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MBB Dailies

CEW 2013 Annual Beauty Awards

May 22nd, 2013

 

~And the winners are….

Friday, CEW held its 19th Annual Beauty Insiders’ Choice Awards. if you remember, last year I was a presenter at this prestigious award ceremony held at the Waldorf Astoria.



Before announcing the winning products, I want to reemphasize that the CEW Beauty Awards is the only awards program in which the winners are determined exclusively by beauty industry professionals, CEW’s 5,500+ members who know the best in beauty. 185 finalists were selected from more than 650 entries. The CEW Beauty Awards exemplify the industry’s highest recognition for manufacturers and brands, and serve as a trusted guide for consumers to the most innovative new products for the year. All the winning products will receive the CEW stamp of approval, which will be displayed on the outside of the product package.

“With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging for consumers to distinguish between them,” says Carlotta Jacobson, President of CEW. “A CEW Beauty Award seal stands for the best innovations in beauty, helping consumers make informed decisions when purchasing a product.”

Now on to the winning list....

BATH AND BODY
Bath and Body Mass
Eucerin - Professional Repair Lotion Extremely Dry Skin Lotion

Bath and Body Prestige
Bliss - Fatgirlsixpack

SKINCARE
Acne Treatment
GLAMGLOW, Inc. - Super-mud Clearing Treatment

Anti-Aging Mass
Avon - Anew Clinical Pro Line Eraser Treatment A-F33

Anti-Aging Prestige
philosophy - Full of Promise Treatment Duo for Uplifting Days and Volumizing Nights

Cleanser & Scrub
Fresh, Inc. - Rose Cleansing Foam

Eye Treatment Mass
L'Oréal Paris - Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment

Eye Treatment Prestige
Lancôme - Génifique Eye Light-Pearl

Lip Treatment
Fresh, Inc. - Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy

Moisturizer Mass
Neutrogena Corporation - Naturals Multi-vitamin Nourishing Moisturizer

Moisturizer Prestige
Clinique - Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator

Skincare Tools
NuFACE - Trinity Skin Boosting System with Microcurrent and Red LED

Sun Product
Elizabeth Arden - Prevage Triple Defense Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 50+++

HAIR
Hair Care Product
Ojon™- Rare Blend Oil Total Hair Therapy

Hair Coloring Product
Rita Hazan New York - Foaming Color Gloss in Tones Down Brassiness

Hair Styling Product
Ojon™ - Super Sleek Restorative Blowout Perfector

MAKEUP
Eye Product Mass
Maybelline New York - The Mega Plush Mascara by Volum' Express Mascara

Eye Product Prestige
Dior Beauty - Diorshow New Look Mascara

Face Product Mass
Sonia Kashuk for Target® - Chic Luminosity Bronzer in Goddess

Face Product Prestige
Smashbox Cosmetics - Photo Finish More Than Primer Dark Spot Correcting

Lip Product Mass
Sonia Kashuk for Target® - Satin Luxe Lip Color with SPF 16

Lip Product Prestige
Dior Beauty - Addict Extreme Lipstick

MEN'S GROOMING
Jack Black - Dry Erase® Ultra-calming Face Cream

NAIL PRODUCT
Sally Hansen - Salon Insta-gel Strips™

SCENT
Men's Scent
Viktor & Rolf- Spicebomb
Perfumer- IFF

Women's Scent Mass
Coty - Closer by Halle Berry
Perfumer- Firmenich

Women's Scent Prestige
Coty Inc. - Dot Marc Jacobs
Perfumer- Firmenich


INDIE BEAUTY AWARD
Julep™

ECO BEAUTY AWARD*
* Sponsored by Givaudan and vetted by The Natural Step
Nourish | Organic Food For Healthy Skin

QVC BEAUTY QUEST AWARD
Neydharting Moor

BEST SELLER MASS
L’Orèal Paris Colour Riche Nail

BEST SELLER PRESTIGE
Estée Lauder Perfectionist [CP+R] Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum

BEST SELLER FRAGRANCE
Lancôme La Vie est Belle

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What I’m Loving Right Now

May 21st, 2013

 

CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm

This Gloss Balm adds a sheer wash of color, but delivers loads of moisturizing benefits to your lips. Even after the color wears off, my lips still benefit from the balm that has penetrated the area. Lightweight for summer, this is the perfect lip product to throw in your bag when you hit the beach, picnic at the park or run around from one sport to the next.

The color I am loving is Toffee Twist and it's only $6.99! Check it out the next time you are in Target Stores.

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Yes To Carrots Natural SPF Giveaway

May 15th, 2013

 

Starts today!

Today marks the start of Yes to’s Go Natural SPF Giveaway! 5,555 lucky Facebook fans will have the chance to win samples and full sized products of the NEW Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30.

All you need to do is like them on Facebook, and you can score ONE of 555 full size bottles or ONE of 5000 sample size Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 products.

It will be a fun gamble!

Just log on to Yes to’s facebook page to be entered to win

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Summer Essentials

May 14th, 2013

 

-A limited edition collection

Clarisonic is introducing a limited edition set to enhance your natural glow, while protecting and hydrating the skin with a combination of this season’s favorite products. This collection features it all from exfoliating, protecting to glowifying, so I would hurry and check it out in stores, STAT!

The Summer Essentials Sun Set features:
· Clarisonic® Plus Sonic Cleansing Brush in Passion Fruit cleanses six times better than your hands alone. Patented sonic technology moving at 300+ micro-massage movements per second is safe for use twice a day. Features a Sensitive Brush Head, trial-size cleanser, Body Brush Head and trial-size Refining Skin Polish. Use the Clarisonic® Plus Sonic Cleansing Brush’s sonic technology to prep skin for a smooth, even sunless tan.
· Supergoop! ® City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30 is an anti-aging, lightweight broad-spectrum sunscreen serum that protects from visible signs of aging through a combination of highly effective sun filters and antioxidants.
· The set also includes: Dr. Dennis Gross™ Alpha Beta® Glow Pad™ for Face and Body, Xen-Tan® Moroccan Tan and Kate Somerville® 360° Tan Maximizer.

Price/Availability: $225 (a $300 value) available exclusively at Nordstrom Stores.

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Winners of the Mother’s Day Giveaway

May 13th, 2013

 

Did your name make the list?

WOW, my skin is just loving the Dr. Teal's Olive Oil Bath & Body Treatment! I am not sure which I enjoy more the way my skin smells or how soft it is. Anyway you five readers will also be able to love the product as well.

-CJ Reeves, New York
-Teresa Grant, Texas
-Cathy McIvor
-Joyce Wagner, Oklahoma
-Ellen

Enjoy!

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Happy Mother’s Day Giveaway

May 10th, 2013

 

~Dr. Teal’s pampers moms everywhere.

Expecting Moms, Moms and even Grand-moms sure deserve an applause for all that they do! From early in the morning until their head hits the pillow in the evening- and most working overtime throughout the night- the job is never done, 24-hours a day. Many of us don't expect much more than love and respect in return--- as well as a hug and kiss, but we do LOVE to pamper ourselves.

It could be in the simplest form, a manicure or pedicure, a 15-minute neck massage or even great bath products in the shower. It all feels like a treat, which is why I want to share Dr. Teal's newest additions that any mom could use, Ultra Moisturizing Body Wash Soothe & Sleep with Lavender and Olive Oil Bath & Body Treatment. Besides smelling spa-tastic, and most importantly soothing, they put you in a relaxing mood even when your day is chaotic. Taking a few minutes in the evening to indulge in a bath or if time doesn't permit just use it in the shower and let the steam combine with the scent for a sensory moment that will help get you ready for bed.

And when you are done with your bath, use the Dr. Teal's Olive Oil Bath & Body Treatment to add new life to your skin. Besides smelling clean and fresh, this formula is so sheer it absorbs into your skin immediately leaving it soft and well-conditioned.

And to ALL you INCREDIBLY Special Mother's ---- Happy Mother's Day! Please do something special for yourself, even if it is spending a moment to read the Sunday paper with no interruptions!



GIVEAWAY: Now FIVE lucky readers can WIN a bottle of this incredible Dr. Teal's Olive Oil! All you need to do is send me an email at susan@mybeautyberry.com, add Olive Oil in the subject. I'll pick the winners on Mother's Day. Deadline: 5/12 at Midnight, EST.

Dr. Teal's Products can be found at Wal-Mart, most products are under $8.00!





Are you new to My Beautyberry? If so, sign-up by emailing your address to susan@mybeautyberry.com> (it's FREE) to ensure you receive all beauty news updates, giveaways and special discounted offers.

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Neutrogena Winners

May 9th, 2013

 

The FIVE lucky readers are…

WINNERS of the NEUTROGENA Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

1. Kathleen Murphy, Garden City, NY
2. Sandy Gay, Los Angeles, CA
3. Debbie Hughes, Flagstaff, AZ
4. Jules Lawrence, Beaufort, NC
5. Amy Truong, Alhambra, CA

Thank you to all who participated. Tune in tomorrow for a special Mother's Day Giveaway.

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Support This Important Cause with Just a Click

May 6th, 2013

 

SkinCeuticals teams up for safety.

As I mentioned in today's Beautyflash, May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and in honor of this SkinCeuticals has teamed up with celebrities and influencers including Top Chef host, Padma Lakshmi, fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff, NHL star, Sean Avery and more to educate people on the startling statistics and prevention surrounding melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. For every view, SkinCeuticals will donate $1 to the Melanoma Research Alliance.

VIEW Video by Clicking here.

And for entertainment, view this one with its funny outtakes.


Now back to serious business and some startling facts.

THE FACTS: Below are the latest stats from Melanoma Research Alliance:
o Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer
o 1 person dies every hour in the US from melanoma
o More than 76,000 Americans are diagnosed with Melanoma each year
o 99% of skin cancer patients survive with early detection


THE RESPONSE: has been strong from skin care companies who want to help educate the consumer. Therefore, L’Oreal Paris is giving $1 for each bottle sold from their Sublime Sun SPF Collection to the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), and have partnered on a three year grant with MRA for further research to find a cure.
SkinCeuticals, another line owned by L'Oreal Paris is releasing the above PSA-Style video that takes a light hearted approach to a very serious issue and will be sponsoring free skincare checks at locations across the country. Find participating doctors at SkinCeuticals.com/prevent; The brand will also donate $1 to the MRA for every video view, so please watch and share.

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Don’t Look Like Ooompa Loopa When you Self Tan

May 2nd, 2013

 

- Trust me it happens to the best of us, even me.

Readers, this is what you don't want to look like when you attempt your self-tan this weekend. I had a slightly mirror image of this during the week, and I thought I knew everything there is to know about self-tanning. But even I got Orange!

Other than the normal recommended tips:
- Exfoliate before you begin
- Apply self-tanner in bright light
- Lighten up the product around the knees, elbows, feet and hands
- Wash hands, nails thoroughly

I would also remind you of the following- use the lightest shade even if you have medium tone skin. And if you have fair skin cut the amount in half for first time use. It has been a long winter and for many of us our skin has not come out of hiding even though it is May. Start slow, and keep building lightly until you get your desired look. And, if you need to look glowing and tan by Saturday, don't do this on Friday night. Start earlier in the week and alternate days by adding to the color. And before you apply a second layer, exfoliate again. By Saturday you will have your desired look!

A product line that I recommend starting with is the Jergens Natural Glow collection. This extensive line definitely will capture your the shade you need. It also has been relaunched and offers a pioneering odor-blocking technology so no more stinky smell!

Your skin is beckoning to get its glow on, get prepared to show some skin the healthy way!

Available at mass retailers and pharmacies nationwide.

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Last Week’s Winners Are Announced

April 29th, 2013

 

Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Super Keratin Spray

The THREE lucky winners from last week's giveaway are listed below. Congratulations and thank you all for entering.

-Lisa Conrad, Connecticut
-Michelle Castagne, California
-Lois Jean Wilde, Texas

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How Do You See Yourself

April 25th, 2013

 

~Dove’s new ad campaign.

I bet the way you see yourself is quite different from the way others do. We are our worst critics, and when it comes to empowering our self-image, chances are we don't do a good job at it. Our friends and even strangers offer the truth, and they aren't even generous, they tell you like it is, and well, let's just say we have a hard time believing that we are beautiful, we are intelligent, we are great friends. Well Dove is empowering women once again, and teaching us a vital lesson about how we view ourselves compared to how others see us.

Dove has hired a forensic artist from the San Jose police department and had him meet a series of women and asked each to describe the way they look. He had no way of seeing them behind a curtain. He prompted them to detail everything: hair length, facial structure, their most prominent features. He then sketched each participant from their self-description.

Each woman was asked before the study to get to know one of the other participants. The forensic artist then prompted each woman to describe the other's face. At the end of the video, the artist shares two sketches — one from the participant itself, one from their partner. The differences are amazing, see for yourself how hard we are on ourselves.



Here's what Dove had to say:

"Women are their own worst beauty critics," Dove says. "Only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful ... we decided to conduct a compelling social experiment that explores how women view their own beauty in contrast to what others see."

Here's what I have to say:
"You have one lifetime to love yourself. Be kind, be generous to yourself, praise yourself, if you don't do it, no one else will--- be your own best friend."~ Susan

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Caldrea Winners

April 23rd, 2013

 

Are you a lucky reader?

The five readers won WON the Caldrea Coconut & Fig rollerball are:

Rebecca Ker, Washington
Nancy Connolly- still waiting to for your address:)
Carol Pacelli, Arizona
Regina Davenport, New York
Pamela Lucas, Illinois

This week another great giveaway is being planned, stay tuned!

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Caldrea is Not Only for the Kitchen Sink

April 15th, 2013

 

Amazing scent GIVEAWAY!

Caldrea has now expanded and treating our body to some fancy aromatherapeutic formulations, which are free of phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, sulfates, DEA and artificial colors.

The lineup, which is launching in stores now, includes body wash, bar soap, body lotion, body crème, body oil and perfume. Besides looking chic next to your sink you can now move them into your bathroom and treat your skin from head to toe. I am loving the body oil and love the way it quickly absorbs into my skin after I shower. I even have a bottle of Tea Olive Lime sitting sink side so my dishpan hands can benefit from a little extra care. But the one I am most excited to try as summer is approaching is Coconut Fig Leaf. This scent captures the essence of European summers in its delicate notes of figs and sweet coconut. I am giving away FIVE Coconut Fig Leaf Rollerball bottles to you my luck readers. ENTER NOW by emailing me at susan@mybeautyberry.com and add Caldrea in the SUBJECT--- CONTEST IS NOW OVER. Thanks!


Prices range from $10 for the bar soap to $28 to the body crème and body oil. The perfume is $18 for a .25 fl. oz. rollerball bottle.

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A Scary Statistic…

April 11th, 2013

 

Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion

Did you know?

We’re losing about 1% of our collagen every year starting at age twenty – a staggering statistic! Collagen is one of the most important components in the human body, and is responsible for the strength, flexibility and elasticity of the skin, so the more collagen we lose, the more fine lines and wrinkles appear. I've been using Dr. Murad’s latest collagen-boosting treatment, Rapid Collagen Infusion, and have noticed a difference. My skin looks smoother, well hydrated and I do hope it is helping rebuild collagen!

It contains a unique botanical complex that encourages the skin’s own collagen production while helping maintain healthy hydration levels to plump skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles, providing not only long term benefits, but also the instant gratification of an immediate plumping effect – it is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 2 hours, yes, I know short activating time brings up a falsified thought, but I like to think, if it makes my skin look good in two hours it must be doing something right!

How it works:

· Collagen Support Complex boosts skin’s resilience and plumps dehydrated skin to reduce wrinkle depth appearance
· Winged Kelp smoothes skin by fostering natural collagen and elastin
· Cellular Hydro-Lock® with Apple and Lentil Seed Extracts plumps skin and helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles

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Light The Way

April 1st, 2013

 

Aveda’s annual spark.

This year Aveda Light the Way Candle is inspired from Madagascar and is blended with one hundred percent certified organic essential oils including vanilla, cinnamon and ylang-ylang, all sourced from Madagascar. And an extra special touch is the carton that the candle sits in is decorated with artwork made by students of the Association School in Ampasimanjeva, Madagascar, a village that has received two Global Greengrants Fund grants for water projects. The children, who previously had drunk from a dirty, crocodile-infested river, created drawings to show how their lives changed after the community built a safe community water source close to home.

And what makes this extra special is Aveda donates one hundred percent of the purchase price from Light the Way Candle to Global Greengrants Fund, a non-profit organization that channels high-impact grants to grassroots groups working to solve pressing environmental problems. Aveda and Global Greengrants Fund have worked together for more than six years, focusing since 2007 on funding clean-water projects.

This month when you pass an Aveda counter or if you should stop into their store, pick up this Light the Way Candle for only $12.00! You are doing so much for so little!

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Common Skincare Misconceptions as the Weather Gets Warmer

March 26th, 2013

 

Dr. David Bank’s Top Tips

As Spring and Summer slowly approach and with the change of the seasons also comes a change in your beauty routine. Dr. Bank, Founder and Director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery explains how to take the best care of your skin, and clears up common misconceptions the general public may not be aware of.

SUNSCREEN APPLICATION
It’s not just about wearing sunscreen- it’s about applying it correctly! Skin that is not protected by clothing should be generously covered with about an ounce of sunscreen (the equivalent of a standard shot glass), and it should be applied at least every two hours. According to one survey done by the Skin Cancer Foundation, the majority of people used half the required amount and another survey proved that sixty percent of men believed that this would protect them for at least four hours.

AVOID SKIN IRRITATIONS
Every woman wants to look her best while lounging on the beach or by the pool, but take note when it comes to shaving. A common mistake that many women make is to shave or wax immediately before they plan to go to the beach. This will backfire as coming into contact with products after hair removal can irritate the skin, especially if it is sensitive. “I recommend shaving or waxing the day or night before”, states Dr. Bank.

STAY MOISTURIZED
Skin can be dry in the winter, but this can happen in the summer too. “Sun exposure sucks moisture from your skin,” says Dr. Bank. Especially after a day on the beach, sand, salt water and the sun have a definite drying effect, so, perhaps keep a few of your thicker moisturizers around. Also, remember to moisturize from the inside out by drinking plenty of water.

FIGHT BREAKOUTS
It’s a common misconception that sun exposure will dry up acne; however, this is not the case. Don’t disregard using acne fighting products such as salicylic acid cleansers. Chances are that skin will be clogged during the summer months due to an increase in sweating and sunscreen use. However becareful when you use them as some can have an adverse reaction with your skin and cause redness. It is best to use them at night before bedtime.

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A Greasy Hair Day

March 25th, 2013

 

- a styling mishap.

The other morning I was in a hurry, I had to shower, wash my hair and be out the door in less than 45 mins (this includes time to walk my dog who loves to take his time to do his business when he knows I am in a hurry).

I toweled dried my hair and sprayed - a little or so I thought- silicone product onto my hair before blow drying. As I am styling my hair, I notice it doesn't look as if it is drying, and the more I put the heat directly on my hair, I now definitely notice it is dry, and what I have is the case of the greases! Ugh! I can't remember the last this happen, probably back in grammar school when I didn't properly wash my hair and I took the lax approach, and no I wasn't that kid who never showered just one bad hair day. Ugh, gross!

Well-lubed locks might look good on the runway or give you a hair-raising flashback to early '90s rockers, but it wasn't working for me today. So how does one clean up their act in 30-seconds or less? Thank goodness for dry shampoo and a low hanging ponytail. Phew, saved!

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RELIABLE Beauties

March 20th, 2013

 

~Highlighted at the Beauty Benefit Event

Every year when Pawfection and I hold the Beauty Benefit for Rescuzilla, the dog rescue group, my trusty friends and fans share their experiences with beauty products. I use this time to learn from them what worked and didn’t, while scoring some of my favorite brands to sell and impress my friends.

This year in skin care, I made sure to have the following favorites of mine for recommended product purchases:



RoC Correxion Deep Wrinkle Day and Night Cream
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair
Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Serum
Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub
Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit line
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Line

For hair, Garnier Fructis shampoo and conditioners and TreSemme are sure buys along with any new Moroccan repair oils, so Suave Professional Moroccan Infusion Line was a favorite.


Cosmetics is more personal and foundations are always a tough sell even at an event like this, but lip products in sheer glosses, the newer pencil form and full coverage lipsticks are always a big HIT and everyone wants a new shade for spring.


Nail color, nail stencils are a no-fail purchase for daughters and moms alike, and this year Sally Hansen, Maybelline’s Color Show and L’Oreal Colour Riche Nail Color were colorful additions to our selling table!



If you are looking to donate, you can still contact Rescuzilla and please know $5.00, $10.00, or more goes a long way!

Thank you.

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L’Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur WINNERS

March 18th, 2013

 

Three lucky readers made the list.

Congratulations to the following readers:

-Debbie Bretton, Florida
-Regina Sanders, Tennessee
-Holly Cunningham

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L’Oreal’s NEWEST On-line GALAXY

March 15th, 2013

 

LorealParisUSA.com

Samsung may have closed out Radio City the other night to showcase their newest Galaxy, while L'Oreal Paris has raised the beauty quotient a power or two digitally. Technologically is driving beauty and L'Oreal Paris has designed more clicks to capture your interest.

LOrealParisUSA.com is the first major beauty site to be responsively designed for all devices – meaning users will experience a uniform, easy-to-navigate site whether they log on from their desktop, mobile phone or tablet. The site seamlessly transitions, instantly reformatting to provide users with a premium on-the-go experience, no matter when, where or how they choose to engage.

L'Oreal Paris has complete personalization in mind and will help find your signature beauty looks. It shares product and content recommendations based on stated characteristics, individual preferences and observed behavior. The site “remembers” this information, ultimately following each registered user’s journey across devices. For example, if a user selects “green eyes” from her desktop computer, the site will suggest complementary cosmetic products and educational content on her phone while she’s in the drugstore aisle.

There are many highlights to the site, so I invite you to dabble and play, but one area I like is MY BEAUTY PICKS. Programmed to recognize and respond to all types of beauty preferences, LOrealParisUSA.com helps women identify the right products, regimens and looks for us based on our individual characteristics and style preferences. I despise surveys, the new site offers a highly-visual dashboard that allows users to enter your personal information, easily. If I feel glamorous one day but adventurous the next, I can easily change my style preference to receive updated product picks and information. And, I am a weather fanatic so this is an added bonus, LOrealParisUSA.com even registers the current weather forecast and shares product suggestions and expert tips for fighting frizz on a rainy day or preventing a makeup meltdown in the heat.

Other features to explore is a BEAUTY LIBRARY, which shares beauty trends and how-to's.

And even more interesting, L’Oréal Paris teamed up with AOL to ensure LOrealParisUSA.com is providing up-to-the minute, trend-focused beauty editorial. This exclusive partnership includes content creation and syndication on AOL StyleList’s “Beauty Bar” – a dedicated section of the site that will include L’Oréal Paris-driven articles, how-to videos and slideshows.

And lastly, every technology has its GENIUS, and L'Oreal Paris has a special GENIUS TOOLS & CONSULTATION feature that highlights expert advice from L’Oréal Paris’ roster of consulting beauty pros – including makeup artist Billy B., hair stylist Johnny Lavoy, dermatologist Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, nail expert Tom Bachik and hair colorist Christophe Robin. This section of the site also includes diagnostic tools for picking the right skincare regimen or perfect shade of hair color.

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POND’s WINNER

March 13th, 2013

 

One luck reader is announced.

Cathy McIvor is the lucky reader who will receive a collection of POND's!

Thank you to all who submitted their names..... more this week. Stay tuned.

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The BIG Pencil is Back

March 12th, 2013

 

And you are going to LOVE it.

These chunky lip pencils are hitting the lip scene and we are rejoicing and singing its praise. What makes this so fabulous is the ease in application, long wear color and variety of finishes. While there are several different finishes — including Gloss, Satin and Matte, the latter offers a sophisticated layer of color that isn't drying. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, $25, is one of my favorites, (specifically shades Bahama and Bettna) and Sally Hansen's new Colorfast Tint + Moisture Balm offers a sheerer layer of color perfect for the upcoming months that hydrates lips and offers a tint of color. Nude and Natural and Get Mauve'n are currently on my hot list and they are only $4.99, but there are eight other shades to choose from. Launching now at mass retailers nationwide.

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Mark Your Calendar for : A BEAUTY EVENT- March 11th

March 6th, 2013

 

~To benefit Rescuzilla a dog rescue group.

I have been collecting labeling and getting very excited to sponsor along with Pawfection Pet Grooming our FOURTH Annual Beauty Event. This year we are hosting it over at Indulgence Blow Dry Lounge in Mount Kisco where the stylists there are graciously offering $30 blowouts (ALL Proceeds being donated to Rescuzilla Dog Rescue Group). I also just scored BIG time and offering a Clarisonic MIA as the first prize raffle gift in addition to so many other wonderful items.

ALL beauty products have been marked down and updated - I SAVE the BEST for this wonderful event (100% of ALL SALES goes directly to Rescuzilla). Nothing lights me up than saving one dog so if I can save many, I'm on cloud nine. So please stop by if you can!

Any questions or to set-up a blowout appointment email me at susan@mybeautyberry.com

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Beauty Winner!

March 5th, 2013

 

Vaseline giveaway…

The lucky reader who will win the new Vaseline Spray Mist and $100 gift card is Cynthia Barnes from Plano, Texas.


Congratulations!

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Suave Winners

March 1st, 2013

 

Three lucky readers have been announced.

The WINNERS of the Suave products are:

-Nancy Champagne
-Mel Aberoni
-Jennifer Wattenbarger

Congratulations! Stay tuned for another fabulous giveaway and WIN a $100 giftcard.

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WIN The Hair Products Used on Amanda Seyfried at The Oscars

February 25th, 2013

 

~Courtesy of Suave Professionals

Celebrity stylist and responsible for many star studded hair looks at last night's Oscars, Jenny Cho, from Suave Professionals, dazzled Amanda Seyfried in an elegant updo.

Amanda's dress was elegant and her hair complemented this look. Cho says, “My inspiration for Amanda’s hairstyle was her beaded, high-neck gown. I felt it called for a beautiful, soft updo to complete the timeless red carpet look.”

Follow Cho's simple steps to recreate this look at home:

1. Apply Suave Professionals Captivating Curls Whipped Cream Mousse to wet hair from root to ends to help define and hold curls for 24-hours. Then layer a few drops of Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil from mid-shaft to ends to instantly condition hair without weighing it down for long lasting, silky shine.
2. Use a diffuser to dry hair, bringing out natural texture and waves. Once completely dry, mist Suave Professionals Touchable Finish Lightweight Hold Hairspray to the top front of hair to lock-in waves with weightless hold.
3. Gently tease hair at the crown with a wide tooth comb for instant volume.
4. Loosely pull the top and sides of hair into a mid-level bun (leaving the bottom free). Then, softly secure remaining bottom hair into the bun, hanging loosely above the nape of the neck and pin.
5. Finish by pulling out strands around the ears and loosening up the updo; mist Suave Professionals Touchable Finish Lightweight Hold Hairspray for touchably smooth hair.


I also found out that Jenny's must-haves at any Red Carpet styling session include her faves: the NEW Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil, Touchable Finish Lightweight Hold Hairspray and the Volumizing Root Boost Spray.
And now you can WIN these three products. MBB is giving away 3 sets. ENTER by sending an email to susan@mybeautyberry.com, include Suave Giveaway in the subject. I'll announce the winners later in the week. Deadline: Tonight at midnight, EST.

All Suave Professionals products mentioned are $2.69 - $5.98. Suave Professionals products are available at mass retailers, select drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

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Going For the Golden Glow

February 22nd, 2013

 

A $6.99 Fresh Glow

While Hollywood, celebrities and announcers are prepping, spraying and smearing on potions and formulas to get their skin glowing, I am excited to share a $6.99 product: NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator.

First, I was impressed with the whole NYX cosmetic line, beautiful shades for eyes, lips and face; in fact, I am still evaluating it now and plan to mention many more fabulous and affordable products.

But, I was really impressed with Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator. Don't get scared over the word "illuminator", I'll admit I was, and I am well aware that certain shimmers women over 40 should stay away from. This liquid is different, it offers a subtle gleam that gives you that candlelight glow or blur enhancing your skin and the peach/bronze tone lights up the face with freshness.

This product gets thumbs up, and in fact I'm on my way to reordering it now at ulta.com.

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Bobbi Brown Debuts Katie

February 20th, 2013

 

Checkout this debut.

The much anticipated Bobbi Brown ad campaign image featuring Bobbi Brown Cosmetics celebrity spokesperson Katie Holmes debuted yesterday at counters. Katie, wearing Bobbi's NEW Long-Wear Even Finish Compact Foundation in Natural, represents Bobbi’s philosophy of effortless natural beauty. Long-Wear Even Finish Compact Foundation is available in 20 shades for $46 at all Bobbi Brown Counters and on http://www.bobbibrown.com.

“I never want to look like I am wearing too much makeup, so this foundation evens out my skin, leaving it flawless and natural.” ~Katie Holmes

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Backstage: NY Fashion Week/Fall 2013

February 9th, 2013

 

The Beauty Look at Holmes & Yang

Bobbi Brown created a very demure, lady-like look at the Holmes & Yang presentation. Inspired by the 1940’s Katharine Hepburn, it features a lovely raspberry lip.

Here's what Bobbi had to say:
“Holmes & Yang loves a 1940’s look, ala a young Katharine Hepburn. Dewy faces and feminine raspberry stained lips provide a nice balance against the masculine textures of the collection.” – Bobbi Brown

Here are the products used to create the look:
Skin: Hydrating Face Cream ($55), Hydrating Eye Cream ($49)
Face: Luminous Moisturizing Foundation ($47), Creamy Concealer Kit ($33), Sheer Finish Pressed Powder ($36)
Eyes: Bobbi & Katie Palette ($68), Espresso Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($23), Extreme Party Mascara ($25)
Cheeks: Antigua Illuminating Bronzing Powder ($38)
Lips: Raspberry Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks ($25)

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Backstage Report: NY Fashion Week/Fall 2013

February 9th, 2013

 

The Beauty Look at CARMEN MARC VALVO

NARS created the look for Carmen Marc Valvo runway show. The lead artist is James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry, and says "the collection is baroque with a punk edge, so we wanted the makeup to have that same feeling," says Boehmer. "The eyeliner is a reference to a classic eyeline, but with a punk spirit, so it’s not perfect, not delicate. The skin is very luminous; we talked about the girls looking slightly haunted, but in a pretty way."

Below are the key products used to create the exclusive look:

FACE
· Multi-Action Hydrating Toner
· Luminous Moisture Cream
· Total Replenishing Eye Cream
· Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturizer
· Concealer
· Copacabana / Luxor Multiple (Maldives Multiple / Nepal Single Eyeshadow for darker skin)
· Sheer Glow Foundation

EYES
· Mambo Eyeliner Pencil
· Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil
· Black Valley Eye Paint (New for Fall 2013)
Available: US - September 1 2013 / Global - October 1 2013
For a similar effect, try Carpates Eyeliner Stylo
· Copacabana / Luxor Multiple (Maldives Multiple / Nepal Single Eyeshadow for darker skin)
· Himalayas Single Eyeshadow
· Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow
· Larger Than Life Volumizng Mascara
· Triple X Lip Gloss (applied to eyelids)

LIPS
· Sheer Glow Foundation
· Salsa Lip Liner Pencil
· Snow Loose Powder
· Belle de Jour Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
· Madère Pure Matte Lipstick
· Luxembourg Satin Lip Pencil (New for Spring 2013)
Available: US - March 15, 2013 / Global - April 1 2013
For a similar effect, try Mexican Rose Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil


All products, except where noted, are available at http://www.narscosmetics.com.

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NY Fashion Week Update- Fall 2013

February 9th, 2013

 

Nails at BCBG

Nails rocked the runway as OPI kicked off New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center, creating unique nail looks at BCBG. Edgy to say the least, nails were dark, semi-matte and polished to perfection.The models took the runway wearing OPI’s Black Onyx topped with one coat of OPI’s Matte Nail Envy to achieve this look.

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NY Fashion Week Update- Fall 2013

February 9th, 2013

 

The Beauty Look at Monika Chiang

See below.


























Below is the beauty look from Monika Chiang’s New York Fashion Week Fall 2013 presentation, created using Lancôme.

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NY Fashion Week Update- Fall 2013

February 9th, 2013

 

Nails at Nicole Miller.

butter LONDON’s Global Colour Ambassador, Katie Hughes, created three nail looks for Nicole Miller's F/W 2013 Collection. Inspired by tomboys, Nicole's collection was a nod to girls who dress like boys. The below look is a little rought, yet sweet.

Katie used Royal Navy with Wallis layered on top to created a metallic look.

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NY Fashion Week Update- Fall 2013

February 9th, 2013

 

Hair at Jason Wu.

Chic, shiny, adorned and up was the message sent by Odile Gilbert for Kérastase Paris. Follow these steps to get the look.

- Start by creating a center part on damp hair; divide hair into three sections – two forward of the ears and one on the back of the head

- Take the back section and divide it horizontally

- Apply CIment Thermique to the lower back section and create a tight braid, wrapping it around the back of the head and pinning it to create an anchor for the hair style

- Pull the front left section forward, towards the right side of the head and pin into place

- Pull the front right section front section and pull it behind the head, gathering it into a loose back section; roll it together with the anchored braid and pin into place

- Adorn the top of the roll with two silver barrettes placed diagonally

- Add a generous amount of Elixir Ultime Moringa Immortel at the top of the head for extreme shine (for a more every day look, use a pea-sized amount of this product)

- Finish with a spray to hold style into place

Kérastase Products were used to achieve the look.

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Pure Radiance!

February 7th, 2013

 

Bobbi Brown’s Brightening Finish Powder in Nudes

Last night I had to do a quick return at Lord & Taylor--- I get most of my shopping done here because of its convenience and location to my home. As I was leaving, my eyes glanced at the Bobbi Brown Counter, which is located right in front of the exit/entrance doors and I literally stopped in my path to take a glance at this new brightening nude powder. For anyone in my profession, it takes a lot to stop us dead in our path. We've seen it all- every pink, every nude, every palette, but this one was just striking. I admired it, was thinking about it and started walking towards the door. Stopped again, and did a 360 degree turn, and friends, you are not going to believe this, but YES, I asked the makeup artist if she could please apply it on my face. I NEVER, EVER do this! Definitely, for sanitary reasons, but also, many close friends will attest to this: I just don't like being bothered walking through department store cosmetic aisles and answering to comments: Can I apply this to your face (the only person apply moisturizer to my skin is ME), try a spray of this new fragrance (will you like to deal with my migraine later?), or try this lightening eye cream- your eyes will really benefit from it (sorry, the only thing my eyes will benefit from is 12 hrs worth of sleep).

I was pleasantly surprised and so happy to find my gut reaction was instantly confirmed. This palette is beautiful, not too shimmery, just lights up my skin with, yep, radiance. I didn't buy it right away, since I wanted to be sure that I liked it just as much as I did when I went home, and I can truly say even better! Definitely finding the time to go back before the weekend, snowstorm or no snowstorm to own it!

Bobbi Brown Brightening Finish Powder in Nudes, $50.- the photo above looks very shimmery, but it isn't , such a warm beautiful palette, much better in real life.

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#LancomeLovesNails

February 5th, 2013

 

Lancome Vernis Contest.

Do you love all things nails? Here's your chance to express yourselves and nail a full set of Lancome Vernis in Love. From February 1st-14th, you can Instagram your best nail look for a chance to win a full set of Vernis in Love.

Instructions: Instagram your best nail look with #LancomeLovesNails for a chance to win a full set of Vernis in Love + be featured on Facebook! http://bit.ly/11b8N5t

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WINNERS to announce

February 4th, 2013

 

Initials, Inc and Hard Candy CC Cream

The below lucky ladies will win the following:

FIVE Hard Candy CC Correction Creme
-Ellen Sloane, Minnesota
-Paige Ferris, Connecticut
-Janet Moon, California
-Karen Hutchins, Texax
-Regina Davenport, Katonah

The ONE lucky reader who will receive the beautiful Initials, Inc Train Case stocked with beauty products is:

-Susan Connolly

Congratulations to all!

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Touch Down Lips

February 2nd, 2013

 

Show Your Team Spirit…

Let's hope the only 'violence' will be shown on your lips as two teams compete for the Super Bpwl Victory tomorrow night.

Be creative, whether your proud in purple or roaring in red get your 'game lip' on. These temporary lip appliques are vitamin enriched, easy to apply and leave a fab glossy finish. Don't worry about eating snacks, these last for hours!

Enjoy, and may the best pout win!

Available at http://www.violentlips.com, $7.99.

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This Bag Is Made For Traveling

February 1st, 2013

 

Initials, Inc offers so much for your everyday needs.

Traveling on its own can become a bit overwhelming, throw in packing for the whole family and your thoughts aren't registering the thrill of it all just the nuisance of gathering it all.

But Initials, Inc has made packing your beauty gear easy, chic and colorful!

From their website and into your hands, this sturdy, cotton, deep case packs a punch of elegance to store your most treasured beauty essentials. With its personal touches of engraving and bold, fun colors, Initial's, Inc's beauty carry-it-all is quite suited for any modern-day girl (and their family). Bottom line: don’t leave town without it!

Availability: The Train Travel Case can be found on Initials, Inc.. And lucky you can be one of the first to view their NEW Spring/Summer 2013 catalog, which just came out today. Check out the many new products available for beach/pool/camp in bright/fun patterns! And while you are over there checking out the site, a party has been created for My Beautyberry subscribers to shop along with a 'Mystery Hostess" giveaway. How it works is that ANYONE who orders through the link will have a chance to be the Hostess for this party. Hostesses earn a percentage of total products sold for FREE.

P.S. Now start dreaming of putting this piece to use, and start planning for that summer vacay?


Giveaway: You can now WIN this Initials, Inc. TRAIN CASE filled with beauty products. Just enter your name by responding to this email address susan@mybeautyberry.com, and be sure to put Initials, Inc. in the subject. Deadline: TONIGHT (2/1) at midnight.

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Chill-Proof Your Skin

January 30th, 2013

 

Tips to keep skin looking its best when the temps drop and go back up.

Last week's effects of frigid temperatures and arctic winds combined with an intermission of warm temps continue to wreak havoc on our skin. This dry air offers no moisture and only irritates the skin even more. Friends are complaining how itchy their skin is, how their flare-ups from eczema are more evident now than ever, and questioning what they can do about their skin that has been zapped of any glow.

Two easy steps and products to use will do the trick: exfoliate and moisturize your whole body. By exfoliating first, you are getting rid of any dull, dead skin cells that is making your skin look lifeless and itchy. In a shower you can simply use a body brush from toes to neck or if this seems to harsh a gentle exfoliator from any brand like Dove Gentle Exfoliating Nourishing Body Wash, $8.99 or St. Ives Exfoliating Apricot Body Scrub, $2.99.

For the face, one of my all time favorites is Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, $40, because it is so very gentle, but any favorite of yours will do- just be sure it is gentle not abrasive.

Follow this with CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which is my new favorite find for under $15. My dermatologist highly recommended this because of its non-irritating ingredients and it contains ceramides, which are released throughout the day, so they penetrate deep into the skin to hydrate and nourish long after the moisturizer has been absorbed into the skin. It is also good for the face.

You will see your skin surface from hibernation looking more radiant and healthy minus the itching!

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The Ultrasound At-Home Device Oscar-Worthy

January 28th, 2013

 

~Another Clarisonic winner!

Do you wish you could splurge on costly in-office dermatologist procedures, but just can't justify it. Well, the Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System might give you the results you want, especially for those fine lines and crepiness around the eyes. This ultrasonic plumper, which uses a similar technology to that used in the dermatologist office, was said to be recommended to a celebrity who couldn't get to a doctor's office last year for a skin pick-me-up the morning of her Red Carpet debut. It's said to work best around the eyes where skin is the thinnest. It kneads your favorite eye product (it also comes with one, but I prefer to use my own) at 125 sonic movements per second, maximizing absorption in a way that's not possible with your finger alone. In clinical studies most women reported seeing firmer, brighter, more hydrated skin, and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just one minute.

I've been trying it every morning and evening (it only takes 30-seconds per eye!) for the past few weeks and definitely have noticed less puffiness and a more awaken appearance even while I am healing a sinus infection! Results are definitely instant. Price is rather reasonable if you compare it to one in-office treatment, and reviews are mixed, but more favorable than not.

Available for $185 at Sephora.com.

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Seoul Searching

January 24th, 2013

 

Korean brands are bringing innovation to the US.

It's nice that Korea is getting recognized for more than 'Gangnam Style' these days. This fast and growing market, originators of eyelash extensions and BB creams, should be on your beauty radar. After all, they would know best about beauty, Korean women are said to use over 10 products in their daily beauty routines.

Japanese Exfoliating beads are a favorite of mine. It is a soft rice powder that when water is added, becomes a think paste, which removes all dead skin cells from your face. Green tea is another natural wonder ingredient touted in some brands from Korea--- AmorePacifica has said to found a way to cultivate this potent tea leave for optimum benefits. And now, right in time for Valentine's Day, VDL Cosmetic Brand, a line yet to launch here in the states, has delectable masks that sound too good to just sit on your face--- CHOCOLATIER NUTRITION GEL MASK (BERRY CHOCOLATE) contains a combination of anti-oxidant blueberries and anti-aging cranberries with highly moisturizing cacao extracts for a rich, nutritious anti-oxidant mask. Also offered in a MINT CHOCHOLATE version, for skin-balancing and MILK CHOCOLATE , containing goat's milk for brightening, these masks are the next best thing to melissa's cupcakes in NY, but without the calories. What I love most about these masks- and we need to get more of them available to us here in the states- is that it is a cloth covering for the face with cut-outs for the eyes and mouth. It completely sits on the face and covers your skin in complete goodness.

One thing is for sure, the cool brands coming out of Korea offer a selection that is cheeky, adjustable, trendy and colorful and I just can't wait till many of them come stateside.

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Get Mrs. Obama’s Bangs

January 23rd, 2013

 

Just for fun, try this out.

Considering to go the bang route now that The First Lady set the trend? Well, if you are skeptical about making the cut, you can fake it with HairUWear Clip-In Bangs, $29.

This effortless bang is already styled—just clip it in and go for an instant hair transformation. Created with exclusive heat-friendly fiber, the breakthrough bang can withstand heat up to 350º. These fibers can be curled or straightened—any style stays locked in place until heat-styled again.

Many of the celebrities are jumping on to this no-snip trend--- notice Kim Kardashian with them one day and without the next. She actually faked many in the publishing world as they all began to tweet, write and chat about her fresh-cut fringe. Kim knew the real deal, and was actually fussing with them last week on the Today Show. I think these are fun and extremely helpful if you are not 100% sure to cut-away.

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Tune Into Dr. Oz Today:  Did You Get the Your Flu Shot?

January 18th, 2013

 

The experts way in.

With this illness spreading like wildfire, many people are wondering should I, shouldn't I get the Flu vaccine. Personally, you need to do what you feel is the right decision. If you were to ask me four years ago, I would have said, "NO", I don't believe in it for me or my boys. But that quickly changed three years ago when all three of us came down with the flu one season. The boys were so sick, and I was so scared they were going to wind up in the hospital - especially my oldest. As for me, I was the sickest I've ever been. I was ill for a total of almost two months, the flu turned into pneumonia followed by strep. My husband did get the shot and you know what, he was fine! You can chalk it up to coincidence or perhaps it really does work. Many of you might still be on the fence, if so, tune in today to Dr. Oz to see what professionals are saying, "Yay or Nay".

Dr. Oz is interviewing Dr. Susan Blum, board certified in Preventive Medicine, a chronic disease specialist, and Founder and Director of Blum Center for Health in Rye Brook, NY, about the controversial flu vaccination. Dr. Oz assembled an expert panel of world health care professionals to weigh in on whether or not people should get the flu shot. Dr. Blum's stance is simple: She recommends it for her high risk patients with chronic illnesses or any heart or lung problems, and for those over 65; she does not recommend it for her healthy adult patients. What Dr. Blum does recommend is building up the immune system – which is the foundation to staying healthy.

DR. SUSAN BLUM ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM GETTING THE FLU

Here are Dr.Blum's top tips for prevention and protection:

First work on your immune foundation. This is not just during flu season but should be a strategy all year round because a strong immune system is the foundation for staying healthy in general.

Three Parts to a Healthy Immune Foundation:
1. Good gut health which means lots of beneficial bacteria. Take a probiotic every day with at least 20 billion cfu of mixed strains lactobacillus and bifidus species. If you are taking antacids or proton pump inhibitors, stop because this alters your gut flora in a negative way.
2. Balanced stress hormones. Get a good night sleep and don't over work yourself during flu season. Stress harms your ability to fight viruses.
3. Eat foods that are good for your immune system. This means avoiding processed foods and focusing on fruits and veggies that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

How to Boost Your Immune System to Protect Yourself from the Flu
1. Here are the important vitamins:
-Vitamin D 2000 iu/day
-Vitamin A retinyl palmitate 5000 iu/day
-Zinc 30 mg/day
-Vitamin C 3-4000 mg/day
-Probiotics

2. Additional supplements
-Whey Protein Powder is high in immunoglobulins that boost your immune system
-Herbs like Elderberry, Echinacea and Astragalus
-Beta Glucan supplements (mushroom extracts)

3. Make sure to wash your hands multiple times each day, especially before you eat and after exposure to public transportation like riding the subway.

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The FLU Prevention

January 15th, 2013

 

Some helpful tips to be healthy and happy this season.

So many friends and children in my area have come down with the flu. My family and I have been lucky so far, but I will admit I feel as though I am anticipating its arrival. Everyday I text my kids at the end of their day, "you feel ok"? "k' is the response, but that puts me at ease. Do you believe this fact: In a minute we touch over 30 items and our face 5 times!

Here are additional tips we can add to the common list of ways to prevent the flu.

1. Don't just wash your hands, but wash your arm right up to the elbow. As you are singing "Happy Birthday" lather right up to the elbow- the forearm is said to hold more bacteria than your armpit!

2. If there are three or more people living in your house you may choose to use paper towels to dry your hands. Reusing a towel wash after wash, day after day, can become a hazardous to your health and carry unwanted bacteria. A paper towel is discarded after one use, bad germs are gone--- Unless of course you have a staff of workers who wash towels on a daily basis than you are okay.

3. Take a daily dose of high antioxidant vitamins and Vitamin C Any foods or medicine high in antioxidant would help ward off bacterial and viral infection. My kids pop Vitamin C as if they were Skittles, so this works for me.

4. Get outdoors! Why do you think the winter breeds unwanted illness like the flu, because we are couped up inside. Go outside, shoot hoops (that's what gets my kids going), take a walk with your pet, your spouse, just do something fun and breathe fresh air.

5. Pass on lemon in your water. The lemon rind was shown to be high in bacteria.

6. Condiments and menus in a restaurant are said to bacteria-ridden, so be careful on how you touch the menu and you might consider passing on salt & cheese.

7. No surprise, but shopping carts are also high in e.coli and germs. What I do when my list is limited is pack the items in my recyclable bag instead of loading up a cart.

8. I just sceive long nails, it has always been a pet peeve of mine, especially on men- Yuck! But the real reason why is because of all the bacteria that gets under the nail and sits there brewing. My boys are very active in sports, right now its basketball, and I keep theirs short for this reason. (Speaking of which, kids hands should be thoroughly washed after playing any sport!)

9. This is a new one I just learned the "power of Sea Buckthorn". It is a botanical that increases the body's resistance to stress trauma and helps heal the skin, and it helps ward off illness-inducing bacteria. (Checkout Weleda's topical Sea Buckthorn as well as a pill from Charma VI)

10. Stay positive beginning right now! I need to STOP anticipating the illness and carry on being healthy. That goes for all of you too.

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Claire Daines’ Winning Hair

January 14th, 2013

 

Red Carpet Beauty

So what was the secret weapon used to create Claire Daines' beautiful hair? John Frieda!

I have the inside scoop.

Celebrity hairstylist Peter Butler created Claire Danes’ look for tonight’s Golden Globes in Los Angeles. Taking inspiration from the Homeland actress’ red-hot Versace gown, Butler gave Claire sexy, loose waves, likening her to a modern-day Jessica Rabbit.

Step 1 – Prep

Blowdry hair with a large, round, boar bristle brush. Take a curling iron with a 1 1/2 inch barrel and start curling hair section by section. Set the curls with Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm-Hold Hairspray ($5.99 at drugstores).

Step 2 – Style

To create the perfect wave, use a paddle brush to brush through curls. Apply Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Crème ($5.99 at drugstores) throughout the hair--it will soften hair and add shine while leaving the curls chunky and intact.

Step 3 – Perfect

Finish by adding a fine mist of Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray to lock in the style.

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Kerry Washington at The Golden Globes

January 14th, 2013

 

Lancome Beauty

Sorry, please scroll down to view, thanks!

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More Red Carpet Beauty from The Golden Globes

January 14th, 2013

 

Jennifer Lawrence and Julianna Margulis

JENNIFER LAWRENCE (MAKEUP)
MAKEUP ARTIST: Jillian Dempsey
INSPIRATION: For Jennifer’s makeup, Jillian was inspired by the sleek, form-fitting red hot Christian Dior Haute Couture dress Jennifer, Jillian explains, “I decided to play off the vibrancy of her poppy red dress with both warm and neutral hues.”

STEP-BY-STEP:
STEP 1: Prep skin with L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Primer to create a silky finish followed by L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup
STEP 2: Dab the L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Color Lift Blush in Berry Lift under the cheekbone and blend outwards to create a health flush and highlight on the cheeks
STEP 3: To create a rich effect and build dimension on the eye, blend and contour shades of warm gold and coffee using L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Eye Shadow Quad in Army Brat 312
STEP 4: Apply Chanel Automatic Liquid Eyeliner in Black to create an exaggerated edge followed by multiple coats of black mascara for intense lashes with L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara in Blackest Black
STEP 5: To lend a natural sheen to the lips, start with a pale pink stain like L’Oréal Paris Colour Caresse Shine Stain by Colour Riche in 183 Pink Resistance then layer a nude lipstick over it, L’Oréal Paris Colour Caresse by Colour Riche Luminous Lipcolour in 181 Sheer Linen


JULIANNA MARGULIES (MAKEUP)
MAKEUP ARTIST: Molly Stern
INSPIRATION: Tonight Julianna chose a Pucci lace backless gown. So we matched the drama of the dress by doing a bold lip. Her finished looks is bold, and fresh with a softly defined golden eye.

STEP-BY-STEP:
STEP 1: Molly first prepped Julianna's skin with L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Miracle Blur Finishing Cream to create a soft-focus finish
STEP 2: Next, she applied L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Primer and sparingly applied L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Foundation
STEP 3: For cheeks and eyes, Molly added a pop of color with Laura Mercier cream blush in Sunrise & Eye Basics Base in Tawny
STEP 4: She dusted the L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Eye Shadow Quad in What Happens in Vegas all over the lid before adding L’Oréal Paris Infallible Shadow in Eternal Sunshine for an added golden sheen
STEP 5: Molly lined Julianna’s upper and lower lash line with the hues in L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Eye Shadow Quad in Skinny Jeans
STEP 6: She defined Julianna's brows using Hourglass Cosmetics’ Brow-Sculpting pencil in Soft Brunette
STEP 7: She curled her lashes before applying two coats of L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara
STEP 8: Molly created Julianna’s bold pout by using L’Oréal Paris Infallible Compact Lipstick in Crimson

L’OREAL PARIS *All products are available at LorealParisUSA.com and mass and drugstores nationwide

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Red Carpet Beauty at The Golden Globes

January 14th, 2013

 

Who wore it well and who didn’t.

This year many just wore it well. Skin was definitely in, plunging neck lines (Kate Hudson) and back lines (Julianna Margulis), and legs on show (Eva Longoria. Colors ranged from black to nudes to even whites making a strong statement. However other celebrities as beautiful as they looked, Lucy Liu and Halle Berry, there dresses should have been saved for another debut and not the Red Carpet Walk- just a little too much design.

Lots of retro waves in hair was seen like Rachel Weisz.

RACHEL WEISZ
Styled by Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Celebrity Stylist Ben Skervi

The Look: Very old Hollywood glamour
Ben and Rachel channeled the 1930s with sexy, sleek waves that complement her Louis Vuitton dress.

Here’s how Ben suggests getting the look:
1.Starting with damp hair, apply Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Heat Protect & Shine Spray and blow-dry hair straight.
2.Once hair is dry, tuck hair behind left ear. On that same side, take small sections and curl hair down a 1-inch barrel curling iron. After 20 seconds, remove the iron and pin the section in a roll while it cools. Repeat this process until the whole head is curled.
3.Then, on the untucked side, repeat the same process but with a ½-inch curling iron to give a stronger wave around the face. Once all the hair cools, remove the pinned sections and brush hair into a soft, sexy wave.
4.To keep hair tucked behind the ear, apply a small amount of gel.
5.Lastly, lightly mist with Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Extra Firm Hold Hairspray to hold the style in place, leaving it with a sleek, finished look.

While other celebrities, like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, went sophisticated and sleek. Here is how you can get her look.




















ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY
Styled by Cervando using Vidal Sassoon Pro Series

The Look: Chic, Effortless Glamour
Cervando and Rosie went for a modern, chic hairstyle, inspired by the fashion runways of Paris. Rosie’s hair gives an effortless elegance to her Saint Laurent Paris gown.

Here’s how Cervando created Rosie’s look:
1.First start by prepping wet hair with Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Repair & Finish Spray to protect hair while blow-drying it.
2.Rough blow dry hair until it’s 75% dry. Starting at the nape of the neck, blow dry hair in small sections using a medium sized boar bristle round brush.
3.Starting at the part, twist hair along the hairline until the temple, and then create a small roll. Place a small metal hairpin in the roll to build height. Spray the area with Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Extra Firm Hold Hairspray and let it set for 20 minutes, allowing the hair to take form around the pin. Remove pin and spritz with hairspray for control.
4.To finish, sweep hair over one shoulder and spray Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Extra Firm Hold Hairspray to hold in place while leaving it with lots of natural movement.

Kate Hudson's look was reflective of Brigette Bardot, soft voluptuous hair that is healthy and shiny. David Babaiiand sets the stage for look below.

David started with IT&LY's Pure Water Drops Serum before blow drying. Next, he added IT&LY's Pure Style Mousse Strong and used a medium round brush at the root area to add volume then switching to a large round brush to smooth and create soft rounded edges. After drying, David created a natural side part and created piecey definition. For her sexy fringe he wrapped the bang area around a medium round brush spraying a small amount of IT&LY's Pure Volumizing Eco again. With the blow dryer temperature on high, he directed heat on the brush followed by a quick blast of cool air to set. Gently he removed the brush to release the fringe. With his fingers he combed through and allowed the hair to fall naturally into place. To finish, he misted the hair with IT&LY Pure Definition Hair Spray for soft touchable hair with memory hold.

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FREE Samples, Coupons at Walgreens!

January 11th, 2013

 

Find out more….

Tomorrow from 10am to 5pm stop into your local Walgreens to sample some great Lumene products. Lumene is hosting a Walgreens SaturDate Event that includes free samples, coupons and a fantastic Buy One Get One offer!

What: Lumene SaturDate Event at Walgreens
Where: Your local Walgreens store
When: January 12th between 10am and 5pm

Click here to find a local Walgreens.

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Jennifer Aniston’s Hair- I Still Want It!

January 11th, 2013

 

People’s Choice Awards

I think I will be in my seventies and still being telling my stylist, "I like it simple and straight, you know like Jennifer Aniston." But this time, I have the steps to getting it just right and a picture of her fabulous hair to carry with me to my next appointment. Here you go, and you can thank me later. (Not sure about the dress, but her hair does look beautiful!)

HAIR BY: CHRIS McMILLAN, CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLIST

INSPIRATION: I like to call it “California Babysitter” hair – It’s that hair that I always thought was cool when the sitter came over. It’s just good, sexy hair. Jen wanted to feel good and look her best – this is one of her favorite hair styles.

TIPS/TECHNIQUE: “First, I washed the hair with Living Proof Full Shampoo & Conditioner, then I applied the Full Mousse to wet hair and massaged through for added volume around the crown. I applied the No Frizz Weightless Styling Spray to the hair to keep it looking smooth and healthy looking. Then, using a large round brush, I blew out the hair straight with a deep, side bang. Finally, I applied Amp² to give the look texture and definition.”

DRESS: Dior by Raf Simons

RETAILERS: LIVINGPROOF.COM, SEPHORA, SEPHORA.COM, ULTA, NORDSTROM

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Beauty Treat Du Jour- Saks Fifth Aveue Style

January 8th, 2013

 

See what’s going on in store, no purchase required.

Ready for a fresh beauty start to the new year, well Saks Fifth Avenue is. They are offering Beauty Treat Du Jour, a month-long calendar of daily beauty offerings designed specifically for Saks customers. A month of pampering is all set up, every day, all month long, Saks will treat customers to an assortment of beauty renewal experiences, including complimentary makeovers, deluxe gifts and expert appearances from top luxury beauty brands. Saks will showcase the assortment of innovative products and services available for customers to experience in-store throughout the year.

Special January Beauty Month offerings include:

• Complimentary makeovers from Nars.
• Massages from La Prairie and Jo Malone.
• Complimentary SK-II facial masks.
• Facials and complimentary samples from Sisley.
• Nail polish changes from Dior and Dolce & Gabbana.
• The first ever Saks Sample Bar, offering for your choice of three beauty samples, plus complimentary treats from BluePrintBar, Unreal Candy and Vita Coco.
• Special gifts-with-purchase from Bond, Cartier, Clarisonic, Estee Lauder, Guerlain, Lancome, Lara Mercier, Le Metier de Beaute, Oscar de la Renta and Trish McEvoy.

Mark your calendar or call your nearest Saks Fifth Avenue store to find out what specials are going on today! The best part, no purchase required!!

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Nude & Indispensable

January 4th, 2013

 

Urban Decay’s Naked Basics Palette

This palette is a must! I can't count how many times in the course of a month this palette prettied-up my eyes for day into night events. The palette of natural tones offers the perfect array of nude tones in a matte finish. As a middle-aged woman I can attest that you do not want shimmer or perle twinkling near those eyes. Matte is the way to go for all your eye product choices, and maybe just maybe you can get by with a sheer eye brightener with just the slightest hint of perle. This kit allows you to create the modelesque-eye look that makes you wonder if they are wearing anything at all to a smoldering brown eye look for evening. And again, it's all MATTE!

I know this image makes it appear big, but the compact is small enough for you to carry anywhere. Oh, and did I mention it's all matte! LOL!

I promise you will love it.



Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette, $27.00, available at Sephora.

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New for 2013!

January 2nd, 2013

 

Love hitting the stores this time of year.

On any given day, you can find me walking down the aisles of CVS/pharmacy- especially the last week of December. This is one of the biggest launch times for new products. Just looking around you can get a feel of what the new innovations will be be for the first part of the year. Here's a quick look at some great new launches happening right now.

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipcolor proves that technology is colorful! This line of bright pinks, reds, corals and plums uses innovative, neon-coated pigments that impart intense hues that stay put for up to four hours. And I love that honey nectar keeps lips smooth and soothes dry lips while not sacrificing beauty. If the color is too vivid you might like Maybelline Color Whisper , which is a definite hit for me. It takes tinted lip balms to a whole new level. Its gel-cream technology offers lightweight color in 20-shades.

And Instant Age Rewind The Lifter offers a built-in primer that gives skin a flawless look. Can't wait to try this, the product alone looks nourishing.

If you woke up and are still in a blur from post-holiday madness, this product is right for you. L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Miracle Blur is a colorless, gel-like cream that's the next best thing to having your very own airbrusher, since it blurs away large pores, lines and unevenness. The cushiony texture creates a beautiful, velvet-soft matte finish that lets you skip additional makeup, or grants you the perfect canvas to apply your favorite foundation or concealer. L'Oreal is also launching new nail polish shades, concealer pens and eye shadow palettes.

Garnier's NEW Olia has another at-home option that is ammonia-free. Olia is designed to provide “maximum color performance” while remaining extremely gentle, and restore hair's health. Also, Olia is oil-based rather than water-based, hair fibers are coated with color more effectively, color will be brighter and more vivid.

And, I had to mention CVS's special line, Salma Hayek's Nuance, which has added a 30-shade nail polish collection to her growing beauty brand. I heard that the actress created the polish with her daughter Valentina in mind, who she says is "obsessed with colors." The chip-free top and base coat contain borage seed oil and bamboo extract, both of which work to hydrate nail beds, encourage growth, and strengthen weak nails. And the price is oh so right at $5.99 a bottle.

Revlon, CoverGirl don't get jealous... I'll be sure to feature you in the next "What's Hot in 2013!"

Stay tuned for much, much more!

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Who Wouldn’t Want Baby Lips?

December 20th, 2012

 

A new crop of tinted balms that create a healthy lip glow.

I am not much of a lipstick lover, but I am a lip balm junkie. The new crop of lip tinted balms popping up on the scene are making me mad for all of them. For a fraction of the cost, balms allow me to add a pop of color to my lips without sacrificing moisturizing benefits. The array of shades available keep expanding and include reds, shiny nudes and plums. I just discovered this NEW VDL Cosmetic brand while helping them with a project. Unfortunately, they are not available in the states, soon I hope, but when they do arrive the young and old will be flocking to this translucent sorbet stick (aka VDL Cosmetics Tint Bar Freeze Pop). I love the see-thru texture, very new and hip and the application goes on a lot lighter then you'll ever expect. They give lips that pink glow without a heavy stain appearance. You can even blot it for a sheerer look. I know I'm probably teasing you all, since it is only available in Korea, so I will give you an alternative that will wet your lips with moisturizing benefits and a hint-of-tint the easy way, Maybelline's Baby Lips. And, if you rush now to your local CVS/pharmacy stores you can have your choice at limited edition shades.

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Olivita Soaps

December 14th, 2012

 

Clean up your act with artisanal soaps.

Soap that smells so good should have a story- after all you use it everyday or you give it as a gift and first impressions mean a lot.

This new soap line is simply saponified virgin olive oil for your skin and look as great as they smell. What could be more heavenly then mixing the best properties of olive oil with sensation scents from the Mediterranean (Aegean).

Olivita's journey began many generations ago where harvesting olive trees became a passion and their family enjoyed growing the best olive trees and making amazing olive oil soaps.

Each Vegan soap bar in beautiful scents (whiff lavender, Thyme, Turkish Bath and more) come wrapped in paper envelopes with stylish sketches.

They're partial to all things pretty, Mediterranean-inspired, all things natural and cruelty-free.

Give them as a gift, lather them in your bath, or just have them sitting pretty in a soap dish, you will agree the fragrance will whisk you away to a beautiful sea of blue surrounded by olive trees and sunshine.

Olivita is new and setting up a direct sale site, but for now contact them at info@olivitasoaps.com or click here for a phone number.

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Just like there is a cure for everything, now there is an App to solve it!

December 13th, 2012

 

NY Times reports….

In today's style section, Apps Turn Phones Into Skin Consultants, the reporter shares the benefits it can do for your face.

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Laura Mercier Makes YOU Glow for a Good Cause

December 12th, 2012

 

Radiance in a compact!

Laura Mercier knows how much women love that fresh lit from within skin and has created ONE kit that has it all. And your skin will radiate even more knowing you are giving back this season with the Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Healthy Glow for Face & Cheeks Crème Colour Palette ($48). This palette not only contains all of Laura’s essentials for glowing skin, but it also helps save women’s lives.

Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Palette gives back to you, too. TODAY, Wednesday, December 12, purchase the palette on LauraMercier.com, and receive a complimentary Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eyeliner in Deep Teal ($22). This special bonus provides a head start on one of the hottest color trends of spring 2013, teal!

This is what you need to know:

- 100 percent of the profits from the sales of the Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Palette are donated to the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund.

- Often called the “silent killer,” ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among American women.

- This has personally affected the Laura Mercier family, and the President of the her company, therefore, she is doing something about it.

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Luxe Nails

December 11th, 2012

 

A holiday indulgence (and an affordable option)...

Whether you will solely put your salary towards one gift or sprinkle your coins to purchase many, these gift selections nail the trend whether it is 'the gift' or stocking stuffers.

Tom Ford, the luxurious designer line, will surely ooh and aah your friend, wife or daughter with this 16-Color Nail Set. Displayed in a colorful line-up, this set has the most Ah-Mazing (this is my new word so you'll see it often!) range of shades, from nudes to purples and plums. Cost: $480--- yes, I know it is quite costly so therefore, I am giving you a drugstore alternative.

OR, you can head over to your local CVS/pharmacy and visit their new Nail HQ. It is 'Nail Color Heaven' and offers every color, kit and care item in one location. You'll find the new gel nail technology from Sally Hansen and trend-setting launches from essie and Nuance Salma Hayek--- all very affordable. I couldn't think of any better stocking stuffer or present topper than a bottle of color!

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Tales From A Hand Cream Junkie

December 4th, 2012

 

Products for dry hand relief.

Here in the East we're experiencing mild temperatures, but this is about to change by tomorrow. This flunctuation of highs and lows is really causing havoc with my skin, especially my hands, which are immersed in water more than I would ike.

Therefore, it goes without saying that I can consider myself a "hand cream junkie". I have a tube of cream at my bathroom sink, kitchen sink, hand bag and side night table. I am always reaching for a squirt, only to realize, oops, I put them under water once again and must reapply.


Aveeno Skin Relief intense moisture hand cream (it has a NEW look!) has become a favorite of mine. It takes the cake when it comes to consistency since it's not too thick and not too runny. It's also not greasy whatsoever and offers no fragrance. The packaging is relatively small so I can easily toss it in my bag. And, just because it says "hand cream" doesn't mean it can't be used on other area dry spots.

If your hands are dry, then I am sure your cuticles and nails are too. I've recently tried CND's Solar Oil, which is a vitamin-infused oil that helps protect nails and cuticles. This oil is sweet smelling, (it contains almond oil) and mixed with other conditioners like vitamin E, jojoba that penetrates deeply into the most brittle nails and skin.

Next time your at your manicurist's appointment, check to see if they use it. I am sure you will be surprised to find it sitting right there alongside her tools.

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A Duo-Action Exfoliant

December 3rd, 2012

 

Algenist Triple-Action Micropolish & Peel

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. If you want your skin to glow, look fresh and rejuvenated exfoliating is key. However, what you use can either make or break your skin so you must choose wisely. My must-have favorite is Dermalogica's Daily MicroExfoliant, because it is made with rice powder that is fine, no course edges and does the trick effectively on my sensitive skin. However, I recently ran out and started experimenting with other polishes or scrubs.

Algenist, made by a team of biotechnology scientists in South San Francisco, which by the way is experiencing a great surge in popularity thanks to its ant-aging products has just launched Triple-Action Micropolish & Peel. This microdermabrasion peel goes beyond deep exfoliation, it works wonders at regenerating the skin too. It contains a 10 percent acid duo (patent-pending alguronic acid and glycolic acid) in a potent combination with a 10 percent fruit enzyme complex and micro polishing crystals to immediately transform skin texture and tone. It works deep below the skin to dissolve the smaller skin-dulling cells and regenerate smoother, more even skin underneath. Skin glows and radiates, just what it needs this time of year when sleep deprivation sets in between working late, partying and shopping till you drop,

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A Boost For Your Skin

November 30th, 2012

 

Somme Institute Mask

I am loving the spa-like mask from Somme Institute with warming qualities on application, but glowing results when you wash it off.

Boost is a gentle multi-tasker that cleanses, exfoliates, and nourishes the skin.

This paste-like formula is easy to apply on dry skin, gently massage it in, and leave it on for five minutes (tip: is a great application to use as soon as you come out of the shower when the air is still warm and moist). I follow-up with splashes of cold water to invigorate the skin and boost the final results even more.

Definitely reaching out to this mask as a pre-party skin beautifier (and maybe even as a post-party skin help) this holiday season!

Available on Beauty.com or Nordstrom.

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Melvita

November 28th, 2012

 

A French-worthy line.

While in the South of France this summer, I noticed a line called Melvita, which had a more organic/natural twist to its package and formulation. Ironically, when I returned to the States, I was invited to meet the Marketing Team who was in town to promote the brand here in the US.

Founded by Bernard Chevilliat, who is a lover of all things nature, a beekeeper, and biologist, Melvita is inspired by the French harvest of the season, honey and nature. I was very impressed with the line and its offerings and thought I would share some highlights.

The Beauty Oils are well-loved by the French and adapted into their daily skin care routine. They are natural and because of this absorb easily and quickly into the skin leaving it well-nourished and moisturized. A best-seller is the Argan Oil, which is rich in Vitamin E along with other favorites like Rose Hip Oil, Evening Primrose, Calendula, but please click here as the array of oils in the line are the most I've ever seen for a beauty company.

Next on the list are the Floral Waters- similar to a Toning Mist- which refresh the skin all year long. These waters are distilled from fresh or dried plants and flowers that help retain the healing benefits and aromatic qualities of the natural ingredients. I love misting my skin mid-day and keep them close in the refrigerator, because with a heated office a little coolness wakes up the skin. Rose Water Floral is the bestseller in this range and currently out of stock on line.

My personal favorite are the Extraordinary Waters. These skin boosters are loaded with hyaluronic acid, which offers amazing hydration. It has a very interesting gel-texture, which I like because it doesn't make it 'runny' or too liquid. I apply it right after my serum, let it absorb into my skin then apply my moisturizer. Orange Blossom is the best-seller, but my favorite is the Rose (for anti-aging and rejuvenation) and Narcissus (for brightening).

Lastly, Naturalift Youthful Skin Cream, is considered a 'facelift' in a bottle. This youth-restoring cream softens lines and wrinkles and has an immediate smoothing effect on the skin. They include highly moisturizing extract of wild Beech Buds, rich in flavonoids and polyphenols.

Overall, I am very impressed with this line and my skin has been benefiting from me dabbling into various products for reviews. I particularly love the natural, organic stance it takes and Melvita was one of the first companies in the world to earn the ECOCERT certificate (#1 organic certified brand in France) for organic products.

I just noticed some products are featured on Beauty.com, which would make purchasing products easier.

The line is vast, but if I were to start somewhere, I would definitely begin with the Extraordinary Waters and Beauty Oils as this makes a strong connection to the French woman's beautiful skin.

Melvita.com

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Hollywood’s Top 25 Beauty Moments

November 27th, 2012

 

I enjoyed reading this, I thought you would too!

The Hollywood Reporter is out with a cover story titled, “Hollywood’s Top 25 Beauty Moments of 2012.” The story examines the beauty looks that have had the biggest impacts so far this year on the red carpet, and in television shows and movies. Here's the link that captures all 25 looks. I thought they did a good job targeting in on the most important trends.

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2012 CYBER Monday

November 25th, 2012

 

An easy to click go-to list.

Personally, I am not a Black Friday Gal, to busy enjoying post-Thanksgiving festivities, family and overnight guests. Instead, I choose Cyber Monday as my start-up shopping day. Below, I've gathered a listing of some awesome and worthy sales. So happy shopping from the comfort of your home, who needs jabbing elbows and long lines! Good luck and may your deal put a smile on your face!

AHAVA: Buy $40 worth of goods from Dead Sea-based skin-care line AHAVA and receive a free Extreme Night Treatment with the code CYBERTREAT.

Alba Botanica: 25% off any purchase of $50 or more at albabotanica.com using code CYBER25.

BaubleBar: For every $40 you spend, get a free gift of your choosing from more than 200 different items. Spend $80, get 2 gifts; spend $120, get 3 gifts; spend $160, get 4 gifts and so on — there is no limit!

BeautyBar: Spend $50 or more on a myriad of luxe beauty brands and you'll receive a selection of skin-care products from Philosophy.

Becca Cosmetics: Spend $75 and receive a free Mini Shimmering Skin Perfector in Topaz and full-size Beach Tint in Strawberry. Spend $125 to receive the $75 gift, plus two full-size Glossy Lip Tints and a BECCA Cosmetics Pouch.
Featured collections: Exclusive, Limited Edition Nail Colour Collection – Intense & Exclusive, Limited Edition Nail Colour Collection - Nude $30 each while supplies last (value $60)

B-Glowing: Enjoy 20% off sitewide- use code: CYBER12- at this newly relaunched beauty mecca, which stocks high-end brands such as Kevyn Aucoin and Jemma Kidd Makeup School.

Bliss: Take anywhere from 20% to 50% off of select items from Cyber Monday through Tuesday, Nov. 27.

BobbiBrownCosmetics: Offering 5 samples of your choice AND free shipping with any order.

Boden. Save 25% off and get free shipping on items from the brand’s Christmas catalog.

C.O. BIGELOW: Offering 20% off site wide now through Tuesday, November 27th.

Clarisonic: Receive 20% entire stock of sonic cleansing and infusion system kits PLUS free shipping- enter code HOLIDAY2012 at checkout.

Coldwater Creek: Enjoy 40% off sitewide.

Coolway: Get 33% off a flat iron, taking the full price of the system (the styler and the prep spray) from $200 down to $99.95. Psst! This is the flatiron system that allows you to straighten your hair at a lower temperature, subsequently causing less damage (it won an Allure Beauty Breakthrough award this year).

Converse.com: Save 25% sitewide, including on Converse Create.

Cosabella: Enjoy 30% off of full-priced lingerie and accessories. Use code CYBER30 at checkout.

Dr. Brandt: Receive 50% on all eye creams in his line including his Lineless Eye Cream and Time Arrest Eye Serum.

Dr. Hauschka: This favorite-natural line is offering a free hand cream with purchases of $50 or more.

Drugstore.com: save $5 off any order $50 or more or $10 off any order of $100 or more PLUS there is a selection of coupons for more savings and FREE shipping on orders $25 or more.

Estee Lauder: For the first time ever, receive a FULL size cleanser with a purchase of $65- online ONLY.

Frederic Fekkai: All orders on Fekkai.com will be 20% off + free shipping.

GAP, OLD NAVY & BANANA REPUBLIC: Enjoy 30% off online orders PLUS free shipping when applicable. Enter code CYBER at checkout.

Giorgio Armani Cosmetics: Spend $75 — you'll save 20% and get free shipping. Plus, if you spend more than $125, you'll get 20% off, free shipping, AND your choice of six samples. Now's the time to try the new Maestro Foundation!

Hydroxatone: Get 30% off any purchase of $150 or more at hyroxatone.com with the code "CYBERMONDAY".

Juice Beauty: Receive a Juice Beauty grab bag worth $100 when you make a purchase of $50 or more.

Lancome: Enjoy 20% off all Lancome.com orders, enter promo code HEARTS at checkout.

Laura Gellar: 20% off everything.

Laura Mercier: Offering a discount on her custom compacts. Buy two select shades and receive the third free when purchasing the 3-well custom compact, or select four shades and receive the fifth and sixth free in her 6-well custom compact.

Mally Beauty: Get 25% off all face products; use code "25FACE".

Mario Badescu: save 10% on $50, 15% on $75 or 20% on $100 PLUS FREE shipping and a FREE gift! (Personally, I'm restocking my favorites!)

Mark Cosmetics (www.meetmark.com): Receive a free Mark fashion and beauty set (valued at $72) with any purchase of $40 or more, using code MKCYBER.

Murad: Is offering $25 off all purchases of $100 or more (use the code CYBERMONDAY), and stock up on all your skin needs.

NARS Cosmetics: Use the promo code “NARSFF2012” to get 20% off on November 26 and 27 excluding orders that include only a single foundation pump, pencil sharpener or foundation refill sponge.

Nature's Gate: 40% off any product(s) in their NEW Facial Care collection Enter discount code CYB40 at checkout.

Nuxe: This French skin-care line is offering 20% off site-wide with the code NUXECYBER20.

Ole Henriksen: Receive $100 in surprise skin goodies when you purchase $50 worth of products. Enter CYBER to redeem at checkout.

OpenSky: The site- offering cult-favorites and hard to find items- is opening 26 new shops featuring more deals — discounted curling irons and and Bluetooth headphones — and free shipping.

philosophy.com: Receive a deluxe gift with a purchase of $75 or more on philosophy.com.

Piperlime: Take 20% off sitewide from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. (I already purchased a new pair of boots!)

Quidad: The brand is offering 25% off all orders with the code FFCURL, as well as free shipping.

Rent the Runway: Save 20% on apparel and accessories on Cyber Monday, and get a free Juicy Tube gift with every purchase placed that day.

Scoop NYC: The store will offer 25% off your entire online purchase (plus free shipping).

Shoshanna: On Sunday, Nov. 25, and Cyber Monday, save 30% off regular-price items and 20% on sale items, excluding swimwear.

Skinnygirl Smoothers n’ Shapers: A selection of Bethenny Frankel’s slimming undergarments are 25% off on Cyber Monday.

Stila: The beauty brand’s online warehouse sale runs Cyber Monday through Sunday, Dec. 2, and promises deals of up to 80% off.

Tria Beauty: Tria Hair Removal Laser and Skin Perfecting Blue Light products purchased between now and 27th will be an additional $100 off. Use code code SHOP100 at checkout.

Thymes: Get a free Fraiser Fir candle (which is an absolute favorite of mine!) with any candle or fragrance order of $50 or more.

Tweezerman: For all purchases over $50, gifts include full size Floral Slant ($25 value), Retractable Brow Powder Brush ($12 value) and Mini Brow Powder Compact Duo ($13 value).

ULTA: Free shipping on orders over $25 using coupon code HOLIDAY2012, valid now thru 11/30 AND $3.50 off a $10+ order using coupon code 71780, valid now thru 11/30.

UniqueVintage.com: From Black Friday through Cyber Monday, the site is offering 25% off of absolutely everything.

PLUS, find even more great deals using Twitter! Search hashtag #CyberMonday to find deals from a wide array of vendors, and follow @CouponCabin, @Pricegrabber and @Retailmenot to hear about additional sales. OR us the INVISIBLEHands APP gets you the lowest price.

A lot of brands are offering information about their sales via Twitter, as well; the pros at the social networking site suggest following @Sephora, @Kohls, @Nordstrom, @Walmart, @TJMaxx, @NeimanMarcus, @BananaRepublic, @Bloomingdales, @JCrew, @ASOS, @ShopBop, @VictoriasSecret, @JCPenney, @BestBuy, @RadioShack, @Amazon @Fekkai and @AmazonDeals.

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Eve Marx Debuts Her Version of “Fifty Shades of Grey”

November 15th, 2012

 

A book party.

Eve Marx, the wonderful and witty contributing editor for My Beautyberry, has just launched her naughty new novel, "Beddington Place". I can't wait to sink my eyes into this entertaining book, especially to see if I recognize anyone! So happy to have her contribute, be sure to read her latest beauty article.

Here's what one reviewer had to say, "I enjoyed the delightfully privileged and dirty lives of the Bedford residents."

Five Things You Didn't Know About Eve...

1. There's almost no food I don't eat

2. I never wanted a Chihuahua, but this one I adopted from the Westchester SPCA in Briarcliff has won me over completely

3. I have a lot of the classic Scorpio personality and tendencies, but not ALL of them

4. My favorite books as a child were "Mrs. Piggle Wiggle's Magic," by Betty McDonald; "Rascal," by Sterling North; and "The Little Prince," by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I especially like the line the fox says to the little boy, which is, "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." My thoughts, exactly.

5. There aren't 5 things. Everyone knows everything else.

Eve and I at Thursday night's book sigining at Ebba in Katonah- so much fun!

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Fun Fact

November 14th, 2012

 

America’s Got Talent

My kids brought this Snapple Trivial Question to my attention and thought it was a good one to share.

America's Got Talent's Hair Department uses 150 bottles of hair spray during live shows.

Now I wonder which brand they use.

Anyone know? email me at strumpbour@gmail.com

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Winners from before the STORM

November 13th, 2012

 

Now this matters…

Yes, you count and I didn't forget about you. Here are the lucky SIX winners from past Beauty Giveaways.

The following FIVE will receive DOVE products:
-Tricia Boyle, Connecticut
-Jennifer DeCavalho, Massachusettes
-Beth Feger, Texas
-Gayle Baden, Florida
-Paige Ferris, Connecticut

And the L'Oreal Project Runway Color Group goes to:
-Julie Lawrence, North Carolina

Congratulations!

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Haute L’Oreal

October 26th, 2012

 

A limited edition collection in celebration of Project Runway

L’Oréal is launching a limited-edition cosmetic edition in celebration of Project Runway called Electric Fantasie: The Fairy Tale Recharged, and ELECTRIC it is!
The reality of this line, which I love, is that it is a fashion fairytale and recreates the looks seen on the fall 2012 runway shows. It allows everyone the freedom to choose outlandish colors, bright cheeks and cyber-shaded nail colors knowing the story behind the shade. The collection is designed in four different color schemes: Enchanted Queen, The Seductive Temptress, The Wise Mystic and The Artsy Muse. So go on let your inner beauty think outside the box for once (consider purple or lavender shine lips, futuristic nails), but hurry this collection will remain on shelves only as long as products fill the shelf.

Don't miss the sneak preview of L'Oreal Paris' newest nail innovation, Colour RIche Nail Lingerie, which are sophisticated easy-to-apply nail stickers with 3D effects.

Available in-store only at drugstores through November.

Colorful Friday GIVEAWAY: My Beautyberry is giving away The Artsy Muse collection today only. ENTER here now, deadline tonight at midnight.

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Firm, Baby, Firm

October 25th, 2012

 

High-per-‘firm’-ance facial serum.

Bliss (I'll give them full credit), the company behind the witty product titles, just launched Firm, Baby, Firm. I enjoy trying and experimenting with their products, since the source- BlissSpa, has never let me down. Coming from a trusted place secures my willingness to try a product. I like to think that many of their products are taken from advice deemed important from their skilled, trained estheticians who work at Bliss. Mix this with new found innovation and there you have a rewarding product.

Firm, Baby, Firm takes gardenia stem cell technology to new meaning, this serum plumps, restores, corrects--- just not to sure of boosting collagen, I am always skeptical about this claim--- the skin to firmness. What I like most about this product is the 99% active, water-free aloe vera base, which features a soothing lavender.

Available on Blissworld for $75.

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Pumpkin Harvest

October 24th, 2012

 

A fruit with beauty benefits(and yes it is a fruit, because it contains seed!).

With Halloween a week away, it's only appropriate to mention pumpkin as an incredible skin-enhancing ingredient. Pumpkin has wonderful exfoliating enzymes to brighten the face for a polished, refreshed look. Pumpkin also contains Vitamins A, C, and beta carotene all antioxidants that help protect skin from damage.

Nibbling pumpkin seeds can provide you with zinc, which promotes collagen production. And who doesn't love this sweet smelling scent, which is comforting and reminisced of autumn, fall foliage and kids in costumes.

Here's a line-up of some worthy pumpkin-infused products:

Arcona Pumpkin Body Lotion,$35, is a natural highly active body lotion infused with pumpkin extracts and glycolic acid helps to improve tonal quality and elasticity in the skin. Excellent for regenerating and repairing sun damaged skin.





Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Peel & Reveal, $58, is a powerful pumpkin-scented dermal resurfacer. This triple action exfoliating treatment polishes dull, aging, and congested complexions in three different ways: 1- Physical - Polishes with aluminum oxide; 2- Enzymatic - Exfoliates with pumpkin enzyme; 3 - Chemical - Peels with alpha hydroxy acid.




Meaningful Beauty Glowing Serum, $52- $62 for a SuperSize on QVC (call 1-877-383-1212), keeps skin glowing throughout the fall with serum formulated with soy protein, marine botanicals and antioxidants including pumpkin extract to encourage cell renewal.




Gianna Rose Pumpkin & Squash Soaps in a Dish, $30- on sale for $17.99, (available at Caswell & Massey) offer a Harvest in a dish. These classic soaps are infused with exfoliating wheat bran and scented with a Pumpkin, Brown Sugar and Fig fragrance.

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C The Difference

October 22nd, 2012

 

Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu SuperHero Duo.

I attended an event at the offices of Peter Thomas Roth a few weeks back for the launch of their CAMU CAMU line, One of the highlights was meeting Peter Thomas Roth and his lovely wife- both a fun loving enjoyable couple to talk to. I particularly enjoyed Peter's sense of humor and honesty about his own skin during the session. He definitely had the room of beauty bloggers and editors laughing.

His latest innovation can't be found fresh in your farmer's market, but can be found in Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu Brightening Serum. It contains the Camu Camu, a superfruit, that has 30 x more Vitamin C Power of an orange and offers superior skin brightening benefits. This powerful antioxidant is so very good for your skin, is highly concentrated, has superior absorption properties due to its low molecular weight allowing it to better penetrate the skin, and helps boost collagen production, brighten, smooth, firm, and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles.

See what Peter Thomas Roth says:



I've been using this Serum along with the Moisturizer and love the effect this dynamite duo is having on my skin. Especially this time of year when the change of season has left my skin dull and needs a boost of energy.

Available on QVC, Sephora and on Peter Thomas Roth website.

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Today is Genifique Day!

October 19th, 2012

 

Lancome reaches out to help St. Jude.

For the third year in a row, Lancôme is hosting Génifique Day (formerly Genes Day), a one-day national event benefitting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. On this specific day, Lancôme invites customers to feel their best while helping others feel theirs – the company will donate $7 from the in-store or online sale of select Génifique products to St. Jude.

Génifique products whose purchases benefit St. Jude include:
-Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate in the 0.67oz, 1.0oz, 1.7oz and 2.5oz sizes ($60 - $130)
-Génifique Eye Light-Pearl ($70)
-Génifique Holiday Gift Sets ($110 -$148)

Sales of Génifique Cream Serum, Génifique Repair and Génifique Eye do not benefit St. Jude.

“Our three-year partnership stands as a testament to Lancôme’s commitment to supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization that shares many of our core values,” says Serge Jureidini, president of Lancôme USA. “On Génifique Day, we invite everyone to help raise the funds needed to continue St. Jude’s life-saving research.”

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Foundation Firsts

October 16th, 2012

 

Fabulous new launches you should know about.

One of life's greatest pleasure's is to find a foundation that feels like second skin. Laura Mercier has always done that for me, but it is nice to know I have more than two perfect mates.


Dermalogica's Sheer Tint SPF 20, $44, is a perfect alternative for weekend wear when coverage needs to be light and comfortable. I absolutely love this from the first time I applied it. It's sheer, wash of natural color matched by skin tone perfectly without robbing it of its natural radiance. It also contains hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and antioxidant Walnut Seed extracts, which help improve
 skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine dehydration lines, which usually start to get noticeable by midday. I can vouch this DOES happen. The broad spectrum sunscreen is an added bonus, which protects my skin from long hours-even in the fall on the baseball field. Truly loving everything about this lightweight tint!

Urban Decay's Naked Skin, $38, is a lightweight foundation in 18 shades. Love the wide range of shades available, makes it so much easier to find a shade or even two that work best for your skin tone. Unfortunately, I did find this formula a little to runny for my own like. The formula is made with light-diffusing spheres, giving skin a natural, illuminated and bright finish. It offers a brush- for an additional cost- Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush, $24, well worth the price even if you use it with your own favorite foundation.

This brush picks up and distributes all formulations from liquid to cream to powder makeup better than a sponge. (Psst!, but I'm using it with Dermalogica's Sheer Tint and Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer Creme Compact, and it blends both formulas beautifully!) What I love most is that it allows you to buff out your makeup: instead of a streaky finish from fingers or a sponge. It’s blending ability makes it ideal for skin like mine- mature skin- as it creates a smooth, youthful-looking appearance. The medium-large brush with densely packed hairs has a domed top that maneuvers nicely around the face, making it suitable for under the eye, around the nose, and around the brow area. Another great find for me!

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Winners, Winners, Winners!

October 15th, 2012

 

Lucky readers who made the list.

I'm exciting to share the following names listed below have won some exciting products.

Dr. Jart+'s BB Cream Set
WINNER: Debbie Hughes, Arizona

FIVE WINNERS of the SheMoisture:
-Deb Bretton, Florida
-Heather Sosinski, New York
-Pamela Lucas, Illinois
-Marie Kelee, California
-Christine Wilkins, Indiana

Congratulations and thanks to all who participated!

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I Got Slimed!

October 12th, 2012

 

Literally:  Weird but true.

I truly did get slimed, but not the way Venkman did in Ghostbusters- (for fans, I've included the 'slimed' segment below, still funny as ever).

Let me back track for you. I was at a wonderful press event for Dr. Jart, a line from Korea, which is most noted for kick-starting the BB invasion here in the United States. Dr. Jart was founded in 2004 by Korean dermatologist Dr. Jung. This dermatologist developed skincare brand uses advanced ingredients and creates innovative products that recover the skin’s natural health and beauty.

I was quite eager to learn what new items they are launching in the US market place.

The NYC event was casual with lounge chairs and coffee tables displaying the new product line-up. While reviewing the line, and being treated to fine Korean appetizers, I started to "play" with some products. "Play" in the beauty business means try some on usually by applying in on the hand or arm to get a feel of texture or to see color. So there I was having fun and "playing" with some great 'balm-like' formulations, like Dr. Jart's V7 Beauty Balm, makeup balm that offers skin care benefits keeping skin youthful and brightened or this superhero product, V7 VitaLaser 2.1, a treatment ointment infused with a double dose of super-antioxidant V7 vitamin complex to correct dark spots and brighten skintone.

But here is where the real story begins with this product: Dr. Jart+ Time Returning Serum.

I took this serum out of its box, applied it on the top of my hand and was amazed at how slippery and wet the formula felt. In fact, I kept rubbing it in and it absorbed nicely into the skin, but was 'wowed' at the uniqueness of the 'slip' (another product development term used to describe how a product goes on smoothly). A representative from Dr. Jart came over to me to discuss the product and proceeded to tell me how special Time Returning Serum is due to its 77% snail mucin. I basically stopped dead in my tracks, and respond "snail mucin, you mean the slime found on the snail". She responded, "yes" not startled at all. I believe I repeated this several times to be sure I was hearing correctly, and her last response was "no snails are harmed, just their mucin is collected, and this is the hottest ingredient in Korea with ladies using it for years."

Ok, I know 'crazy' beauty solutions are out there, I've heard of the Geisha Facial, which is made from actual bird poop, bee venom is used in a cream by Deborah Mitchell (the Duchess of Cambridge is a fan), and another strange but true ingredient in anti-aging creams is synthetic snake venom. and now, well, there’s snail slime. Snail slime is the latest ingredient being touted as a miracle face-fixer. I am not sure why, but I was very bothered with applying 'snail slime' to my face. Maybe because I was always 'grossed' out by snails as a kid, the touch of them bothered me and feeling their slipperiness on my skin gives me the willies--- it being a snail or just the mucin in it.

Apparently, snail slime or mucin has been in the beauty biz for awhile--- Ancient Greeks used it (but I feel they used everything), Chilean snail farmers who handle snails and collected them for export to other countries for the delicacy escargot, noticed that their hands looked younger and smoother, and that small cuts and scrapes healed faster. The list goes on, even researching snails alone shows the slime that a snail produces is used to heal its soft, squishy foot when it gets cuts from the rocks, twigs, and other rough surfaces.

So weird but true, it makes sense how mucin can help regenerate the skin and improve skin elasticity, firmness, facilitate the restoration of damaged tissue, replenish moisture, speed up the skin's cell renewal, and restore skin substructure.

So will I use it? I've been staring at the carton for weeks and every time I look at it I see snails and not all the good benefits that are in the bottle. Until I see this differently, it will remain right there in the box, but I encourage all of you to give it a try, if you can get by the 'snail' part.



GIVEAWAY: MBB is giving away ONE set of Dr. Jart’s BB cream formulas designed to a lucky reader. ENTER now. Deadline: Midnight tonight 12:00PM EST.

For your enjoyment:

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CVS/pharmacy Beauty Forecast

October 11th, 2012

 

Here’s a glimpse of its TOP FIVE must-haves.

Every new season brings about new products, trends and hot shades. CVS/pharmacy has a list that is sure to amaze you- not even I knew some of these hot spots, so I decided to share it with all of you.

Before discussing trends, and this I knew, with every $50 Beauty Club members spend on qualifying beauty products at CVS (like all the products mentioned below + so much more) they get $5 back in Extrabucks Rewards? Personally, I am always getting back a dollar or two and sometimes even $5 at checkout. I love this, because it is a great incentive to try out something new without paying full price. If you haven't given it a try, Nuance, is a line to be reckoned with thanks to Salma Hayek. Already showing outstanding sales figures, some top sellers are AM/PM Anti-Aging Super Cream (only $4.99 for the mini size) and I've been using AM/PM Anti-Aging Super Eye Treatment, $19.99 for the past two weeks and loving this nourishing cream.

On to MY TOP FIVE as predicted by CVS/pharmacy:

1.Reaching New Lengths: Trend in lashes continue to grow, and now you too can have Katy Perry Lashes (Katy Perry Lashes by Eyelure, $6.99), cause a scandal with Rimmel's Scandal 'Eyes Lycra Flex Mascara, $6.99, or I rather focus on the growth with RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum, $49.99. However you choose to highlight these flirty fringes, just know, it's glamorous to sport lashes to out there lengths.

2. All LACQUERED Up: Nails are booming, giddy-up and ride this trend by sportin' bright colors(Revlon, Maybelline and Essie have some of the best nail shades!) or choose the latest innovations in at-home gels (Sally Hansen InstaGel Polish Strips Starter Kit, $29.99). Also new, CVS/pharmacy is showcasing the hottest nail trends in a special kiosks called the Nail HQ, so be sure to stop on by.


3. INSTANT GRATIFICATION: Who doesn't like to see results, immediately. I know I do and judge many products sometimes by first time use. This line-up promises to deliver faster and better. Count on these new items to deliver visible results in 10 minutes, 4 hours or 5 days!

LaRoche Posay Redermic C, $43.99, Anti-aging breakthrough that plumps, fills and visibly reduces wrinkles
Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10, $52.00, Powerful anti-aging treatment formulated with Rhamnose, a naturally derived plant sugar, and is clinically proven to improve skin rejuvenation.
Olay Regenerist Micro-Scupting Serum FF, $24.99, Instantly hydrate skin and after 5 days, skin is firmer brighter, and more radiant.

4.BEAUTY REST in a bottle: Let's 'feed' our skin at night, since skin regenerates while we sleep. Companies are getting savvy to offer a slumber party for our skin with overnight formulas that work as peels, masks or repairing stars! Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Overnight Peel, $16.99 is being touted as a true winner!

5. FEEDING Our ROOTS: In cosmetics we know the importance of a healthy base, well we are finding the same holds true for our scalp. By strengthening and restoring hair from the base of the hair to tip, locks grow longer, are less prone to breakage, look fuller and feel softer. Not Your Mother's Clean Freak, $6.00, Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Women Total Care Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner ($5.99 each), and Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothing and Raw Shea Deep Treatment Masque, $12.99, all promising to nourish the roots.



All these products and much more can be found in your local CVS/pharmacy or at cvs.com.




WIN the SheMoisture Treatment NOW. MBB is giving away FIVE to FIVE lucky readers. Enter here now. Deadline: midnight tonight.

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Shades of Gray…

October 9th, 2012

 

NINE lucky WINNERS

Here are the readers who will be receiving a "shade of gray" nail polish.

Thanks to all who entered.

-Kristina Alexander, Nebraska
-Michelle Lai, Minnesota
-Paige Ferris, Connecticut
-Linda Yee, California
-Joyce Wasner, Oklahoma
-MJ Moore, Arkansas
-Lori Pulley, Connecticut

Congrats to all!

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Now there’s CC!

October 5th, 2012

 

Yankee fans we’re not talking CC. Sabathia.

During the early morning shows this morning, I noticed an Olay commercial for their new CC Cream.

While you and me both are still trying to figure out the fuss over BB Creams, I wondered what the heck is CC. Just as confused as you probably would be, I started my research and now learned there's a whole new category of multitasking- I thought BB was multitasking too!- "color and correct" creams, CC creams are essentially souped-up moisturizers/correctors.

What exactly do I mean by souped-up, think revved up anti-aging ingredients, super-moisturizers and more coverage finishes, but not heavy, still light. Still confused? I am, since I didn't know these products can gain any more newsworthy formulas than they already had.

Launching in the U.S. now is Olay Total Effects CC Tone Correcting Moisturizer. I am a big fan of Olay, and believe in its advanced technology, but come on now really, CC. They didn't launch a BB so is this there way of making up for this missed opportunity. More CCs are on the way, I am sure, so be on the look out, but I am not sure if I can confidently support this launch or these claims, as I am still figuring out BBs.

One thing I will say, CCs definition, Correct + Conceal- is a more understandable beauty claim then BB descriptive, Beauty Balm.

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Shades of Gray

October 3rd, 2012

 

... a different review.

My good friends- you know who you are- will chuckle at this title, since 'Shades of Gray' has been our 'dirty little secret'; even our husbands have gotten into the conversation during cocktail parties, but I won't share those discussions.

Unlike most, I did not like the book and had trouble reading more than three chapters of it. But many enjoyed it, and well, let's just say I will reap rewards of a winning title. This fall 'shades of gray' continue to be the ongoing trend--- for nails. Sophisticated and demure this smokey dark shade will be your own little "Fifty Shades of Gray" reminder just how seductive you can be, in your own way.

For me, I can't forget the translucent nude polish (these are my favorites!), but can forget the ombre style or wild designs of summer. This fall, nail art is simple, bold and mysteriously dark. Models on the fall runways flaunted the smoky nail trend while September’s blockbuster magazines have the sultry look splashed across their beauty pages.

Shades ranging from gunmetal to metallic set the tone for this season’s modern monochromatic story. Those with fairer skin should go for steely tones, while those with darker complexions will want to choose paler versions.

Here's my favorite roundup:


-Are your shades of gray light or dark? Take them from one extreme to the other with these two gorgeous colors from Nails Inc. Choose from Cambridge Terrace, a sweet, shimmering silver, or The Thames, a deep, brooding charcoal. Named after iconic UK destinations, these polishes are professionally formulated and catwalk inspired with an exceptionally glossy long lasting finish.
Nails Inc. in Cambridge Terrace & The ThamesPrice: $9.50 each, Available at Sephora. [WIN these below!]


-Get sexy “50 Shades” inspired nail art with the latest magnetic design from Nails Inc. This new fishnet pattern creates a 3D-quilted effect on the nail, while remaining smooth to the touch. Choose from the following magnetic polishes named after iconic London attractions: Soho – Chrome metallic fishnet, Piccadilly – Gold shimmer fishnet, and Spitalfields – Green metallic fishnet.
Nails Inc. Fishnet Magnetic Polish in Soho: Price: $9.50 each, Available at Sephora [WIN these below!]


-Gray doesn’t have to be boring—explore the unique tonalities of these smoky shades from L’Oréal Paris’ Colour Riche Nail Collection which deliver pure, rich coverage, high-wattage shine and rare color intensity.
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail in Greycian Goddess, Greyt Expectations & Eiffel For YouPrice: $5.99, Available at http://www.lorealparis.com and chain drug, food and mass market retailer [WIN these below!]


-Even neutrals are bold and beautiful. Step away from the comfort zone of pink and cream and sport the new neutral (“newtral” if you will). ELLE’s new nail lacquer collection includes two beautiful shades of gray – just what you need for a perfect ten.
Elle Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Chain Mail & Dancing QueenPrice: $10, Available exclusively at Kohl’s and Kohls.com nationwide [WIN these below!]


-Fashion-forward and classic NARS Nail Polish in Storm Bird is described as “moody gray,” a medium-dark blue-toned gray with a cream finish.
NARS Nail Polish in Storm BirdPrice: $18, Available at Beauty.com




-For Narciso Rodriquez less is more. Some artists wow you, but Narciso pulls you in thread by thread. For years Deborah has worked on his fashion shows and ad campaigns, watching him carefully choose which of her nude polish shades would do the most – with the least effort. For his fall collection, he suggested they create a shade together, not a nude, but a stormy gray! The shade is described as “edgy granite” with a cream finish – it’s a dark blue-based gray cream.
Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in Stormy WeatherPrice: $16, Available at Beauty.com




GIVEAWAY: Win one of the above EIGHT Shades specified above! ENTER here--- deadline: 10-3-12 at midnight.


Are you new to My Beautyberry? Sign-up now to be privy to giveaways and late breaking beauty news.

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Don’t Be Sorry About Your Neck.

October 1st, 2012

 

Even successful, reputable Editor-in Chiefs can benefit from reading this.

During Mercedes Fashion Week, I was hanging out under the tents killing time to report backstage for the J.Mendel Show, when a prominent designer's show ended. Out walked two EXTREMELY well-known Editors (from Conde Nast) of prestigious beauty magazines (I can't disclose their names, I am sure to collide with them at some point). I was baffled and taken back at what I saw. There they were walking in their Jimmy Choos, faces looking taut and smooth until my eyes glanced down to their exposed necks, and I, standing at a distance, noticed wrinkle folds- many of them! I was truly taken back and that night I started inspecting my own neck. Luckily, my face isn't as taut as theirs so a few lines here or there aren't that noticeable.

It made me think of Nora Enphron's book, I Feel Bad ABout My Neck, and one of my favorite parts, probably because it is so relatable, "I often do what so many women my age do when stuck in front of a mirror: I gently pull the skin of my neck back and stare wistfully at a younger version of myself."

Here's my beauty tip: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize your neck area. Preferably once you start applying sunscreen, start applying moisturizer to this area too. Luckily, I have been doing this and it shows. You don't need any fancy shmancy creams or oils, you can use any that are used for the body or the face. Or do what I do, if I don't love a particular face cream, I use it for my neck area so it doesn't go to waste. If you feel the urge to splurge, go for one that is tightening like Freeze's 24-7 new ArcticLift Firming Neck Cream, which is a lifting firm formula that nourishes the neck's slacking area.

Word to the beauty wise: Look below the face, everything eventually catches up to you- gravity prevails, but we can begin the fight early and give it our best shot.

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I like RAIN

September 28th, 2012

 

A soothing experience…sensually.

Sometimes I really love a rainy day. A day to kick back, be lazy or be proactive and get things done. The rain makes me feel calm, refreshed and at peace with myself. I also believe it is one of the few times I truly live in the "now". Listening to the sounds of the raindrops, watching how it splashes in puddles and just watching nature get a bath.

Sometimes it is hard to capture this feeling everyday, and I do like the sunlight to shine most of the time. But I found a solution to help me experience this heartfelt feeling of a 'rainy day'--- CLEAN Rain fragrance. This uplifting scent helps me to imagine the touch of light, cool raindrops coming down from the sky, it helps me reflect on the calmness my soul feels and it helps me breathe in the delicate aroma of 'earth' after a shower.

Just like I feel a sense of rebirth, relaxation moments during and after a shower, RAIN too captures that inner peace, wellness so beautifully recognized moments following a delicate rain shower, when the air is invigorating and full of possibility.

We all need a little bit of RAIN in our everyday life.

Launching now on cleanperfume.com.

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Shop La Roche-Posay…

September 26th, 2012

 

It’s Friends & Family Time.

When I traveled to France often, and in fact while there this August, I use to visit the pharmacies to check out the latest products from La-Roche-Posay and stock-up on my all time favorites. We are lucky we don't need to travel that far any longer now that La Roche-Posay has found a welcoming place on our own drugstore shelves. Additionally, the Internet has made it easy to access the brand on line. So enjoy the sale and I've listed the best-sellers below; however, the clicks don't work just go directly to their site for the lowdown on all the products. And, not mentioned below, is an all time favorite of mine:Lipikar Balm AP. Perfect for severe dry, itchy, irritated skin or skin that has eczema.



Starting today through Friday, September 28th at 11:59 PM shop La Roche-Posay’s best sellers and award winners at a great value. Be sure to stock up on the all-time favorite Anthelios line.


Visit www.laroche-posay.us for more details and enter code FF2012 at check-out to get 25% off orders of $100 or more.

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Welcome, Kate!

September 20th, 2012

 

SK-II Announces Kate Bosworth as New Ambassador

P&G’s global prestige skincare brand, SK-II has announced actress Kate Bosworth as their new ambassador. In her first role for SK-II, Kate Bosworth will jet into Sydney in October for an exclusive event to celebrate her signing. Kate will join SK-II’s global ambassador Cate Blanchett, as one of the several ambassadors the brand has across the world.
Ms. Parinda Hasdarngkul, General Manager, Global SK-II comments, “Kate Bosworth epitomises the classic beauty that SK-II represents and we welcome her to our expanding family of ambassadors around the world.”

Over 30 years ago, the discovery of SK-II’s “miracle” ingredient, Pitera created a whole new skincare offering which today, has helped millions of women across the world achieve crystal clear skin.

Recently, SK-II made history, becoming P&G’s first Asia home-grown brand to cross the billion dollar mark. It is also the first billion dollar brand in the P&G Prestige portfolio.

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Winners!

September 19th, 2012

 

These lucky readers will receive John Frieda products.

Each of the below readers will WIN a set of the three Frizz-Ease products and a box of Precision Foam Colour.

-Rita Russell, Washington
-Elizabeth Gorges, Arizona
-Michelle Castagne, California
-Nancy Rusboldt, ˆnciznz
-Lisa McFarland, Tennessee

Congratulations.

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Meet Marcia Kilgore

September 19th, 2012

 

Save the date!

I am excited to announce that Marcia Kilgore will be at Sephora on Thursday, September 27th from 3:00 – 6:00 pm, and you can get the chance to meet her, personally!

WHO: Marcia Kilgore, the savvy entrepreneur behind New York’s famous Bliss Spa, FitFlop and Soap & Glory, continues her reign as a beauty industry titan.

WHAT: A meet and greet with Marcia! This is your chance to ask beauty industry legend, Marcia Kilgore, your most pressing questions!

WHEN: Thursday, September 27th, from 3:00 – 6:00 pm

WHERE: Sephora Times Square, 1500 Broadway New York, NY 10036

To request additional information about the event, other inquiries about Marcia’s newest venture Soap & Glory, or to confirm your attendance please let me know ASAP!

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Even I Get Stuck with a BOOBY-Prize

September 18th, 2012

 

Thank goodness for CVS!

I was shopping in CVS/pharmacy on Sunday restocking my vanity with Secret Deodorant, BioOil, Garnier hair color, and felt a need to purchase a new lip gloss. Despite having a whole wardrobe waiting for me at home, I really had the "urge" to purchase another, preferably a new shade. I am sure many of you had a similar urge, especially prior to a new season or holiday.

After comparing shades from one brand to another, I fell for L'Oreal Paris Infallible Le Gloss in a new shade- Coral Sands (405). It is a beautiful nude with a tinge of peach, which I thought would look perfect for everyday wear this fall. Also, I am a big fan of their applicator gloss tip- one of the only cosmetic brands in the industry to have this unique design. It allows for easy application and good vast coverage on the lips.

Boy was I disappointed, and I should have known this before even purchasing the product. The shade isn't new, but the formula is and trying to compete against long wear claims. Right there I should have been on alert. I don't need my gloss to stay on for 8-hrs, I have no problem reapplying it. The only way to get gloss to stay on is either by using deep pigments found in reds and wines that leave a stain,and help the product achieve a long wear claim or in this case when the shade is lighter, you would use a heavy duty white perle. That is what they did in this particular gloss, and unfortunately, the white perle washes away the color, which I so loved. What appears on the lip is more of a whitened nude gloss. I should have known this, dah! Product Development 101, even I get lost in a beautiful shade and my desire takes over. This lovely Coral Sands is definitely not what I had in mind. In the future, if wear isn't a requirement for you, purchase a regular gloss with no perle and no long wear claims. You will get the color depth you see in the tube minus all the fancy goo.

Luckily CVS/pharmacy offers a money back guarantee if you didn't like a product as long as you have your receipt at time of return. It pays to be a member and reap these rewards as well as many others. I'm stopping back this week and will trade my Infallible Le Gloss in for a Color Riche Gloss instead.

Here is CVS's guarantee:

100% satisfaction guarantee on beauty purchases

Be 100% happy or receive 100% money back on any beauty products. If you're dissatisfied for any reason, you can return the beauty product (opened or unopened) along with your receipt or invoice to any CVS/pharmacy store. We'll refund the full purchase price — no questions asked!

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Kiehl’s Friends & Family Event Starts Tomorrow

September 17th, 2012

 

Enjoy and share!

Dear Readers,


Stock up, this only happens once a year! May this help your skin recover from the summer, and prepare for winter!

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Take it from me…

September 17th, 2012

 

Stick with the old fashion shower cap.

Only in the past year, have I used a shower cap, regularly. Yes,it seems old fashion, but it certainly helps extend the life of a good blow out. I recently read a tip from a reputable Editor (I won't share her name) who recommended wrapping hair in a towel instead. She thought it was more effective in keeping the style in place and prevented frizz. Great idea, I thought. This past Thursday, I got my hair cut, they styled it beautifully, then I rushed home to take a quick shower before attending my son's back to school night. Well, I took my hair out of the towel afterwards thinking I would just brush it and go, and what a disaster. It was bent (you know when your bangs literally form a dent that just won't go away) in every which way, stood up in all the wrong places and looked bloody awful. I had to rewet it- like I had time for this- restyle it and never did capture the look I wanted.

Word to the wise: Stay with the old-fashion trusty shower cap!

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NY Fashion Week Update

September 11th, 2012

 

Victoria Beckham.

Most of us our curious to see what Victoria Beckham is doing on the runway after all she is one of the most popular fashion dos around.

Redken's Creative Consultant, Guido, had the honour of being the lead stylist and this is what was seen.

Guido created a simple, chic hairstyle at the Victoria Beckham Spring 2013 show that was more natural than in past seasons with textured lengths that dried naturally.

"The center part and shine on top creates a strong, even dramatic look on the Victoria Beckham girl today, but the overall style is still very youthful and American. The style is minimal, yet done - it's very wearable."
-Guido, Redken Creative Consultant


Redken Products Used:

-powder refresh 01 aerosol hair powder/dry shampoo
-forceful 23 super strength finishing spray
-shine flash 02 glistening mist

Create the Look:
Create a clean center part on damp hair.
Blow dry just the top section of hair to just behind the ear, then spray water on the back to re-dampen & let dry naturally.
Spray the hairline with forceful 23 hairspray to smooth & hold.
Apply shine flash 02 glistening mist on the top of head.
Use lots of powder refresh 01 dry shampoo on the bottom third of hair to get a light fluffy effect.

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NY Fashion Week Update

September 11th, 2012

 

Shiseido and Dick Page creates the beauty look for Band of Outsiders.

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NY Fashion Week Update

September 11th, 2012

 

Marc Jacobs- Spring/Summer 2013 Beauty Look

NARS Cosmetics and their experts have a long list of shows they do, but a few are particularly on my radar like yesterday's Marc Jacobs. Here's what you need to know.

Lead Artist was François Nars, NARS Cosmetics Founder & Creative Director , himself was the 'uber-expert' in charge.


TREND: Glowing skin

LOOK: “She’s a typical Marc girl,” said Nars of the beauty look. “Very New York City, very chic, very interesting.”

Below are the key products used to create the exclusive look:

FACE
· Sheer Glow Foundation
· Radiant Creamy Concealer (New for Spring 2013!)
[Sorry, you will need to wait. It won't be available in the US until Feb. 15 2013 .]
· Light Reflecting Setting Powder - Pressed (New for Spring 2013!)
[Sorry, not available until Feb. 2013.]


EYES
· Pandora Duo Eyeshadow
· Portobello Duo Eyeshadow
· Key Largo Duo Eyeshadow
· Mambo Eyeliner Pencil
· Via Veneto Larger Than Life® Long-Wear Eyeliner
- Bali or Bengali Eyeshadow (on brows)
- Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara
- Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara

LIPS
- Floralies Satin Lip Pencil - Pressed (New for Spring 2013!)
[Not available in US until Mar. 15 2013]


All products, except where noted, are available at http://www.narscosmetics.com.

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NY Fashion Week Update

September 11th, 2012

 

Designer:  Rebecca Minkoff, get the look.

Friday I had the pleasure of being back stage to watch Sarah Lucero and Jeanie Syfu work their magic on the models at Rebecca Minkoff.

Sarah Lucero used Stila Cosmetics to create the look beauty look, which was inspired by "California girl on a road trip to a festival". A minty turquoise eye was the main focus and complemented the collection's floral pattern.


Get the Look:
-Complexion: Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Conceale
-Eyes: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Turquoise (Spring 2013), Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Stingray and Smudge Pot in Black
-Cheeks: Stila Convertible Color in Camellia and Custom Color Blush in Self-Adjusting Bronze
-Lips: Stila Convertible Color in Camellia
-Finishing Touches: Stila Forever Your Curl Mascara and Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color

TRESemmé Lead Stylist Jeanie Syfu created sophisticated and effortless textured waves for Rebecca Minkoff's Spring 2013 show.

Overall Look: The look was beachy waves with polished ends

Hair Inspiration: The 80’s feel of the collection called for a relaxed, chic style. Hair had a matte texture and sleek ends to create a style that was casual, yet glamorous.

To complement Rebecca Minkoff’s Spring 2013 Collection, TRESemmé Stylist Jeanie Syfu created an undone, sophisticated style.

How-To Steps:
-Start by applying TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray and TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse throughout the hair and power dry with fingers for texture
-Smooth out ends with a Mason Pearson brush
-Take random sections of hair and using a 1” barrel curling iron, create curls through the mid-lengths, making sure to leave the ends out
-Use the flat iron to straighten ends and give the beachy texture a polished finish
-Spray lightly with TRESemmé Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo for a matte look
-Create a middle part with a comb and finish with a dime size amount of TRESemmé Smooth & Silky Anti-Frizz Secret Crème to fingertips, raking through the hair from roots to ends

And we can't forget Essie's Mint Chocolate Chip painted on all the models' fingernails and toes.

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NY Fashion Week Update

September 11th, 2012

 

John Frieda shares a secret.

Luigi Murenu, a John Frieda stylist, offers this Backstage Tip: "Frizz-Ease® Hair Serum Original Formula is a Fashion Week essential. Not only do I use it on damp hair to tame frizz, but I also use it right before models walk the runway. This added touch keeps styles smooth and extra shiny and makes the model’s hair colour look radiant," Murenu reveals.

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What’s Hot NOW

August 10th, 2012

 

L’Oreal Paris Sublime Sun Collection

Launching for the first time this summer, L'Oreal's Paris Sublime Sun collection is sitting pretty in everyone's summer beach bag. My friend's have been scooping it up and so has celebrities.

Katrina Bowden and Maria Menounos lounging poolside using the new L'Oreal Paris Sublime Sun collection. Maria was spotted over the weekend at The Capri in Southampton protecting her naturally gorgeous and glowing skin.




I've been bathing my body- just kidding- but spraying myself head to toe right after the shower and facing long double-header baseball games in the sun. I love the continuous spray nozzle that seems to fan out allowing me to reach hard to get to spots like my bag.

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Another Great Britan Favorite, here in the States.

August 1st, 2012

 

Yardley of London

Remember that bar of soap called Yardley? Well, it too has some history. The original Yardley Lavender fragrance bar soap was created and supplied to all of London, dating back to King Charles I in the mid-1600's...Luckily, Yardley of London, Inc. was brought to the U.S. in 1921 and has stayed a household name.

Yardley has evolved from Bath Bars to Shower Gels and from Lavender to Mango scents, creating a wide preference of fragrance choice without losing sight of what made them famous.

Yardley London Skin Indulgence Bath Bars and Shower Gels are available in two bath bar fragrances and three shower gels: Scrub & Smooth Sea Minerals Bath Bar,that exfoliates and smoothest skin as it firms and tones and Mango Cream Body Butter Cleansing Bar containing pure mango, avocado and olive butter. Shower Gels include: Skin Soothing Sea Minerals, Skin Smoothing Lavender & Rosemary and Mango & Lily delivering rejuvenated and soft skin with long lasting fragrant smells. Price varies from $2.99, for the bar to $4.99, for the shower gels.


So cheers, to Yardley and all your London-based brand!

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Good to the very last swipe…

July 31st, 2012

 

How often does this happen.

It doesn't happen only with coffee or beverages, but when you love a beauty product you scrounge up every last swipe. Totally not realizing it, a friend noticed me taking this Wei East tin out of my bag, upon removing the lid, she causally commented, "I guess you sure like this product." Innocently, I looked down and noticed what she was referring to- see photo below.

It has taken me a very lonnnng time to get here, but the fact is "I LOVE this product." It is a true lip savior amongst other things. It doesn't leave lips begging for more balm, it has been my SOS balm for many beauty emergencies- split ends, rough cuticles, heel cracking, under eye dryness and the list goes on. This "multitasking maven" as the company calls it packs a punch of 8 Chinese herbs in one tiny tin. Currently it is on sale and I'm stocking up, you might consider doing the same- one balm will last you at least a year if not more.

Here's what it looks like new!


China Herbal The 8th Wonder Rescue Remedies, $19.50- ON SALE for $9.50.

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The Incredible Lightness of BECCA

July 26th, 2012

 

Bare but there beauty.

I met Becca many years ago when it first launched at Henri Bendel's as a chic, boutique cosmetic brand. I admired her reliability to always give me the most beautiful natural look, and blushing glow. Since that time, I have become good friends with her, unfortunately, my infrequent visits to the city made us fall out of touch. We recently became reacquainted, and like a good friend catching up, I've missed her light, colorful formulations.

I have a lot of catching up to do, but have recently tried two new recent shade launches, which enhance the skin's beauty. Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone, $14, is a sheer liquid highlighter and moisturizer that veils the skin so that you don't even know its there. It illuminates the skin subtly offering a glow that brings only perfection to your face. What I love most about this product is that you customize it and blend as you wish.

Here are some tips from BECCA's makeup artists':
-For an all over luminous look: Apply as a base over the entire face.
-For a radiant complexion: Mix with a small amount of your foundation or tint.
-To highlight cheekbones, brow bones and temples, dab over foundation using your fingers.

BECCA is also launching two new shades of Mineral Blush that offers a soft glow to complement the Shimmering Skin Perfector. Available in two angelic shades: Gypsy (pink glow) and Songbird (coral glow), $32 each, these blushes reflect light and cast luminosity to your skin. I am also giving away one of each here today so ENTER the giveaway and be sure to share what shade you prefer! Deadline: Today at midnight.

Here's another application tip from BECCA:
-Buff onto the apples of the cheeks
-Layer over a creme for added intensity.

Speaking of creme based blushes, which I am a HUGE fan of, BECCA has a Beach Tint product, which gives the perfect summer's glow on cheeks. The formula is very interesting, probably a little too fluid for my liking, but the shade is perfect!

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RoC This Deal Alert!

July 24th, 2012

 

You’ll definitely want to take advantage of this!

As RoC's Beauty Ambassador I want to deliver breaking beauty news surrounding this brand, their new products and fabulous in-store deals.

Here's a great deal on RoC products this summer. This week at your local CVS/pharmacy, Buy One Get One 50% off any RoC product (Offer valid 7/22/12 - 7/28/12 in-store or at cvs.com.

Choose from RoC's Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30 and pair it with Retinol Correxion MAX Wrinkle Resurfacing System for ultimate skin perfection.

I also noticed, CVS/pharmacy is having a storewide 20% off beauty sale. What are you waiting for start shopping!

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It’s Here- The Nordstrom Beauty Sale

July 20th, 2012

 

Starts today thru August 5th.

Nordstrom Beauty Anniversary sale is open to the public starting today online and in-store! An annual ritual, shoppers nationwide can enjoy exclusive, limited edition items.

Limited edition, exclusive items from over 100 go-to brands including Clarisonic, MAC, philosophy and much more will be available for this special can't miss beauty event.

Checkout: Deborah Lippmann Let's Go Crazy Nail Polish, $18, exclusive new color for Nordstrom's anniversary sale.

On my list: Beauty Exclusives Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Jumbo "Extra Strength Alpha Beta' Face Peel (Nordstrom Exclusive) ($127 Value) $85.00

Great buy: Beauty Exclusives CLARISONIC 'Shocking Pink Mia 2' Anniversary Sonic Skin Cleansing System (Nordstrom Exclusive) ($194 Value) $149.00



I'm stocking up on Mario Badescu products- great gifts with purchase on most beauty items too! Plus there is so much more.

Also be sure to take advantage of Nordstrom's Sample Saturdays sampling program, a social media campaign where followers (@NordstromBeauty and the Beauty Central tab on Nordstrom's Facebook page) can get a sneak peek of the sample of the week, then head to their nearest store to enjoy, absolutely free!

Happy Shopping!

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