meet carol shaw at the huntington beach ulta!

If you're lucky enough to live in the Huntington Beach, CA area, here's something you might want to attend.

Meet creator of LORAC and celebrity makeup artist,
Carol Shaw at the ULTA in Hungtington Beach, CA.

She'll be spilling all of her Red Carpet makeup secrets just for you.

Considering her client book reads like a who's who of gorgeous Hollywood...Debra Messing, Nicole Kidman, Rachel Bilson, Naomi Watts, and Teri Hatcher just to name a few...you might want to plan on stopping by.

Here's what's going on...

Beauty aficionados will have the opportunity to meet Carol Shaw and get the inside scoop as she shares her makeup tips! Guests will also be treated to VIP makeup consultations from LORAC and ULTA Makeup Artists and complimentary beauty essentials including a mini TANtalizer Baked Bronzer. Plus, as a gift with purchase LORAC is offering a full-size Co-Star Lip Gloss.

When is all of this taking place you ask?

Well mark your calenders for this Saturday, October 3rd from 12pm - 5pm, because that's when the fun is going to be on.

It's all taking place at the ULTA in Huntington Beach.  Here's the addy and phone number, because I'm sure you're going to have to call ASAP and get the nitty-gritty details...

7777 Edinger Avenue, Suite 130

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

714.891.9708

Jennifer

june jacobs creamy cranberry cleanser

Finally, fall is here.

The whole fam is even heading out to a local farm this weekend for some pumpkin picking, hay riding, corn mazing, and general fall-farm-tasticness.

Basically me and Big L chasing after little l and trying to get through the whole ordeal without going completely insane.

Okay...getting back to the beauty product you see to your right...

June Jacobs Creamy Cranberry Cleanser ($44) is just that, creamy and cranberry-y and overall one of my faves.

First off...it smells exactly like cranberries.

Love that.

Secondly, it cleans my face of the makeup and gunk that collects there (say it with me...ewww) and leaves it feeling refreshed and soft once it's rinsed off.

Not stripped and dry.  Seriously...who would want their skin to feel like that anyways?

Certainly not me.

Find yours at junejacobs.com.


Jennifer

bobbi brown rich color gloss

How excited am I that Bobbi Brown has come out with some new glosses?

Um...do you really need to ask?

Bobbi Brown's new Rich Color Gloss ($20) offers the look and benefits of three products in one: the full color coverage of a lipstick, the soft shine of a gloss, and the luxurious feel of a balm. The modern formula moisturizes and conditions, wears comfortably, and lasts throughout the day without feathering.

It's available in a range of eight shades...

You know that I loves me some Naked and Pink Buff, so I'm definitely going to have to hit up my local Bobbi counter and check them out.

Find yours at your local Bobbi Brown counter, or try bobbibrowncosmetics.com.


Jennifer

so loving...vorte vu tart d'amande soufflé riche pour le corps

Tart D'Amande Soufflé ($48 retail $43.20 if you're a preferrred member) is a decadent treat for my skin.  It makes it feel amazing and it smells like the most awesome dessert ever...but thankfully doesn't leave me with the extra poundage on my hips.

It's rich and thick, yet not heavy or greasy.  It just manages to deliver divine velvety goodness where I need it.   Macadamia Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil are just a few of the ingredients that help in that area.

Did I mention the Almond Pie scent?

Totally warm with a hint of sweetness...making it right about perfect for the cooler months ahead.

Find it at votrevu.com

Jennifer

my sunday wish list

Honestly, I love this....

Vince Cashmere Cocoon Sweater ($320) is just so sumptuous and soft and cozy and soooooo going on my wish list.  Adore it with a tank and a pair of jeans, for one fabulous weekend look.

Will I end up getting this?

Well, unless it goes on some major sale...the chances are slim to none.

This is a little more like my reality...

Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizing Balm ($50)...and definitely in my price range.

Why?

Because it kicks major patootie in the skin softening/moisturizing department...a plus for dryer skins...something of which (for some crazy reason) I am now dealing with.

Grated it's not going to keep me warm once the temperature begins to dip, but it will protect my face from the sun with spf 25.

Plus a little goes a long way, so that tub o' goodness will be lasting me a while.

Find it at bobbibrowncosmetics.com.



Jennifer

emmy look...kyra sedgwick

Here's another Emmy look...this time it's Kyra Sedgwick.

Sorry, this one's been hiding in the depths of my inbox.

Enjoy...

Kyra's Emmy beauty look is by P&G Beauty makeup artist Jake Bailey.

The look was fresh; glowing skin, bright peachy cheeks, stained lips and ultra lush, lengthy lashes

For the eyes I kept the focus on lashes. It was a daytime red carpet and I wanted Kyra to be fresh and glamorous. Smoky eyes and heavy shadows can be gorgeous, but super black, super long lashes are a great way to look and feel glamorous during the day without looking overdone. I used lots of CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara on the top and bottom lashes.

The ultra long skinny brush makes a precise application with lots of length super easy. Make sure you start at the very, very base of the lash line, wiggle the brush and pull outwards to the tips. Glide over lash tips over and over to build maximum length

On Kyra’s skin I used a sheer veil of Chanel Teint Innocence Liquid Foundation to complement rather than disguise her natural complexion

On her cheeks I used CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Plush Peach. It contains Olay Regenerist Serum which adds an amazing moist glow to cheeks. The best way to apply cream blush is with a small round fluffy blush brush same as you would with a powder blush. Swirl onto the apple of the cheek and blend upwards and back along the cheekbone. For a super natural look and easy application, just apply with your fingertips.

I wanted Kyra’s lip color to last all night so I opted for a lip stain rather than a lipstick. This is a great trick for a long night because you can do a bright lip without having to worry about it staying in place. I used CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain in Bit of Blossom. I recommend tapping your fingertip on the felt tip applicator then tapping that pigment onto your lips for a slightly bitten "this is my real lipcolor" look. For extra shine throughout the evening, I gave her a sheer peachy gloss from Clarins.


For more info on CoverGirl products, head on over to covergirl.com.


Jennifer

beauty buys under $10 - covergirl lashblast length mascara

I am ga-ga over this mascara.

Ga.Ga.

It somehow manages to define my lashes and provide length, yet still look totally natural.

Like my lashes only better.

The secret to CoverGirl's new LashBlast Length Mascara ($7.49) is the brush.

It's specially designed with product reservoirs at the tip to grab and extend the fine, corner lashes.

Plus it's flexible...all sprongy and whatnot...which allows you to deliver color easily.

Simple...gotta love that.

The crazy thing is that it lasts all day, but just washes away without leaving a trace.

Seriously.

Definitely earns its keep in my makeup bag.


covergirl.com


Jennifer

beauty buys under $10...rembrandt intense stain toothpaste

I'm just gonna say it...if your teeth are a mess, no lippie in the world is going to look good on.

Period.

I mean, seriously, you need to fix those little cosmetic issues before you do anything else.

And let's not get into the fact of how much stained teeth can age you.

Something I've been loving is Rembrandt Intense Stain Toothpaste ($8)...a toothpaste created to deal with the deep stains like coffee and wine.

It's formulated with a unique blend of high-performing micro-polishing particles to cleanse, as well as stain-fighting ingredients and fluoride to restore and strengthen enamel.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) free for gentle and effective cleansing, there's also enhanced foaming ingredients that create a rich and creamy lather.

All I know, is that in the few weeks that I've been using it, my smile is definitely whiter.  Something that always works for me.

I also love the way it tastes after cleaning...no crazy-bad aftertaste.  Just minty freshness.

The added bonus of being able to pick this up on a grocery run?

Priceless.

rembrandtwhitening.com


Jennifer

the feed 10 pouch from bobbi brown and lauren bush

Here's your chance to look fabulous and do something fabulous at the same time.

Bobbi Brown and Lauren Bush have collaborated to create the FEED 10 Pouch ($50) which will help provide disadvantaged women with the most basic necessity in life- food.

Each purchase of a FEED 10 Pouch will provide ten women with food through the United Nations World Food Program “Food for Work Program,” which enables women to thrive by offering much-needed job training and work in exchange for food.

“The basics that you and I may take for granted are luxuries for so many women who just want to be able to work and stand on their own two feet,” says Bobbi Brown, founder and CEO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

Crafted out of sustainable materials using fair trade labor, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has filled the canvas pouch with three of Bobbi’s favorite Lip Gloss shades: Petal, Rose Sugar and Aubergine. The FEED 10 Pouch will be available in October at Bloomingdale’s.

For more information on FEED, visit feedprojects.org.


Jennifer

emmy look...drew barrymore

Drew Barrymore, nominated for Grey Gardens, looked so amazingly adorable and sweet at this year's Emmy Awards.

Don't you think?

For her flawless face, celebrity makeup artist Debra Ferullo thought of her as a modern Grace Kelly.  Think classic, feminine, and beautiful, with a bold lip, pinky cheeks and long lashes.

Here's what Ferullo used and how she did it...

I started by prepping the skin with a moist sponge and La Mer Moisturizer. It's always best to moisturize damp skin, so it can soak up the moisture. Then, I added La Mer Concentrate to act as a primer and set the skin for the makeup application.

On Drew’s skin I used just a touch of foundation to make sure her skin shined through. If you don’t need a lot of coverage, I suggest selecting a foundation that is a perfect match for your skin and use sparingly. For the cheek, I started with a pinky cream blush over the cheekbone and then set it with a peach powder blush to add some shimmer.

For this look, we focused in on Drew's perfectly proportioned lips and played up her shape with a velvety, matte pink lip color that really popped. When prepping the skin, be sure to apply a balm to the lips so that they are moist and soft in time for the lipcolor application.

For the eyes, we wanted to offset her bold lip with soft shimmer and ultra long lashes. I dusted her eyes with Chanel Silky Eyeshadow in gold and then played with warm colors like brown and maroon in the crease area. I didn't want any lines, just depth, so I went over her eyes with a cream at the end to soften the look. Then, I used COVERGIRL ExactEylights Eye Brightening Liner in Vivid Ruby around the lash line to subtly enhance her shape. To play up her feminine look and classic set eyes, I used three coats of COVERGIRL LashBlast Length Mascara to give her a beautiful fan of extra long lashes from corner to corner. To keep the look natural, I used one coat of mascara on her bottom lashes.

To create this look at home, start of slow and build from there. Keep the skin fresh. If you tend to need heavier coverage, use a foundation with more pigment to cover any spots but make sure it’s not too oily because it will crease along the skin. Define the cheek and blend, blend, blend to create a soft, classic look.

Drew brought Outlast Lipstain in Berry Smooch with her to keep her bold lip vibrant throughout the night.


covergirl.com


Jennifer

dove giveaway

With the first day of fall occurring yesterday, we've officially ushered in the beginning of the chilly weather.  Or at least the soon to be chilly weather...it was like 80 degrees and humid around here the other day, go figure.

Anyways, with the colder weather comes the inevitable hair damage.  It's not like you can head out the door with a wet head when the temperature starts to plummet.

Unless you want your mother to find you and give you a lecture about it.

Who needs that?

Well, in case you're on the hunt for some preventative products, have I got some great news for you.  The fabulous people over at Dove have generously decided to host a giveaway!

Two winners will each walk away with a basket of damage control products for all their hair care needs. The baskets will include Dove Heat Defense Therapy and Dove Intense Damage Therapy products, and other styling products!

Pretty cool huh?

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

I will randomly select two winners next Thursday, October 1st at 11pm EST. The winners will be announced the next day, Friday, October 2nd!

Alright, just to clarify...
 
One entry per person, duplicate entries will not increase your odds of winning. For this giveaway, only US residents may enter. You have from now until October 1st at 11:00 PM EST to enter.


Good luck!!


Jennifer 
proud members of total beauty and the bbn networks

*Please Read This: If you fail to include all information I 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 Dove. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm EST on Thursday, October 1st.

emmy look...debra messing

I think that Debra Messing looked superb at this week's Emmy Awards.  LOVED that she wore red and I thought that it really complemented her hair and her skin tone.

Something else that complemented her skin tone was her flawless makeup, courtesy of one Carol Shaw.

All of the products she used were from her line LORAC and are available now.

Here's the deets...

Complexion:  
AquaPRIME
Breakthrough Performance - SMS4
Double Feature - DF2
Evening Out Powder - Light

Eyes:  
Red Carpet Reveal Palette - first shade highlight under the brow, second shade on lid and crease, third shade on lid and liner for lower lash line.
Black Eye Shadow - smudged on lid
Front of the Line Pro - black
Special Effects Primer and Mascara

Cheeks:  
TANtalizer Baked Bronzer
Baked Matte Satin Blush - Exposed
Perfectly Lit - Luminous

Lips:
18 Lip Pencil - Nude
Breakthrough Performance Lipstick - Nude Scene
Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick. - Vintage

Body:
TANtalizer Baked Bronzer

Head on over to loraccosmetics.com for more info on each, or to purchase.




Jennifer
photo courtesy of newsok.com

new york fashion week spring 2010...cnd

Because...at New York Fashion Week...it's also about the nails...

 Baby Phat

CND collaborated with 20 designers for New York Fashion Week Spring 2010 and debuted the new Colour & Effects collection on the catwalk.

Here's what was used to create the nail looks for each of the shows...

3.1 Phillip Lim - Oilslick topped with asymmetrical sweeps of Gold Sparkle for a deconstructed, oxidized finish

Baby Phat - Gold foil on nails and Gold Chrome topped with Air Dry on toes for an exotic Moroccan-inspired look

BCBG, Costello Tagliapietra, Hervé Léger, and Max Azria - a beautiful, sand blasted look with two coats of Putty followed by Air Dry top coat

Diego Binetti

Behnaz Sarafpour - Bursts of rich, deep color with Dark Ruby or Asphalt to match '40s inspired pieces

Carolina Herrera - One thin coat of Blackjack and a layer of Muddy Rose topped with Air Dry for a harmonious "Dusty Rose" shade paired with earthy pieces

Cushnie et Ochs - Two coats of Putty topped with two coats of Copper Shimmer for a metallic meets neutral futuristic spin

Malandrino - Desert Suede mixed with coffee grounds and sugar for a dense, sandy texture

Diego Binetti - Nails mimicked a sunrise with Studio White, Ivory Coast and Electric Orange, and Thai nights with Inkwell, Ice Blue Shimmer and colorful rhinestone embellishments

Gottex - Custom sheer metallic wash that combined Bicycle Yellow and Gold Chrome for a shimmery, subtle finish to compliment gold accessories in the collection

Jason Wu - Copper Chrome topped by Super Matte for a gorgeous matte metallic finish


Karen Walker - Gorgeous soft muted gray, combining Silver Chrome and Studio White and a taupe finish combining the same two colors, topped with two coats of Putty to complement preppy, clean looks on the runway

Milly - Two coats of pale pink Marshmallow Rose topped with Air Dry to accessorize preppy-punk pieces
Monique Lhuillier - One coat of Oilslick and one coat of Raisin in the Sun topped with Super Matte top coat created an amazing deep brown color to match the collection inspired by the intricate draping of the Masai Warriors

Carolina Herrera

Ruffian - Art-deco, '40s inspired clean moon manicures with Plumville base, tipped with Blackjack and topped with Air Dry.

Twinkle - Brilliant White, Ivory Coast and Super Matte on fingers for a snow-white color sans shine and Ivory Coast, Desert Suede and Air Dry on toes


Victor de Souza - Blackjack on long, pointy nails and hands dipped in paraffin wax for a futuristic glaze.


CND's trend expert Jan Arnold, and leading nail stylists Roxanne Valinoti, Angi Wingle and Kristina Baune created what are sure to be the next hot manicure trends.

Oh...and for something really neat head on over to cnd.com/FashionWeek/prepdays.aspx.  There you can see some behind the scenes videos on CND at Fashion Week and check out Jan's Fashion Week Blog.

For more info on CND nail products, head on over to cnd.com.


Jennifer

crest giveaway....the winners

A few weeks ago I reviewed all the new Crest goodies (click here to read the review) and now we have a great giveaway! Five lucky readers will each receive the Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield toothpaste and rinse and the Oral-B CrossAction Pro-Health toothbrush.

And now for the winners...

Congratulations to

Lucy P.,

Mei L.,

Jackie R.,

Leane G.,

and last, but not least, Rachael W.!

Keep an eye out for your prizes in the mail soon ladies. And for the rest of our readers, check back soon for another fab giveaway announcement!

Jennifer and Christine

emmy look...christina applegate

Another look from the 61st annual Emmy Awards...this time it's Emmy nominee Christina Applegate, who was nominated for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Samantha Who”.

Her look was perfected by Makeup Artist Joanna Schlip for Clarins.

Joanna was inspired by Christina’s dramatic, sweeping gown (designed by Basil Soda) when creating her makeup look. The vintage glamour of the navy stunner called for simple makeup that still made a statement. With her hair pulled back in a chic chignon, Joanna was able to play up Christina’s eyes with a sexy retro smolder, while keeping her skin fresh and lips softly pink. Like the dress, Christina’s makeup exuded a Brigitte Bardot 60’s cool, with a modern twist.

Skincare: To create a radiant glow, Joanna prepped Christina’s skin with three steps: First she cleansed with Clarins Water Comfort One Step Cleanser. She then applied Clarins Multi-Active Day moisturizer, followed with Clarins Beauty Flash Balm for smooth, hydrated, radiant skin.

Face: Since Christina has naturally beautiful skin, Joanna kept her face mostly bare with a light wash of Clarins True Radiance Foundation. She fished with a dusting of Clarins Loose Powder in Translucent.

Cheeks: For a natural but luminous flush, Joanna applied Clarins Instant Sun Light Shimmer Palette on the apples of her cheeks, sweeping up to the hairline. The shimmering highlighter reflected the California sunlight on the red carpet, giving a healthy, peachy-pink glow.

Eyes: Joanna reflected the drama of Christina’s dress with a smoldering eye. Using the dark gray shade from Clarins Colour Quartet for Eyes in So Chic, Joanna gave a smokey depth to Christina’s green eyes. To add definition and drama, she applied Clarins Eye Pencil in Black around the upper and lower lash line and inside the wet line, then finished with three coats of Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara in Black.

Lips: For a soft, modern pink mouth, Joanna applied Clarins Lip Definer in Bay Rose, and then added some glossy shine with Clarins Colour Quench Lip Balm in Rose Pink.

For more info on the products used, try clarins.com.


Jenniferphoto courtesy of mathew imaging/wireimage.com

emmy look...mary louise parker

I'm still bleary-eyed from watching the Red Carpet arrivals...at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles...as well as the entire 61st Primetime Emmy Awards.

Needless to say I'm a tad tired.

But I am trudging along, determined to bring you the Emmy looks.  Driven only by sheer determination...well, that and some major coffee.  Just a little fyi.

Moving on...

Looking really gorgeous was Mary Louise-Parker, who was nominated for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “Weeds”.

She may not have won in her category...but she was definitely "won" me over with this look...ba-doom-boom.

Sorry about that...I'm on bad Emmy jokes overload.

Anyway...

Louise-Parker was glamified by the fabulous Tina Turnbow for Maybelline New York.

Tina was inspired by the deep purple and indigo tones in Mary-Louise’s single strapped, deep purple Zac Posen dress, and her gorgeous gunmetal grey accessories. To play up the colors in Mary-Louise’s dress, Tina brought out her best features with a dramatic yet classic smoky eye, blushing pink cheeks and nude lips.

Here's what she used and how she used it...

Face - Because Mary-Louise has beautiful porcelain skin, Tina kept her face looking pristine by applying Maybelline New York Dream Liquid Mousse in Classic Ivory – with touches of Maybelline New York Dream Mousse Concealer in Light under the eyes and to the tops of the cheeks to give a contoured look.


Cheeks - To compliment her ivory skin, Tina brushed on Maybelline New York Mineral Power Naturally Luminous Blush in Gentle Pink to the apples of the cheeks to give the look of a soft natural flush.

Eyes - Tina’s inspiration for Mary-Louise’s entire look was the gorgeous opal-toned smoky eye she created with Maybelline New York Expert Wear Stylish Smokes in Amethyst Smokes. Tina used all four shades in the palette to play up her eyes and add drama; the deep purples complemented her creamy skin and dark hair. She then followed with Maybelline New York Line Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner in Black on the upper and lower lash lines. To showcase the gorgeous jewel tones of the shadows, Tina only applied one coat of Maybelline New York Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara in Very Black.

Lips - For a barely-there, neutral lip, Tina lined the entire mouth with Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lip Liner in Toast. She then followed up with Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipstick in Nearly There.

Body - To complete the look, a soft dusting of Maybelline New York Mineral Power Illuminator in Nude was brushed along her collar bones, arms and legs for a red carpet glow.


For more info on the Maybelline products mentioned, head on over to maybelline.com.


Jennifer
photo of mary louise-parker: jeff vespa/wireimage.com

lorac red carpet reveal collection

So the Emmys are on tonight and no doubt celebs will start getting ready at the crack of dawn on the West Coast.

I would.

Mainly because you will (hopefully) be photographed out the wazoo and will then have those images seen over a million outlets.

So basically if you look like utter crap, you're going to see it over and over again.

That's definitely not good.

One thing is for sure though, your look doesn't stop at the dress.  Everything from the shoes to the hair should be perfect and should all work together in some way.
.
That's where the pros come in.

Now, us regular Joes probably only utilize a come-to-your-home makeup artist on something like your big day and we're definitely not going to get the person who created the brand.  If you're a celeb on the other hand...or insanely rich...you do.

You probably have them on speed dial.

One person who will be busy?

Carol Shaw, Celebrity Makeup Artist, Founder of LORAC Cosmetics, and possessor of gorgeous makeup that doesn't make one look like they're too done up.

Something new from LORAC is her Red Carpet Ready collection.  Something that she'll probably have on her as she makes her Emmy rounds today.

Here's a few standouts from the collection that I'm loving...

Breakthrough Performance Lipstick with SPF 15 ($22)
These lipsticks are infused with a collagen-boosting formula, LORAC’s exclusive SMS Complex, which is said to prevent the signs of aging by promoting cell turnover.   It's available in 7 long-wearing creamy shades, but I could totally see me wearing It Girl and Nude Scene. Can I also tell you how smooth and easy they go on? 

Front of the Line Pro ($22)
With it's no budge, no-smudge waterproof formula it's kind of a no-brainer.  The added bonus that it lasts all day just makes it that much better.  The flexible tip applicator delivers precise application and ultimate control.  Definitely something we're going to see on the red carpet.

Red Carpet Reveal Palette ($35)
It's pretty much all you need, being that it includes three color-coordinated eye shadows and a blush. The fun part is that the colors are named after the steps a starlet takes down the Red Carpet – Debut, Pose, Interview and Main Attraction. It also includes a duel ended shadow/ liner brush which allows for easy application and travel.


Bring on the Red Carpet arrivals!


Try loraccosmetics.com for more info or to purchase.


Jennifer

new york fashion week spring 2010...makeup by tarte at hayden-harnett

I loves me some tarte cosmetics.

Their Cheek Stains are the bomb in my personal (and probably almost everyone else's) opinion.

In continuing my observation of New York Fashion Week Spring 2010 from afar, I bring you tarte at Hayden-Harnett.

Enjoy...

The tarte artistry team created the look for Hayden-Harnett's Spring 2010 Fashion presentation, which took place at The Gabarron Foundation Carriage House Center for the Arts on Thursday, September 10, 2009.

Hayden-Harnett's collection was inspired by a nomadic journey through lava fields and desert landscapes. 

Tarte's makeup artists used this inspiration to create a warm complexion with a strong, geometric brow and soft lip. Think natural with just a hint of healthy glow. The eyes remain muted with a major focus on the brows. 

 

Here's the face chart from the show, so you can see what products were used...

(click on image to enlarge)

This is just too fabulous for words...don't you think?

You can easily tone down a little of the eyemakeup and brows for a pitch-perfect daytime look.

Love.  Love.  Love.

Try tartecosmetics.com for more info on products, or to make a purchase.

Jennifer

birl news....

Hey all...hope that your weekend is off to a fabulous start!

I just wanted to share a little bit of news with you.

I've been meaning to do this earlier in the week, but time got the better of me and so here I am now.

First off I wanted to thank all of the readers who have been on here and who are regulars, coming back day after day to see what's going on.

When I started this blog I wanted it to be all about what I love and have fun talking about (I never thought that we would have the readers that we do, that to me is just amazing).

Then when I asked my friend, Christine, to come on board and help me co-edit and co-write the blog, that was just the icing on the cake.  We had a ton of great laughs and became closer than ever.  She's such a caring and sweet person to have in my life and I hope that it will always be that way no matter where the road takes either of us.

On that note, you've probably noticed that she hasn't been around as much lately.

Well, there's some good news and a little sad as far as that goes.

The good is that she's pregnant with her second child.  Her husband and son are insanely thrilled and for a fantastic reason.

So...what's the little sad news?

Well it makes me happy to tell you that Christine has decided to take a different role on the blog.  Instead of being co-editor and co-writer...kinda like halfers with the blogging duties...she's going to be more of an occasional contributor.

This means that every so often...probably like when she's in the mood and/or up for it...she will be writing a post here and there.  Just to keep in touch and let you know what's going on in her life.  This way she has the chance to take care of the little one she's cooking and deal with all of the other things that keep all of us busy as moms.

So you see...it's only a little bit sad.

I'll still be here writing and editing and sharing the news on all that's beauty, with sometimes a little bit of fashion, so not all is lost.

All right, that's all the news to share...you make go back to your morning coffee and your screaming kids.  Oh wait...that's me.

Happy Saturday to me!


Jennifer

new york fashion week spring 2010...hair by andre rodman for frederic fekkai at rachel roy

Sorry for not being more on top of these...we're knee deep in sickness and immunizations for little e over here in suburbia.  Having two kids (one toddler and one infant) now has definitely been keeping me on my toes.  If I don't lose my baby weight from all of the running around, there is no hope for me.

Well , enough about me....let's move on to the hair at Rachel Roy for Spring 2010...

“The hair for Rachel Roy pairs a modern edge with a voluminous and classic curl, always elegant, always chic.”
                                                                                        – Frederic Fekkai

All I can say if that I appreciate how wearable it is.

No insanity.  No off-the-wall pigeon sticking out of it from some bizarre hair/bird nest contraption.

Just pure glam-our.

Love.

Read on...

Andre Rodman, lead stylist for Frédéric Fekkai created two looks at the Rachel Roy Spring 2010 show – both over the top voluminous looks, one with a modern edge and one more classic, both big on glamour.

For the classic look, a center part with soft, bouncy waves starting beneath the chin, Rodman used Fekkai COIFF™ Strong Hold Volume Mousse ($23) then sprayed hair with Fekkai COIFF™ Defense Pre Style Thermal UV Protectant ($25) and curled it around a one inch iron. He used Fekkai Au Naturel Sheer Styling Gel ($23) for the modern look*; short hair with either a severe side part tucked behind the ears or brushed straight back.

Try fekkai.com for more info on products, or to make a purchase.



Jennifer

*obviously i'm short one image...the one for the modern look. but i think that it's fairly easy to replicate without one.

katy perry's look at the 2009 vmas

J'adore Jake Bailey and Katy Perry.

Jake for his a-mazing makeup and Katy for her sheer genius in the recording studio.

Love. Them.

Here's how Bailey did her makeup for the VMAs this past Sunday...


Katy’s look was definitely inspired by her dress; she wore an outrageous metal spiked mesh mini by “The Blonds.” The dress reminded me of a Gianni Versace book I have called “Rock and Royalty” and the powerful iconic images in it. I wanted the eyes to evoke that type of decadent glamour and of course complement the sparkle of the dress with a little sparkle on the eyes.

We used NARS Oil Free Foundation as Katy’s base and a pink shimmer blush for some glow. We kept the lips matte so the emphasis was on her eyes, but the definitely were not without color! For the carpet, Katy wore a matte coral and for her performance and after party, she wore a matte red.

The eye look was done with black and gunmetal shadows, silver glitter and liquid liner. A great trick to wearing glitter like this, is to blend a little cream shadow onto the area where you want to place the glitter. You should do this once your eye makeup is finished. So as a last step, gently apply the glitter using your fingertip… just a little at a time in order to avoid a mess. Once finished use scotch tape to remove any excess glitter that may have fallen on the face. Press the tape gently into the skin and it picks it right up.

Katy’s lashes were ultra long and gorgeous thanks to COVERGIRL LashBlast Length Mascara.

For Katy’s performance I prefer to use a long-wear lipcolor so that the color doesn’t go all over her or the mic when she’s on stage. I used COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Lipcolor in Ever Red-dy. I also prefer using long-wear lipcolor when I send her to the after party so he can be sure she’s looking good all night long. For an everyday stain look, try COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain in Wild Berry Wink.

Some really great tips from a fabulous artist.

For more info on the CoverGirl products he used, check out covergirl.com.


Jennifer

fall style tips from lauren conrad and kohl's

I've found out that with LC, you either love her style, or you don't.

I'm definitely on the love side of the equation.

While some may call her vanilla and they don't like the fact that she doesn't take crazy risks, I happen to think that it's the best thing about her.

Her look is effortless, yet chic.

Something that I wouldn't mind wearing at all...any time of the day.

I mean, if want to see some crazy getups, I'll just check out Chloe Sevigny, or the nutty Olsen twin...not both, just the one who dresses like she's a little woo-hoo.

Kohl's department store...which I adore for their line of Food Network kitchen items btw...now carries LC Lauren Conrad.

Here's Conrad herself, giving a little sneak peek of what to expect...




Is she not just the cutest thing?

To take a look at what's available now, head on over to kohls.com/lc.


Jennifer

loving the cover...vanessa hudgens on the october allure

I sorta did a little double take when I saw this.

At first, she kinda reminded me a little of Mariah Carey...but only for a second.

Or maybe that's just me. I have yet another sinus infection and a mild case of bronchitis...so I'm a little loopy from the meds.

Anywho...she looks gorgeous and totally makes me feel all old and everything.

Here's some teaser stuff about what she reveals in the inside cover story...


She just bought a new wig:

“I hate the whole see-and-be-seen feeling. I just hate knowing that people are looking at me.”


On her fans’ parents:

“I love dads because you get to see them squirm. It’s extremely awkward because they don’t want to put their arm around you. It’s the crazy moms who are the worst.”

 
On rumors about the nude photographs:

“It’s so aggravating and frustrating, and whenever anybody asks me, would I do nudity in a film, if I say that it’s something I’m not comfortable with, they’re like, ‘Bullshit, you’ve already done it.’ ”

“It’s screwed up that someone screwed me over like that.”

 “At least some people are learning from my mistakes.”

 
On Web rumors about a wedding in Hawaii with boyfriend Zac Ephron:

“People love making up craziness. I don’t know where it comes from. It’s ridiculous.”

 
On her upcoming role in Sucker Punch, a thriller described as “Alice in Wonderland with machine guns.”:

“It totally is my Angelina Jolie part. I get to run around with guns and fight big men.”


For the full scoop, check out the October Allure.  If you'd like to see more photos from the shoot and get a little behind the scenes action, check out allure.com/magazine/2009/10/vanessa_hudgens#slide=1



Jennifer

beyonce to launch new scent

So Beyoncé...who KILLED it at the VMAs fyi... has signed a deal with Coty Inc. to produce her own perfume.  According to today's Women's Wear Daily, the fragrance is scheduled to launch in spring in the US and worldwide in fall 2010.

About the her new scent and partnership with Coty, Beyonce has this to say...

For me, fragrance reflects a woman's attitude and unique sense of style.  While I love various perfumes, I haven't found a scent that truly personifies me as a woman. Working with Coty, I was able to turn my ideal fragrance into a reality by creating an alluring and sophisticated fragrance; one that's reflective of my inner power.

Nice.

What was also nice fabulous was her kick butt performance at the MTV Video Music Awards...her handling of all the drams from earlier in the night was pretty fab too.

Here's B in action...just in case you missed it.  Try to resist the urge to dance in your cubicle.



Info courtesy of wwd.com.


Jennifer

fusion beauty glowfusion™ micro-tech™ intuitive active bronzer

Yes, I realize that...for most of the country...it's starting to feel more and more like fall outside.  Mainly cause it is.  I mean here's just a little tidbit for you, the first day of fall is officially September 22nd...now you know.

Anyway, just because the leaves soon will be a changing, doesn't mean you have to pack away your bronzer.

At least, that's what I think.  I love it for the pick-me-up color that it brings to my face when there's need for a little oomph.

The trick is, to use less than what you would use in the summer.  Just a teensy little bit where the sun would actually hit...it still can naturally hit there, even if it is a little colder...and that's all you need.

One to try...Fusion Beauty GlowFusion™ Micro-Tech™ Intuitive Active Bronzer ($39).

It makes it easy to get that glowy-gorgeous hint of color without having to use too much in the process.

It's also made with their proprietary LiftFusion™ blend of naturaly derived ingredients that are said to act together as a powerful wrinkle relaxant.

Vitamin C works to diminish dark spots and enhance skin tone, while Vitamin E is there to fight the free radicals that cause premature aging. Invisiskin® delivers additional anti-oxidant botanicals including rice brand and honey extract into the skin and keeps skin hydrated and protected for up to 24 hours.

While I can't attest for the wrinkle relaxing and dark spots...I'm not quite there yet thank you very much...I can say that it makes my skin feel great and the glow it delivers lasts for most of the day.

So if the rest of the it comes in time, it's kinda like the icing on the cake.

Find it at fusionbeauty.com.


Jennifer

new york fashion week spring 2010...hair by teddy charles for frederic fekkai at rag & bone

Whew...that was a mouthful.

Anyway, here's the scoop...

Here's another look from New York Fashion Week, Spring 2010.  This time it's at the Rag & Bone show and the hair is by Lead Stylist Teddy Charles for Frederic Fekkai.

Here's the lowdown...

Charles created a rough and tousled look full of texture and volume for the Rag & Bone Spring 2010 show. After a few spritzes of Fekkai Tousled Wave Spray he rolled hair to make it piecey. He then wrapped and teased the hair into messy tendrils with Fekkai Full Blown Volume Lifting Hairspray. He completed the look with the Fekkai Au Natural Dry Shampoo to create a matte finish.

Here's the products that he used, so you can try and create this look at home.  Honestly, it's a great look for daytime if you have long enough hair.


Fekkai Coiff Océanique Tousled Wave Spray - Create a tousled, wavy look with this lightweight styling mist. Touchable polymers help to form and rejuvenate waves with flexible control. $23, 5oz.

Fekkai Full Blown Volume Lifting Hairspray - This lightweight formula holds volume to lift the roots and delivers powerful fullness that is never stiff or sticky. $20, 5oz.

Fekkai Au Naturel Powder Clean Dry Shampoo: This naturally formulated product free of sulfates, parabens, dyes and synthetic fragrances, gently cleanses hair with a natural botanical blend, infuses hair with conditioning ingredients, removes excess oil and builds volume. Hair is left refreshed and revived without the use of water. $23, 2.9oz.


Find Frederic Fekkai products at fekkai.com, sephora.com and neimanmarcus.com.


Jennifer

fashion week spring 2010...the perfect pony by sebastian professional at the michael angel show

While I wasn't able to attend Fashion Week this fall*...cue sad violin music...I am going to do my best and bring you the beauty news and looks from the shows.

Hey...I gotta hook you up somehow right?

So here's the first one I'm in love with...the perfect pony at the Michael Angel Spring 2010 show.

I swear that this is the time I am going to grow out my hair so that I can do some variation of this.

I'm totally serious this time...stop laughing at me.  This look is honestly too gorgeous for words.

Anyway...here was the inspiration...

Taking inspiration from strong influential women like Nancy Cunard, Josephine Baker and Schiaparelli, Michael Angel directed a Spring ’10 beauty look that’s meant to replace the depressing, dark days of yore with a revived, empowered and reenergized youthfulness. A fresh, healthy “just come back from holiday” look subtly complements the collection’s energy-packed, color-rich and cool designs that Michael is famous for.

And...here's how to get the look at home...courtesy of Sebastian Professional lead stylist Thomas Dunkin...

To keep this ponytail from looking cold and severe, Dunkin kept the crown soft and clean, allowing some of the hair’s natural texture free reign for a played-in feeling. Here’s how to create your own perfect pony:

1. Apply Sebastian Professional Thickefy Foam to damp hair; blend evenly throughout
2. Blow hair out straight with a medium to large-sized round brush
3. Neatly brush hair back with a comb or flat brush and fasten with a hair tie just below eye level to avoid looking too “sporty”
4. Smooth the first half of the head with Shine Define for a shiny finish or apply Microweb Fiber to entice rogue wisps for a more lived-in look
5. Mist the length with Halo Mist and leave smooth and straight

To get the look at home, Thomas Dunkin suggests combining shine stylers with texturizers to juxtapose elegance with beautiful imperfection. Here's his product "prescription":

Thickefy Foam – Weightless thickener for natural volume ($15.95)
Halo Mist – UV filter weightless shine spray ($16.95)
Microweb Fiber – Elastic texturizer for malleable, touchable texture ($18.95)
Shine Define – The ultimate versatile hairspray for shine and flexible hold ($15.95)

Find them online at sebastianprofessional.com.


Jennifer

*of course the birth of mine and Big L's daughter was the highlight of our summer, I sure as hell would have loved to have attended.  could you just imagine if I did attend with little l and little e though? a toddler running around backstage and a baby strapped to my front in a Baby Bjorn?  how hilarious would that be?

where the hell is michael kors?

Alright, he's not exactly missing per se...he's going to be showing at NY Fashion Week obviously.

But I'm really missing MK from my Thursday night Project Runway eppies...ya know?

Especially last night's*.

I love his comments...which I would have included some snippets here btw, unfortunately Weinstein and Co have put the kabosh on using any of those on You Tube...and his insane fashion sense.

Totally missing that he hasn't been on the show in ages people.

AGES.

Anywho...in case you're like me and love the Kors, here's a little something to make you smile.  Loving the fact that he's a gossip mag addict.

Enjoy...




Jennifer

*how hideous were some of those dresses right? i actually LOVED the suit by Althea, even though some people seemed to have hated it.  to check it out, click here.

30% off at korresusa.com!

Remember that special offer I mentioned earlier?

Well, the fabulous folks over at Korres, are giving our readers a little treat.

From now until October 9th, 2009, all Beauty in Real Life readers can enjoy 30% off of all of their online purchases!

Not too shabby huh?

All you have to do is head on over to korresusa.com from now until then, enter the promo code REALLIFE at checkout, and viola...instant savings!

So...do yourself a favor and head on over asap.

Maybe pick up their ProVitamin and Rice Bran Lash-Strengthening Mascara ($16).   It comes in four different shades, plus it makes your lashes look and feel great.

There's a reason why it's one of their best selling products.

Just saying.


Jennifer

beauty buys under $10 - korres lip butter

I love trying out anything lip related.

I'll give lip glosses, lip balms, lip stains, lip liners, and even lip sticks a whirl any time of the day.

This came across my desk and I was more than willing to give it a shot.

Korres Lip Butter (on sale for $8 right now) is a lip treatment that uses shea butter and rice wax to make your lips kissably soft.  You can also smudge a little on your cheeks for either a pop of color or a great dewy sheen.

I tried Jasmine (not pictured) and it has more of a nudish-pinkish quality to it than the one you see above.  That means it could easily work under any shade, or delivers a great sheen on its own. 

The potted balm...fyi I love balms that come in pots...is small enough to fit in your makeup bag or diaper bag, but contains enough product to last you for a while.

Plus I love the simple white package with coordinating color top.  One of those things that makes people ask what's that you're putting on when you pull it out of your bag.


Know what I mean?

Find it online at korresusa.com.


Jennifer

PS stay tuned for a special offer from Korres to be announced a little later!

save the date...la mer and fashion's night out

Speaking of La Mer...

Be sure to join La Mer for the ultra fabulous Vogue Fashion’s Night Out on September 10th at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City.

For the first time ever, Robin Shandler, Executive Director of Global Product Development, The Max Huber Research Labs, will be on hand to personally answer questions while guests enjoy signature La Mer skincare and Skincolor treatments. Shop, pamper yourself and discover the miraculous benefits that have made La Mer a true beauty legend.

When?

Thursday, September 10th 2009 from 7:00 to 10:00 PM.

Where?

The Cosmetics Floor at Saks Fifth Avenue located at 611 Fifth Avenue in NYC.

You can thank me later.

Jennifer

la mer the radiant concealer

Something I am dying to try...La Mer The Radiant Concealer SPF 25 ($65)...being that I love pretty much anything La Mer.

It's described as a lightweight cream-to-powder concealer and it's formulated to instantly camouflage and ease imperfections using tourmaline and malachite gemstones.

A unique polymer mesh technology is said to help with application, so that it won't crease and look all cakey like some other concealers on the market.

Having an SPF 25 isn't a bad idea either.

Is it a splurge?

In a word...yes.

But, it does come with its own brush and you should only need a little to do the job. Both of which means that it should last you a while at least.

Plus a concealer that can do all this would be worth its weight in gold in my book.

I honestly haven't tried this, but next chance I get to check this out I'll definitely let you know.

For more info, try lamer.com or your local Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, or Saks Fifth Avenue.


Jennifer

aveda foot relief

This has to be my favorite foot care product of all time.

Aveda Foot Relief ($19) is an unassuming little powerhouse when it comes to making your feet as smooth as a baby's bottom.

Spread on your tootsies at night, you don't even have to use socks on top if you don't want to.

By morning it's silky city...population you.

I've even smeared the extra cream on my hands and by dawn, those are fabulous too.

My suggestion?

Get thee to an Aveda store check it out.  Or you can try aveda.com if there isn't one in your area.

You'll thank me later.


Jennifer

the chanel jade nail collection

I have Christine to thank for turning me into a nail polish addict...thanks sweetie.

Loving these colors, but I am totally going to be boring for a second and say that I would probably only wear the pinky color.

Sorry all of you color adventurers out there.

Here's the scoop on the new Jade Nail Collection from CHANEL...

Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, created the Jade Nail Collection with two limited edition nail enamels in sure-to-be-coveted colors “Jade” and “Jade Rose” for the Ready-to-Wear Autumn/Winter 2009-2010 runway show. These mineral-inspired shades transform the nails into genuine gems and recall the jade jewelry and the pink knit and pistachio tweed of the fashion collection.

“For the nails, Karl wanted a green shade to evoke the jade notes of the collection. I worked with our laboratories to offer him a monochromatic palette of 10 green shades. We chose the color that most resembled the green tweed skirt suit from the collection,” explains Peter Philips.

Where can you find these you ask?

I shall tell you...er...I say.

You'll be able to get your hands on these September 10th at the CHANEL Soho Boutique in New York City in celebration of Vogue’s Fashion Night Out.

For the rest of us who can't be in NYC, you'll be able to pick them up starting the 11th of September, for limited time mind you, exclusively at chanel.com, CHANEL Makeup Studios and CHANEL boutiques for $25 each.

FYI, from the buzz that I've been hearing, you might want to pick these up right away if you like them. I don't think that they'll last long.

Just my two cents.


Jennifer

crest enamel shield giveaway

Last week I reviewed all the new Crest goodies and now we have a great giveaway! Five lucky readers will each receive the Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield toothpaste and rinse and the Oral-B CrossAction Pro-Health toothbrush. Details for the giveaway....as always, send us an email at beautyinreallifecontests@gmail.com with "Crest Enamel Shield Giveaway" in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address.

We will randomly select five winners September 20th at 11pm est. The winners will be announced on Monday, the 21st!

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 September 20th at 11:00 PM EST to enter.

Good luck!!



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 Crest 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 prize(s) mentioned. Duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. Giveaway sponsored by Crest. Some restrictions may apply. Open only to US residents only...sorry. Entries will be accepted through 11:00 pm on Sunday, September 20th, 2009.

beauty news...kim kardashian to launch new scent

Kim Kardashian...who I imagine does full-on makeup even if she goes to (let's say) the grocery store...is about to create a new scent with beauty firm Lighthouse Beauty.

Women’s Wear Daily reports that the reality star has inked the deal and her first fragrance is expected to launch in spring 2010.

Kim says...

Collaborating with Lighthouse Beauty was a really creative, innovative process. What’s’ so different about their approach is that they have worked so closely with me on all aspects of my fragrance, the bottle, the juice...so I can develop a product that truly represents me and speaks to my fans....the fragrance really captures who I am.

Um...no comment here.

For more news on everything fashion and beauty, head on over to wwd.com.


Jennifer

save the date...bergdorf goodman's fashion's night out

Honestly, if you live or plan on being in the NYC area on September 10th, you'd be insane not to take part in Fashion's Night Out.

I'll be updating you on some of the other fabulous events taking place, but here's one from Bergdorf Goodman to tide you over.

(click to enlarge)

If you do attend, please let me know how it goes, as I'll be home...burning up with envy.


Jennifer

kiehl's sunflower color preserving collection

I'm what you might call a hair product junkie.

It's taken me a while to find things I love and I generally tend to stick with it, but it's hard to not stray when there are so many hair products out there for the trying.

What makes it even easier to stray, is the amount of samples that we get for testing.

Truth be told though, it generally takes me a while to work up the nerve to test out a shampoo and conditioner...I mean who wants to walk around with bad hair all day?

I found samples of these in the back of my beauty closet one day and decided to give them a shot. Not too hard to do being I've tried Kiehl's shampoos and conditioners in the past and loved the hell out of them

Kiehl's has stepped it up a notch by jumping into the color-protecting market with their new line and it's actually pretty great.

The line...consisting of a shampoo, conditioner, and a masque...is formulated without sulfates, silicones or parabens, and is said to help repair any damage caused by chemical processing.

I have to say that they all made my hair feel conditioned and silky.

The Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo ($18) cleaned gently without stripping and their Sunflower Color Preserving Conditioner ($19) detangled my hair well and made it feel soft.

After using their Silk Groom Serum ($17.50) on my damp hair before blow drying, my hair looked fabulous.

No static or flyaways there.

The masque...labeled as their Sunflower Color Preserving Deep Recovery Pak ($25)...was perfect for a once a week treatment, but I could see someone using this more than once a week if their hair was super dry from damage.

You can find Kiehl's products online at kiehls.com and at any free standing Kiehl's store. If you live near a Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, or Neiman Marcus you can check them out there as well.


Jennifer

crest enamel shield

Recently Crest came out with a new line of toothbrushes, toothpaste and mouthwash. The line is Enamel Shield and the whole idea is that a lot of things we eat that contain acid and that acid wears away the enamel on our teeth, which can in turn lead to a whole world of tooth problems (ie., irreversible enamel loss, which can lead to larger issues such as cavities, sensitivity, veneers, dentures and even oral surgery).

The toothpaste in the Enamel Shield line (Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield toothpaste) contains something called Stannous Fluoride, which binds to enamel to create a micro-thin shield against acid attack. It also contains finer ActivClean Crystals™ for a smoother brushing experience and Dual Silica Technology for gentle cleaning. Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield toothpaste is available in Fresh Mint flavor and ranges from around $1.00 to $4.25, depending on which size you purchase.

Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield rinse is available in Fresh Clean Mint Flavor ($4.59). Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield rinse, a complement to the toothpaste, helps strengthen enamel to protect against acid attack caused by plaque bacteria. It contains Sodium Fluoride, which helps prevent cavities without the burn of alcohol.

The Oral-B^® CrossAction^® PRO-HEALTH Manual toothbrush is available for around $4.50, as well. The toothbrush combines CrissCross bristles, gum stimulators and a textured tongue and cheek cleaner to make one great toothbrush.

So what did I think of the line?

Well...I didn't particularly enjoy the toothpaste. Although I have to say my mouth and teeth felt insanely clean afterwards. My downfall with the toothpaste was the taste/texture. There are actually very few toothpaste flavors I can handle and also when I was testing this I was in the middle of some very bad morning sickness so who knows if it really is the toothpaste's fault. My husband loves it. He also tried the the mouthwash, but I did not try it since of what happened with the toothpaste. The one thing I am loving from the line is the toothbrush. I normally use an electric toothbrush, but hate to travel with it, but I equally hate traveling without it. Manual toothbrushes never seem to achieve the same level of clean that I am now use too. This toothbrush does. My teeth feel clean almost as long as if I had used my electric one.

Check out crestprohealth.com for more info. All products can be found anywhere you can find Crest products.


Christine

beauty deal of the week...lorac

We haven't done one of these in a while...so here you go...

(click to enlarge image)

LORAC's new VIP Starter Set is just $18.50 on loraccosmetics.com. It contains 10 beauty essentials which will definitely supply you with look after look.

It's an absolute steal considering it has a retail value of over $160!

You're welcome.


Jennifer

dove heat defense hair products

Fall is just around the corner and with it comes the cooler and drier weather...hey trust me, no complaints here, I am totally sick of the summer heat.

Also fall tends to be the time that I break out the flat iron more often and get a workout from the blow dryer.

Translation?

Need some heat protection ASAP.

Just in time comes Dove Heat Defense Shampoo, Conditioner, and Dove Heat Defense Therapy Mist. I actually tested these out and I can say that I was pleasantly surprised.

The shampoo and conditioner left my hair conditioned without feeling weighed down. Plus my hair felt great after a drying and straightening session...it also smelled fab too in case you're wondering.

You can pick these up for under $5 each at Target, Walmart, and your local drugstore...definitely easy on the wallet. You can also try online at drugstore.com.


Jennifer

natural eye kit by too faced

First off, I am totally not the chick that you are going to catch wearing fuchsia eyeshadow.

That just ain't gonna happen.

No offense to those that do...if that's your thing then work it...but for me...I don't think so. Could you imagine me picking up my son from preschool with some insane color on my face? They would look at me like I was nuts and I would instantly be labeled as that mom.

No thanks.

That's why something like this Too Faced Natural Eye Kit ($34) is so genius and just all around perfect for me.

The colors are natural and neutral, essential for daytime or anytime really and...dare I say it...perfect for a mom on-the-go.

What's cool too is that they actually added cards to help you achieve a day look, a classic look, and a fashion look.

Each one taking about five minutes to do.

Plus the price makes it a no-brainer. You get 9 different colors in the kit, which makes it about $3.75 a shadow.

Not bad huh?

Check out toofaced.com, for more info or to purchase.


Jennifer