this just in...great mother's day gift idea from lancome

Still having trouble finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift?

We know we are.

And it's right around the corner!

Here's a gift suggestion.

How about a signed copy of the best-selling HOW NOT TO LOOK OLD: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look Ten Years Younger, Ten Pounds Lighter, Ten Times Better by beauty and fashion journalist Charla Krupp?

Charla will be signing copies this Saturday, May 2nd, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the Saks Fifth Avenue Lancôme counter in New York City.

You can meet Charla and get a personalized copy of the book for yourself, your mom or anyone you choose with any $150 purchase.

The personal appearance is part of Lancôme’s Ageless Beauty Secrets Event featuring new skincare innovations, mini-facials and makeup touch-ups.

Stop by, meet Charla and discover exciting new products such as Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate and Laque Fever Full Color Lipshine.

Charla’s genius beauty tips and effortless fashion fixes have been transforming women across the country, so don’t miss out!

Space is limited, so call 212-940-2199 to reserve an appointment ASAP! A $50 reservation fee is required and is fully redeemable in Lancôme products.

Just to give you a little teaser, here's some tips from Charla...

Charla’s Top Ten Ageless Secrets to Take Off Ten Years

1) Pick pink for your pout.

2) Arch your brows upward.

3) Don’t outline your lips with a dark liner.

4) Whiten your teeth.

5) Cut some bangs.

6) Switch from powder to cream blush.

7) Soft is better than hard (makeup).

8) Illumination is better than darkness (face, hair).

9) Moist is better than dry (skin, lips, eyes).

10) Slim is better than heavy (eyeliner, clothing).

And there's even more where that came from! If you plan on being in the area, be sure to book your appointment today!


Jennifer and Christine

giveaway with pureology...the winners

If you need some serious TLC with your hair, you might want to look into Pureology's new EssentialRepair system.

The line is professional colour care created for over processed, damaged, fragile and highly-sensitized colour-treated hair. The protein-rich soymilk and concentrated dose of pure biotin help fortify and defend against hair damage, while organic botanicals of nurturing olive oil and chamomile restore softness and healthy shine. The ZeroSulfate_® shampoo and AntiFade Complex maximize colour retention.

So basically, if your hair damaged, fragile and color-treated, you want to try this. The line consists of a shampoo (that smells lovely), a conditioner, a masque, a split end correcting treatment, a lightweight leave-in conditioner and a shine serum that also helps with UV protection.

To find out more about this line and where to purchase, please visit pureology.com.

And now for the winners of our giveaway with Pureology. Five lucky readers will each win a EssentialRepair Masque!

The winners are:

Valerie C.,

Jessica J.,

Sherice S.,

Jaryn C.,

and Naomi S.

Congratulations and enjoy those Masques!!!

Check back soon for yet another giveaway announcement!!

Jennifer and Christine

nars modern love palette

Cue David Bowie....Modern Love.

Had Jenn never mentioned that song while we were looking at the press release for this, I would probably not start singing this song in my head every time I look at this palette.....thanks Jenn. And now I pass the gift on to you...... you're welcome.

Seriously though, I'm loving the colors in the new NARS Modern Love Palette. Although I am curious to see this puppy up close and personal, so it looks like I will be taking a trip up to my local Nordstrom all in the name of research, of course.

All of the colors are suppose to be suitable for every skin tone. NARS employed top-ranking shadows, in hues ranging from matte black to shimmering browns to ethereal metallic’s. Each shade was chosen for its ability to complement the others, so you can mix and match for an endless number of subtle or dramatic looks. The resulting palette can be used effortlessly to create various day-to-night looks, with six shadows to accent the lashline, lid, crease and browbone. The Modern Love Palette unleashes your inner artist.

Shades:

• Alhambra (top left) Metallic Rose Mist
• Jezebel (top middle) Shimmering Sable
• India Song (top right) Shimmering Walnut
• Tokyo (bottom left) Soft Silver-White
• Habanera (bottom middle) Sparkling Charcoal-Plum
• Pandora (bottom right) Matte Black

The NARS Modern Love Palette will be available May 2009 exclusively at Nordstrom for $50.


Christine

The Simple Pleasures of Talenti Sorbetto e Gelato

Sometimes there's just nothing more beautiful than a dish of divine italian confection. With the hot weather approaching, and for some of us - oh, it's here already, I thought I'd tempt you with this exquisite frozen delicious-ness.

Making everything from scratch with unparalleled artisanship, Talenti Gelato e Sorbetto has a 500 year tradition of creating their handcrafted gelato and sorbetto. They combine the impeccably chosen ingredients by hand in small batches and add their innovative spirit and passion in order to provide their customers with a myriad of enchanting flavors from which to choose.

Talenti incorporates the finest ingredients available by importing raw materials from around the world to enhance our recipes. Talenti gelato uses only freshly pasteurized milk which is free of the growth hormones rBGH and rBST. They use only extra fine pure sugar, fresh fruit and nuts straight from the growers, real Callebaut chocolate from Belgium, fresh whole Tahitian vanilla beans from Papua New Guinea, select coconuts from the Philippines, and dulce de leche from Argentina. Additionally, they roast and caramelize their own nuts, squeeze their own lemons, and they make their own nut pastes. No detail is ignored and no shortcuts are taken. Talenti truly is made with only the best.

With flavors like Sicilian Pistachio, Tahitian Vanilla Bean, Double Dark Chocolate, Malaysian Mango, Hill County Peach Champagne, Lisbon Lemon and many more, it's truly no surprise these are as luscious as they sound. One more reason to love it - Talenti gelatos and sorbettos have 30% to 100% less fat than traditional ice cream!

You can find them at most Whole Foods Markets or alternately check them out at their online website, Talenti.

People Magazine's Most Beautiful Unveiled

After a difficult and public battle with breast cancer, Christina Applegate is feeling reinvigorated, both inside and out, she tells People. Gracing the magazine's 2009 "Most Beautiful" issue, the 37-year-old actress opens up in her first interview since undergoing reconstructive breast surgery last November.

The Samantha Who? star says she's finding balance and embracing her body after undergoing a double mastectomy in July, followed by reconstructive breast surgery in November. "You have to get through the physical transformations then buck up, go to work and try to be the normal, happy Christina for everyone around you," she says.

She has an "angel" of a boyfriend, Dutch bass player Martyn Lenoble, "who loves me from head to toe." She has a cozy Malibu beach house that she calls "the best thing I've ever done for myself." And, after a very public battle with breast cancer that has given her a gratifying "feeling of purpose," Christina Applegate has a new lease on life.

"I used to be really shy but I started to come into my own in my late 20s and early 30s," Applegate, 37, tells PEOPLE in the cover interview for the annual Most Beautiful issue. "Now I'm not afraid to speak up in a room full of people and be a part of the conversation."

One source of strength has been Lenoble. "He's been a friend for about 13 years," Applegate says. "Our relationship gets stronger and stronger. I'm really lucky." And, more importantly, he makes the actress feel "beautiful" about her new body."I'm very grateful to Martyn for coming along at a time that he did because he's been my rock through all of this," Applegate says. "He gave me something to really want to live for and something to smile about."

Others stars to make the grade this year in People's Most Beautiful - Halle Berry, Zac Efron, Angelina Jolie, Kristen Wiig (SNL fame), Taylor Swift, Robert Pattinson, Michelle Obama and others.

source: People/MSN

au natural hair styling tips from david babaii

Temperatures around the country have been all kinds of wonky lately.

Some of the country is actually digging themselves out of snow, while others have been sweating from mid-summer like weather.

We've been experiencing the heat...and then some.

The worst part about the heat is blow drying your hair.

Am I right?

There are times I'm actually sweating as I'm blow drying.

So I try to compensate by plugging in a mini-fan to blow cool air as I'm blow drying with hot air.

It's at this point that I really really really wish I had a shorter pixie do again.

To save me from shortening my locks, these fabulous hair styling tips popped up in our inbox...and I am so loving them.

David Babaii (he of Christine's fave product Bohemian Beach Spray) has some great tips for styling your hair minus the electrical appliances and (in some cases...water).

Read on and apply...

Get curls and texture without styling tools

For long hair, follow these steps:

· After shampooing spray your entire head with the David Babaii for WildAid Bohemian Beach Spray scrunch and/or twist sections then allow to air dry.

· Once dry, if added texture or volume is desired flip your head over and back, give it a quick shake.

· To set it all in place, lightly spray your hair with hair spray.

For short hair, follow these steps:

· Towel dry freshly washed hair thoroughly to begin the foundation.

· Spray your entire head with the Beach Spray and allow to air dry.

· When hair is dry apply some David Babaii for WildAid Molding Paste and arrange texture until you are happy with the look.

Keep your hair fresh without a shampoo

In order to avoid excess oil or buildup (and save on water use), use a bit of baby powder throughout the hair acting as a dry shampoo, which helps eliminate oil and leaves a fresh scent throughout the day. Alternatively, you can use a cosmetic damp cotton pad and dab it around the hairline and roots to eliminate any excess oil. If you wish, mist the pad with a light oil free fragrance or squeeze a few drops from a fresh lemon to give hair that fresh smell

Wash your hair the night before and awake up with a style

· Wash your hair the night before to save time and electricity

· When hair is slightly damp, create multiple sections and braid your hair tying the ends with an elastic band (depending on how much texture you want, make the braids loose (less texture) or tight (more texture)) *the braids do not need to be very precise

· Next, spray the braids with David Babaii for WildAid Bohemian Beach Spray and go to sleep

· When you wake up, undo the braids, give your head a little shake, and add in some additional Bohemian Beach Spray to achieve desired texture and volume - this creates a great Bohemian Look.

OR

· Place all of your hair in a messy ponytail - be creative and twist sections tight or loose to achieve various textures

· When your pony tail is secured, spray with the Beach Spray and then sweet dreams

· When you awake, undo the pony tail for an effortless but eco-chic look

Create style for stick straight hair

For super straight hair, it’s is all about using fun accessories. Play around with different head bands, hair pins, and clips to achieve a fun and playful look.

Alternatively, you can tie your hair in a sleek low pony tail.

· After tying it up, take small strands of hair and pin them on top of and underneath the pony tail to achieve the illusion of having volume for those with super straight hair.

You can also try my favorite half up style:

· Section off the sides and top while leaving the back of your hair down.

· Secure the top and sides with an accessory or simple bobby pins.

· Allow a few pieces of hair to fall naturally to give you a soft natural look.

Use items around the house to achieve glam

A new and un-used toothbrush is a great household product; it can be used to back brush close to the scalp area for volume or even sweep away those fly-a-ways. Going back in time, an old soda pop can still do the trick of setting hair and achieving large lopped curls.

Other ideas are to use household rubber bands for your messy ponytails or braids. And, don’t discard those dryer sheets. There is usually some fragrance left over to wipe your combs and brushes to not only freshen them but help with static as well.

Finally, use ribbons, scarves and other items you have lying around (or even ones that wrapped a gift!) to add some jazz to your ‘do. A ribbon can make a regular ponytail flirty and a scarf can make just about any look more eco-chic. This all helps to reduce the amount of household waste and makes for a great environmentally friendly choice for DIY hair.


Do you have any tips for styling your hair minus the blowdryer, flatiron, or curling iron? Just leave a comment below and let me know.

For more info on David Babaii for Wildaid products, head on over to db4wildaid.com.


Jennifer

mother's day with bobbi brown

Mother's Day is quickly approaching and since me and the family will be on vacation the week before, the pressure is on to get Mother's Day accomplished before we leave. Luckily both my mom and mother-in-law are pretty laid back and wouldn't care if their gifts arrived after the 10th, but we'll see how much I can get done in the next 3 days.

I know my mom would love anything from Bobbi Brown and right now bobbibrown.com is offering free shipping and gift wrapping for orders over $60, and if you order over $100 you also get a powder brush for free!! And we all know how incredible her brushes are.

If you aren't too sure what colors your mom would like, Bobbi Brown has a new Lip Crayon Trio, which features 3 of her popular Lip Crayons in universally flattering shades. And I just read that she has released her beach Sandbar Soap again for a limited time. I just recently discovered the beach bath gel and I love, love the scent (hint, hint hubby....Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10th and the beach Sandbar Soap would be an excellent surprise).



So get shopping....whether it's for your mom or yourself.....with free shipping and free powder brush, you can't let this deal slip by!


Christine

Dosha: Ayurvedic Approach to Balance

Doshas are the three energies that govern the body: vata, pitta, and kapha.

According to Ayurveda, each of us is made up of some combination of three doshas, or energy archteypes, which determine both our physical and emotional health. Ayurveda combines nutrition, lifestyle, psychology and herbal medicine to cultivate wellness in both mind and body. It is said that at conception we are created with a unique blend of the five great elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth). That unique blend is called our prakruti or individual body constitution. Our prakruti is a combination of the three doshas vata (ether + air), pitta (fire + water), and kapha (water + earth). Since prakruti is made of the three doshas, knowing what your dosha(s) is/are, is key to maintaining your health.

Each of us is composed of varying amounts of the three doshas, and according to Ayurvedic principles, what we eat, how we work, and even whom we love should serve to maintain our doshic balance. Left unchecked, imbalance is believed to cause health issues ranging from headaches and skin rashes to larger issues like cancer and chronic depression.

The first step in regaining balance is to recognize that the environment around you has a profound influence on how you feel. Paying conscious attention to what you hear, touch, see, taste and smell can help create peace, balance and vitality in your mind and body. A harmonized daily routine that engages the five senses with nourishing impressions is one of the most important steps towards achieving health.

There are many online tests you can take to come closer to knowing your own dosha combination. I'll list them at the bottom. I discovered that I'm a pretty good combination of both Pitta and Kapha. In testing a little further for possible body and/or mind imbalances, I was able to discover accumulations in one area or another and sought out tips to brings myself back into better balance.

For instance, accumulated Kapha or out of balance Kapha leads to heaviness, sluggishness and congestion. Stimulation and movement help overcome the resistance of accumulated Kapha. Think activation and invigoration. Here are some tips to maximize balance and well-being:

Body - Accumulated Kapha

• Take a yoga class to connect to your body and invoke your natural energy
• Perform a vigorous daily self massage with invigorating herbalized oil
• Take deep breaths throughout the day
• Favor spicy foods with a predominance of pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes
• Walk 5-15 minutes after eating to aid digestion
• Drink Invigorating Tea
• Put your full attention on your meals when eating

When Vata is out of balance, change and movement agitate the physiology resulting in a sense of instability. Balancing Vata requires introducing more grounding and stabilizing influences. Think routine and consistency. Here are a few tips to encourage balance and well-being:

Mind - Accumulated Vata

• Meditate twice a day to quiet the mind
• Look for opportunities to create rhythm and routine in your life
• Go to bed and awaken at about the same time every day
• Wear relaxing fragrances
• Listen to slow and relaxing music to calm Vata
• Minimize heavy reading, eating, or watching TV right before bed
• Diffuse relaxing fragrances into your environment
• Favor mild pastel shades and earth tones in your environment

Very interesting stuff! I was inspired by Alyssa Giacobbe's article on the subject in Body + Soul magazine, which you can read in its entirety here. Working on balancing my energies and appreciating these concepts immensely. One way I've found that helps me focus on my own wellbeing is by using products and fragrances with organic and natural ingredients. Again I'd remind you of a line perfect for just this approach - Organic Apoteke.

Want to take the dosha test for yourself? Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

• doshaquiz.chopra.com - Deepak Chopra's Dosha Quiz (this one was the most helpful for me!)
• ayurveda.com - Discover Your Constitution
• whatsyourdosha.com
• heymonicab.com - Ayurvedic resource blog by Monica B (great info there)

Namaste ... xo

Beautyhabit Sampler for Your Pleasure

Ok, ok ... so I know we've talked a lot about gifts lately, especially in term of mother's day. Just keep coming across great deals and samplers and can't keep 'em under my hat. Here's another - at the modern luxe apothecary Beautyhabit. Well, who doesn't adore Beautyhabit anyway, right?

With your $70 or more purchase, receive this deluxe sampler with goodies you can give to mom or keep for yourself. Enter promotional code: LOVEMOM at checkout to redeem your gift. Offer ends 5/10/09 or while supplies last.

Shop Beautyhabit for more wonderful gifting ideas and to find luxurious treasures for you and yours.

Apothica ~ for Little Indulgences

Just learned about this little gem of a store. Apothica is an online beauty boutique, which carries some of the finest selection of skin care, body care, aromatherapy, and cosmetic products on the market today, including some of the most natural, organic products available. They are dedicated to providing you with high quality products formulated to promote and enhance your natural beauty.

Learn more about them by checking out their site or visit them in the dowtown Salt Lake City area in you're there. Enjoy FREE priority USPS shipping with orders of $49 or more and always receive free samples to pamper yourself with.

Nordstrom Beauty & Fragrance - Fab Little GWP's

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Lots of loveliness going on in the Nordstrom Beauty & Fragrance Department right now. Take a gander at some of the gifts with purchase you may partake of. And there's more to come. We'll announce another Nordstrom beauty deal coming up over the next few days ... psst from Philosophy.

GWP's shown above from Dior, Ed Hardy for Her, Ed Hardy for Him, Estee Lauder, Harajuku Lovers, Juicy Couture, Laura Mercier, Marc Jacobs, Rock & Republic, Shiseido, Sisley and Vikto + Rolf Flowerbomb. They won't last long so take advantage while they're there.

Click here to shop Nordstrom or to learn more about these lovely GWP offers.

New! Kai Home Room + Linen Spray

Kai's new home line complements their growing product offerings, all of which exclusively feature the unmistable scent of kai. Kai Home Room + Linen spray comes packaged in an exquisite italian glass bottle with a fine-mist german pump. The extoic scent of kai's signature perfume oil is delicately blended into a home fragrance that will fill your surroundings with the aura of kai. It functions as both a room fragrance and a linen spray.

Kai Home Room + Linen Spray is available in a 3.38 oz glass bottle and retails for $52. Visit b-glowing for more information and to see what else Kai has in store for you.

Purchase $30 or more at b-glowing & receive a trio sample set of the 3 Infusion Organique Home Ambiance & body products. (1 ml each). Enter code: infusion at checkout. This offer ends 5/4/09.

BeneFit Crescent Row - a Trio of Scents inspired by the Royal Crescent in Bath

BeneFit has introduced their newest foray into fragrance with a particularly creative and whimsical idea. Crescent Row is a trio of fragrances embodying three different feminine universes. The label imagined three girls who are neighbors, as in a Georgian-styled twist on Friends. Inspired by a visit to the Royal Crescent, a spectacular example of Georgian architecture of a row of townhouses laid out in a semi-circle in the town of Bath, England, the new collection, Crescent Row, features three feminine scents corresponding to three different flats:

Laugh with Me LeeLee, Something about Sofia, My Place or Yours Gina...The perfumes were entrusted to perfumer François Demachy of LVMH and developed by BeneFit founders Jean and Jane Ford over two years with fragrance companies Robertet and Firmenich. That's some heavy duty developing, ladies!

Laugh With Me LeeLee, a woody floral designed to be fun and feminine, has top notes of cassis, melon and citrus; a heart of black violet, lily and jasmine, and a drydown of blond wood, amber and santal.

There's Something About Sofia, an oriental created to be bit more free-spirited, consists of top notes of mango and freesia; middle notes of sheer lily, jasmine sambac and peony petal, and a drydown of musk, white caramel and vanilla bean.

The more provocative My Place or Yours Gina has top notes of pink pepper, bergamot and tangerine; a heart of peony, wild raspberry and white lily, and base notes of patchouli, tonka bean and vanilla.

The perfumes are bottled in flacons inspired by an American lady's cocktail shaker excavated from the founders' grandmother's belongings from the 1920s, back then when they knew how to party. The design was slightly modernized and recreated by Ateliers Dinand.

Laugh With Me LeeLee, Something About Sofia and My Place or Yours Gina come packaged in a 1-oz. bottle for $36. A holiday gift set will contain a 1-oz. juice and a 2-oz. body lotion, retailing for $46." Crescent Row launches in July 2009. The Crescent Row trio will launch in 750 U.S. doors July 1, including Sephora, Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Henri Bendel, as well as in Benefit's freestanding boutiques and online. The San Francisco-bred brand will simultaneously launch in 950 international doors across the U.K., Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Russia.

source: WWD

shawn johnson shares some beauty tips

So, if you're a big fan of Dancing with the Stars, you probably have been seeing Shawn Johnson (the 17 year old Olympic Gold Medalist) tripping the light fantastic.

Honestly though, neither one of us watches DWTS, sooooo.....is she even still on it?

I seriously have no idea.

And...really...when I saw this image of her I could not help but think that it looks nothing like the Shawn Johnson of Olympic lore.

Like she's all grown up now.

Anywho...Shawn decided to share some her favorite beauty tips about how she always looks great in the public eye.

And here they are...

Shawn Johnson’s Tips on How to Look Your Best in the Spotlight

1. Wear something that you feel confident in! I love wearing bright colors like yellow since they really bring out my features and compliment my cheery personality.

2. Find a lip color that brightens your smile and doesn’t wear off easily. My favorite is CoverGirl Lipstain in Berry Smooch.

3. Have a go to hairstyle that you know will last through a long day or night. I love wearing my hair down with my bangs pulled back in a clip.

4. Never let your deodorant fail you! I use Secret Clinical Strength Sport because it’s powerful enough to keep me dry and smelling fresh through all of my most important moments.

5. Smile! It’s your best accessory.

I second the CG Lipstain and the Secret Clinical Strength Sport. Both totally keep you in check during the hot months of summer ahead.

Try your local Target or drugstore.com for the goods.


Jennifer

Smashbox Halo + Primer = Flawless Skin

Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder is fast becoming a favorite best-selling product for the brand. You've read about it here already, and you'll read about it all over the internet if you're beauty savvy. There's a reason - it's wonderful!

What makes it special?
Halo is the first anti-aging powder with a patented hydration system built right into the product. There are 48 minerals and 11 amino acids, plus powerful peptides in this formula, which benefit your skin through continuous revitalization throughout the day. Halo has the power of clinical studies to back it as well. Users found they had a 33% decrease in lines and wrinkles just 10 minutes after application. Halo is a drink for the skin in powder form - revolutionary.

Here's what others are saying

"I have been using this for 3 months and I love love love it! It has made such a difference in my skin's appearance! My skin glows and it doesn't look like you are wearing a mask of makeup." ~ Rachel

"The best! Nothing compares. I'm 42 and after using this product my skin looks like it was 20 something again. There is no better foundation - I will never, never use anything else." ~ Jeanie

Right now, Smashbox is offering their best-selling Photo Finish Foundation Primer in a convenient travel size tube (.5 oz) as a complimentary gift to you with your purchase of Halo. The offer ends 5/10/09.

Click link and enter code: HALO at checkout

You'll also get to choose more jumbo samples with your order AND get free shipping. It's a fantastic deal. Halo Perfecting Powder is available in four shades from fair to dark and retails for $59. Shop Smashbox now!

here's some beauty tips from the folks at total beauty...

Alright, so around here it went from Arctic conditions to sweltering like overnight.

Before Big L allowed me to put the a/c on...don't ask...I tried getting a shower and then blow drying my hair.

Uh...not pretty.

Then came the makeup application.

Uh...really not pretty.

I was sweating so much it was like why bother?

Anyway, here's some tips from Total Beauty on how to get your makeup to last. Read on...

How to Avoid Makeup Meltdown

Pro tips on keeping a fresh face -- even in sweltering hot weather

Making makeup last all day-- especially in hot, muggy conditions-- doesn't have to be a high-maintenance hassle. Follow these tips from pro makeup artists Charlie Green and Molly Stern and your look, whether natural or dramatic, won't melt away. See tips

Jennifer and Christine

weekend reads...total beauty

Meredith at Daily Dose of Coffee ponders an interesting question: are male and female acne really all that different? Find out more!

Beauty Anonymous brings you Sonia Rykiel Summer 2009 Makeup Collection.

Family portrait in your future? Visit The Beauty Couch for some tips on how to apply makeup for fabulous photos.

Meilily brings you Beauty & Awareness: Check out Meilily's swatches and photos of OPI's Breathe Life lung cancer awareness nail polish!

The Informed Makeup Maven raves about Nude Vs Red lips, Nailene, The Best Bronzers, Softlips; reviews Jenova mascara and invites you to join her facebook group. Most of all IMM really wants your opinion for a chance to score a Covergirl makeup pack !

Jamie and Mother Blogger of Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog discovered a plethora of earth-friendly products for Earth Week: Tees for Change, Kiss My Face (plus a giveaway), and much more.

Boutique Flair reviews Vichy's popular Noraderm Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care lotion.

Good news for fans of Stila! Beauty Junkies Unite finds out after a month of bankruptcy rumors, the makeup brand has been sold and should be back in business soon!

Makeup Files is celebrating its first blog anniversary! Come celebrate with us by entering the huge birthday bash beauty giveaway worth over $100 dollars!

eye4style wants you to get glowing - from the inside out! Click here to enter her Glowelle giveaway.

GIVEAWAY ALERT! The Anti Hair Slave is giving away the entire Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Collection all you have to do is leave a comment to be entered.

Looking for the latest giveaway.. Addicted to Lipstick is having a Kiss My Face Giveaway where she's giving away organic lip shines and lip shimmers.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews the new Olay Pro X Protocol Starter Kit.

See what Fabulous Over Forty product she is so happy she found in NYC!

Butterflydiary has fallen in love with Amala Organic Beauty, a line she feels can cryogenically freeze her skin's age.

Melissa of The Makeup Divas reviews the new Prescriptives Motor-Eyes Instant Action mascara .

Alison aka. Advice Sister Alison ofthe Advice Sisters offers a follow up on the Avon Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum It is really a Miracle?

makeup loves me has some news about this next episode of gossip girl! and no, it's not dorota's secret...

Only one week left to enter the giveaway hosted by More than a Pretty Face for all nine shades of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics' newly launched Lip Tar collection. Lip Tar sold out at its launch at The Makeup Show in NYC last month.

Beauty Beast reviews both limited edition scents from .

Face Candy shows you some makeup brushes that are eco-friendly.

Beauty411 loves Kate Somerville's newest product, ExfoliKate Body Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. Check out her review here!

In honor of Earth Week, Spoiled Pretty is hosting a week's worth of green giveaways. Enter to win eco-chic sunglasses...and beauty booty from Cargo PlantLove, John Masters Organics, Samy, Tarte, Zoya, Kaia, and Burt's Bees!

The Shades Of U is GIVING AWAY prizes from Aminogenesis Dermascyne Wrinkle Arrest and Health Dropz Beverage Booster! Enter to win!

Enter Indian Girl's Complete Skin Care Giveaway : Three lucky readers will receive the complete set of products from Biore Skin Preservation Line. Enter Today !

Beauty Blogging Junkie announces Crescent Row, the new adorable perfume collection from Benefit.

Chanel No 5 - The Film

Join Chanel for the journey to No 5 ~ The Film

French film actress Audrey Tautou, famous for her role in Amelie and soon playing legendary Coco Chanel in a film about her life, has become the muse in a Chanel No. 5 mini film, directed by Jean Pierre Jeunet. While in the past, Chanel No. 5 commercials ran on TV and in the cinema, this is the first time a Chanel marketing campaign has kicked off on the internet, launching online globally on 5 May 2009. The brand is renewing its campaigns to appeal to younger consumers who are unaware of No. 5. The film unveiling takes place on 5/5 (Chanel No 5 ...), the same day the designer first introduced her fragrance to the world.

(click images to enlarge)

Make an online reservation to see No 5, The Film on May 5th. Click here to view the prelaunch teaser of the picture and confirm your reservation.

FRAGRANCE: Honoré des Prés ... Experienced

Couldn't wait to try the new wholly french organic fragrances by perfumeur Olivia Giacobetti. These are scents even the most sensitive nose will admire. I've tried them all and what I can say is that they are intrinsically subtle. They're a hint of fragrance not at all overpowering. That they are petrochemical and synthetic free allows us to experience the integrity of the ingredients and enjoy each combination for what they are in essence.

You can read more about the Honoré des Prés line of ECOCERT fragrances here. There are currently five fragrance combinations to choose from, all with their own unique story. My favorite? Well, surprisingly it's Honoré's Trip - an explosive cocktail of pure tangerine extracts, Mediterranean oranges, all yellow and green lemons, together with spicy pepper taken from trees in the Philippine Islands. Before trying, I expected to fall in love with Bonte's Bloom for its summery freshness or Sexy Angelic with its descriptive, powdery sweet elixir of love, but Honoré's Trip won my heart.

You can find the collection of Honoré des Prés fragrances at one of my favorite, chic, green-minded shops - Spirity Beauty Lounge. Settle in a bit before clicking as you'll want to devour everything you find there. xo

NARS Love Set

We've all come to know and love NARS for their Orgasm Blush, a huge cult favorite. But their lip products are just as coveted by those in the know! Case in point, NARS's NEW! Love Set. Love Set is a limited-edition set featuring three NARS shades designed to reveal a natural, healthy glow. Yes, yes - you'll get the Orgasm blush!

Here's what's included: the best-selling blush in Orgasm, lip gloss in Pillow Talk and a velvet matte lip pencil in Sex Machine. Packed in a sleek, see-through black box. A $73 value but available at NARS online for a limited time for $49. Yum!!

For more information on the NARS Love Set and other product combination sets priced right, visit them online now. Hurry before they take 'em away!

Mother's Day with Mutli Chic

Fun, fashionable, fortuitous finds ... haha!

It's true. One can always find something for gift-giving pleasures at Multi Chic. Featured above are these lovely picks:

Fuchsia Dahlia Fabric Flower Pin Brooch looks freshly picked and feels like a real flower! Embellish jackets, cardigans, dresses, blouses, handbags, hats and more with this versatile silk flower pin bursting with color, beauty and style. $24.99

Claus Porto RIVALE Grapefruit Fig 10.5 oz., soy blend candle. Enjoy 70 hours of this sweet and tartly scented candle made from the finest French frangrances. This chic, exhilirating, aromatic candle has it's own uniquely etched glass Art Deco design and is packaged so beautifully that you will want to save the extraordinary box! Claus Porto candles make remarkably chic gifts. Coordinate them with Claus Porto Large Bath Soaps and Claus Porto Liquid Hand Soaps for a stunning gift set. 70 hour burn time. $19.20 on sale! (regularly $32)

Kenneth Jay Lane White & Gold Cabochon Ring with Tanzanite Center. Gold, White & Tanzanite oversized cocktail ring. Tanzanite blue/violet stone (more violet than blue). KJL cocktails rings are glamorous, timeless jewelry pieces. One size with adjustable interior ring sizer. Ok- so I'm sneaking this one as I know it's hard to buy a ring for anyone but yourself. So, hey, are you a mother? Take advantage. Look how gorgeous this piece is. And tanzanite IS the shade of the season, lovely. $112.95

Crystal Owl Pin Brooch. Whimsical gold-tone owl pin with green crystal eyes and topaz crystals as beak and feathers. A wise fashion choice. 1 3/4" x 3" $30


Need even more reason to shop Multi Chic's vast array of home decor, jewelry, wardrobe, office accessories, baby gifts and more? How about 20% off your merchanside total as a Mother's Day gift to you. Visit Multi Chic online and enter code: MOM2009 at checkout to get your discount of these items and many more storewide!

Sephora: A Little Gucci Flora for You

Flora by Gucci is a subtle, sophisticated, floral fragrance inspired by princesses from the past, present, and future. The Flora Donna is a young, classic, and refined woman with the 'Gucci edge' of power and sensuality. The first Flora scarf was exclusively designed for Princess Grace of Monaco in 1966 and soon became one of the most popular Gucci icons. This scent is an expression of the Flora legacy. Its seductive layers mirror the playful details and bright colors that channel the heart of a fashion empire.

Notes: Citrus Accord, Peony, Rose, Osmanthus Flower, Pink Pepper, Sandalwood.

You can try the fragrance FREE right now with any $25 or more online Sephora purchase. Receive a free deluxe sample (.16 oz) of Gucci Flora by entering code: FLORA at checkout.

Gucci Flora EDT is available in hexagonal bottles of 1 oz ($52), 1.6 oz ($65) and 2.5 oz ($90) through Sephora. Flora by Gucci is also available in a Perfumed Body Lotion (6.7 oz - $45).

weekend reads...beauty blog network

Cybelesays.com investigates an organic nail polish remover. Does it work? Click here to find out.

Decorative Diva investigates a new mineral makeup company, Obsessed Minerals. Read here to see what she thinks about them.

A Touch of Blusher loves the look of Dior's Lilas Addict Collection.

Enter to win Elke's ONline Eyebrow Makeover and $30 in brow products. Hurry! Contest ends April 31st.

Beauty Anonymous reviews Elizabeth Arden's Intervene Timefighting Radiance Serum and Stress Recovery Night Cream.

Melissa of The Makeup Divas reviews the new Prescriptives Motor-Eyes Instant Action mascara .

Win a Hana Professional Flat iron worth $89 at Beauty and Personal grooming. Click here to enter the giveaway!

Beauty Junkie in SF reviews Kenzo's Limited Spring Edition of FLOWERBYKENZO.

Kyle at Face Candy tells you which limited edition MAC Dazzleglass is going to be a cult classic.

ThisThatBeauty is giving away three VICHY Normaderm Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care. Click here to check it out !!!

GIVEAWAY: Kiss My Face Potent & Pure Facial Care

The Kiss My Face Potent & Pure facial care system is formulated with the highest quality and most effective ingredients that nature has to offer. I've had the box filled with these products in my office for a week now and I'm telling you it smells like heaven in here! I'm going to hate for this giveaway to be over as enjoying the delightfulness so much.


Kiss My Face used only the most potent and pure extracts and organic or wildcrafted botanicals in abundant concentrations, so you'll see the results you expect and more. Ingredients like lavender, lemongrass, jojoba, vanilla, shea butter, green tea ... so pure you'll want to kiss your own face... lol.

This system was created by combining the latest scientific research with beneficial botanicals, vitamins, extracts and minerals that are time tested and true. These are among the cleanest products available, great for sensitive skin and free of ingredients that clog pores. No parabens, phthalates, SLS, artificial colors and fragrances, and not tested on animals.

Kiss My Face is so excited about their line of Potent & Pure skincare that they are giving away the whole line to one lucky reader! This is a perfect giveaway for a mom and daughter, and timely as 'tis the season to celebrate motherhood - perhaps your own motherhood! Included are the following products:

CLEANSE

Clean for a Day® Creamy Face Cleanser - for Normal/Dry/Sensitive Skin
Cleanse, hydrate and remove makeup with organic ingredients. This soap-free, non-drying formula uses natural cleansing agents from sugar and corn to remove dirt and debris. Rich in natural and certified organic ingredients, the soothing scent of vanilla and tangerine will heighten your senses.

Start Up® Exfoliating Face Wash - for Normal/Oily Skin
Cleanse and exfoliate skin with organic ingredients. Clarify, cleanse and luminize skin with this revitalizing blend of natural green tea and other pure renewable plant sources, many certified organic. Gently exfoliate with natural fruit acids.

Shea Soy® Facial Cleansing Bar - for Normal/Dry/Sensitive Skin
Gently cleanse and calm with organic ingredients. This creamy, fragrance free bar contains organic oils, shea butter and aloe to moisturize while you cleanse. Your skin will feel fresh, smooth and hydrated.

TONE

Balancing Antioxidant Toner - for All Skin Types
Tone and nourish skin with organic ingredients. Revitalize tired skin with this blend of certified organic grapefruit, orange, ginger and lemon balm essential oils and extracts. Seaweed extract provides trace minerals while antioxidants Ester C® and Vitamin E help fight the signs of aging.

NOURISH

C® the Change Ester C® Serum - for All Skin types
Potent antioxidants with organic ingredients repair and help prevent the signs of aging. A generous mix of potent antioxidants including vitamin Ester C®, help rejuvenate and revitalize skin. Natural and certified organic plant oils contribute to the effectiveness of this powerhouse serum.

MOISTURIZE

Under Age® Ultra Hydrating Moisturizer - for Normal/Dry/Sensitive Skin
Hydrate dry skin and reduce the signs of aging with organic ingredients. An intensively rich blend of natural and certified organic botanicals, antioxidants, Vitamin E and jojoba oil soften and smooth the appearance of lines, and fully nourish skin.

Cell Mate® Face Crème & SPF 10 Sunscreen - for Normal/Oily Skin
Lightly moisturize and protect skin while reducing the signs of aging with organic ingredients. Instantly enhance skin tone, reduce fine lines and protect from environmental stresses. Antioxidant vitamins and botanicals soothe and revitalize throughout the day while natural mineral sun block helps protect skin.

NEW! Brightening Day Crème with SPF 4 - for All Skin Types
Brighten and even skin tone and diminish skin discoloration with organic ingredients. A double duty cream that combines organic aloe and botanical brighteners with natural mineral sun protection. Evens and brightens the complexion while diminishing the appearance of sun discoloration. Great for face, neck and chest.

NEW! Intensive Repair Night Crème - for All Skin Types
Ultra rich herbal hydration to fortify and nourish skin overnight with organic ingredients. Fortify and nourish skin overnight with an herbal infusion of hibiscus, basil and fennel. Rice extract and organic sunflower oil help skin appear noticeably hydrated and resilient.

EYES

Eyewitness™ Eye Repair Crème - for All Skin Types
Reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness with organic ingredients. Smooth the appearance of wrinkles and moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes. Natural and organic oils and butters leave skin looking hydrated and rejuvenated.

EXTRA TREATMENT

Break Out® Botanical Acne Gel - for All Skin Types
Keeps skin looking clear and healthy with organic ingredients. This tea tree extract formula helps to improve the look of acne prone skin with cool, fresh organic mint and other natural and certified organic botanicals and plant oils.

So Refined® Jojoba & Mint Facial Scrub - for All Skin Types
Exfoliate and polish the skin’s appearance with organic ingredients. This non-drying, natural humectant gently exfoliates and purifies skin by removing dirt with organic jojoba beads and other natural and organic herbs and plant oils. Helps skin look visibly younger and refreshed.

Pore Shrink™ Deep Cleansing Mask - for All Skin Types
Organic ingredients detoxify skin and diminish the appearance of pores. This deep cleaning clay mask helps to remove oils and bacteria from the skin. Cloves, tea tree, lemongrass and other natural, organic and aromatherapeutic® botanical extracts clean and smooth skin's appearance.

The retail value of this fantastic giveaway is $224

To enter, tell me one fun fact about motherhood. Your name and email (won't show) will be necessary to get back in touch with you so the winner may be notified. That's it! That's all you have to do.



NOTE: One (1) winner will be chosen at random to receive this prize. Duplicate and incomplete entries will be disqualified. Contest open to residents of the USA only. Some restrictions may apply. Entries will be accepted through 11:55 pm on Sun., 5/31/09.

In celebration of Earth Day, Kiss My Face is offering 30% off their products storewide + a free recycled gift bag with any purchase! Click link and enter code: KMFEARTH9 at checkout. This offer expires 4/30/09.

To learn more about Kiss My Face and their fantastic, gorgeous, organic product offerings, please visit them online. You can find Kiss My Face at drug stores and mass merchandisers nationwide.

Mario Badescu Whitening Mask

This hydrating mask will help brighten uneven skin tones and gently minimize the look of old acne scars and discolorations from the sun. Skin lightening, natural ingredients like Kojic Acid, Licorice and Mulberry make this mask gentle for all skin types. Contains no Alpha Hydroxy Acids making it safe and gentle for acne erupted or very sensitive skin.

Mario Badescu products have been in my dressing room for years. Their Enzyme Cleansing Gel remains an all time favorite cleanser. The products are gentle yet effective and leave skin healthy and glowing.

I've been trying the Whitening Mask just on spots I've acquired on my hands in the last year or so and on a a few ruddy parts of my face. I can honestly say I'm noticing a fading. Nice - and many thanks to Mario Badescu for such lovely, pleasurable skincare! I'm never disappointed when using this line of care.

The Whitening Mask retails for $24 a 2 oz jar and are available online and at select salons and spas nationwide.

GIVEAWAY: The All Nighter Styling Powder

Guys and gals are going ga-ga over The All Nighter hair styling powder with its fresh, natural ingredients and invigoratingly light scent of tangerine. Offered by A Beautiful Life, The All Nighter is an all-natural, talc-free, aluminum-free, silica-free, paraben-free color matched hair powder for guys and gals! Use it as a dry shampoo or use it as a styling product. The ALL NIGHTER Styling Powder™ freshens your 'do, absorbs excess oil, extends your blowout, and creates awesome TEXTURE, VOLUME, and STYLE! Scrunch. Zhuzh. Fluff. Toss. Tease. HAVE FUN!

So hot is this product that Tony Artur over at A Beautiful Life wants to give three lucky For the Love of Beauty readers the opportunity to win one for themselves. You choose the color, they'll send the prize! (click here to view color choices)



NOTE: Three (3) winners will be chosen at random to receive this prize. Duplicate and incomplete entries will be disqualified. Color choice required. By entering the contest you agree that your contact and mailing information may be shared with A Beautiful Life. Some restrictions may apply. Entries will be accepted through 11:55 pm on Sun., 5/31/09.


pssst ... and by the way ... you still have thru 4/30 to purchase The All Nighter from A Beautiful Life with a 10% discount, special only for our readers.

Enter code: Roxy at checkout.

The All Nighter is available in six shades to match your haircolor and retails for $18.

freeze 24-7 eyecing fatigue fighting eye cream

I am all about anti-aging products.

Mainly because I'm getting ever closer to the big 4-0 and I am totally freaking out about it everyday.

Just ask Christine, she'll tell you.

Anyway, when this came across our desk, I was immediately intrigued.

Freeze 24-7 Eyecing Fatigue Fighting Eye Cream ($115) is described as being able to battle tell-tale weariness with specially formulated Hydroptix-171 Youth Boosting Complex™, a proprietary, time-released polymer that works to revitalize skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, bags, and dark circles around the eye area.

Good for me because Little L has started this thing where he comes in our bed in the early early morning hours and goes to sleep right between us.

This generally involves getting kicked in the back, a toddler arm across your face, and even coughing that will keep you up the rest of the night.

Yeah...totally not fun.

Anything that will make the inevitable bags lighten and make the darkness become less noticeable will work for me honey.

What I like about it is that it is not greasy at all, even though it's rich, so it's perfect for daytime use as well as night. It also feels like it's tightening things up once it's on...not crazy tight, but a definite feeling that it's working.

At $115, it's on the splurge side...but it's very rich so a little goes a long way. Plus you get a lot of product.

My suggestion is to hit up your local Nordies, make nice to the sales associate, and get yourself a sample to test out at home. Then see for yourself.

You can also find Freeze 24-7 products at Henri Bendel, Bliss, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Beauty.com, Zitomers, Stanley Korshak, HSN.com, beauty.com, and freeze247.com.


Jennifer