bobbi brown and pretty powerful

Um...I suggest you get in on this action immed... 

This spring, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is launching a campaign called Pretty Powerful, celebrating Bobbi’s belief that all women possess natural beauty, and with the right tools, are empowered to a higher level of pretty.

The campaign will feature real women, or “Friends of Bobbi,” and their before/after photos, videos and testimonials as the centerpiece content of the campaign, which will live on BobbiBrownCosmetics.com/prettypowerful.

As part of the campaign, Bobbi Brown will be launching a video contest: She wants to hear how you go from Pretty to Powerful using Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.  Starting now through February 9th, makeup devotees are invited to share their transformative stories and tips by submitting videos.

From those submissions, 15 finalists will be chosen and sent a personalized selection of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and the new Color Strips collection to create their next Pretty Powerful video submission.

In March, the gallery of Pretty Powerful videos will be open for public voting on BobbiBrownCosmetics.com/prettypowerful.

For every vote cast in the Pretty Powerful contest, Bobbi Brown will donate $1 to Dress for Success, an organization close to Bobbi's heart that provides underprivileged women with interview suits and career development advice.

Bobbi will hand pick the three grand prize winners, who will be flown to New York for a master class and brunch with Bobbi!

For more details, please visit bobbibrowncosmetics.com/prettypowerful/contest/entry.tmpl.

oscar blandi pronto wet instant volumizing shampoo and conditioner

Whew!

Where have I been huh?

All I can say is that I will not bore and/or gross you out with the details.

Let's just talk a little beauty here, because it's been a little too long.

Recently, I had the chance to check out Oscar Blandi Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner ($26 each).

The word divine comes to mind.

The shampoo cleans any buildup out of your hair, but doesn't strip it (due to it's lack of color depleting sulfates) or make it feel dry and brittle.

The conditioner adds softness and hydration without weighing down my hair in the process.

Perfection.

The best part?

Each has a gorgeous, fresh lemony smell...not a yucky Lemon Pledge-y gag-me kinda scent that I h-a-t-e.

While it is on the splurgey side, it's definitely worth a try.

In case you might be a little hesitant to take the plunge, you can pick either of these up at your local Sephora (and sephora.com).  That means that you can check them out in person, ask a salesperson for a sample (they will do this without a lot of begging on your part, trust me) and test it out for yourself.

I think you'll be pleased.

gwp from lancome at saks fifth avenue

I totally love a GWP.

Who doesn't right?

Lancôme’s chic gift-with-purchase promotion is on until this Saturday, January 30th...and it's exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue.

All you have to do is spend $50 on Lancôme goodies and here’s what you'll get: A black mini bowling bag filled with a slew of makeup samples (such as a Color Design eye shadow compact featuring several star shades), Color Design Lipcolor in Pale Lip and the always-popular Définicils Mascara. 

Plus...

You can choose your own anti-aging trio, including a day cream, eye cream and serum, from the Rénergie, High Résolution or Absolue Premium βx collections.

Head on over to saks.com to take advantage of this offer asap!

kerastase offer

This offer just popped into my inbox this morning.

I'm a little tired and lazy today...plus both kids are sick...sooooooo here you go...

Also, any order received on that date (January 25th) will also be offered free shipping on the entire order.

Alright, I'm off to watch reruns of Will and Grace and wipe some noses.

Yay me.

isurgeon iphone app

So, have you seen Heidi lately?

You know who I mean...Heidi Montang or Mustang or Mongag or whatever the hell her name is.

The one with the major plastic surgery?

The one whose face now begs you to go up to it and poke at a cheekbone because you're half expecting her skin to not be skin and instead it's like a wax that crumbles under your finger revealing a metal skeleton because she's not actually a real live person she's actually a robot or something like that?

I mean did you see her interview on Access Hollywood?!

Homegirl has some issues.

She's just.

No.

Moving on.

This actually popped up in my inbox and totally has to do with my Heidi ramblings above...at least a little bit.

Trust me.

It's called iSurgeon and I can't decide if it's the coolest app out there now, or if it's going to make parent groups loose their freaking minds.

Watch the video and you'll see what I mean...



So...what do you think?

Do you think that this is genius, or do you think that this is craziness at its finest?

Let me know in the comments.

Beauty Trends for 2010: Mood & Language, Baby

Are you ready for these newly predicted beauty trends?

A report by Reuters (London) says those in-the-know think austerity chic will make way for mood-enhancing make-up in 2010 alongside naturally sourced cosmetics and those enhanced by biochemistry and nano-technology advances. The trend for cutting back on the use of cosmetics ruled the beauty industry in 2009. But innovation and consumer resilience have shaped a new landscape for products in the coming year, according to consumer marketing and consulting firm Mintel in its Global Beauty Trends for 2010.

The four predicted trends for beauty products are: Mood Beauty, Nu Natural, Pro-Tech't and Turbo Beauty 4G.

"While 2009 brought its challenges for the industry, beauty brands and suppliers have continued to seek creative new ways to merge science, nature and sustainability for better results and more eco-friendly formulas and packaging," said Mintel's Director of Beauty Innovation Nica Lewis .

The report said 2010 will see more consolidation in the beauty industry and the evolution of old trends as well as new ones as consumer confidence returns. Recent product evolution has seen actual ingredients that will enable consumers to enhance their mood through make-up and skincare in 2010, going beyond aromatherapy and use of scent.

Mood Beauty: entails a new concept of beauty that intersects with psychology and wellbeing. Think beauty products with psychological benefits and ingredients that act on neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain that effect mood.

Nu Natural: is a new vision of natural beauty products evolving from a current trend toward organic ingredients, with an eye on purity and local production. Mintel Beauty Innovation said it expects to see more products claim labels like "free from" and "sustainable" though will simultaneously contain synthetic ingredients. Manufacturers will explore simpler formulas such as infusions and fluids, creating with a new generation of phytochemicals, anthocyanins and fermented actives.

Pro-Tech't: will extend an existing emphasis on protection, one of the basic functions of skincare, hair care and color cosmetics. This is already heavily in the scheme of things - so not a new concept. Beauty products are offering protection against sun damage and other environmental factors, physiological changes as well as man-made factors. Expect marketers to utilize computer technology language (e.g. "fire walls") to engage consumers via product description. Also expect to see a growth in immune-boosting and enhancing skin defenses claims in products.

Turbo Beauty 4G: high tech beauty capitalizing on advances in biochemistry and incorporating the use of next-generation nanotechnology in beauty products is expected to boom. This trend features more quasi-medical results and "mix-it-yourself" solutions: at-home kits, cures and gadgets that offer alternatives to cosmetic surgery and non-invasive procedures. Well, we're seeing a lot of that already and looking forward to more.

And you thought this was going to be an article on mood lipsticks. Pshaw. = )

source: Reuters Life, fashionmag, Mintel Beauty

Nordstrom GWP Beauty Gift

Give back to yourself with a little beauty joy from Nordstrom. Get nine travel-size beauty favorites in a cosmetics planner with your $100 beauty or fragrance purchase. Your complimentary beauty gift is valued at $100 value. Gift includes:

• PREVAGE® Body Total Transforming Anti-Aging Moisturizer (1.7 oz.)
• Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black (0.14 oz.)
• Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser (0.69 oz.)
• Cartier 'Délices' Eau de Parfum Spray (0.33 oz.)
• AHAVA Dermud™ Enriched Intensive Foot Cream (1.3 oz.)
• L'Occitane Shea Butter Lip Balm Stick (0.07 oz.)
• Xen-Tan® 'Transform Luxe' Premium Sunless Tan in Light/Medium (1 oz.)
• Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum (0.1 oz.)
• DDF Brightening Cleanser (2 oz.)
• Cosmetics planner with brush pockets and two detachable pouches (8"W x 5"H x 1 ½"D)

Shop Nordstrom for more information on this offer. They've got all the best in new beauty collections, skincare and fragrance for the new season. Treat yourself to a free gift of beauty simultaneously. Enjoy! xo

Pomega5's Newest Skincare Products - Yay!

Goody, goody, goody ... I've been waiting for Pomega5 to come out with some of their newer products and here they are. There's more to come so keep checking back with them, but these are sure to please even the most discriminating of skincare divas.


NEW! Skin Perfecting Cleansing Trio
3 Bars, 4.2 oz / 120 g each

I'm never without at least one of Pomega5's cleansing bars in my bathroom! I adore these gentle yet effective bars. Each has its own unique and heavenly scent (to die for!) and they render a creamy lather that feels wonderful on the skin.

Based on a blend of extra virgin olive oil and pomegranate seed oil (yes, they were way ahead of the game incorporating these must-have ingredients in skincare), Pomega5’s Skin Perfecting Cleansing Bar Trio incorporates purifying and skin rejuvenating botanicals and essential oils to offer a one-of-a-kind sensory experience for your skin and soul.

Lemongrass Clarifying Cleansing Bar - invigorating lemongrass and eucalyptus deeply cleanse, purify and calm troubled skin; this is their classic bar newly packaged and 'tis definitely my favorite ... mmm mmmm mmmm absolutely scrumptious! $18
Green Tea Balancing Cleansing Bar - antioxidant green tea, pomegranate and verbena balance pH and fight against free radical damage $20
Bulgarian Rose Moisturizing Beauty Bar - Bulgarian rose, vanilla and red clover restore moisture while soothing dry or sensitive skin $24

Get the trio at $60 or buy the bars indiviually. They last a long time so enjoy the luxury of gifting yourself with one or all of these delightful treats for the skin.


NEW! Bois de Rose
A soothing, hydrating moisturizer for normal, dry and combination skin

A gift for her daughter who was always difficult to please, Bois de Rose is Tzeira’s classic must-have for every woman. Designed to counteract dehydration and early signs of aging, this moisturizer combines the skin rejuvenating properties of Bulgarian Damask Rose with Bilberry, purifying Panama Bark and nourishing Sweet Almond Oil to restore skin’s natural balance, leaving it smooth, hydrated and velvety soft. Sensuous, sweet, and incredibly fresh, Bois de Rose is like that little black dress you just can’t do without! Botanically preserved; contains no fillers, synthetics, parabens, or perfumes. Not tested on animals.

You can learn more about my love for Pomega5 here. Be sure to visit them online at Pomega5.com; their products are also available at The Marin Store, Makeup.com.

Elle's Spirit of Style Sweepstakes

Are you an indie film lover with a penchant for clothing black and white? If so, you don't want to miss out on this contest from ELLE magazine and White House Black Market.

White House Black Market invites you to win a stylish, star-studded trip for two to attend Film Independent’s 2010 Spirit Awards in Los Angeles. One lucky winner will receive roundtrip airfare to Los Angeles, two nights accommodations at a hotel, dinner at an LA hotspot, ground transportation to and from the airport, backstage passes to the coveted ELLE green room at the Independent 2010 Spirit Awards, plus a $1,000 shopping spree provided by White House Black Market!

Enter the Spirit of Style Sweepstakes for a chance to win!

Shiseido to Buy Bare Escentuals but Blodgett Still Involved ... Bleck!

Shiseido, Japan's largest cosmetics company (and one of my very first cosmetic loves ... their eyeshadows are the dreamiest!), is said to be buying U.S.-based Bare Escentuals for a whopping $1.7 billion, the mineral makeup line that enjoys quite a following (though I can't stand them ... so irritating). The California-based firm will operate as a separate division of Shiseido, and CEO Leslie Blodgett will continue to run its brands.

Well, if there has to be a down side, right? Really, does Leslie Blodgett irritate the hell out of anyone else like she does me? I realize I may be in the minority as many a beauty addict likes BE; I just don't understnad why. Personally, I think Shiseido got the raw end of the deal here. Waaaaaayyyy too much $$$ spent on this endeavor. Mineral makeup and BE's fledgling skincare brand isn't here to stay - just my opine.

Class vs. Well ... No Class

source: wwd

sandra bullock at the 2010 golden globes

So...did you watch the Golden Globes last night?

I caught it about a quarter of the way through and kept flipping back.

Was surprised to see lots of gorgeous looks...I mean I could not get over how GORGEOUS Christina Aguilera looked.  Loved her chin-length bob.

But I digress.

One of the makeup looks I fell in love with was Sandra Bullock's.

When I saw her on tv I actually said out loud (to myself fyi...Big L HATES award shows) oooo I love her makeup.  I hope I get info on what they used on her in my inbox.

And lo and behold...I did.

So here you go.

All makeup by Chanel. Her makeup artist was Angela Levin.

Levin's beauty inspiration...When I walked into Sandra's room, I saw that she was in an incredibly relaxed, happy and free spirited mood. I wanted her makeup to reflect her serene state of mind!

Here's what she did...

I prepped Sandra's skin with Chanel Hydramax + Active Cream.


Her eyes were a mixture of Chanel shadows - Silky Eyeshadow Duo in Orient-Express, and Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Trace. I then lined the eyes with Chanel Long Lasting Eyeliner in Violine, a deep, soft purple shade.


On her cheeks, I used Chanel Tweed Blush Duo in Tweed Rose. Finally, on her lips she wore Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Colour in Beige Felin.

Find more info on Chanel at chanel.com.

67th Annual Golden Globes 2010

Jennifer Morrison on the red carpet; dress designer Luis Antonio, Judith Leiber clutch, and Martin Katz jewelry my favorite look of the night


Well, no surprise fashion made its color statement in shades of purple this awards show. Lots of violet, periwinkle, lavender, orchid and amethyst abound at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Surprising to see so many short dresses this evening, but elegance definitely ruled the night. Checkout JustJared and Fab & BellaSugar for the best in photos from the night!

Rose Byrne in a gorgeous Lanvin gown, shoes by Brian Atwood, Judith Leiber clutch and jewels by Stephen Russell, Jane Krakowski in an orchid charmeuse gown by J. Mendel, Zoe Saldana in Louis Vuitton gown and Brian Atwood "Wagner" pumps, Sandra Bullock in a violet Bottega Venetta gown and Casadei platform shoes, Leona Lewis in a Roberto Cavalli gown, Emily Blunt in a strapless pink tulle and chiffon Dolce & Gabbana gown Jimmy Choo shoes and pewter Ferragamo clutch, Chloe Sevigny in a silvery-lilac Valentino gown and lavender satin Roger Vivier night box clutch, Fergie in a beautiful periwinkle Elie Saab gown, and Lisa Edelstein in a silvery Georges Chakras plunging neck-lined gown.

Kristen Bell, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, January Jones, Julianne Moore, Maggie Gyllenhall, Olivia Wilde, Emily Blunt (hair by Frederic Fekkai), Fergie, Amy Adams and Nicole Kidman

Marion Cotillard in a dark green Christian Dior gown, sandals by Jimmy Choo, Chopard jewels and black crocodile Roger Vivier clutch, Heather Graham in a glittering black gown by Elie Saab and Ferragamo shoes, Olivia Wilde in beaded Gucci gown, Jimmy Choo shoes, Tiffany jewels and Judith Leiber clutch (loved this whole look!), Maria Menounos in an elegant red Romona Keveza gown, Kristen Bell in a shorter-hemmed Jasmine di Milo dress, Christian Louboutin shoes, jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels and Judith Leiber clutch, Kate Hudson in a white Marchesa silk crepe gown and signature pumps by Casadei, Maggie Gyllenhall in RM by Roland Mouret mermaid gown (fab!), Prada shoes and jewles by Bulgari, January Jones in a beautiful black Lanvin gown and Brian Atwood "Wagner" pumps.

And don't Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler look adorable? Just love them together. They complement each other very well. Jen wore a Valentino couture dress, Versace shoes, and Fred Leighton jewelry. Gerard cleaned up very well himself in a tuxedo by Dolce & Gabbana.

images: JustJared, WireImage, Getty