May's Birchbox will be Gossip Girl Themed!

First of all, if you don't subscribe to the $10 a month sample delivery service from http://www.birchbox.com/ then you need to immediately!  (there is currently a wait list right now it is so popular!)

But if you're a fan of my blog, I've probably bothered you enough to make you join, and so here is great news!  The may Birchbox is Gossip Girl themed!


I am such a big fan of the show (although I prefer to wait for it to come out on DVD so I can have a "call in sick day" and stay in bed with a bottle of wine and watch the whole season at once, I digress!)

But don't you wonder what beauty essentials will be inspired by our fav socialites Blair and Serena!?


me too, but Birchbox keeps that top secret so no spoilers here!

But I'll put my money on it that there will be an awesome lip gloss!!

Do you suffer from occassional blemishes?

Whether they are occasional (most of us) or if you are especially acne-prone, I have an incredible product that you simply MUST try!!!!

Several blog posts ago I mentioned a line called Juice Beauty, which is a 100% certified organic line of skincare (and some makeup) products

and they have a blemish clearing serum that is simply AMAZING!!!


made from apples, lemons, aloe, and willow bark (a natural anti-inflammatory with anti-bacterial benefits) this serum is super lightweight, smells refreshing and it is totally healthy and safe for your skin!  It can be used under moisturizer anytime, which for those of you with oilier skin (think: summer heat!) this serum will also help you control oil during the day under makeup!

It retails for $29 on its own, or you can get a smaller version of it in a kit for $39 that has deluxe sample sizes of the cleanser, moisturizer and masque with it.



You can find juice beauty products in Ulta stores and online at http://www.ulta.com/ , and also at http://www.birchbox.com/

Buy this product, you won't be disappointed!

Sephora's New Site

If you haven't checked it out yet, this weekend Sephora debuted a brand new web site, and its great!  If you are a beauty insider, they have all your purchases listed, so you can easily re-order.  Also, they make adding samples and redeeming beauty points super easy at checkout!

The only bummer, especially for people like me that order constantly, is that you need to re-enter your payment information.    But it will save going forward.

Happy shopping!

Do you own an iPhone?

Or a Blackberry?  Or an iPad?

Duh?!  Doesn't everybody?


Anyway, I am asking because, if you will spend money on high tech gadgets, then WHY haven't you invested in a super lightweight ion HAIRDRYER?!



If you're a girl who'll spend $28 on shampoo but you are using a noisy, heavy and damaging hairdryer, you need to align your priorities immediately!

Check out this blow dryer, in my opinion one of the best, the CHI Chameleon Dryer, $179.99

Obviously that is a VERY expensive styling tool, but if you picked it up, you would be amazed!  It weighs next to nothing (no more tired arms or wrist pain from a bulky heavy dryer!) and it is SO quiet but POWERFUL!  It dries my long thick hair in 5 minutes and leaves it super shiny, thanks for ionic minerals inside!



Want the same ultra light weight dryer, but can't afford that hefty price tag?  You should try the $30 knock-off, Conair's Tourmaline Ceramic Styling System kit, which has the dryer, nozzle, diffuser and ionic brush!

find it at:
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod620135

Its time to step it up girls!  Your hair will thank you!

Wurk it with....SCOTCH TAPE?

Stole this from a blogger today, who insists Scoth Tape is the new manicure must-have!

Will you try?

Flashback to the 90s

I read the following article today
http://blog.birchbox.com/post/20478113684/6-lol-beauty-products-from-the-90s?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=statusupdate&utm_campaign=April_040412_90s

and I had to post about it, and see if anyone wants to comment on their favorite 90s beauty products (Aqua Net anyone?)

Mine were defiantly:

1. CK1 Unisex Fragrance (I would have bought ANYTHING that Kate Moss promoted!)

2. Sun-In Spray hair Lightener (I don't want to know what the civil suit was that finally got this chemical madness pulled off the shelves)


3. Hard Candy Nail Polishes (I used to BEG my mom to buy them for me, for some reason I HAD to have that plastic ring that came with every bottle)


4. Lip Smackers (need I say more?)


5. Val and I used to do the Freeman Cucumber Peel Off Masque all the time!


So, what were YOUR fav 90s beauty products?!?!

Stay tuned for April 17th....

Why?  Well, I will tell you!  In honor of the movie "Snow White and the Huntsman" starring Kristin Stewart (in theaters this summer!)


Benefit Cosmetics is coming out with a limited edition palette of shades and looks inspired by Snow White's character in the movie! 

They won't even issue a teaser photo of the kit, so it makes me wonder, will it be centered around Snow White's creamy complexion, or the Evil Queen's dramatic eye makeup?!  Or (gasp!) maybe both!?


Stay tuned!

"Barefoot in Blue" for a Great Cause!

Last year when you heard about Toms Shoes promoting their "One Day" campaign by asking everyone in the World to "go a day without wearing shoes, to remind us of the World's poverty issues" you might not have been motivated to literally heed their message  (but hopefully you picked up an awesome pair of their super comfy shoes, because for every pair they sold, they donated a pair!)


But now Toms Shoes is teaming up with our fav nail polish brand, Essie, and they created a signature color for Spring that helps support the "One Day" foundation


Stacy Keibler (of George Clooney fame) is a spokesperson for the charity, and she looks great in the promotions! 


There are, of course, matching blue Toms Shoes too!


and the color is very bright and bold


To learn more about the campaign go to:
http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/

To purchase this hot blue shade, you'll need to go to your fav Essie retailer (such as Ulta) to see if there are any left on shelves - the website is sold out!

Some of the WORST Shampoos out there

Voters on Total Beauty were asked to vote on the WORST shampoos they ever used. which is just as useful as knowing what the great shampoos are right?  Well, maybe not as important, but who doesn't like a worst-dressed list?



Matrix Amplify Volumizing Shampoo
-stripped color
-doesn't add volume, adds buildup (yuck)

Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Moisturizing Shampoo
-dull, rough looking hair
-scent doesn't last outside the bottle

John Freida Radient Red Color Captivating Shampoo
-left fingernails stained red
-didn't preserve color
-made hair tangle

Head & Shoulders Refresh 2 in 1
-burned scalp
-Dried hair out


Aveda Clove Shampoo ($30!)
-way too expensive
-left a brown residue in the shower
-didn't boost color as it claimed


TIGI Bedhead Self-Absorbed Shampoo
-smells like chemicals
-made hair dried out and tangled

TIGI Bedhead Moisture Maniac Shampoo
-Didn't moisturize, just left a oily residue

SAMY Smooth Shampoo
-smells horrible
-weighs hair down
-causes tangles


and I was surprised at the most votes for WORST shampoo:

BioSilk Hydrating Shampoo
-doesn't lather
-makes hair feel 'stripped'
-greasy scalp
-lifeless hair


So there you have it, some of the worst shampoos out there!  Avoid at all costs!

Just bought a new travel chair!

For all my previous clients that have sat on counter tops, stood near windows, and sat in other uncomfortable positions while I did your makeup - you'll always be in my heart, but next time you'll be in my new CHAIR!


Just ordered a travel TALL makeup chair for all my events this year!

Looking forward to seeing all my brides, prom girls and all my other clients sitting face to face with me in "the chair"

Big things in 2012!!!

How to SMELL younger

Yes, you read the right!  Our sense of smell is extremely powerful (as any of you that have smelled Estee Lauder's Youth Dew can testify to, phew!) and can 'trick' the brain into seeing or feeling a certain way...HELLO?!  Ever see the movie Love Potion No 9?


I'm loving the YOUTHFUL scent of Harvey Price's "Ageless" Fragrance
 

From Harvey Prince's Website:

How it Works

Olfactory studies have shown that when the fatty acids in our skin begin to breakdown, they emit a particular odor. Fascinating, no? Even more fascinating: pink grapefruit and mango counteract that smell, which is why they’re called the ‘olfactory antidote to aging.’ Beyond the science, this lovely scent has layers of fresh citrus, pomegranate, and mango as well as jasmine, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood. It’s guaranteed to make you feel good.

How to Use

Apply the scent to your pulse points — neck, wrists, behind the ears, and inner elbows. You can also spritz a little on to the tips of your hair or any non-delicate clothing.

Where to buy at $55 for 50ml:
http://www.birchbox.com/shop/harvey-prince-ageless-50ml/

How NYC girls refresh on the go!

You may not live in New York City, but haven't you fantasized about being a city girl once or twice?  Strutting in heels through Manhattan to your office?  (oh, that's just me that thinks like that...?!)

Anyway...ahem!  Uh, well we all need a refresh sometimes, whether its a hot day, our hands are particularly grimy from grabbing a messy lunch, or we want to mentally switch gears from work to happy hour- I have an AWESOME product for you!

Herban Essentials Towelettes!  They are individually wrapped naturally scented towelettes that refresh you instantly and provide a light scent



They make me think of sophisticated city women, so have to refresh on the go, and inside their Hermes tote bag they faithfully carry are these fabulous towelettes, along with jewelry and a scarf to take their look from office to dinner with friends in just one bathroom stop!


right now I am crushing on the Yoga themed towelettes, which have a light lavender scent that clears your mind, and also contains natural antiseptic properties, so you can use to wipe down your feet, hands AND yoga mat!  Genius!


And hey why not even get your dog in on it?  The blend of essential oils used in these wipes are antiseptic also, so they can clean up a scrape, clean out ears, or be used on owner's hands after a walk.


The most universal scent is certainly the orange

which certainly won't offend your cubical mate!  (like some strong perfume smell)

Where to buy?  For $14.99 for 20 towelettes click:
http://www.haircarechoices.com/details_herban+essentials_1745.html/land/167372?gclid=CM3p0PPymK8CFQfe4AodTy2rzw

Great organic dry shampoo find!

I get so excited when I see my monthly Birchbox in the mail (see previous post on Birchboxes) and the March 10th delivery was no different!  I was so excited to try

Lulu Organics Hair Powder (aka: dry shampoo)

I loved the Victorian looking packaging too!  I swear by Batiste Dry Shampoo Spray, and I didn't think I would like applying loose powder - but I was wrong!

Easy to apply (by rubbing onto scalp) and the scent is incredible!  My sample was the 'lavendar and clary sage' which instantly freshened my hair (think:  get the stink of the deli you went to on lunch out of your hair in a second)

Other scents are 'jasmine' 'patchuli & amber' and 'vetiver & black pepper'

The regular size of 4oz retails for $30

and now there is a 1oz travel size for $9.50!


Where to buy?  You can purchase from http://www.luluorganics.com/ or join Birchbox and get free shipping!
http://www.birchbox.com/shop/lulu-organics-lavender-clary-sage-hair-powder