redken sheer straight

About 3 weeks ago I stumbled across this product from Redken...Sheer Straight. Which is a lightweight straightening gel for fine hair.

It is suppose to add touchable smoothness to fine hair, weightless feel won't leave hair flat or lifeless, helps protect from heat damage, and features something called Straight-Out Complex. The Straight-out Complex provides lasting smoothness while caring for hair and has proteins help build internal strength and support to reinforce the hair's structure. And also features coconut and olive oils, which help condition and moisturize for flawlessly soft, shiny locks. As a result, the hair is amazingly straight and frizz-free.

I haven't always been a huge fan of Redken. There have been a couple products here and there that I enjoy, but for the most part the line seems too heavy for my hair. I saw that this was specific for fine hair and also helps protect against heat damage which I need desperately since I blowdry almost everyday and usually flat iron some section just as often.

To use this product, first I towel dry my hair and then apply some volumizing something or other to my roots and then I apply a small amount of the Sheer Straight just to the ends - actually from my ears, down to the ends. Whatever is left in my hands I run through the rest of my hair since I have little baby flyaways and layers. And then blowdry, and flat iron if I need. First, the smell is lovely. It's like a high-end salon product smell. I have noticed my hair is straighter, with less crazy flyaways. The other little tip I will pass on, is that a little goes a long, long way. And if you end up using too much, you will have that nice overdone, slick look going on.

Check out redken.com for more info. The Sheer Straight sells for around $12-$13, depending on where you can find it. I know Ulta carries it.

Christine

British Beauty Emily Blunt Engaged to "The Office" Star

"We can confirm that John and Emily are engaged," a rep for "The Office" star told Access Hollywood.

John Krasinski, 29, and Emily Blunt, 26, have been dating since November 2008. This will be the first marriage for both. Emily, who previously dated singer Michael Buble, stars in the upcoming film "The Wolfman," alongside Benicio Del Toro, and was previously seen in "The Devil Wears Prada" among other films.

Also look for her in a brilliant, feisty portrayal of Queen Victoria in her younger years ascending to the throne and growing a romance with a young Prince Albert. So beloved is this film that it will close the Toronto International Film Festival on September 19th. Well, I say beloved but lots of British reads are claiming "disappointment" saying Emily is much too attractive to play Vic (described as pain and stubby). Further, that modern audiences won't want to sit through the parade of stately castles and lavish costuming. (Are they kidding? I could watch just those kinds of films all day long!) The stellar cast includes, in addition to Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt in the title role, Rupert Friend (Pride and Prejudice), Paul Bettany (Creation, The Da Vinci Code), Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), Jim Broadbent (Longford, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull), Mark Strong (Body of Lies) and Thomas Kretschmann (King Kong) and is directed by the critically-acclaimed French-Canadian filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y.) from a script by Academy Award-winning Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park). Also of note, the co-producers of the film involved the unlikely pairing of the brilliant Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson. Yep, I'm serious. USA release date is November 13, 2009.

Ok, so I digress; I adore period pieces so am tres excited about the above. Anway, the upcoming season of "The Office" will see John's character, Jim, tie the knot with his Scranton sweetheart Pam, played by Jenna Fischer. And apparently, preparing to wed on the set must have set the romantic wheels in motion for the stars, as Jenna is also engaged off-screen. In July, a rep for Jenna confirmed to Access Hollywood she was engaged to boyfriend Lee Kirk. The pair began dating in January 2008 and Lee popped the question on June 30 while the couple was on vacation in Europe.

MARCH 2008: Emily Blunt, Amy Adams, Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway, Alice Braga, Ellen Page, Zoe Saldana, Elizabeth Banks, Ginnifer Goodwin, and America Ferrera, photographed by Annie Leibovitz."

Now back to Emily in closing. I love this photograph of Hollywood's Fresh Young Faces taken by famed photog Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair's March 2008 issue. Left to right are: Emily Blunt, Amy Adams, Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway, Alice Braga, Ellen Page, Zoë Saldana, Elizabeth Banks, Ginnifer Goodwin, and America Ferrera.

images: Access Hollywood, Daily Mail UK, Vanity Fair

Smashbox Blowout Sale! 25% - 50% Off

Smashbox has a huge blowout sale for up to 50% off many favorites and collection items going on now. Some items are under $10. It's your last chance to get many limited-edition and discontinued Smashbox items. As always, you'll receive free standard shipping and complimentary deluxe jumbo samples with every online order.

Here's some of what you'll find:

For more information and to shop the sale, visit Smashbox online.

The Mommy Glow Sweepstakes from Benefit x Serena & Lily

You already know about the goodness of Benefit, have you heard of Serena & Lily? As seen in Parents, Elle Decor, C Magazine and many others, Serena & Lily are, "what's hot!"

For Serena Dugan, a textile designer and artist, and Lily Kanter, a baby boutique owner and savvy businesswoman, "Children’s spaces that are fresh and style-driven, with dynamic color and pattern combination, timeless and comfortable through sophistication and simplicity… is what we both dreamed of."

What a great combination - The sisters of Benefit Cosmetics and the ladies of Serena & Lily offering moms a fantastic contest to win fresh treasures uniquely their own.

Enter for a chance to win a $2,500 gift certificate at Serena & Lily to design a one-of-a-kind bedroom for your child AND $500 at Benefit Cosmetics. 15 runners-up will win a Serena & Lily Gypsy Tote & top sellers from the Benefit Mommy Glow collection.

Click HERE to enter the contest now.

Contest ends 9/8/09. No purchase necessary.

For more information and to shop these great stores, visit Benefit and Serena & Lily online.

what i'm loving...lola by marc jacobs

Hello from the land of diapers and spit up.

How's it going in your neck of the woods darlings?

Well I'm finally back from being out of town. Big L's dad passed away earlier in the week, so we had to leave immediately for that (really devastating and totally unexpected...still can't really talk about it....LOVED that man).

Christine's been hella sick and basically I'm sooooo over this whole season right now. It's officially going down as the worst summer on record...save for the birth of little e, our daughter.

Being it's a Saturday and I'd much rather chat about a couple of things I'm loving lately, here's a couple of things I'm dying over.

First up...

The Rebecca Minkoff "Knocked Up" Bag ($695). I am loving this for a myriad of reasons...one of which is the name, could you just die over it?

The second of which is the fact that it's a diaper bag with full on baby necessities...coated canvas interior, stroller straps, changing pad and baby-friendly compartments.

Plus it doesn't have some corny-ugly pattern all over it, it's leather, and it can leave you looking all chic and whatnot.

The only problem?

Well, there's 695 reasons why I won't be getting this anytime soon, but a girl can dream can't she?

Moving on...Marc Jacobs Lola Eau de Parfum ($85 for 3.5 oz) is something that I'm so ready to buy for fall. It has notes of pear, peony, and rose...with hints of warmth that make it cool weather perfect.

I sprayed it on while the whole fam was visiting Nordies recently and Big L was ga-ga over the scent.

So that definitely makes it a winner in my book.

The ridiculously adorable bottle with the flower on top just clinches the deal...does it not?

Try nordstrom.com to purchase.


Jennifer

5 minutes, 5 questions with anthony barrow

In light of the fact that we've both been majorly MIA these past few weeks, somehow we were lucky enough to score an interview with Avon Fashion Week hair stylist Anthony Barrow.

Anthony is a five-time British Hairdresser Awards finalist. He's a regular at New York Fashion Week and the London ready-to-wear shows.

He recently appeared on Bravo's Make Me a Super Model (which I totally love since they got rid of the incredibly blah Niki Taylor) and is known for his innovative styling and his work with A-list celebrity clients!

Anthony took some time out of his uber busy schedule to answer some questions and here's the result...


What are the hottest hair trends for Fall?

This season is all about loose hair with great texture and movement. Take the path of least resistance and celebrate your natural look. If you aren’t loving the final look, find the right styling products to help.



Can you tell our readers how to achieve the sleekest and sexiest looks step-by-step at home?


One look I am loving for Fall is natural waves. It’s also a look that’s very easy to achieve at-home.

1. Start by using a towel to remove any excess water from your hair. Blow dry hair until it’s just slightly damp.
2. Divide hair into a few sections and apply a pea size amount of Advance Techniques Shaping Gel to each section of hair. Next, twist each section and secure to the top of your head with a bobby pin. Leave in for about 30 minutes or until hair is dry.
3. Remove the twists and run your fingers through each section to tousle the pieces. You can set the style with the Advance Techniques Hair Spray.



What products and tools are essential to create these styles?

The Advance Techniques Shaping Gel is essential to enhance the hair’s natural wave and unique texture. Advance Techniques Hair Spray is a great tool to set the style in place. Bobby pins are also an inexpensive tool to help you create detail.


How can I repair summer hair damage?

At home, the Advance Techniques Moisture Sleek Collection is a great way to restore the lost moisture from the Summer. In salon, Cutler offers Keratin Treatments that repair summer damage for up to four months.


How do you recommend women prepare their hair for Fall?

It’s the little things that can make big changes for the hair. Use warm, not very hot water, when washing the hair. Hot water may be drying to the scalp and hair. Give your hair a break from the blow dryer and flat iron and let your hair air dry to reduce styling damage.


To find out more about the products mentioned in the interview, check out avon.com.



Jennifer

new mac collections

So, here's the deal.....again. I got home on Sunday after a week in Florida visiting my parents. Friday night before we left for our 2 day, 15 hour road trip home, little MJ woke up around midnight with a raging fever and cough...any who has ever dealt with croup knows what happened for the next 3 days. He went to bed at 8 p.m. and woke up every night at midnight and was up until 5 a.m.. He finally slept in Monday night, but the hubby and I now have whatever viral crap he had. So sickness on top of 3 nights of no sleep make me want to cry but mostly stay in bed.

And you may be wondering about Jenn's whereabouts. Well, she is doing better from her sickness last week, but she has had a death in the family and is currently out of town dealing with all of that. So, it's been a weird couple of weeks to say the least. I'm going to try to post the rest of the week, but depending on how the sickness works out it may not be every day.

So...back to beauty news.... I have had info on the last 5 or 6 MAC collections that I keep meaning to put up here, but something always seems to come up. There is one that I want to talk about real quick only because I was literally just talking about this with my parents, while I was drooling over there new fancy HD flatscreen TV. I noticed how horrible some of the guys looked on preseason football and when my dad would switch to a non-hd channel, you totally couldn't tell this one guy had bloodshot eyes and wrinkles all over the place. And I was saying how now makeup companies are coming out with HD worthy makeup.

And what was waiting for me in my inbox when I got home?

Info on MAC's new In High Def Collection. The new Collection consists of 4 lipstick shades, Mineralize Skinfinish, and Body and Face Foundation. The whole idea behind HD makeup is to blend, blend, blend so it looks like you have nothing on but still look fabulous. Any little cakey spot or line is going to show and that's a big no-no.



LIPSTICK
Close To Real Light neutral peach pink (Lustre)
High Def Mid-tone neutral coral (Amplified)
Sharp Focus Deep brown plum (Lustre)
Resolutely Red Deepened claret (Lustre)
Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH/NATURAL
Light Soft pale beige
Light Medium Pale golden beige
Medium Soft creamy beige
Medium Plus Tan beige
Medium/ Dark Caramel beige
Medium Deep Rich golden tan
Dark Deep caramel
Deep Dark Rich golden bronze
Suggested Retail Price $25.00 U.S./$30.00 CDN

FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION
C1 Soft ivory
N1 Soft alabaster
C2 Golden creamy beige
N2 Porcelain beige
C3 Golden sandy beige
N3 Creamy natural beige
C4 Golden natural beige
C5 Pale golden honey
N5 Caramel beige
C6 Rich golden honey
C7 Warm caramel
N7 Warm bronze
N9 Deep warm bronze
Suggested Retail Price $32.00 U.S./$38.00 CDN

BRUSH
188 Small Duo Fibre Face Flat topped, full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of any face or cheek formula
Suggested Retail Price $34.00 U.S./$41.00 CDN

187 Duo Fibre Face Large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face products Suggested Retail Price $42.00 U.S./$50.50 CDN

M·A·C In High Def will be available for a limited time starting September 10th, 2009. Check out your nearest MAC store, counter or online at maccosmetics.com

Fusion Beauty Seeks to Fatten Your Lip(s)!

Mmmmm ... one of our favorite lip plumping brands is bringing a whole new sense of plump to counters beginning mid-September. Fusion Beauty, of LipFusion fame, is set to launch inFATuation Liquid Shine Multi-Action Lip Fattener, which will deliver a formula (treatment) for longer term lip plumping action. Sign me up!

“What we really wanted to do with Infatuation is bring a lip product that, unlike LipFusion, plumps lips for the long haul,” said Tammy Yaiser, Director of Product Development for Fusion Beauty. “We found the technology and what it does is that it helps your body increase fatty acid promotion and storage. It takes about 28 days.”

Well, LipFusion is already a fabulous product for real plumping results as it stands now, albeit temporary. I'm looking forward to trying their new "fattener" as soon as I can get my hands on it. Wonder if they'll have a yummy flavor like the LipFusion and XL versions have? One can hope.

The new Infatuation Liquid Shine Multi-Action Lip Fatteners (whew, that's a mouthful - pun fully intended) will debut in six fantastic shades and will retail for $29 each. For more information when this hits in September, visit FusionBeauty online.

YSL's New Gloss Volupte Gloss Stick

Introducing YSL's first gloss stick, a sheer, sensual gloss with SPF 9 combining the femininity and sensuality of a lipstick with the comfort and shine of a gloss. Colorshine complex and Candellila resin result in a transparent, non sticky shine. Thanks to fluid silicones and melting microcrystalline waxes, Gloss Volupté leaves lips feeling sensual, silky and full of comfort. Pomegranate extract and a delicate mango fragrance provide a delicious touch of freshness. Available in four transparent, mouth-watering shades: (L-R below) #1 Iced Lychee, #2 Chilled Raspberry, #3 Frozen Cherry and #4 Frosted Plum - $30

Oh, and have you checked out YSL's new "Y" Palette? Garnering lots of attention, PALETTE Y Collector Palette for the complexion is both a blush and a powder; the Y Palette instantly highlights all skin tones. With the Y initial “stitched” into the powder, it is a true fashion accessory, and you'd expect nothing less from a company bearing the name of Yves Saint Laurent. $62

For more information, visit YSL online.

L'Occitane Provencal Tote Full of Goodies Sweepstakes

Enter to win L'Occitane's new contest for a teasure trove of Provencal best-selling products. This is a basket tote filled with wonderful L'Occitane goodies worth $250. The gift basket includes:

Shea Butter Hand Cream
Shea Butter Foot Cream
Aromachologie Volumizing Shampoo
Aromachologie Volumizing Conditioner
Olive Golden Branch Shower Cream
Olive Golden Branch Body Lotion
Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap - Milk
Immortelle Brightening Cleansing Foam
Lavender Scented Candle
Verbena Shower Gel
Honey & Lemon Foaming Jelly
Lavender Bunches
L'Occitane Shopping Basket

The contest ends 8/31/09 so be sure to enter soon.

Click HERE to enter the contest and to learn more about these soothing, fresh botanical beauties.

New! Bobbi Brown Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadows

Bobbi's award-winning cream shadow, now available with a touch of glistening sparkle. Introducing Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadows by Bobbi Brown. The sheer, lightweight formula goes on comfortably and leaves a soft, velvety finish. Stays color-true and crease-free all day. Available in eight glamorous new shades, perfect for Fall 2009. For extra definition, pair these with Bobbi's famous Long-Wear Gel Eyeliners (ahem, see update below for special offer).

Shades: Chroma Patina, Brown Metal, Starry Night, Black Pearl, Starry Purple, Antique Gold, Goldstone and Mercury.

Shop Bobbi Brown online for more information on these fab new cream shadows with metallic flair, $22 each. Receive free standard shipping when you purchase two or more of Bobbi's long-wearing products, enter code: METALLIC9 at checkout, through 8/28/09.

UPDATE (8/25): Oh my gosh, as if on cue, Bobbi Brown has extended a FANTASTIC offer to her beauty clients. Free Full Size Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Indigo Ink with $65 Order. Yes, these are her famous eyeliner formulations ($21 Value)!

Click link and enter offer code: BEST5 (required). One time use. Valid 8/25/09 -10/15/09.

New for Lips from Chanel ... Ooh La La

As if Chanel Rouge isn't decadent enough in its stick formulation, Chanel has created a yet more luxurious lip product in Rouge Allure Laque. A liquid lip lacquer originally inspired by the legendary lacquered Coromandel screens in Mademoiselle’s Rue Cambon apartment. This is a combination lipstick-gloss formula with intensely rich color and shine that lasts for hours. The luminous, satin formula has a temptingly creamy texture and offers full coverage in eight stunning shades. $32 each

Santal (Nude), Ming (Nude Rose), Phoenix (Candy Pink), Mandarin (Coral), Dynastie (Pink), Coromandel (Red), Dragon (True Red), Imperial (Deep Rose).

Look at the rich pigmentation in these lovelies!

images by: nutsaboutmakeup (l), blogdorf goodman (r)

However, that doesn't mean Chanel's traditional lippies are going unnoticed. Never! Take a gander at the shade gracing the editorial pages of all the major beauty and fashion magazines for Fall wear. Chanel Rouge Allure, with its luminous, satin lip color in Audace combines fabulously wearable color and sensational comfort, $30. Audace is the perfect dark berry, wild cherry red for accomplishing the dark lip trend next season.

For more information, visit Chanel online or at their beauty counters all over the world.

New Smashbox One-of-a-Kind Set! But One Day Only.

Yes, that's right, more Smashbox (see post below)! I can't help it, it needs to be shared. The QVC Today's Special Value is an unbelievable set of Smashbox favorites that also happens to include a full-sized Halo Perfecting Powder with "Buki" Brush and new launches to boot.

A 9-piece smashbox collection with cult favorites, plus product innovations sure to achieve mega stardom. You'll get the brand's #1-selling foundation, Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder; the can't-get-enough Waterproof Shadow Liner Duo; wear-with-everything Blush; a signature must-have, Soft Lights; Lash DNA Mascara; Lip Enhancing Gloss; and--get ready to be obsessed--the newest lip creation, Lip Tech.

This kit offers product innovations, advanced formulas, and of-the-moment colors. Halo delivers a healthy-looking complexion, while the Liner Duo plays up your eyes. Lip Tech long-wearing color helps you define your lips like a pro. Put it all together with the Mascara, Blush, Lip Gloss, and Soft Lights and you've got a lot to feature!

I'm hoping to have more information soon for you on that new Lip Tech product (You press it into your lips rather than applying it the old-fashioned way). In the meantime, take advantage of this unbelievably fanstastic offer if it appeals to you even in the slightest. You can always return it if you don't like it for a full refund within 30 days (you WON'T want to return it... ) Smashbox Features in Focus 9-Piece Color Collection is selling for $69.94 (retail value is $169!) today only, and only on QVC.

Smashbox Halo - Now in Eye Shadow!

After knocking the industry off its feet with Halo Perfecting Powder with its anti-aging, against product type hydrating factor, Smashbox is about to launch another first of its kind product by bringing us gorgeous eyeshadows (duos nonetheless) in the Halo line. Brilliant!

Smashbox's innovative Halo Hydrating Perfecting Eye Shadow Duo contains two perfectly coordinated, wearable shades for the base and lid. It's your secret to a beautiful, natural eye that looks effortless. A built-in shaver delivers the convenience of a pressed powder and the radiant finish of a loose one. The shaver allows you to get fresh, loose pigment with each use. These shadows deliver the same hydrating, anti-aging benefits to your lids that the perfecting powder does for your face. Yes, in a powder shadow. Amazing.

Pre-order Halo Hydrating Eye Shadow in the shade of your choice now through QVC and you'll enjoy them before the rest of the world gets to try this, and at a special introductory price. The advance order set includes a 0.15 oz Halo Hydrating Perfecting Eye Shadow Duo, a Blending Brush #3, and a Crease Brush #10. Special price - $39.54 (retail value $91)

Shade choice of: Soft Peach/Cocoa (soft peach/warm brown), Pewter/Smoke (platinum/deep slate), Bisque/Almond (warm beige/soft nude), or Petal/Plum(soft pink/heather)

Worldwide launch on August 22, 2009 and exclusive to QVC until November 1, 2009!

Update: You know, I didn't say this last night when I posted the article, but it's waying on my mind and I wanted to add ... indulge me, please. lol But, truly, this kit is worth the price for the Smashbox brushes alone! If you've never tried a Smashbox brush, and you're getting TWO in this kit, you'll find that you'll use these with all your shadow brands to apply to lids. The gray-pewter and purplish options, in particular, are RIGHT ON in terms of colors you'll be seeing in the fall. That price is crazy nuts! Okay, said my peace. xo

love this...nars cream eyeshadow in corfu

I'm basically between feedings and toddler toys here, so this one's going to be on the short side.

After locking myself in my bathroom for two minutes of sanity...totally not kidding there...I started glancing through the latest issue of Lucky with Mandy Moore on the cover.

Inside she talks about some of her favorite things and this is one of them.

NARS Cream Eye Shadow in Corfu ($21) is a shade that she uses year round...definitely because of the fact that it's a great neutral with a touch of sparkle (it's described as a shimmering taupe on the NARS site).

The cool part is that I've had this in my bag a few months now for exactly the same reason. It's perfect for quick all over color, especially on those I'm-feeling-really-makeup-lazy-days.

Just swipe it on with your finger, add some mascara and go.

Done and done.

Try narscosmetics.com or sephora.com.


Jennifer

P.S. If you haven't already, you must get the September Lucky on newsstands now. It's all about fall fashion and there's some great stuff in there from the beauty editors. Love.

Pomega5 Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer + A New Look for the Brand

If you've followed For the Love of Beauty for any length of time, you already know my love for Pomega5 pomegranate seed oil skincare products! Their products have been listed in my Favorite Things categories over and over again. I've even gone so far as to say that since finding and using these products, my skin has never looked better - and it's true.

Tzeira Sofer, founder, president and creative force behind Pomega5, was driven by a vision to create an authentic, holistic line based upon the potent benefits of the pomegranate. The inspiration for the Green Tea Moisturizer originates with Tzeira’s love for Japanese green tea, which she habitually blends with organic herbs and flowers from her own garden. Formulated with three ultra-potent antioxidants - green tea, verbena and pomegranate seed oil - Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer protects against environmental and free-radical damage, while hydrating to leave skin silky soft with a matte, smooth finish. Lightweight and extremely refreshing, this moisturizer is ideal for hot summer days, touch-ups and the occasional aromatic indulgence. I can't even describe fully enough how wonderful the moistuizer smells; it's very fresh with a lingering of verbena. You know those products that you can't wait to use because the smell of them feels like heaven ... this is one of those products! The true glory of the moisturizer, however, is in its effects on skin - hydrating, renewing, leaving skin looking smooth and healthy.




Hot off the press:
Pomega5 is expanding its product offerings and is redesigning its packaging (image above). The new line will be even more comprehensive, including 16 products that will address a variety of age and skin-type needs — all of them entirely pure and luscious as usual. Fans of this brand are on pins and needles (oh, you know I am) waiting for all the new goodness to spring forth. One of their newer products, Pamplemousse Brightening Lotion, which boasted a "green" all natural SPF 15, was so hot for the company in its debut that they literally haven't been able to keep it in stock. I had the opportunity to try some samples of this lotion and loved it immediately. It's very light in texture and has a lovely, fresh, almost "subtly-citrus" scent. Don't worry, they're making some more. x


Want to try Pomega5?
They've created a special promotion exclusively for our readers! For a limited time, receive 15% off all products (regardless of minimum order) PLUS a free Cleansing Bar. Believe me, just the offer of one of their cleansing bars alone is a fantastic gift. I'm really so excited for you to try Pomega5, and very thankful to Mikhal and Tzeira for offering our readers a special promotion. mwah!

Use promo code: ftlob15 when you order

Offer good thru 9/30/09

Note: I receive absolutely no commission or payment in line with this promotion; this is a special offer for you to enjoy! xo

Kiehl's New Limited Edition Facial Skincare Sets

Kiehl's has just introduced two of their most advanced skincare formulations in limited edition sets. Everyone knows how wonderful Kiehl's products are for skin; now we can experience their top facial products in exclusive, nicely priced kits.

Abyssine Facial Skincare Set $86 ($118 value)

Combining deep-sea survival molecules and mineral-rich algae, Abyssine preparations form a dual barrier of protection to help defend skin from damaging free radicals, while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Anti-wrinkle defense formulations. Set includes:

Abyssine Cream + (1.69 fl. oz. Jar)
Abyssine Serum + (1.7 fl. oz. Pump)
Abyssine Eye Cream + (0.5 fl. oz. Jar) Compliments of Kiehl's

Cryste Marine Facial Skincare Set $97.50 ($133.50 value)

Made with algae extracts and enriched with Criste Marine, a naturally-derived botanical found aside the Mediterranean Sea, our rejuvenating and firming treatments boost cell renewal, leave skin replenished and looking and feeling instantly lifted. Lifting and firming formulations. Sdet includes:

Cryste Marine “Ultra Riche” (1.69 fl. oz. Jar)
Cryste Marine Firming Serum (1.7 fl. oz. Pump)
Cryste Marine Firming Eye Treatment (0.5 fl. oz. Jar) Compliments of Kiehl's

Kiehl's always includes lovely packaged free samples with every order. For more information and to shop the new skincare kits, visit Kiehl's.

Dior Jazz Club Eye Palettes for Fall 2009

So I'm seeing these palettes all over the web and in mags and I'm drooling over them both!

New from Dior, these limited-edition Jazz Club Couture Eye Palettes feature Dior's signature silver toggle on a black patent clutch, which is the must-have accessory for Fall.

Jazz Club in Smoky Jazz 001 - $65

Inside, you'll find four eyeshadows, a brow-shaping powder, and a cream-to-powder eyeliner—all are perfectly coordinated to create a sultry, smoky-jazz harmony.

Jazz Club in Purple Jazz 002 (The Nordstrom Exclusive Palette) - $65

All kinds of purple are defined in this new Jazz Club Eye Palette. Includes pinks and greys, berries and plums to create the perfect day-to-evening look for Fall 2009. This all-in-one palette features six Dior eye products. Dior Liner, Sourcils Eyebrow, Fard Matte Eyeshadow, Fard Iridescent Eyeshadow, Fard Iridescent Eyeshadow, and a topcoat.

images: Christian Dior RTW Fall 2009

For more information on the Dior Jazz Club palettes and other new items for Dior Beauty Fall 2009, visit Nordstrom.

alright...here's the deal...

Seems Christine has gone on vacay yet again and I'm manning the ship.

Anywho I had the grandiose idea that I was going to do a couple of postings a day because I had some things to chat about when...wham!...I got dealt the Mastitis card on Monday and literally felt the sickest I've felt in years.

Try a 103.5 temperature, a breast (or boo-boo as my son refers to them) infection, headaches, aches all over, and fatigue.

BTW the boo-boo infection made my right one feel like it had gone 10 rounds as a punching bag for a prize fighter...we're talking serious pain,

And to think that all of this came from our new addition's teeny tiny mouth.

After my doctor diagnosed it...after spending an insane 1 1/2 hours waiting in his waiting room sleeping in a chair that wasn't exactly comfortable (grrr)...his nurse gave me a shot (in my behind thank you very much) that actually burned like hell, and gave me a prescription that (sorry for being so graphic here) makes me poo.

Sooooooo...that's been my couple o' days.

Good times.

The point of this whole thing is I will return us to our regularly scheduled postings as soon as I can get my act together...now that I'm feeling more like myself.

So...thanks for hanging in there.


Jennifer

ideeli: Coach Bag Giveaway

Where I am here in the deep south, Coach handbags are all the rage! They can't keep the new styles in stock here as they sellout before you can blink an eye.

If you adore Coach as much as I do, be sure to tune in tomorrow, 8/19/09, when ideeli gives away this gorgeous Coach Satchel to an ideeli member with entries being accepted starting at noon. This is a black leather handbag with top zipper closure. You have to be an ideeli member to enter, so if you're not a member yet, what are you waiting for? ideeli hosts unbelievable shopping deals, ridiculously discounted pricing on high-end and haute couture products in fashion, beauty, and luxury lifestyle brands, insider information on the newest products, and gives members fantastic giveaway opportunities. ; )

Don't worry, I'm happy to share an exclusive invitation code with you so you can join ideeli (it costs absolutely nothing to be a member), enter the Coach giveaway and help yourself to direct access ideeli's sought-after shopping community.

Click HERE to join ideeli and to enter the Coach handbag giveaway

Your special invitation code is: love

Entries for the Coach handbag giveaway begins on ideeli Wed., 8/19/09 at noon and lasts for only a few hours, so be sure to enter while the giveaway is active.

new lashblast length mascara by covergirl

Speaking of mascaras we'd love to try...

Considering that both Christine and I love the original LashBlast Mascara by CoverGirl, this is great news-new LashBlast Length Mascara will be available in store beginning in September for $7.49!

The mascara contains nylon for lashes that are 80 percent longer and they won’t flake or break all day.

In case you'd like to get your hands on one for early purchase, there’s a presale taking place today with limited quantities available.

Check out covergirl.com/lashblastlength starting today.

We're planning on testing out this one, so tune in down the road for a review.



Jennifer

Brazilian Wax: Ouch! Tips from Women Who've Been There Waxed That

image: Completely Bare Spa

Over the last several years, wax jobs have gone from being a risqué novelty to a basic grooming procedure countless women undergo regularly. Glamour shares info and tips on the Brazilian wax in this month's issue. In a new survey of 500 women by Schick, 73 percent said bikini-line maintenance is part of their normal beauty routine. Waxers across the country report that business is booming. In this economy, one spa owner observes, “there may be more wait time between waxes—some women come in every six weeks instead of four—but it makes them feel good without dropping a ton of cash.”

WAXING TIPS

Trim hair to a half inch ahead of time. No shorter, or it’ll be hard for the wax to grab it. “Long hairs take more time to pull out,” says Lisa, 23, of Palo Alto, California. “Who needs even another millisecond of pain?”




Book the appointment for at least a week after your period; the area can be sensitive the week before menstruation.



Apply a topical anesthetic 30 to 45 minutes before waxing. A popular one, and not just because of its name: Relax and Wax No-Scream Cream (left, $20, relaxnwax.com). Also take an ibuprofen before hitting the salon.




Get personal with your waxer…in another way. “We gossip and catch up on our lives as she’s working,” says Christine, 31, of Minneapolis, “and when I’m distracted, waxing hurts less.”




Other resources for information on waxing and best products for at-home treatments as well as spa experiences, visit Completely Bare and Bliss Spa.

People Going Mad for This Eco Clutch

Open up any beauty or fashion magazine and you're bound to find them feauring this fab, colorful clutch from Mad Imports in their favorite picks. I've seen it featured in Marie Claire, Glamour, Lucky and most recently in the current issue of Savvy Magazine (image above).

Mar y Sol, formerly Mad Imports, is a socially & environmentally responsible company that markets handmade fashion accessories from Madagascar and Kenya . Their eclectic accessories blend traditional and contemporary design ideas of our international design team who incorporate renewable raw materials to create vivid & original clutches. The sale of their products enables families to gain economic independence and promotes environmental conservation. Oh, and they're are uber-chic!

Available at Spirit Beauty Lounge and retailing for $75 - $89 with various styles, colors and sizes to choose from, these clutches are sure to please.