Lipgloss Break: February 2009
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and the Winner is...

Tanya! Congratulations, you won the Essie Body Language nail polish. Please email me your mailing address and I will get your prize to you ASAP.

Don't forget to sign up for the next giveaway, a Rembrandt Teeth Whitening system!

Skincare Break - YBF Skincare

As I've mentioned before on my blog, I have very sensitive skin, which makes me a little nervous to try new skincare products. I heard great things about YBF (Your Best Face) Skincare from other beauty blogs, so I decided to give it a try. I tried YBF's Control...and loved it. Control is used for rejuvenating, wrinkle management and antioxidant protection. After using Control twice a day, for about one month, I noticed my skin was a little less tired looking and brighter.

The featured ingredient in the YBF line is spin trap. I'll let YBF-skincare.com explain: "Spin trap functions as an antioxidant, but not in the traditional manner. Instead o f destroying free radicals, it restores balance to unstable molecules and does a better job of protecting our cells from damage."

YBF Skincare has a product for everything on your wish list, ranging from anti-aging, oil control, wrinkle correction and improving complexion products. The skincare items are on the expensive side, ranging from $120 - $160, so I would suggest trying out one product first, and if you're a fan, adding the rest to your birthday gift list.

You can purchase YBF products at TheSkinCareShop.com.

Shopping Break - Bath & Body Works Sale

Get out and shop this weekend!

$3 Anti-bacterial Soaps
$5 Signature Collection Hand Creams
2 for $20 True Blue Spa products
2 for $20 Aromatherapy Body Care
and up to 30% off Spring Gifts.

Shop online or in store this weekend. Sale ends Sunday!

Giveaway Break - Rembrandt Whitening Pack

Does your morning coffee make your smile look a little dull? Brighten your smile in time for Spring with a Rembrandt Whitening Kit! This kit contains Plus Fresh Mint and Intense Stain toothpastes with the Plus Peroxide Whitening Mouthwash, and 2 hours Whitening Kit - the perfect whitening combo for a brighter, more brilliant smile!

***Giveaway***

I will randomly select one lucky winner to win a Rembrandt Whitening Prize Pack. This prize pack includes:
- 2 Hour Whitening Kit
- Fresh Mint Toothpaste
- Intense Stain Toothpaste
- Peroxide Whitening Mouthwash

Make sure to sign up, below, for your chance to win! You can enter up to once a day.
For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list, follow my blog, and/or post a link to this giveaway on your blog. At this time, I'm only able to mail to US & Canada addresses. This contest will end on Wednesday, March 4th. I will announce the winner on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!



Nail Polish Break - Zoya Twist Collection


Zoya is ready for spring (and so am I) with their new Twist Collection. I heart this new line! There is a color in this collection to match every summer dress you have. I painted my nails with Malia, a light violet, and never received so many compliments on my nail polish before! Moxie, a red plum cream, is on my toes and really stands out when I'm wearing my peep toe heels :)

Colors include:
Harley - soft shimmering gray
Jo - shimmering silver blue metallic
Malia - violet cream
Barbie - shimmering soft pink
Cassi - shimmering soft peach
Moxie - vibrant red plum cream

You can purchase the entire set at Zoya.com for $36. Added bonus: Zoya.com offers free gifts with any purchase over $30!!!


Congrats to Zoya for winning the following awards in 2008!

  • Voted Longest Lasting Polish - Women's Health Magazine (US)
  • Named Top Ten Nail Polish - Glamour.com (UK)
  • Zoya Nail Polish - Named Best Nail Polish - 9AM with David & Kim Morning Show Beauty Awards (AU)
  • Named Longest Lasting Nail Polish - Lucky Magazine - Green Guide (US)
  • Voted Best Nail Varnish - Lifescape Beauty Awards (UK)


Hair Break - Face Shape Haircuts

I'm going for a haircut tomorrow (a much needed one). Realizing that it's time to ease into my summer look (the shorter the better) I'm trying to decide what type of style I want to go with. TotalBeauty.com has a great article on how to determine the right haircut with each type of face shape. Once you decide which face shape you have, they have examples of short, medium and long styles that flatter each shape. Check it out!

And the Winner is...

Katelin & Shoba! Congratulations, you have both won one full set of the Kiss My Face Organic Shimmer Lipglosses. I have already contacted you both for your mailing address.

Don't fret if you didn't win...there are plenty more chances! Enter to win Essie's Body Language Nail Polish. Hurry, the contest ends this Friday!

Last Day to Enter to Win!

Don't forget to enter to win the Kiss My Face Giveaway!

New York Fashion Week Break- Zoya Nail Polish


I'm seeing a trend...nude nails are a must to complete the runway looks...

As the official nail care sponsor for the Rachel Roy Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2009
Fashion Presentation Zoya Nail Polish was pleased to grace the tips for the wonderful parade of Rachel Roy style... All of the models wore Zoya in Tasha (often referred to as the "perfect nude nail polish" by editorial manicurist Jackie Saulsbery).

Upcoming - futuristic - fashion label Ohne Titel (Designed by Flora Gill and Alexa Adams) worked the NYFW runway with lot of black sculptural pieces, draping, sky high shoes (by Cesare Paciotti) and nude nails (by Zoya Nail Polish). Avant garde fashions' favorite manicurist Jackie Saulsbery used Zoya in Gretchen and Dea to provide the collections perfect nude nail - the runways love Zoya Nail Polish!

Targeted at women of all ages with an eye for the wearable "street looks" of today the Tory Burch show delivered and featured a nude Zoya nail! At the designers request, manicurist Jackie Saulsberry and her assistants kept the nails classy, natural and ultra shiny. First all hands and feet were prepped with Qtica Smart Spa Anti-Bacterial Spray (the Germinator) followed by the Zoya Color Lock System (Remove +, Anchor Base Coat, Armor Top Coat and Hurry Up Speed Dry Drops) for a super clean, glossy nail look which complimented the fashions perfectly.

Shopping Break - Neiman Marcus Beauty Event

When you shop online or in store, take home a complimentary Neiman Marcus Exclusive tote in orange, turquoise, or pink and great treats with any cosmetics or fragrance purchase of $100 or more.

Here's a list of what comes inside:

NM Exclusive Dior L'Or de Vie La Creme Yeux, L'Extrait, and La Creme, 0.03 oz. each
Karl Lagerfeld Kapsule Eau de Toilette in Woody, Floriental, and Light, 1.2 ml each
Clé de Peau Beauté Le Coton, 5 sheets
Lancome Paris Definicils Mascara in Black, 0.09 oz.
NM Exclusive Valentino Eau de Parfum, 0.06 oz.
Molton Brown Ultrasmooth Coco de Mer Bath & Shower Gel, 1 oz.
Bobbi Brown Invitation for full-size Blush in Pink Clay
Kiehl's Since 1851 Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion, 0.17 oz.
NM Exclusive La Mer Invitation for Creme de la Mer, 0.24 oz.
• Arrives in a NM exclusive tote in your choice of pink, turquoise, or orange.


Available online through March 9. In stores February 26 - March 8. Reserve yours in store now by visiting Neiman Marcus or calling your sales associate today!

Giveaway Break - Essie Body Language Nail Polish


Is everyone watching the Red Carpet? I love it! Before the Oscar's start, let me know who you thought had the best look and enter to win one bottle of Essie's Body Language!

***Giveaway***

I will randomly select ONE lucky winner to win a bottle of Essie's Body Language nail polish. Make sure to sign up, below, for your chance to win! You can enter up to once a day. For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list and/or post a link to this giveaway on your blog.

At this time, I'm only able to mail to US & Canada addresses. This contest will end
on Friday, February 27th. I will announce the winner on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!



Academy Awards Red Carpet Beauty Report from Lancôme!

It’s the biggest night in Hollywood and the stars shined on the red carpet at the 81st annual Academy Awards. Lancôme graced the faces of three Best Actress nominees; Kate Winslet, Anne Hathaway and Angelina Jolie. We’ve got the exclusive scoop on the looks created straight from the makeup artists who worked with these gorgeous ladies.

Kate Winslet looked beautiful in a multi-toned one shoulder YSL dress. Celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey wanted to create a classic, natural look. First, she prepped Kate’s skin with Lancôme La Base Pro primer to create a smooth canvas for a polished complexion. She lightly brushed Lancôme Brow Expert in Naturel on the brows to play up their natural shape. Jillian Dempsey for Avon Pro Eyeshadow Trio in Ice Shimmer was applied to the eyes and the lashes were coated with Jillian Dempsey for Avon Pro Mascara in Black. To create a sheer, neutral colored lip, Lancôme Color Fever Lipstick in Old Flame was applied for a soft, matte finish.

Anne Hathaway looked regal in a sparkling jewel encrusted Armani Privé gown. Her makeup look was sophisticated and elegant. Anne’s perfect brows framed her face and her long, lush lashes really made her eyes pop. She donned a deep berry-toned lip to complete her look. To get Anne’s look, try Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre in Sable to fill in and shape the brows. Lightly dust Lancôme Color Design Eye Shadow in Ciel du Soir over the entire eyelid followed by Le Crayon Khôl in Black Ebony applied to the upper lash line. Lightly smudge so there are no harsh lines. Apply several coats of Lancôme Ôscillation Mascara for a faux-lash effect. For just a hint of color, dust Lancôme Blush Subtil in Sheer Amourose on the apples of the cheeks. To create her berry stained pout, apply Lancôme Color Fever Lipstick in Brickhouse.

Angelina Jolie looked stunning in a black strapless Elie Saab gown paired with beautiful emerald-colored jewels which added a striking burst of color. Celebrity makeup artist Mary Burton created Angelina’s flawless look. Mary applied Le Crayon Khôl in Black Ebony to the upper and lower lash lines. She emphasized the shape of Angelina’s eyes by applying more liner to the outer corners of the eye. Several coats of Ôscillation Mascara were applied to the upper lashes for added volume and length. Mary put a touch of pink to the cheeks using Shu Uemura Blush in M Pink 31 and applied it to her cheekbones near the temple. To create ultra-shiny and luminous lips, Mary used Juicy Tubes in Spring Fling.



Total Beauty Web Tour!


It’s week three of Bare Budget Beauty’s birthday bash, and this week you can enter to win a $50 gift card to Salon Hive! Hurry, you only have until February 23!

Viva Woman asks what should come first during a shower: shampoo or facial cleansing? and finds out why the sequence would make a difference.

Beauty Secrets Revealed Finally Launches LashMantra- 100% Natural Eyelash Growth Serumenter the Ageless Fantasy Giveaway to win a bottle (ARP $120.)

Read Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog’s review of new Ageless Fantasy perfume, and then

Beauty Anonymous features a preview of Paul & Joe Summer 2009 Makeup Collection.

Beauty Junkies Unite discovers Shampowder Hair Powder as an alternative to her favorite aerosol dry shampoo!

Learn hair dye secrets with Makeup Files’ Home Hair Dying 101. Plus, see Trisha with her brand new dark brown ‘do!

The Makeup Divas reviews Gillette Venus Embrace & Spa Breeze shavers.

More Than a Pretty Face interviews Trae Bodge Naperiala, Co-founder and Creative Director of Three Custom Color Specialists.

Get Trae’s Bronzed Goddess look for spring 2009 by entering our contest to win one of three Mood Lighting Shimmer Cremes in On Fire.

Beauty411 brings you a review of the new Olay Professional Pro-X Skincare line that is getting so much buzz!

Boutique Flair reviews the Crabtree & Evelyn Aromatherapy Distillations Body Wash. And, she’s giving away a Good For You Girls Complete Skin Care Kit - because good skin care starts early!

Neon Bible takes a look at beauty products from the 90s in the new feature Flashback Beauty

Face Candy reviews a Rihanna Favorite, Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask.

Alison of the Advice Sisters is covering Fashion Week from the runway. and backstage at Diesel, Carolina Hererra, Tory Burch, and more!

Brighten up your skin for spring! Dolce Beauty enlightens us on Aveda’s newest (Sodium Laureth Sulfate-Free!) skincare collection, Enbrightenment.

Need some new makeup brushes? Check out Glossypink’s pick!

Make sure you enter the giveaway over at Beauty in Real Life. Enter to win a bottle of Ralph Lauren Romance Always Yours - a $72 value. Click here for the details. Hurry, the contest ends Tuesday!!!

makeup loves me gives you the 411 on here!

What’s a Kitten Eye? Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie reports from backstage at Twinkle to give you all the details.

This week, Daneen from Spoiled Pretty was a Barbie Girl in the Barbie World. Click here for your backstage pass to New York Fashion Week’s most anticipated event: the Barbie Runway Show!



Entertainment Break - Get Ready for Oscar Beauty!

The best part of the Oscars is the Red Carpet...where we get to see the top celebrities wearing the best in beauty products. I can't wait! The Red Carpet starts at 8pm...don't forget to tune in!

While you're watching the Oscars, enter to win the Kiss My Face giveaway lipgloss and lip tints sets, which ends this Tuesday. And keep checking back...I'll be posting another giveaway soon...maybe during the Oscars!

Eyeshadow Break - Urban Decay Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potion


This two-in-one beauty miracle gives you a brand new eyeshadow shade AND the staying power of our #1-selling product, Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Created with the same award-winning formula, Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a crease-proof shimmering champagne shade that can be worn alone, or layered under Eyeshadow for a subtle dimensional sheen…even under matte textures.

Sweep this universally flattering base shade all over lids to smooth and perfect eyelids while perking up tired eyes. Or dab on brow bone and inner corners of eyes as a highlighter. Perfect alone during the day, your eyes are already prepped to add shadows for evening…just add crease color.

This silicone-based miracle cream uses tiny molecules to fill in any
imperfections on the surface of the skin, becoming a powerful Eyeshadow magnet. With a silky smooth, non-irritating texture, it won’t dry out the delicate skin around the eyes and Eyeshadow will not flake, crease or fade away as you ride off into the sunset.

Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($17) is available at Sephora, ULTA, and select Macy’s West Locations. Or log on to sephora.com, ulta.com, macys.com, beauty.com or urbandecay.com to shop online.


Makeup Break - Lancôme on HSN


Bonjour, everyone! Lancôme is excited to announce that they will be on HSN tonight and Friday. Representing Lancôme will be the glamorous Joan Poulton, the vice president of education, and the fabulous national makeup artist Robert Cook. Joan and Robert will be talking about the new spring color collection Pink Irreverence and other Lancôme must-haves! Be sure to tune in and learn some application tips and tricks and to see the collection come to life.

View the Pink Irreverence collection on the HSN website.

The show times are as follows:

Thursday, February 19th

8 p.m.

Friday, February 20th

6 a.m.

1 p.m.

8 p.m.



Perfume Break - KENZO EAUX DE FLEURS Collection

KENZO returns to nature with a new collection of three subtle floral notes, EAUX DE FLEURS, featuring three flowers, picked from Japanese trees to evoke a delicate trail of scent. KENZO asked three perfumers to create a vision for each scent in the trio, resulting in three distinct, whimsical fragrances. With the EAUX DE FLEURS collection KENZO seeks to discover the evanescent quality of blossoming trees, a creative approach blending authenticity with poetry. Every year, KENZO will enrich its collection with a new flower picked from a Japanese tree.

EAU DE FLEUR de soie . silk

Nonchalant and audacious, the silk flower flutters gently in the breeze. Jean Jacques of Takasago has created EAU DE FLEUR de soie, a crimson floral note with a tender, fruity heart. In Japan the silk tree is known as nemunoki, the sleeping tree whose leaves close slowly at night and reopen in the morning, giving the illusion that the tree has slept through the night.

EAU DE FLEUR de magnolia

Perched on their branches, magnolia flowers flaunt their dignified and willowy allure. Francis Kurkdjian of Takasago has created EAU DE FLEUR de magnolia, a radiant floral bouquet, bursting with hesperidian notes to “…capture the fragile crystalline freshness of a magnolia blossom, like a ray of spring sun piercing winter clouds.”


EAU DE FLEUR de thé . tea

Sheltered under its leaves, the soft white petals of the tea flower conceal a heart of gold. Aurélien Guichard of Givaudan has created EAU DE FLEUR de thé, a floral concoction with notes of green tea and a hint of musk, reminiscent of fresh leaves melding with the gentle aroma of the tea flowers.

The Bottle

Tinted in light shades of rose, saffron and chartreuse, the bottles curve as if swaying in a gentle wind. A fragrance faithful to Kenzo’s inspirations, the bottles bear his signature.

The entire collection is currently on sale at KenzoUSA.com.

Giveaway Break - Kiss My Face Sheer Organic Shimmer & Shine


Kiss My Face has recently come out with a Sheer Organic Shine (lipglosses) & Sheer Organic Shimmer (lip tints). The colors are glamorous - ranging from a iridescent Pearl to a deep, dramatic Garnet. Not only are they rich in color, but rich in moisture too. Made with organic shea butter and jojoba oil, these lipglosses soften and nourish lips too!

Kiss My Face is an all-natural body care company. From moisturizers to liquid soaps, shower gels to toothpastes, shaves to deodorants, Kiss My Face has products that are effective and good for you!
***Giveaway***

I will randomly select TWO lucky winners to either win a full set of Sheer Organic Shine (lipglosses) or a full set of Sheer Organic Shimmer (lip tints). Make sure to sign up, below, for your chance to win! You can enter up to once a day. For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list and/or post a link to this giveaway on your blog.

At this time, I'm only able to mail to US & Canada addresses. This contest will end
on Tuesday, February 24th. I will announce the winner on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!



Lipgloss Break - Free Napoleon Perdis Gloss


Join the Napoleon Perdis club and receive a limited edition Protégé Lip Gloss (valued at $25) FREE! Offer ends March 7th.

Thanks for the heads up
Beauty Counter!

I'm Back!


I'm back...and I'm wishing I was in Paris still! What a wonderful city. So beautiful, unique, and fashionable. My favorite part was sitting in cafes, drinking a cafe and eating a crepe with nutella.


My favorite area? Montmartre. My husband and I purchased some beautiful canvas paintings here and are excited to get them framed and hung up in our house.

Of course, I had to go to the Chanel store and at least buy a lipgloss (Aqualumiere) and stop in Louis Vuitton and Kenzo. I purchased a classic Long Champ purse on the last day we were there, and can't wait to tote it around this weekend. The shopping was amazing!

Please stay tuned for some Paris pictures and the next Lipgloss Break giveaway (here's a hint, it will probably be posted tonight!).



I'm Going to Paris!


On February 12th, I leave for Paris...my first trip to Europe! Please leave me a comment or send me suggestions on things I should do and see. I'm going to be there for 5 days, so my blog will be on a bit of a hiatus.

One thing I definitely want to do is go to the Chanel store. I heard it's a unique shopping experience. I can't wait to visit all of the couture cosmetic and bath and body shops. Purely research for the blog :)

Makeup Break - MAC Hello Kitty is Here

The Mac Hello Kitty Collection is now available online at Mac Cosmetics! Get Free Shipping with code: HELLOKITTY.

Did you get any Hello Kitty stuff yet? Leave a comment and let us know what you bought :)

Contest Break - Beauty Fix Giveaway

Sign up for ideeli and enter to win a year membership to Beauty Fix! Thanks to Beautyfix, you can have insider access to information and products previously limited to beauty industry experts. Beautyfix puts the latest top-performing products in your hands, often before they are available to the public, by delivering them directly to your door.

ideeli is invitation only, so use the following link to sign up:
www.ideeli.com/invite/lipglossbreak


What is ideeli?

ideeli is the first invite-only shopping community in the U.S. ideeli offers privileged access to sought-after products in fashion, home and beauty, as well as luxury lifestyle experiences. ideeli members receive exclusive shopping privileges:
- Insider prices
- Early access to newest products
- Hot European brands not available in the US
- Exciting giveways

And the Winner is...

Masonsgranny59 - Congratulations! You won the Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen!

Total Beauty Web Tour!


Read on for the weeks' best beauty news with the Total Beauty Web Tour!

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog is giving away a pair of ICE.com diamond stud earrings valued at $250. Enter for a chance to put a little sparkle in your Valentine's Day!

Viva Woman shows you how to use Aloe Vera juice for DIY facial masks.

Neon Bible looks at Lush's adorable bath products in the Valentine's Day Gift Guide

In celebration of its first anniversary, Bare Budget Beauty is having great giveaways all month long! This week, win some Johnson's Body Care 24 Hour products!

The Jet Set Girls are supporting Operation Smile and giving away 5 sets which include Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste, Crest Pro-Health Rinse, and Oral-B Power Toothbrush.

Alison (aka. "Advice Sister Alison" has discovered a bracelet that can help you lose weight without any effort at all!

Beauty Anonymous reviews Shiseido's Integrate Nail Polishes.

Boutique Flair reviews the new Kiss My Face Sheer Organic Shimmers and Sheer Organic Shines line. And, they're giving away $50 Worth of Kiss My Face Swag! Good luck!

Daily Dose of Coffee is loving the new Make Up For Ever High Definition line. See which products we've tested out recently!

Beauty Junkies Unite became pretty amazed with the new AmazeMint lipglosses and Outlast Lipstains from CoverGirl! Check out the swatches!

Enter to win a Marc Jacobs Star Charm Watch Necklace over at The Makeup Divas.

At Fabulous Over Forty learn how to maintain your hair coloring longer.

Kendra Wilkinson Beauty Secrets an interview by Marta Walsh-Talking Makeup.

Indian Girl is celebrating her Blog's First Anniversary with MONTH LONG GIVEAWAYS !

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings shares her love for a face cream that contains real liquid gold! Read about it here.

Beauty411 is captivated by the Givenchy Spring Makeup Collection inspired by the colors of India. Gorgeous!

Makeup Files has a brand new look! Head on over and see the sleek and beautiful new design.

Frappelattes highlights special Valentine's Day womens fragrance deals on Amazon, including discounts on Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker fragrance and more.

Check out Glossypink's Valentine's Day Get Glam Guide!

MissWhoever You Are
takes you through the foundations she has, needs, and gotta have!

Face Candy gives you a sneak peek at Laura Mercier's new Gilded Garden Collection.

Mineral Makeup Reviews discusses the Benefits of Mineral Makeup.

Suzanne at RN Guide to Skin Care reviews Tinted Moisturizers.

Valentine’s Day is a big perfume holiday. The Beauty Blog reviews theBest Selling Romantic Perfumes.

Get CLEAR SKIN with Beauty Blvd. & Phisoderm! Enter the GIVEAWAY and win a facial cleansing bar two pack, anti-blemish body wash, anti-blemish cleansing pads, and nurturing toner!

Jenn of Beauty in Real Life shares her beauty picks of the week. Click here to find out what they are.

GIVEAWAY ALERT! Enter for a chance to win Kenzo BELLE DE JOUR at Makeup Bag.

Still battling with dry skin? Hot Beauty Health discusses known foods that will help treat your dry skin.

Blaq Vixen Beauty wants you to take advantage of Pretty City's Love You Campaign! Did you remember to wear red in honor of National Wear Red Day?

One week left to enter the contest to win a 12-piece makeup brush collection from More Than a Pretty Face and Beauty Strokes. Have you entered?

Visit Spoiled Pretty and enter to win a "Love Enamel Bangle" from Cynthia H Designs (retail value $65) and KENZO Belle de Jour Face Cream (retail value $105)

Jennifer Hudson sure looked gorgeous at the Superbowl! Find out how to get the look at eye4style!

Bobbi Brown has done it again.Butterflydiary shows you how to do the "Blushed Pinks" collection.

makeup loves me exposes the white hot nail trend.

Beauty Blogging Junkie chats with The City's Jay at the MAC Hello Kitty party! Click here to read about the event and learn about the new collection.



Shopping Break - Sephora Bare Essentials


Shop online or in stores at Sephora and receive a 10 day supply of Bare Essentials bareMinerals SPF 15 and a bonus baby kabuki brush. Enter code FREELOVE at checkout.

Going to a Party this Weekend?


TotalBeauty.com goes over 7 ways to look gorgeous for the hot party you're attending this weekend. These celebrity makeup looks work for every occasion!

Brush Break - Sephora's Retractable Lip Brush


What a lifesaver! I'm a germ freak, and I hate sticking my fingers in lipgloss pots (how unsanitary!). Well, nothing is going to stop me from buying the latest and greatest pot-o-gloss. Sephora's Retractable Lip Brush ($12) is the perfect solution for clean and easy application for lipgloss pots. Since it's retractable, it leaves no sticky gloss in your purse or makeup bag. It's super slip and can easily slide into your back pocket. I never leave home without it!

Golden Compact Awards - Vote Now!


The Golden Compact Awards are the first annual blogger beauty awards. You can vote on the best in beauty in five categories: hair, makeup, skincare, body and nails. Favorites in each category were hand-selected by five of the most repuatble beauty blogs - All Lacquered Up, Beauty Blogging Junkie, The Beauty of Life, The Daily Cookie and The Daily Obsession—and then voted on by readers.

Vote Now! - http://www.goldencompactawards.com/


Valentine's Day Looks with Too Faced Cosmetics

Too Faced has the looks you’ll adore this Valentine’s Day with a variety of glamorous glosses and perfecting products in indulgent formulas everyone will fall in love with.

Luster Liner… Line your lips with the luxurious luster and multi-dimensional color of a south sea pearl. Created in four glamorous shades to create a variety of looks, these rich and creamy chubby lip liners perfectly coordinate with the ‘Girls Dig Pearls’ lip gloss line. Have him lustering after your lips!

$18.00, sephora.com

Heaven knows that no lady worth her country club membership would be caught dead without her trusty strand of pearls! Now, you too can be perfectly pretty and glossy to boot with Girls Dig Pearls, a lustrous lip gloss created using real crushed Sea Pearls, Vitamin E, and Peppermint Extract to soothe, soften and freshen your lovely lips. These are NOT your grandmother’s pearls!

$18.00, sephora.com

Create a mouth-watering glow with Too Faced’s newest bronzer, Chocolate Soleil. A combination of the natural, rich, seductive and skin soothing effects of real cocoa powder with the signature Too Faced bronzing pigments creates a delectable, deep tan that is never orange looking. The chic compact is nothing short of decadent and delivers mouth-watering color that satisfies any color appetite.

$27.50. sephora.com


Want a new, luscious look for Valentine's Day?

Follow these steps from Too Faced founder and Creative Director, Jerrod Blandino:

For luscious LIPS:

· Line and fill in lips using the Luster Liner Lip Pencil prior to applying Girls Dig Pearls (they were created to “go steady” together).

· Use the coordinating Luster Liner and Girls Dig Pearls for a multi-dimensional fuller lip look, or mix different liners and glosses for a rebellious fashionista effect.

For a radiant COMPLEXION:

· Apply Chocolate Soleil in my signature “W shape.” Start by sweeping the bronzer onto our Kabuki Brush from side to side. Next, take the brush up from the ear to the cheek, to the nose, to the other cheek and back to the ear.

· To contour, let the tip of the Kabuki Brush peek through the tip of the barrel with the metal slide enclosing the base of the brush. Contour under the chin and cheekbones to create a slim neckline and a thinner face.

· Swipe a little Chocolate Soleil on the brow bone to give the eyes a lift!



Lipgloss Break - Kiehl's Lipgloss Trio


Looking for something sweet without the calories? Kiehl's has a lip gloss trio that is Valentine's Day themed. The glosses have a neutral hint of cool tones which will complete any soft look. The trio includes 'Pink Rider,' 'Icy Everest' and 'Mahvelous Mauve.' It's $29 at www.Kiehls.com. Don't forget to add up to 3 samples when you checkout online!

Salon Break - Blow Dry Salon in NYC


You may have read on a previous post that I recently visited New York City for work. While I was there I had it in my mind that I wanted to get a manicure in a trendy NYC salon. I did my research and found out that Blow Dry Salon was one block over from my office, and they opened at 8am...perfect! I made an appointment that same day for 8:30am. I was in desperate need of a good manicure.

Blow is known as New York City's premiere 'blow dry bar.' The first salon opened in February 2006, in NYC's meatpacking district, and since then there has been one additional salon opened. In October 2006, they launched their own line of hair care products. The Blow Dry Bar offers, cuts, colors, shampoos, 'blow drys,' eye brow waxing, manis, pedis and makeup application. The decor was airy white and pink, which was super cute and so NYC. I loved that the hair stylists' stands weren't cluttered with junk, and the floor was clean as far back as I could see.

The manicure I received was great, although it was a little uncomfortable since I had to sit in a hair styling chair, and not a manicure table. I picked out Essie's 'My Private Cabana' for my nails and had to buy the color afterwords because I loved it so much. She topped it off with Essie's speed dry drops and I was out the door and on time for work!

TO DO IN NYC:
Get manicure from unique, ultra trendy NYC salon....CHECK!