of texture but with more structure and geometric shape. Think long bobs and classic cuts with textured pieces in the interior and soft edges.
2. What are your top 5 must-have products for hair?
Five must haves:
1.Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Defining Creme ($27) gives definition and enhances curl
2.Phyto Defrissant ($26) makes hair shiny and smooths frizz when blowdrying smooth
3.Bumble and Bumble Sumo Tech ($23) is a sticky paste that gives texture and definition to shorter styles
4.Shu Uemura Polishing Milk is a blow drying creme to smooth hair and is light
5.Kerastase Serum Oleo Relax ($34) is a silicone based product to add shine and softness for blowdrying.
5 minutes, 5 questions with david john by beauty in real life
3. For those of us out on the East Coast, the winter is killer on our strands. What can we do to combat this?
One of the best things you can do to protect your hair this winter is to give it a break. People tend to shampoo their hair way too much stripping it of all the natural oils.
Try shampooing hair less frequently. Rinse in the shower and use conditioner without shampoo once or twice a week. Also brush hair with a soft bristle brush distrbuting oils and stimulating scalp.
Also use a hair mask from Shu Uemura or Kerastase once a week and leave it in for half an hour.
Use a hot moist towel heated in the microwave over your mask to give it better penetration.
A leave-in conditioner thru the ends before or after styling keeps the ends from splitting.
4. What's the most requested celeb cut in your salon?
The most requested celebrity haircuts right now are Gwenyth Paltrow and Anne Hathaway's long bobs, and Katie Holmes' short layered cut.
5. With the holidays approaching, can you give us some quick styles that will take us from work to party in seconds?
This holiday season you can go from daytime to party in no time with a few ideas. Run a large curling iron through the hair to give it a loose curl or wave. Part on the side and clip with a sparkly barrette.
Or put your hair back into a low ponytail. Make it interesting and pull it back more to one side and add a flower, barrette or sparkle with a broach at the base of the pony tail. Add a ribbon or a necklace as a headband and fasten under your hair in the back.
Put your hair up with ease. Make 3 ponytails in the back and tease and wrap hair loosely around each one and pin with a bobby pin or decorative
Honestly, he's too phenomenal for words.
The Serge Normant at John Freida Salon is located at 8440 Melrose Place in West Hollywood, CA. To make an appointment with David...call 323.653.4040.
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
I'm positively bananas over balms.
Anything lip related always gets my immediate attention and generally ends up in my bag...a new addition to my ever growing collection.
Here's two that made the cut for their ability to be kick-butt lip quenchers and not sticky messes.
Read on...
Julie Hewett Camellia Balm ($14) comes in either stick or pot form and does a fabulous job of conditioning my lips.
Clear so you can use it under and over lip color...and your hair won't stick to it either, so that's just the topping on the cake.
It's like balm without the goop.
Love.
My other favorite balm isn't really labeled as one at all.
The Body Deli Mai Tai Lip Gloss ($8) is so not anything like it's gloopier counterparts.
It smells yummy, hydrates my lips, delivers a fabulous shine, and doesn't make everything stick to it.
So that's just about perfect right there.
Plus it tastes sweet...although I don't suggest that you grab a spoon and dig in.
Try juliehewett.net and thebodydeli.com for more info or to purchase.
Jennifer
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
While I can't speak for Jenn, I can say that I have been using Softlips products on and off for years and until recently I had sort of forgotten about them. So when I found out we were going to be doing a giveaway with Softlips, I started using them again. I also found out that Softlips has added some new products to their lineup.... two new limited edition holiday flavors and a new organic line, PURE.
These make the perfect stocking stuffer - first they are super affordable (around $4 for a pack of 2) and second they fit so nicely in the stockings.The seasonal flavors protect lips from the sun with SPF 20 and have the same great moisturizing properties as Softlips' other popular flavors. Each holiday flavor comes paired with a complimentary Softlips favorite: Sugar Cookie with Cherry or Winter Mint with Vanilla.
Softlips PURE lip conditioners (pictured left) are100% natural and are USDA-certified organic. In keeping with the brand's tradition, this newest line is formulated with quality moisturizing ingredients to protect the lips while keeping them soft and healthy…naturally. The sheer lip balm is available in two flavors - Pomegranate and Honeydew with a light, wild berry flavor.
A typical evening usually starts with a nice glass of wine and a warm, roaring fireplace....
Just kidding, who's got time for that?! I wish I did, but by the time little MJ hits the sheets, I am not far behind him....at a whopping 8:00 pm. I couldn't feel more like a 100 year old woman if I tried.
Now, I'm going to share a little secret with you, before this whole beauty blogging thing, I couldn't have care less about a nighttime routine. I was (and am) normally to tired to worry about serums and moisturizers and whatever else is suppose to happen at night. I figured if I did it at least once during the day (normally my morning routine) then that was good enough for me. I always removed my makeup and took a warm washcloth to the face and of course, brushed my teeth, but that was all that I was up for.
Since then, the world of beauty blogging has opened my eyes to a whole new world. And I will admit it took me a while before I was willing to try out any nighttime products, with the sensitive skin and all. I thought "if it ain't broke don't fix it." But I have surrendered to the powers of skincare and now have a nighttime routine. Here it is,
First, I start with the Precleanse from Dermalogica that Jenn just reviewed. Read her review here. When I heard about this, I thought there is no way I am putting oil on my face, my skin will revolt and I will breakout. I was wrong. This stuff is great. It removes almost every mascara I have. There are a couple that I have that will only come off with warm water. Like Jenn mentioned, you apply this to your face and then add water and it lathers up. You can actually see your makeup coming off.
Next up is my cleanser. I have 2 that I switch between. On a regular basis I use Lisa Hoffman's Night Cleanser ($30). The Night Cleanser is specifically formulated to remove makeup, debris, environmental toxins and excess oils. It also replenishes hydration for increased radiance and comfort. Shea butter and other botanicals nourish and condition the skin for a supple, smooth and soft texture. Lavender oil soothes the senses and readies the mind for a blissful night of rest. Peptides diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while preventing the formation of future lines and wrinkles. The skin is left soft, pure and relaxed. This works well for me and afterwards I don't always feel like I need to follow up with a moisturizer. If it's a particularly cold day I might or whenever the skin is still feeling that extra tight feeling.
The other cleanser that I have been using, usually once or twice a week is Sonya Dakar's Acai Clarifying Wash ($45). A refreshing, light foaming facial cleanser unlike any other. Balances oil production while salicylic and lactic acids decongest and exfoliate. Gentle enough for sensitive skin. If my skin is behaving extra bad (breakouts everywhere) I use this more often.
If I do have breakouts or I feel some coming on, I will turn to Sonya Dakar's Deep Pore Clarifying Serum ($42). Daily, fast-absorbing acne control This effective serum targets existing acne and prevents future breakouts with a powerful blend of salicylic acid and a blend of powerful antioxidants from the Brazilian Rainforest. Its gentle formula penetrates deep to eliminate acne-causing bacteria for a clear, healthy complexion. Gentle enough for daily use on sensitive and blemish-prone skin types. 
I don't use this all over, more like spot treatment. If I were to use this all over every day my skin would dry out like crazy. A side note, this Serum, and the above mentioned Clarifying Wash and the Pore Minimizer that I talked about in my morning routine, all makeup the new Clarifying Collection from Sonya Dakar. This collection helps you get blemish free and is safe for sensitive skin. I like it so far, but I am pretty sensitive to salicylic acid and have to use it pretty sparingly. That is why I only use the wash once or twice a week and the serum as spot treatment.
Next up, I evaluate whether or not I need a moisturizer. Depending on how my skin is acting I either use the Clinique's Comfort on Call, or Dermalogica's Barrier Repair. Both of which I discussed in the my morning routine story. You can view them here .
And last, but not least, eye cream. I think...well...I know this is the one product that I will never forget. Even when I do forget I get back out of bed to put it on. On my most tired of nights, if I just do my old washcloth routine I will still put forth the effort of putting on eye cream. Lately I have been using either Clinique All About Eyes Rich (also what I have been using in the morning) or Jurlique's Biodynamic Beauty Eye Cream ($45). Both of these eye creams work really well. Which one I chose just depends on which one I see first one I get in the drawer.
Some nights I don't do everything, it just depends how my day has gone and how much energy I have left by the time I wander into the bathroom to wipe the day away.
Christine
OK...this is may-jah...like stop the presses major...Bobbi Brown is having their first ever Friends and Family Sale from December 2nd to 3rd!
Shop online at bobbibrown.com and get 20% off your order plus free standard shipping!
Best of all, the proceeds from your purchase will help support their donation of $10,000 to Dress for Success.
All you have to do is enter the code BFF08A at checkout and enjoy your savings!
Get to shopping!
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
We have one bottle of Lancôme's Le Vernis in Midnight Glam to giveaway. Midnight Glam is from Lancôme's holiday collection, C'est Magnifique. You can view the entire collection here.
Onto the winner...
Congratulations Bethy P.!! You should be rockin' this new shade within the next week or two!
For the rest of our lovely readers, check back later today for another giveaway announcement!
with love (always)
Jennifer and Christine
When I have the time to think ahead, I love picking up a few candles.
They're great to give as a last minute holiday thank you gift, or if you're heading to a party and want to present the hostess with something other than wine.
As far as scent and pricing go, you can't go wrong with Slatkin & Co.
New offerings for the holidays include The Perfect Christmas Collection. Four wonderful fragrances to scent your home, all inspired by traditions of years past – Spice, a heady mix of cinnamon and sweet vanilla cream; Winter, with shimmering pine, crisp bay leaf and cinnamon; Tree, scented with Douglas Fir and warm vanilla sugar and Frosted Cranberry, where white cranberry combines with juicy peach, strawberry, and sparkling raspberry for the most delectable holiday aroma. Snag one starting at $5 and up to $19.50.
Sweet little decorative accessories like Snowmen, Penguins, and Polar Bears are just too darling for words. Steal a Christmas cookie from this adorable Polar Bear Cookie Jar, sip hot chocolate from a cozy penguin mug, or light a filled candle to give off a festive scent. Prices range from $7.50 – $35.
Perfect for an end table or entryway, the 4 oz. candle works its magic creating lasting fragrant holiday memories. The seasonal scents of Tree, Frosted Cranberry, Spice and Winter, housed in a frosted glass blend beautifully with all that glows during the holidays. For only $10, you'll get a candle that not only looks gorgeous...it smells divine.
Anything from the Pierced Tealight Holiday Collection makes a great addition to a coffee table or around a centerpiece. The red and green of the season shine through the intricate cut out pattern of each votive holder. Prices range from $7.50 - $15.
All of these items are available at Bath and Body Works stores and at bathandbodyworks.com. Oh and FYI from now until tomorrow (December 2nd), their online site is running 25% off of your purchases with the code 25percent at checkout. It's only available online so run ladies!
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Who the heck would think that you could actually cleanse your face with, essentially, oil and it wouldn't make your skin feel disgustingly greasy afterward?
I sure didn't think so.
But I was curious and intrigued, so I gave Dermalogica Precleanse ($33) a try.
How it works is you apply the plant-based cleansing oil, which is fortified with Olive and Kukui oils, to your dry skin and just rub it all over your face in small circles...concentrating on the areas like your eyes to remove mascara and liner.
You then add a little warm water to your hands and rub them all over your face again. This creates an emulsion which is easier to rinse off the Precleanse and not leave your skin feeling yucky.
Now, it has to be said that I do not use tons of makeup on a daily basis...but I do use the basics, which includes mascara.
This takes it all off no problem.
As the name suggests, they do recommend you follow it up with a cleanser and the one I've been testing is their AGE Smart Skin Resurfacing Cleanser which delicately cleans my face and exfoliates it with Lactic Acid.
It also contains Vitamin E to leave my skin soft and well hydrated.
Surprisingly I do like them both. Even though neither gives me the sudsing action that I'm used to, they still clean my skin without leaving it feeling tight and dry.
Perfect for the colder months ahead.
You can find more info on Dermalogica products at dermalogica.com.
Jennifer
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
Mario Badescu is one of those fabulous brands that pretty much does its business through word-of-mouth.
If there is anything you should be aware of it's that this stuff is used by celebrities and non-celebs alike.
And it's a-mazing.
Truly.
For a limited time only....Mario Badescu is celebrating a year of amazing blog reviews and reader comments by offering 15% off of product purchases* on mariobadescu.com between December 1st and December 15th!
All you have to do is enter the code BEAUTYBLOG at checkout.
That's it!
In addition to the discount, anyone who purchases 2 or more products will receive a complimentary deluxe sample set which includes 3 assorted 2oz samples of best selling MB products and a mirror tucked away into an MB signature cosmetic bag.
Considering their products are also insanely well-priced (take their Enzyme Cleansing Gel, it's only $12 for an 8 oz size container!) you will make out like a bandit there honey.
Just head on over to mariobadescu.com to check out their products...you won't be disappointed.
Jennifer and Christine
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks
*Sorry gift certificates do not apply.
A blog written by Jennifer...a thirty-something mom, from the Washington DC area, who loves all things beauty related. Due to my weakness for new products (and shopaholic tendencies) I'll shop in stores like Target and Neiman Marcus. My commitment here is to bring you beauty advice, products, and tips, that work in the real world. I believe the tagline says it best...beauty doesn't have to cost a fortune.
