weekend reads...total beauty

The Informed Makeup Maven reviews Luminess' at home airbrush tanning system, Avon magix skin perfector; does summer Stila style and is giving away Diorshow Mascara and Maybelline Mineral Power Foundation!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings shares her experience with the online shoe service, ShoeDazzle. Read about it here!

Boutique Flair reviews the Barielle 60 Second Mani-Pedi.

Meilily reviews Pacifica Avalon Juniper Perfume with exclusive product photos and shopping tips.

Beauty Junkies Unite goes to Kinara, gets a fab St. Tropez faux tan and gabs about it!

A Little More Beautiful has two great giveaways Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin and Max Factor Lash Perfection Volume Couture Mascara ending on May 31st at Midnight and June 20th at Midnight! It's fast and easy to enter!

Beauty Anonymous brings you Visée summer 2009 makeup collection!

The Makeup Divas reviews Too Faced Locked Down Cream Eyeshadows plus the new summer lip bronzer in Pink Leopard.

Beauty Banter dishes on must-have tips for staying young in surf and sun!

Fabulous Over Forty attends a makeup class with Lancome artist Alex Sanchez.

eye4style is all lit up over Delirium & Co. Candles. Read her review here!

The Beauty Couch has thirteen tips for Simplifying Your Beauty Routine that will save time without sacrificing your look.

Lipgloss Break is running a giveaway for 5 White Sand Smudge Texture Cremes!

Addicted to Lipstick gives us swatches from the Mac Style Warrior Collection plus she tells us all about The New Mac Naked Honey Collection

Enter to win a Beautyticket.com $50 gift certificate at Face Candy.

Alison Blackman of the Advice Sistersattended the 2009 Fragrance Foundation FIFI Awardsr and created a celebrity photo albumfeaturing Paris Hilton, Marc Jacobs, Sean Combs, Queen Latifah, Ernest & Tova Borgnine, Lisa & Dustin Hoffman, Hilary Rhoda, and more!

image and style news shows us the top hairstyles trends for 2009

LA Pretty is giving away a Glowelle 7 day kit to two lucky readers. Glowelle is one of the hottest things in skin care, so don't miss your chance to try it out for yourself! Find out the details here!

Hot Beauty Health discusses her new love for eau fragrance Fresh Mangosteen and the top beauty health products for 2009.

Sweeten Up Your Visage with Elique Organic Skin Food.

The Working Girl from Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog shares a secret while singing the praises of an acne treatment.

bobbi brown illuminating bronze collection

Here is another fabulous collection from Bobbi Brown. The Illuminating Bronze Collection features several new products to help you achieve that golden tan without having to bask in the sun's harmful rays all summer. (click on the pictures to view larger images)

The collection includes Bobbi's new limited-edition Shimmer Brick for Body ($75). This lightweight silky powder can be used anywhere you want to add a glow. This oversized compact features three bars of color and can be applied with Bobbi's limited-edition All Over Body Brush ($85). Designed with ultra soft bristles, it is perfect for sheer, even application.

Also new in this collection is Bobbi's Illuminating Bronzing Powder ($33). Ultra-soft and smooth, this pressed powder features a unique and innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls for smooth and even application that will leave skin with a sheer natural-looking glow.

In addition, Bobbi introduces her All Over Bronzing Gel SPF 15 in Golden Sun ($28). This gel-based bronzer instantly gives the face a healthy, natural-looking glow with the added benefit of sun protection!

Bobbi's Illuminating Bronze Collection will be on counter beginning June 2009. Or you can check out bobbibrown.com. We haven't had a chance to check out these goodies in person, but I have a feeling one us will be checking out a Bobbi Brown counter soon.

Christine

weekend reads...beauty blog network

The Makeup Divas reviews Too Faced Locked Down Cream Eyeshadows plus the new summer lip bronzer in Pink Leopard.

A Touch of Blusher comes across some of the best makeup brushes.

Beauty Junkie in SF happily tested out a ton of H20 + Sun products last weekend. Out on a lake in the sun all day long... someone had to do it.

Face Candy shares 2 of her favorite Orange products.

Decorative Diva visits a hidden gem of a day spa and has her first professional facial!

Beauty Anonymous brings you Essie summer 2009 collection.

attention qvc and bobbi brown addicts...

Legendary makeup artist, author and entrepreneur Bobbi Brown is scheduled to make three, one-hour QVC appearances this Saturday, May 30 at midnight, 11 AM and 5 PM (ET) to share her unique beauty philosophy, revolutionary cosmetics and expert advice.

Her signature line of wearable, natural looking makeup - Bobbi Brown Cosmetics will be showcased throughout the day offering QVC shoppers a selection of new and best selling items.

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics are currently available through QVC at 800.345.1515 and QVC.com.

Get your credit cards ready!


Jennifer and Christine

beauty buys under $10 - avon ultra color rich extra plump lipstick

Just releasing this month is Ultra Color Rich Extra Plump Lipstick ($8) from Avon.

This lipstick definitely allows your pout to take center stage through great color and plumping action.

The center core is where all of the magic takes place. It's packed with plumping mojo and intensely hydrating moisturizers.

The lippie smells like cinnamon and you can actually feel your lips tingling when you apply it.

That's so you know the formula is working.

While I must admit, I'm totally not a lipstick wearer...this does deliver on color and it also makes your lips feel soft. I also liked how it went on smoothly even though I didn't apply a balm first.

It's also available in 10 shades:

Apricot Shimmer
Pink Sunset
Blond Ambition
Plump Pink
Caramel Mauve
Rosewood
Coco Plump
Starlet Red
Deep Blush
Winerose

We had the chance to recently participate in a Lip Cast with Avon that featured the fabulous Jillian Dempsey...the celeb makeup artist for Avon.

Dempsey raved about how easily this color went on and gave us her fave shade for the summer months...Caramel Mauve.

To find an Avon e-representative near you, visit shop.avon.com/shop/find_a_rep.asp. You could also call 1-800-FOR-AVON or just visit avon.com.


Jennifer

korres silicone free face primer

We've been on a little bit of a natural kick lately.

Not to worry though, neither one of us is going to be turning full-on granola any time soon...but the latest offerings from some pretty major all-natural brands have us intrigued.

Take this for instance...

Korres Natural Products recently launched the first-ever silicone free primer...turns out it actually sold out in only 6-weeks.

Here's a little description that really has us wanting to test it out...

This innovative natural and organic formula [98.93% natural/ 11.19% out of which organic], based on a blend of soothing natural and botanical ingredients, refines skin texture by reducing redness, uneven or dull skin tones and creates a non oily, silky film, acting as a barrier between skin and makeup revealing a long-lasting radiant skin. Packed with antioxidant, nourishing vitamin E, Jojoba and Sunflower oils and Edelweiss extract. This silky, fast-absorbing formulation acts as a layer, keeping skin elastic and comfortable, while ensuring smooth, long-lasting make-up application.

We were lucky enough to get our hands on a sample and are in the process of testing, so we'll be sure to let you know how it turns out!

Just in case you can't wait and want to try to get your hands on it sooner, log onto korresusa.com to be alerted when it's back in-stock or go to your local Sephora store to pick up a sample!


Jennifer and Christine

Lancaster 365 Cellular Elixir Expert - Salon Treatments at Home

A leader and innovator in anti-aging and the number one skin-care brand in Europe, Lancaster is on a permanent quest to set new standards in beauty treatment technology. The 365 CE Expert brings salon-standard anti-aging results into the comfort of your own home…all in just 5 minutes!

Lancaster takes its most powerful anti-aging serum, 365 Cellular Elixir, (the first ever serum to help protect the skin’s DNA and to support its natural repair process and resiliency) and boosts its efficiency with the latest in "electro" therapy.

Good Vibrations:
Japanese women have been using vibrations in their daily skincare routines for years. Now it’s our turn to tune in to the benefits of “electro” therapy skincare devices. Lancaster 365 CE Expert combines the satisfying aspects of skin maintenance with more technical methods to visibly boost skin rejuvenation through an increased flow in skin surface micro-circulation.

Key Ingredients:
The Micro-Exfoliation Cream with refined plant micro-powders acts in synergy with the sponge side of the device to instantly eliminate dead cells and re-texturize skin.

The 365 Cellular Elixir is the first ever serum to help protect the skin’s DNA and to support its natural repair process and resiliency boosts its efficiency with the latest in "electro" therapy.

Benefits:

• Skin instantly looks younger, smoothed-out, vitalized and more radiant
• After one month, skin tone is unified, skin is dramatically more elastic and wrinkles and fine lines are reduced

_______________________________________________

REVIEW:
I was psyched to have an opportunity to try this system before it hit shelves. Regular readers here will know I'm always on the lookout for the next, best thing to stave off signs of aging, and in particular fine lines and wrinkles. I also recognize the importance of regular, effective exfoliation. This is so easy to use it's unbelievable. The first time I tried it I thought, "There must be something more to this that I'm just not getting," but it really is very easy to use. Everything you'll need comes in the kit, including batteries to operate the Accelerator (the little machine/tool).

It's a gentle treatment, even considering the first step involves "polishing" your skin with an exfoliating cream. You massage the cream all over your face (excluding delicate eye areas) in circular motions with the sponge-side of the tool. Now, this is not like a Clarisonic brush, this is a soft, pillowy sponge that glides easily across skin. Except for the slight flush I saw on my cheeks, I wondered if I was really exfoliating; it's just that gentle.

Next you apply Lancaster's famous anti-aging serum, which seems a tad bit thicker than the bottled serum (almost a gel-serum texture), and feels wonderful going on. You can tell the polishing has been effective when you apply the serum as it absorbs quickly into skin. Lancaster encourages you to use the whole little tube of the serum for one application, but even applying very generously to my face, neck and decollette' there was still a bit left in the tube. Both of the products have no scent, by the way, if that's important to you. You then switch on the other side of the Beauty Accelerator (365 Cellular Elixir function) and massage for 2 to 3 minutes to activate micro-circulation and “redynamize” cellular activity. It's completely painless, very gentle, and incredibly easy to use. Lancaster recommends applying moisturizing cream (yours or theirs) as a final part to the treatment.

I've only used the treatment twice so I'm not able to give any kind of long-term results yet. I'll continue to use and will update as appropriate in a couple of weeks. What I can say is that after just one use my skin was brighter and appeared hydrated and healthy. It's wonderful being able to give yourself a salon treatment in the convenience of your own home, and it feels wonderful.



The Lancaster 365 Cellular Elixir Expert Institute at Home Kit retails for $129 and officially launches in June 2009, but you can already get them at SkinStore, Beauty.com and soon at HSN.com. When you consider that the kit includes the tool, the exfoliating cream and the already popular and results-proven elixir, this is a huge value for the price compared to other tools claiming salon-treatment results in an at home option. And this is the good stuff; this is high-end Lancaster skincare, baby. = )



p.s. -- Don't forget, that free Lela Rose bag filled with beauty goodies with purchase of $100 offer is still going on at Beauty.com through 6/30/09. You'll qualify for the gift with a purchase of the Lancaster 365 CE.

redken color extend sun collection

Before we left for our family vacation last month, I was worried about what I was going to do with my hair. I knew before we even got there, that we would be in the pool and at the beach everyday. While I love getting a tan (yes, with sunscreen applied frequently), I dread what happens to my hair once chlorine and saltwater enter the picture. Since I have blonde hair, chlorine likes to turn it a lovely shade of green, while the saltwater turns it into a rat nest. I had 3 different shampoo/conditioner combos I was ready to bring and thought it was a bit overkill but I knew what laid ahead.

Well....literally the day before we left, I went over to Jenn's to hang out and talk blog business and we had received Redken's New Color Extend Sun shampoo, conditioner and a leave-in smoother. Jenn let me be the guinea pig for this one. I was really hesitant to bring it with me...I do not have a good track record with Redken and their hair products. There have been one or two I would consider buying again, but for the most part their shampoos weren't right for me.

I owe Redken some credit, I actually like this new line. Not only does it help get rid of the chlorine and salt it also helps to protect highlights, safeguards color and replenishes sun-stressed strands. I really like the shampoo. I didn't use it everyday, but the days where I was in the pool/ocean a lot, I definitely used it. The conditioner I thought for sure would be too heavy on my fine strands, but it detangles well and left my hair feeling really nice and soft. Less is definitely more with this one. I didn't use this every time I used the shampoo, I thought it would be too much. I haven't had a chance to try the Sparkling Shield Leave-in Smoother, but it looks like it has some particles in it to make your hair nice and shiny....I would spray it either right before you jumped in the pool or right after you get out. The Leave-in is suppose to help provide water-resistant protection against UVA/UVB rays, chlorine and minerals while creating a sleek, polished finish. Our pool just opened last weekend, and it's rained almost every day since, but the second it's decent out we will be there and I will have this in my bag with me to try out, especially now that I just got the highlights redone.

I can't seem to find a firm price on any of the three items...looks like each one is somewhere between $12 and $15 depending on where you can find it. I know Ulta carries it, but only in the stores, not online. For more information check out redken.com.

Christine

Lancôme Dual Finish Celebrates an Anniversary

This was my first ever Lancôme purchase. In fact, Lancôme's Dual Finish was my first ever high-end or department store beauty purchase of any kind way back when I was a teenager (it wasn't 30 years ago, though, sheesh, did you think I was that old ...). Prior to discovering its magical properties, suggested to me by my younger sister no less, I'd only used drugstore brand products. Dual Finish was the first of many Lancôme products I'd later come to adore.

I was awestruck by this product. Part powder, part creamy foundation, how did they do that? Dual Finish gives your skin exactly the look, the coverage you’ve decided on…from sheer to simply flawless.

• Sponges on dry, over moisturizer, for a soft matte effect.
• Puffs on dry as a matching powder over any Lancôme foundation.
• Sponges on damp for a high coverage, ultra-matte finish.

In celebration of the product's 30th anniversaty, Lancôme is offering Dual Finish in a limited edition compact. It's available in 10 shades and retails for $35.50. Be sure to check out all the Lancôme deals, free gifts and beauty offers updated regularly on our shopping deals page. They've got some fabulous ones going on now!

Summer Bridal Beauty

Every bride want to look her very best on her wedding day, and that includes gorgeous hair, flawless skin and perfectly manicured nails. Beauty beginners and beauty-savvy brides alike will find these tips from Planet Beauty useful for looking radiant and camera-ready on the big day.

Look bright-eyed by getting as much sleep as possible the night before. Combat any dark circles or puffiness with Yonka's Phyto Contour Eye Firming Cream $54. Use eye drops if eyes still look red or tired.

Make sure you use waterproof mascara that can withstand "tears of joy". Lash Injection Pinpoint Mascara by Too Faced will prevent smearing; its exclusive 3D polymers build waterproof tubes around each lash. $19.50

Achieve a flawless complexion as good as professionally created with this smoking-hot product. Winning rave reviews from all over the world, ERA Face Spray on Foundation by Classified Cosmetics is like having a professional makeup artist in a can. This is an oil-free foundation tha contains a nourishing vitamin and botanical base ideal for all skin types. It comes in an array of shades and blends flawlessly into skin. $55

L-R: ERA Foundation Spray in shade R6, AirBrush Shimmer, AirBrush Primer

Keep hair looking radiant and shiny with I.C.O.N.'s AirShine Brilliant Shine Spray $19.50. AirShine blasts dry air for incredible surface gloss and shine while shielding your style from environmental damage. I.C.O.N is fast becoming a favorite hair care brand of many a beauty addict. This stuff rocks!

Create a perfect, pouty lip and blendable soft, shadowed eyes with Napoleon Perdis Palette Patrol $39. The palette includes his seductive set of rich, versatile colors for lips, eyes and cheeks. People StyleWatch says this about the set, "(a) sleek blush, shadow, and gloss double-decker kit from the Aussie brand ... a secret weapon for conquering any beauty battles."

Don't forget all eyes will be on your new bridal bling. Get your fingers ready for the closeup with Barielle's Natural French Manicure Set $16.50, including Cherish, a light pink, Enduring, a white shade, and Top Shield for glossy shine with a protective shield.

For the honeymoon, give yourself a glow from head to toe with Tan Towel's Self-Tan Towelettes. Each towelette is concentrated with a self-tan formula that ensures a quick and even application with no streaking or mess ($4.00 for a full face and body application).

Bridal tips courtesy of Planet Beauty. All products mentioned in this piece are available at Planet Beauty. You can find more tips and trends from Planet Beauty's team of professional makeup artists, hair stylists and licensed estheticians.

images: Zoe Clark, Whiterz

this just in...chantecaille sample sale in nyc

If you live in the NYC area, definitely check out this sample sale from Chantecaille. It's only going on today, tomorrow, and Friday, so you better throw on your running shoes and get over there ASAP!

Click the flyer above for an enlarged version. Makes it easier to read the deets.

Jennifer and Christine

BeneFit: Hung Up on Beauty with 20% Off Your Order!

This is huge, ladies! If you've been wanting to try one of BeneFit's new products or re-stock on some tried-n-true faves, now's your time, darling!


For three (3) days only, BeneFit is giving us 20% off our online orders, no minimum purchase required. Squeeeee! We can even combine offers with free shipping codes and if your total meets those requirements.

- click to enlarge for detail -

What to consider:

"Hello Flawless" - a blendable powder foundation with SPF 15 that goes on beautifully sheer and layers easily for customized coverage. Find your perfect shade and sweep it on with the accompanying brush for a sheer, natural finish; or apply with the sponge for full coverage or spot cover-up. 6 shades $34

Realness of Concealness - This crafty little kit is a mini collection of Benefits' most coveted concealers and enhancers. $32

High Brow - this is my favorite Benefit item ever hands down. It's remarkable the number of different things you can do to enhance with this multi-tasker; worth every penny. It's a brow lifting and enhancing pencil. With one quick stroke directly under the arch of your brow, this soft, oyster-pink pencil instantly adds lift and life to the entire eye area. $20

High Beam - is an ethereal pink liquid highlighter that creates a radiantly dewy complexion. For an angelic sheen, this pink shimmering lotion adds a soft, natural afterglow; has a brush applicator. $24

BADgal Liner - a waterproof liner that contains a unique formula that glides on smooth and won't smudge or smear. It has a blending tip on one end so you can smudge your way to a perfect smoky eye. $20

You Rebel - is an all-in-one tinted moisturizer that gives your complexion coverage, moisture, and SPF protection. It contains antioxidants, aloe vera, and allantoin for soft, supple skin all year long. $30

CORALista - A warm coral-pink powder that warms up your complexion. $28

Get 20% off all orders at Benefit Cosmetics! 3 days only!

Click link and enter: MAKEUP20 at checkout.

One use per customer. Can be combined with shipping codes. Offer valid 5/27/09 - 5/29/09.

max factor 2000 calorie extreme lash plumper mascara

All I could think of when I saw this mascara is this is the Bizzaro version of Lash Blast.

Know what I mean?

Remember the Super Friends a la Saturday Morning Cartoons via the 70's?

Some episodes featured their Bizarro twins, who were exactly like the Super Friends in every way except that they wore like grey outfits with black accents (or something like that) and were evil.

Well...alright...no...this mascara isn't evil in any way.

It just reminds me of Lash Blast in every way. Both bottles are shaped the same way. The brush is identical but blue instead of orange.

The formula also seems similar, but I really feel that CG's Lash Blast beats this one out by a small margin.

Either way, Max Factor's 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper Mascara delivers on it's promise to define and plump up my lashes, as well as last throughout the day until I take it off.

A couple of times I did notice a little bit of flaking, but it didn't happen all of the time so I'm not sure what that was about.

The bottom line is this, both are great mascaras and one (CG's Lash Blast) is priced lower than the other.

I'm planning on sticking with Lash Blast myself...but that's just me.

Try maxfactor.com for more info on their new 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper Mascara.


Jennifer

giveaway with beautyfix...the winners

We have mentioned Beautyfix before and we really enjoy it. We love seeing what each "fix" has in it and fighting over who gets what. Beautyfix is a program where you sign up and $49.99 a quarter and each quarter you will receive your Beautyfix. It usually has somewhere between 7 and 10 beauty products - some sample sized and some are full sized and you also get a great little cosmetics bag. It's a great way to sample some products for each season before you buy them. You can also go to beautyfix.com and leave your feedback for the products as well.

The generous people of Beautyfix have given us the green light to giveaway......wait for it........15 Beautyfix 2 sets. Amazing right?!

The Beautyfix 2 (the second quarter of beautyfix) contains everything you see in the picture plus the black cosmetic bag not pictured. Included is 3Lab M Cream, Bella Bronze Self Tanner, Bella Bronze Tan Extender, Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque, Global Goddess eyeshadow, Glowelle 7 day set, Jonathan Finish Control Hairspray, Kerstin Florian Aromatherapy Neroli Water, and Lisa Hoffman Beauty Vitamin A & C Serum.

For more information on the products included in the giveaway and for more information on the program, please visit beautyfix.com.

Now for the long list of winners:

Claire B.,

Elaine C.,

Amy S.,

Zoe H.,

Sarah R.,

Kristina D.,

Holly C.,

Kristin S.,

Maria B.,

Catherine L.,

McKenzie B.,

Joyce M.,

Danielle Y.,

Kayleen R.,

and last but not least....Kristi P.

Congratulations!!!

Check back soon for another giveaway announcement!!

Jennifer and Christine

ERNO LASZLO: Limited Edition Blusher + Bronzer Set

Erno Laszlo is a brand I must confess I don't have much experience with. When I received word of this web exclusive limited edition set, I took the opportunity to do a little research.

What I discovered, in short, is that Erno Laszlo has been producing cutting edge innovative products since 1927. The brand is synonymous with purity, effectiveness and a personalized approach with women and men the world over. Erno Laszlo is the first dermatologist-created skincare. As a young Hungarian dermatologist, Dr. Laszlo revolutionized the skincare business. He was the first to formulate sunscreens, design water-based products for oily skin, and prescribe personalized skincare "rituals" to his clients, among other firsts.

Every Laszlo Ritual begins with Dr. Laszlo's water-wash technique, even still today. He taught that splashing the face with comfortably-hot water and using his specially designed cleansers helped to:

• deeply cleanse skin
• exfoliate dead skin cells
• flush out toxins
• strengthen, plump and soften skin
• stimulate collagen production
• and enhance the absorption of moisturizer

His clients included Hollywood's most glamorous - Greta Garbo, Ava Gardner, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe to name a few. Dr. Laszlo's skincare regimens became highly sought after, and still are to this day. Everyone has their own Laszlo Ritual prescribed to them. You can gain your personalized ritual via Erno Laszlo online.


One thing unavoidably noticeable viewing the site is that the products are high end on the price point. One cream I saw retails for over $500 a jar. That being said, I was increasingly happy to learn that Erno Laszlo offers web-exclusive products at discounted pricing.

The Limited Edition Multi-pHase Blusher & Bronzer Set retails through this offer for $54.

You'll receive both the blusher and bronzer. The blusher and the bronzer look natural when applied and blend easily with any skin tone to give your skin the most naturally-blushed, sun-kissed look. There are tips for applying on the website. It's definitely worth perusing.

Bliss + Philips Team Up to Help us De-Fuzz for Summer Fun

Get the summer buzz on how to de-fuzz and enter to win a fan-tab-ulous summer swag bag (valued at $600) while you're at it!

Learn about Bliss-Philips' new perfect spa-at-home grooming system just in time for wearing your favorite one-piece or bikini, find summer-sational tips and trends, and a sure way to prevent irritation for spahh-smooth results.

A hot summer is in the bag! The Bliss-Philips beach tote is packed and ready to go with a towel, Philips GoGear MP3 Player, H20 Bottle, exclusive Bliss products and a beachin' bikini. They're giving away a bag a week for seven weeks.

Click HERE to enter

nutri system challenge....week 1

Eight days ago I started the Nutri-System challenge....and I'll admit it's been a little rough for me. When we were offered to try it, I was very excited and thought it was perfect timing before major swimsuit season and it would finally help me to lose those stubborn 5 pounds I can't seem to make budge. And since Jenn is preggers, I was the lucky one to partake in the month long challenge. So at least once a week I will update everyone on my progress...and I'm keeping it honest.

I decided to try the Women's Basic Plan (there are 4 different plans...Basic, Silver, Diabetic and Vegetarian). I also opted for the Members Favorite, where they pre-pick all the food. You can also custom select all of your food, but since I had never done anything like this before, I let them send whatever the popular items were. You get 3 meals a day, plus a snack and a dessert.

All 28 days of food showed up on my doorstep in one big box. It was a Friday, so I decided the following Monday would be D-Day (diet day). The food all comes prepackaged, most things you either have to add hot water to or pop in the microwave for about a minute. The only thing you have to add is all the veggies, fruit, dairy and protein. You get a book where you check off each item for each meal and write in what you have eaten.

So far, I haven't lost much weight, maybe a pound or two. The reason I don't really know yet, is last week was that special time in a girl's life and my weight fluctuates a lot during those few days...(side note....when you are PMSing, it is NOT a good idea to start a diet...I craved chocolate the whole week and was not a happy camper).

The actual food has been interesting. Everything is very loaded with protein, so I feel full before I finish. I have had a couple items I have enjoyed and a couple I rather forget about. But to it's credit, it very quickly made me realize a few things: I don't eat enough fruit and veggies, my portion control was really out of whack, and I usually just had coffee in the mornings until lunch - not a good idea.

Since I said I was going to keep it honest, I totally didn't follow it this weekend. We were out 2 of the 3 days for multiple meals, although I did think twice before ordering and at the party we went to, I totally restrained myself from the insanely delicious catered food, and made sure to have more fruit and veggies than anything else. Today, I am feeling guilty for the weekend so I have rededicated myself to the challenge.

Check back next week for the Week 2 update. Hopefully I will have lost another pound or two!

Christine

A New Kind of Cleanser: Introducing Lancôme Crème Douceur

Discover the new sensory experience of cleansing. A luxurious balance of science and nature. Pure pampering pleasure.

Lancôme Crème Douceur is a sophisticated cleanser with antioxidant White Lotus and soothing Rose de France transforms from a cream to an oil and instantly removes makeup. Immediately skin texture and tone are refined. Skin is velvety soft and smooth.

Massage onto dry skin. Emulsify by adding lukewarm water, then rinse thoroughly.

As always, Lancôme has wonderful beauty bonuses available with your online purchase. Their two newest:

Sensational Eyes: Receive a collection of Lancôme eye products with any $45 lancome-usa online purchase. Click link and enter code: EYEWISH at checkout. Offer ends 5/31/09.

Beauty Bonus: Receive a deluxe sample of Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Make-up Remover and Bienfait Multi-Vital Moisturizing Cream with any $35 lancome-usa online purchase. Click link and enter code: CREME at checkout. Available while supplies last.

Macaroons: The New Trend in Sweets

While strolling the streets of uptown New Orleans' Garden District this holiday weekend, we came across a newly discovered marvel. Sucré.

From breakfast to a midnight snack, Sucré is available to satisfy your sweet tooth. Sucré (French for sugared) is an emporium of "artisan" sweets. Unlike a traditional bakery, Sucré serves plated desserts with custom garnishes in addition to boxed treats. Their french macaroons have been featured in O Magazine and their desserts in Paula Deen's Best Desserts!

Now Sucré serves artisan style breakfasts, sandwiches for lunch on fresh baked croissant, and features an assortment of gelato, sorbet, chocolates, nuts, even one-of-a-kind wedding cakes, but I want to focus on their macaroons for this piece. Each Parisian macaroon features two delicate cookies filled with luscious cream or rich mouselline. They also offer a chocolate covered macaroon filled with milk chocolate caramel ganache, coated in dark chocolate and topped with gold leaf. These confections are hitting it big here in New Orleans, and my sources in the big cities nationally say the same thing ...

"The macaroon is fast replacing the cupcake as the sweet du jour!"

Visit Sucré in New Orleans at 3025 Magazine Street, or view their online presence here. Their website features all the glorious treats to be found and you can also watch a video of the team making their famous macaroons. Boxes range in size and retail from $12 - $20.

SMASHBOX: Friends & Family - Save 20% off Everything

Shop Smashbox now and celebrate their Friends & Family event with 20% off everything you purchase.

Choose from their new products:

• Lash DNA Mascara - packed with proteins and amino acids for dramatically longer, stronger, more defined lashes.
• Reflection High Shine Lip Gloss - new advanced formula gloss saturates lips with high impact shine that lasts. Vitamins and hyaluronic acid deeply moisturize, fill in lines, and naturally plump lips for the perfect glossy pout.
• The Nude Lip Liner - new ultra creamy nude liners perfectly match your lip tone for beautiful, natural looking definition that prevents any lip color from fading or bleeding.
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Bernardo: The Father of Modern Day Sandals

Strolling down Magazine Street in the heart of New Orleans on a sunny, warm Sunday afternoon with my 15 year old daughter, popping in and out of the many boutiques and galleries that line this historic rue ... heaven. One gem stood out among the many.


Bella Rouge is a fun, flirty, trendy boutique which stocks collections from designers like Martinez Valero, Charles David, Sam Edelman, clothing by Lauren Conrad, jewelry by local designers, and finishing touches from Rebecca Minkoff handbags & travel sets by Stephanie Johnson. In their display of chic shoes, however, one designer prominently draws your attention over the others - Bernardo. I left without buying a pair (why do we do such things), but I'm going back for them, that I can tell you with much excitement.


Bernard Rudofsky (1905 – 1988) was a noted architect and structural engineer, but what few people know, is that this architect changed the fashion world.

Rudofsky spent many years designing and building structures in Europe and later spent decades as an academic serving at Yale, MIT and other universities. He also authored 10 books, covering the subjects of architecture, design and travel.

But it was his work as a social commentator and critic of modern day cultures that led the way to his best selling book Are Clothes Modern. This book is an essay on contemporary apparel of the 1940’s and it eventually led the way to the advent of today’s modern day sandals.

In 1944, Rudofsky’s book became the subject matter of an exhibit at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. It was through this exhibit that the public first saw what was considered, at the time, REVOLUTIONARY sandal designs.

Rudofsky believed that the, so called, “modern contemporary” apparel and footwear were actually not modern or contemporary, but were rather restrictive, even deforming to our bodies and feet, much like the body transformation practices of ancient cultures.

Appearing, of course, in this exhibit were Rudofsky’s “alternative” designs. These designs incorporated his “freedom and lifestyle” concept. The clothing most certainly freed the body, but his sandal designs not only freed the foot, they also opened the eyes and minds of those who loved fashion. As a result, Rudofsky’s sandal designs soon enjoyed tremendous commercial success while launching a “sandal revolution”.

Rudofsky designed 3 to 4 collections a year while his wife Berta ran the company on a day to day basis and together they ran their company “Bernardo” for a number of years before eventually selling it. By that time the sandal revolution was in full swing. Bernardo, the company they started together, became the country’s most successful sandal company throughout the 1960’s and 70’s.

Recognizing Rudofsky’s work and contribution to the sandal world, Rudofsky was credited for the advent of the modern day sandal by Harper’s Bazaar magazine in an article appearing in March of 1967 entitled “Rat-a-Tat-Tat Shoes on the March”.

Published in 2003 was the biography Lessons from Bernard Rudofsky written by Andrea Bocco Guarneri. This biography chronicles Rudofsky’s life, his works and contributions to design and fashion.

In 2007 The Getty Center in Los Angeles, in association with Architekturzentrum Wien in Vienna, launched the opening of an exhibit entitled Lessons from Bernard Rudofsky. This exhibit opened in Vienna during March of 2007, then traveled to Canada before opening at The Getty Center in Los Angeles on March 11th 2008. This exhibit not only chronicled Rudofsky’s life and work, it led the way to a second biography, Lessons from Bernard Rudofsky Life as a Voyage.

Bernardo's iconic sandals: the miami, the mistral and the milly

As documented in both biographies as well as the exhibit, Rudofsky’s concepts, theories and criticisms are as relevant today as they were in the 1940’s. The same is true for his sandal designs, which have stood the test of time. He not only designed the traditional flat sandal construction, that Bernardo is so famous for, but three of his original sandal designs are still amongst Bernardo’s top volume styles each year. These styles, the Miami, Mistral and Milly are a testament to Rudofsky’s design genius. Over 60 years later these designs are discovered each and every year by new generations of young woman believing they have just discovered the “latest fashion” and the truth is, they have.

Check out Bernardo footwear online. There you'll discover the love numerous celebrities share for the brand as well, including Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry, Jennifer Garner, Faith Hill, Hillary Duff and many more. These shoes rock!

From Around the Blogosphere

Check out these great stories and pieces from these angels in the know ...

Ever wonder what’s hiding inside supermodels beach bags for the long holiday weekend?? Check out Modelinia.com’s Beach Bag Bonanza to find what’s in supermodels Heidi Klum, Karolina Kurkova, Hilary Rhoda and Brooklyn Decker’s bags that make them look model ready for the beach.

Take a peek at Chanel's Lumières Célestes a new collection of super sparkly mini glossimers for summer as revealed by our favorite swatcher, Karla Sugar of The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself.

Watch Make Do Style's foray into the world of You Tube as she assists two ladies find their perfect pair of jeans for day and night, and she styles them completely off the cuff - great job!

Wander on over to Fashionista's piece on the new goings-on at Essie nails to find out what "jewels" are being planned for August release. (very exciting)

Everyone's favorite Seeker and fashion icon du jour shares her Inspiration Board with her readers at Searching the Inner Me this weekend.

Check out Makeup and Beauty's 10 Days of Giveaways beginning today. Her theme today is a sweet concoction called "shave ice", which she tells you all about as well as announcing her MAC Sugarsweet giveaway for the day. Scrumptious!

Don't know which SPF product is right for you? Visit blogging newcomer (though a long-time beauty expert, well ok, addict) i feel pretty as she tests and reviews over 14 SPF products in varied categories in search of the best in sun protection offerings for summer fun.

And Bloomacious tells us how to make the perfect spritzer for a lazy, long holiday weekend afternoon ... made some myself to enjoy this Memorial Day ... citrusy and refreshing!

REVIEW: Pomega5 Green Tea Moisturizer

Pomega5 has done it again!

And I was their #1 skeptic. I'd written to them, tweeted them on Twitter, and all but begged them to bring back their Essential Moisture product, a cream filled with the skincare ingredient I'm most addicted to - pomegranate seed oil (and included argan oil in it's blend). But, to no avail. Ughhhhhhh ... they weren't bringing it back.

"Essential Moisture is being replaced by an even more silky and delicious formulation," they advised, "Green Tea Moisturizer. You won't regret it!"
(I scowled at the thought ... more silky and delicious, pshaw ... but I've already fallen in love with Essential Moisture.)

"Try it," they kept encouraging me.

Roxy, really, "the Green Tea is similar, but a little lighter and more airy in texture. So far we haven't met someone who doesn't love it," they kept retorting.

I had no choice, did I. Given the fact that Essential Moisture was gone, I HAD to try the Green Tea Moisturizer. I was desperate to find a replacement that would come close to my love for their other product. And I DID (do) trust Pomega5. They've not let me down yet. (Well, except for the fact that they discontinued my favorite daytime skin cream ... that has to count for something, right?) : )


So be done with it already, Roxy. And so I was. I took advantage of ordering their new Pomegranate Green Tea Skin Detox Kit ($29.50) as soon as it was available on the site, so was able to garner a nice little discount as well. The kit comes packaged in a sweet earthy green organza pouch and includes miniatures of these products, all new to the skincare line-up:

Verbena Green Tea Cleansing Bar For Face and Body (90 g) - deep cleansing, anti bacterial, anti inflammatory blemish relief with strong antioxidants

Green Tea Daily Mattifying Moisturizer (15 ml) - daily detoxifying and purifying moisturizer for normal, normal to oily, acne prone or irritated skin

Daily Skin Revitalizing Concentrate (15 applications) - revitalizing elixir made with potent Omega oils, including 60% pomegranate seed oil extract

Green Tea Blend with Rosebuds (3 servings) - invigorating blend of jasmine green tea pearls and sensuous rose

Following in the tradition of thousands of years by the Japanese and Chinese civilizations, I learned the green tea plant is one of the most potent antioxidants available in nature. Valued for its ability to detoxify and restore balance, green tea has served as an ingredient in various medicinal tinctures, as well as ancient cosmetic aids such as facial compresses and masks. Pomega5 products are handmade from scratch, using the freshest certified organic botanicals, fatty acids and essential oils available.

Pomega5’s new Pomegranate Green Tea Skin Detox Kit draws upon the incredible antioxidant strengths of the precious green tea leaf, combining it with the healing qualities of the pomegranate (thank goodness they kept my star ingredient) and invigorating accents of verbena to yield a new system that is uniquely purifying, nourishing and irresistible. And, yes, it truly is that and more!

I've not opened the cleansing bar yet to try, as believe it or not I'm still working my way through the full-sized Pomegranate Cleansing Bar I bought from them nearly a year ago (and I use it every morning!). My objective was to get the moisturizer, and as it's not yet available on its own, one must purchase the kit to access the cream. I'll give you a review of the other products when I've had a chance to try them.

REVIEW: The Green Tea Daily Mattifying Moisturizer, as it's formally named, is a gorgeous light and airy-whipped cream just as the folks at Pomega5 promised. The cream sinks right into skin leaving a matte, completely non-greasy finish. It is a dream to apply, and each morning I can't wait to get in the bathroom to wash my face and experience the hydration of this new find. As with other Pomega5 products, I've fallen in love with the scent. Clean, fresh, lemony from the verbena and completely intoxicating in the morning. My skin feels hydrated, pores are clog-free, skin is fresh without being greasy, and is brightened and renewed. It's perfect for oily or combo skin types. I'm loving it!

For more information on Pomega5's new Pomegranate Green Tea line of products, visit them online. They must be experienced to really be wholly appreciated. You won't be sorry. xo

Memorial Day 2009

Remembering those who died in the name of freedom ...

tarte summer 2009

Even though it's not actually the first day of summer, this weekend definitely makes everyone feel that summer is right around the corner.

One of our fave brands, Tarte, has already released their summer collection for 2009.

Loving pretty much everything I'm seeing.

First off, they're adding a new natural cheek stain to their lineup...this one being a shimmery coral color called eco-cheek.

You know how much I adore their stains.

Another addition that's got my attention is celluFIGHT ($40). It's being billed as a natural anti-cellulite self tanner that my thighs are screaming out for around this time of the year. I mean, really, they will not see sunlight unless they're in check.

It is said to work on all skin tones and is formulated with skinTIGHT complex™ a proprietary anti-cellulite complex that firms and tones skin while improving elasticity.

Plant and bio-nutrient extracts boost cellular metabolism shedding excess fat tissue. Caffeine (green tea extract) helps stimulate blood flow immediately reducing "the orange peel" effect (i.e. dimpling) on problem areas such as waist, hips, thighs and buttocks. This anti-cellulite self-tanner contains clinically-proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent the long-term build-up of fat tissue under the skin.

Considering lipo won't be happening anytime soon, and nothing else can give you immediate results...it's something that's worth a shot at least I figure.

I'll be testing this one out and give you the 411, once I've had the chance to see what happens.

Another item that's got my attention is their eyeQuatic waterproof summer essentials set ($35).

It comes with a with a mod headscarf, as well as 3 mermaid-inspired lock & roll creaseless cream & powder shadow duos and a deluxe lights, camera, splashes! waterproof mascara.

Just as an fyi, the lock & roll shade descriptions are...turquoise, citrine, and tanzanite.

All should look insanely perfect with your summertime (faux) glow.

You can find Tarte at tarte.com, Sephora, sephora.com, beauty.com, Henri Bendel, and boutiques nationwide.


Jennifer

weekend reads...total beauty

The Informed Makeup Maven shares highlights from the NYC Makeup show and talks mineral makeup with Obsessed Minerals founder, Michael Huwe. Don't forget to join IMM's facebook group!


Beauty Anonymous loves the fresh floral scents of Bond No.9 Astor Place Eau de Parfum.

Kyl at The Beauty Couch is seriously loving the new By Lauren Luke My Smokey Classics palette.

Get serious coverage that is no joke with these 2 fab concealers that Beauty Junkies Unite tried, even tattoos better duck and take cover!

Boutique Flair reviews the Kiss My Face Potent & Pure line.

A Little More Beautiful has 2 giveaways going onUrban Decay Primer Potion in Sin and Max Factor Lash Perfection Volume Couture ending in May and June.

Fabulous Over Forty has a mineral makeup giveaway. Contest ends soon!

The Makeup Divas reviews the new Prescriptives Exhilarating lipgloss in Guava and lipstick in Raspberry.


Neon Bible's new guy writer talks about how to get your guy to get a haircut that costs more than $9.00.


Lipgloss Break has a double giveaway - Enter to Win Wrinkle Arrest DermaScyne & healthDropz!


StyleBell reviews the latest Damp to Dry Flat Iron by HAI Elite, the HaiDraStik. Read if StyleBell gives it a thumbs up or a thumbs down.


Beautè Noire discovers how to get the smoothest, softest, glossiest legs ever!

Jamie, The Working Girl from Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog, shares her after-work spa regimen.

Lipstickaddict makes a review on The Body Shop Productsfrom Spa Wisdom Line, Yes Yes Yes Tantalising Lip Butter and Body Focus Bust Firmer!

Alison at The Advice Sisters (follow her on Twitter - advicesisters) tempts you to try Treats for Summer by TARTE.

makeup loves me gives you the swatches you need to decide if MAC's new style warrior collection is right for you!

eye4style is glossy and fabulous, thanks to the Brazilian Blowout at Maria Bonita. Read about it here!

Hot Beauty Health show us how Shea Butter enhances women beauty.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews the Rx for Brown Skin Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum.

LA Pretty is giving away a Fruits & Passion pedicure set for a luxurious, at-home foot treatment. Click here for contest details.

Maria at Beauty is Within reviews Eye Majic Instant Eyes.

addicted to lipstick is having a Kiss My Face Giveaway for Oily and Acne Prone Skin be sure to enter to win!

Summer Fun Locks easy fun curls get the scoop!