BrainyBeautys

Yes To... Towlettes

2012-01-22T20:50:00.003-05:00

Just look at the awards the Yes To... brand is collecting. I've tried both of these towelettes and loved them. Why? Because they don't leave my skin tight and dry. Between the age refresh blueberries and the soothing cucumber, I love love love this line. The adorable packaging and pleasantly subtle fragrances don't hurt either. I'm saying yes to all things Yes To.

The Blow Dry Is Back

2012-01-21T22:16:00.000-05:00

The blow dry is back and it’s better than ever! Super sleek is a given, and texture and volume are an option. Sam Villa, Founding Partner of the Sam Villa® Brand and Education Artistic Director for Redken 5th Avenue, says the best finishes, both sleek and textured, can be achieved by following these simple Do’s and Don’ts.

The E-T.C. Light Professional Ionic Hair Dryer exclusively for Sam Villa is a quiet, compact (only 18 cm long), incredibly light (less than a pound) dryer that has a patented Evolution-Turbo Compressor that delivers intense power quietly and an ergonomic design to reduces muscle strain. It has built in ceramic/tourmaline ion generation for maximum shine and frizz reduction, features two heat settings and two speed settings, and a cool shot button to lock in styles and promote luster. It’s definitely a “Do!”

Want more sheen? Spray hair with a heat protectant product like Redken iron silk 07 and pass with a flat iron to seal the cuticle and increase shine.

Want it to last longer? Use a small amount of baby powder or a dry shampoo at the scalp instead of washing hair everyday. It absorbs oil, which also helps to elevate roots for more volume.

GEE Beauty & YBF eyebrow pencil

2012-01-21T21:46:00.000-05:00

Founded in Canada and renowned for signature services like the Gee Beauty Brow (featuring threading), the Ultimate Oxygen Facial (featuring Intraceuticals) and Secrets From The Chair makeup lessons, GEE Beauty is home to talented makeup artists and skin therapists dedicated to bringing clients the best of beauty. Understanding that your time is precious, treatments can be customized to suit your individual needs and unique vision.

Below are Natalie Gee's tips for this season’s hottest trends: full brows!

FULL BROWS:

- The biggest fall trend in beauty is bigger bolder brows and the key to get the look is to not touch the brows.

- Let the brows grow in naturally and let them take on a shape of their own. (try this for at least 2-3 weeks).

- If that length of time seems too long (and you love to tweeze), consult with a brow specialist.

- The more natural looking the brow, the closer you are to the seasons look.

-What you should aim for is anything thicker than what you currently have.

-Don't expect ultra bushy in days, that just won’t happen. The look calls for natural, bushy & thick, so you've got to start somewhere.

-Once you've let them grow in for a couple of weeks, consult with a brow specialist. Make sure when you explain what you are looking for, they tell you what you want to hear. for example, listen for thick & natural instead of archy or thin.

- Once you achieved the fuller brow, maintenance can be simple. Brow pencils or shadows are a perfect tool for filling in any patches or giving your brow a darker hue. (the other trend along with thicker brows, is darker brows as well).

- I love brow pencils with a brow brush on the other end because you can always blend the color easily if you pencil in too heavy or dark.

The YBF eyebrow pencil is perfect for Natalie Gee's tips. It fills in my brow bald-spot without looking like I draw on eyebrows, and the spooly end is great for blending. I also really like that you don't have to sharpen!

MyChelle Apple Brightening System

2012-01-21T21:19:00.001-05:00

Apple Brightening Cleanser Apple Brightening Peel Apple Brightening Serum
Apples, not just for snacking anymore!
Use this trio to fight and correct hyper-pigmentation.
Gentle, even the peel.
It does take time, but the long-term payoff is excellent.
Substantially faded the odd parenthesis-shaped dark spots around my temples.

Will be trying the whole Age Spot / UV Recovery Regimen
Complete Regimen/UV Repair set next, it comes with an SPF 28 cream, super-hydrating cream, and an Apple Brightening Mist. I do love a Brightening Mist!
What really sold me on this was the peel, works without feeling like I'm taking off my face. If you are going to start somewhere, the peel is my recommendation.

L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Cream and Eye Balm

2012-01-19T20:59:00.000-05:00

L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Face Cream & Eye Balm are amazing.
Thick enough to stand up to Michigan winters, but not at all greasy, even with my oily skin.
It has refined my skin, my face is happy!
The eye balm really reduced my dark circles, makes me look like I have slept.
It's a little pricey, but the you only need a little--the jars last.
Totally worth it.
And the jars themselves! Lovely cobalt glass and silver lids, so lovely.
Well done again, L'Occitane!

Winterize your locks

2012-01-12T11:05:00.001-05:00

The one word to keep in mind this winter when it comes to your hair is, MOISTURIZE!

Static cling, dull finish, split ends... these are all the results of dehydrated hair.
With a few simple tips from Pureology Colour Care Ambassador Natasha Sunshine, you can keep your hair looking great all winter long.

1. Keep a bottle of Evian spray in your purse. They come in a mini size so they're easy to lug around. A light blast of water can help with static or even hat head. Afraid of messing up your blowdry? Don't worry. Do an all over light mist from about 12" away, then smooth your flat palms over your hair.

2. Condition, condition, condition. You'll want to go for a daily conditioner with extra moisture during our driest months. Plus, a once a week conditioning masque for five minutes will give you that extra dose of hydration your hair needs. Try Pureology's Hydrate Conditioner and Hydrate HydraWhip Masque.

3. When it comes to styling, be sure to lock in moisture by using a leave-in conditioner and a deeply nourishing styler. Pureology's MiracleFiller is a leave in that will give you a supple dose of protein while hydrating the hair as well. Choose a wet/dry styler like Redken's Argan-6. This incredibly light oil goes on wet and melts over the hair in a protective shine while blowdrying. You can add a couple drops after your style is complete to get extra shine, nourishment and protection.

4. Stay away from too many hot tools. If you're going to blowdry, skip the iron and vice versa. If you opt for the flat or curling iron, go to bed with a wet head and style in the morning.

For more information visit Pureology.com and become a Pureology Facebook Fan. Please note, Pureology products can only be guaranteed authentic when purchased from a salon.

Last Minute Gifts?

2011-12-22T20:23:00.001-05:00

Yes, sometimes you have that person for whom you forgot to buy a gift.
Do they have hair?
Yes?
Redken and Pureology can help!
Go to your nearest salon & buy a gift-kit!

Pureology favorites:
Holiday Hydrate Holiday Gift Set: Gift this beautiful box featuring Pureology’s best selling Hydrate system complete with a stylish headband to complete any holiday hairstyle.

Perfect 4 Platinum Petites: Don’t leave home without your favorite hair products! Repair highlighted andblonde hair during your winter getaway with new Perfect4Platinum Shampoo,HairCondition and SilkBodifier Voluminizing Mousse. Products come in a travel-ready gilded clutch/cosmetic bag.

Super Smooth Petites: Nourish and smooth unmanageable colour treated hair with the petite size SuperSmooth System, packaged in a party-ready golden clutch/cosmetic bag.

Redken favorites:

Brilliant Blow-Dry Gift Set
What could be better than receiving the secret to achieving the perfect blow-out at home? Become a pro with this collection of best-selling haircare and styling essentials, plus expert tips on a mirror cling that can be hung at home for daily reference! The Brilliant Blow-Dry Gift Set includes: Extreme Anti-Snap leave-in treatment, Fashion work 12 versatile working spray, travel size satinwear 02 ultimate blow-dry lotion, and a handy mirror cling with easy blow-dry tips.

Travel Essentials Gift Set:
This perfect travel-sized collection of four haircare and styling essentials is ready to go anywhere in a sleek cosmetic bag. Travel size products included in cosmetic bag: Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner, shine flash 02 glistening mist, and forceful 23 super strength finishing spray.

Color Extend Gift Set includes: Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner, and a travel size outshine 01 anti-frizz polishing milk.

All Soft Gift Set includes:
All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner and now a travel size All Soft Heavy Cream softening rinse-out mask and a sample of brand new All Soft Argan-6 multi-care oil.

Redken For Men Classics Gift Set:
Redken For Men offers the perfect cause for celebration—three grooming favorites for all the men on your list! Gift Set includes: Go clean daily care shampoo, Grip tight holding gel and cleanse acid-balanced cleansing bar.

For kids of all ages, it's LUSH to the rescue!
Get the cutest in bath products:
Mr. Frosty
Magic Wand

Olay Total Effects Nourishing Cream Cleanser

2011-12-21T20:56:00.003-05:00

This cream cleanser has 7 anti-aging cleansing benefits in 1. And although I love everything that's "nourishing" and "creamy," this cleanser left my bangs beyond greasy. It took me a little while to realize this was the culprit. It did leave my skin smooth and soft but this ever-banged girl can't have the greasies so it's best for someone else.

Wei East Firming

2011-12-11T15:42:00.000-05:00

Okay, so China-made products have gotten a bit of a bad rep lately.
Wei East could change quite a few minds!
I've been using their Chestnut Refirming Eye Treatment, Chestnut & Black Soy Firming & Contouring Pads, & Chestnut & Black Soy Extra Firming Cream for about a month now.

I wanted to wait at least a month to make sure the results weren't some sort of allergic reaction or fluke. It's the real deal!
The first use, I looked in the mirror afterwards & thought "I have teenage skin!" Not in the acne way, just in the resilient & bouncy aspects. I want to test the products on someone in their 70's to see if the effect is as noticeable, but I hate to share!

Where Do We Go For Gift Guidance?

2011-12-06T20:17:00.000-05:00

Need something spectacular for your boss or stumped as to what to get your sister?

Whether you need a standard gift or something exquisite these are go-to sites, many with helpful gift finders:

Aedes de Venustas-- For something truly lovely.
Anthropologie-- Did you really think I don't cruise their site for every occasion?
Bath & Body Works-- Who doesn't love a delicious soap? I highly recommend Creamy Pumpkin. Sounds strange, but have yet to meet the person who doesn't love the smell. B&BW also carries the amazing Slatkin & Co. candles, as well as the C.O. Bigelow line (the SPF 15 Mentha Lip Balm Stick is my favorite).
Birchbox--Have a friend who loves product & is impossible to shop for? Set her (or him, no judgement) up with a subscription and they will get a box of deluxe samples every month. Who wouldn't love that?

Burke Decor-- More great gifts than you can shake a stick at-- but you will be so busy looking, you'll forget the stick. ;)
Dogeared-- Great jewelry, well priced, and their Karma in Action pieces go to help charities (One Voice, Girls Learn International, Inc., Heal The Bay, Stand Up To Cancer). It's basically giving two gifts in one!
Etsy-- Are you THE person who doesn't use Etsy? Handmade, vintage, pretty much anything your heart desires. Go now.
FredFlare-- Even Elle Magazine featured some FF gifts this year! For everything from stocking stuffers to a little something special for your favorite hipster.
L'Occitane-- Can't say enough wonderful things about this brand! The products are phenominal, and the company is fantastic. Everyone needs their hand cream-- buy a Hand Indulgence set and put one in each stocking.
LUSH-- Of course LUSH is doing amazing sets, including My Fair Lady: $8.50 of this gift is donated towards our Charity Pot fund, which goes directly towards grass roots charities working hard to fight for animal rights, protect our environment and create better social conditions.
Tarte-- Amazing beauty products, and save 30% with the code FFDEC through 12/12 AND Free Shipping on orders over $40!
Teleflora-- Make your house more festive, or send to someone. The Mercury Glass containers are beautiful.
Vermont Country Store-- For the classic, nostalgic, and hard-to-find.
Votre Vu-- Great gift sets! Love the Duette Luxe Lips & Hand Creme duo--Great hand cream (rich, delicious), fantastic lip balm in the cap!

Hair U Wear Pop put on pieces

2011-12-04T18:14:00.002-05:00

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I'm pretty sure I'm pushing the age for Pink Tiger (a bright pink as opposed to this color) but I must admit the one I received is pretty darn great. I just popped it in near my ear, toward the bottom of my head. It's surprisingly subtle when it's not front and center. It's just a pop of color-something different. A bit of attitude, if you will. Perfect for a night out!

Coola Face Sunscreen Moisturizer

2011-12-04T14:57:00.000-05:00

Broad spectrum SPF 30.
Cucumber goodness to brighten your morning.
All sorts of organic ingredients to improve your skin.
Didn't make me greasier than normal (yes, super oily skin), made my skin look and feel smoother.
Brightened and refined.
I even like the packaging.
Just another way that something useful can also make your morning a little brighter, even if the sun has not yet risen when you are on your way to work.

Umberto Beverly Hills Roman Oil Serum

2011-12-04T13:52:00.000-05:00

Add a few drops of this olive oil based serum to your hair for softness & manageability.
It really works! No frizz, just gorgeous hair.
And for $10 at Target?
Smells great, and your hair will love you for it.
Doesn't leave me greasy, I can even use it on 2nd day hair.

Umberto Beverly Hills Banana Brush

2011-12-04T13:42:00.000-05:00

This brush rocks!
Available at Target for a great price.
Easy to use, the curve fits comfortably in your hand.
Brushes and smooths without ripping out hair.
A fabulous find--would make a great stocking stuffer as well!

Systeme 41 Rejuvenating Masque

2011-11-28T22:18:00.002-05:00

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This is a gritty white clay mask that you can apply and then rinse off immediately or let it sit for up to 20 minutes. I gave myself a facial steam and applied it. Immediately my very sensitive skin started to burn but I kept it on for about 5 minutes. When I rinsed it off and applied my moisturizer, my skin felt SO soft and plump. It claims to remove superficial dead skin cells to reveal smoother, younger looking skin. And boy did it! My skin is still soft a few days later. Plus, the ugly blackheads on my nose are no longer. I plan on using it every few weeks.

More Great Cyber Deals

2011-11-23T13:34:00.000-05:00

The store I would most like to live in, Anthropologie, is having a sale!

The go-to place for gifts, Red Envelope, is offering deals starting now--some gifts at 50% off!

L.L. Bean has a fantastic range of clothing, home goods, and gifts on sale, plus FREE shipping and get a $10 gift card when you spend $50 or more!

Shawls to Give & Receive

2011-11-23T12:49:00.000-05:00

Help empower the women of Afghanistan and look amazing!
Afghani widows make beautiful shawls and scarves for Afghan Hands, get an education and a decent wage, and you will be a better person for shopping. It's a win-win!
Check out some of my favorites:

7 Second Hair Dos and Don'ts

2011-11-23T11:58:00.000-05:00

From UNITE Hair’s 7Seconds products – Dry Shampoo and Leave-in-Conditioner – here are7 Hair DOS and DON’TS to guarantee a great hair day:

DO…
1 – Keep it Simple: Opting for less is usually more, so skip the trendy crimped hair look and style a chic chignon or ponytail instead.

2 – Add Bling: If you want to accessorize your hair, use a sparkly hair clip for an ode to old Hollywood glamour.

3 – Skip a Day: Skipping a hair wash? Be sure to use 7Seconds Dry ($28.75: Unitehair.com) that is made with fine clay and can instantly remove excess oil, increase volume and refresh hair without the use of water or a trace of visible powder.

4 – Undone Waves: Embrace your waves for an undone effortless style.

5 – Go for Natural Color: If you’re a natural brunette or a blonde, do enhance your color with highlights that are within 2 levels of your natural hue.

6 – Deep Treat: Once a week, apply a deep treatment to maintain healthy and shiny tresses.

7 –Bring a Photo: If you are trying to find a new style, bring along a photo to your stylist for inspiration.

DON’T…
1 –Smother Your Strands: Don't tie your hair back too tightly and never when it is wet. This stretches the hair shaft, causing it to break and split.

2 – Apply Too Much Product: Letting hair air dry before applying product will allow you to see where your hair really needs product, without overdoing it. Sometimes less is more!

3 – Be Afraid of Extensions: Using extensions can give you a new look – without commitment Try Great Lengths Extensions – unlike other hair extension systems, the integrity of one's natural strands is never compromised, so the only risk one takes by having them applied is looking better than before.

4 – Forget to Protect: Going to be in the sun? Use a heat styling tool more than once a week? Spray 7Seconds Condition ($26.25: Unitehair.com) onto hair - this leave-in conditioner locks in color, detangles in 7 seconds, and offers both UV and thermal protection for all hair textures.

5 – Overdo Braids: Keep your braid simple - opt for one loose fishtail braid or incorporate a loose side braid.

6 – Damage your Hair: Visit your stylist every 4-8 weeks (depending on your hair texture – curlier locks can wait longer) to get a trim. Your hair style will look healthier and last longer.

7 – Follow Every Trend: Work with your stylist to find a style that works just for you.

Some Help In The GIFT Department...

2011-11-22T22:52:00.001-05:00

This has been a crazy year, I'm looking forward to spending Black Friday in my pyjamas!
Still have to get some gifts, though...Luckily, some of the best shopping (and best deals) are on-line!
Some of the best:

Clarisonic
All already-reduced Clarisonic "Skincare Pairs" that are purchased between 11/25-11/29 will be 20% off, and receive an additional 20% off all “Clarisonic Bundles” purchased. Get free shipping on all orders as well as a free gift with each “Pair” or “Bundle” purchase: a Houndstooth Travel Bag and a 6 oz. Body Serum (a $65 value)

CleanWell
All CleanWell products purchased between 11/24-11/29 will be an additional 25% off. Use the discount code SAVE25 at checkout.

Dale and Thomas Popcorn
Black Friday and Cyber Monday: 25% off select items at www.DaleandThomas.com.

Lisa Hoffman Beauty
Lisa Hoffman Beauty’s NEW Fragrance Bracelets make a perfect gift for everyone on your list this holiday season. For Cyber Monday, receive a Free Signature Votive Candle & Deluxe Samples ($15 retail value) with every $65 purchase and receive free shipping over purchases of $50 or more. Love the Tunisian Neroli set!

LovelySkin
For Cyber Monday, LovelySkin.com will be offering 25% off all orders, and a special *gift with purchase* for orders over $200! As always, FREE shipping in the U.S.
Check out LovelySkin’s Facebook page for more giveaways throughout the month of November!

LUSH
15 brand new products to add some Happy to your Holidays! Buy now for your chance to find a Golden Ticket! Get a $10 gift card when you spend $100, use it to get some pampering for yourself--you deserve it!

MeebleMail
Make e-mail stylish & save: Monday, November 28 - everything on the site will be 50% off!

Rue La La
Great gifts, tons of brands, unbeatable sales! It's Black Friday everyday at 11 am on Rue La La!

Soap Hope
Fantastic brands; great soap, hair care, household products, makeup; and 100% of their profits to help women all over the world! Love the eco-friendly packaging and terrific prices as well.
Bonus: The specials are awesome!

Tweezerman
Free shipping on all orders and a free Candy Cane Glitter Mini Slant Tweezer with all orders over $50.

Zeel
The online health & wellness assistant! Use Zeel to find & book appointments with the experts. Join now (it’s FREE!) and get a $50 instant credit and promotional offers. Simply log onto www.zeel.com/holidays and register for your $50 credit!

Check back here often for more gift guidance!
Good luck & stay brainy & beautiful.

Say YES To Winning

2011-11-16T14:41:00.000-05:00

YBF~Perfect Prep Face Primer

2011-11-12T18:19:00.003-05:00

YBF (Your Best Friend) Face Primer goes on before concealer, foundation, or even tinted moisturizer. This lightweight and clear primer acts as a cushion between your skin and your daily products. The easy sponge applicator allows for a gentle, even distribution of this grease-free, soft layer, while minimizing the appearance of pores as well! I'd recommend this bottle of love to anyone in need of some evening out or extra protection from environmental allergens.

Amika~Obliphica Nourishing Hair Mask

2011-11-12T18:03:00.003-05:00

All things Amika shout professional hair care and this deep conditioning, rejuvenating hair treatment screams the same. Amika boasts use of the Obliphica berry in this product, valued for its healing powers. This berry is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, healthy fatty acids, Omega 3, 6 & 9, and the rare Omega 7, a combination that creates a harmonious symphony of strength for your do. My over dyed, over styled, heat treated hair loves a weekly dose of this much needed nourishment.

Beauty Detox Vitamix contest

2011-11-11T10:33:00.000-05:00

For celebrity nutritionist and author of The Beauty Detox Solution, Kimberly Snyder, making her signature Glowing Green Smoothie for celeb clients like Vince Vaughn, Hilary Duff and Drew Barrymore requires the ultimate tool - the Vitamix blender.

The Vitamix is a 2-horse power blender that has the ability to rupture open the cell walls of the vegetables and fruits and release maximum nutrition from the whole foods. With the right blender, there is more nutrition readily available to the body, including 3,850 powerful phytonutrients. Because of its unique power and ability, this blender is quite the investment (retails for $449-$649). But, now, TWO lucky winners will receive a FREE Vitamix.

Win a brand new Vitamix blender for your healthy smoothie at http://t.co/2FMy1dmV via @kimsbeautydetox.

For more information on Kimberly Snyder please visit http://www.kimberlysnyder.net/

Sebastion Professional braids alice + olivia party

2011-11-11T10:14:00.000-05:00

What: alice + olivia is opening a brand new shop-in-shop in Bloomingdales. The event is open to the public and attendees can visit a braid bar by Sebastian Professional, a makeup touch-up station by MAC Cosmetics, a festive candy bar, and a chance to win alice + olivia raffle prizes, all while listening to the beats of DJ Erika Spring!

Where: Bloomingdales, 59th Street location, 2nd floor

When: Thursday, November 17th from 5-8 PM

Who: Open to the public (i.e. all alice + olivia (and Sebastian) fans!)

Dixie Bits-- Whippa Peel Double Dose: Lotion and Wash

2011-11-03T15:57:00.000-04:00

Body Wash
I tend to be a bar-soap girl. This wash could really change things.
1st: The smell!!! Very tempting to drink the bottle... It's coconut goodness. If there were a perfume, I would wear it. If there were a dessert, I would eat it.
2nd: The feel. Cleans, but leaves skin soft & smooth. Love it. Works pretty well with a wash cloth, outstanding with one of those bath pouf-things.

Lotion
You MUST buy this so you can smell it.
Really wonderful.
Super moisturizing, but not at all greasy. AH-MAZE-ING!

Backstory:
Dixie Lincoln-Nichols, owner of bath & body line Dixie Bits learned the beauty benefits of coconut oil as a young girl growing up in Trinidad. Using coconuts plucked straight off the trees in her backyard, Dixie’s grandmother showed her how to extract the precious oil right in the kitchen!

Years later, Dixie applied this knowledge when she created her own line beauty, Dixie Bits. Coconut Oil acts as a wonderful skin softener, wrinkle reducer, hair conditioner and anti-oxidant among other things. Watch as Dixie and her grandmother demonstrates the age-old technique of extracting coconut oil right in Dixie’s NYC kitchen!

LUSH offering a Golden Opportunity

2011-11-03T11:01:00.000-04:00

A Golden Ticket equals a golden day. Suddenly the LUSH world could be yours – what an amazing thing! Bathe in the lap of luxury, shower over the moon in ecstasy or, take a trip to our factory and see how amazing it all is firsthand. Starting November 1st open up your LUSH gift set and see what's inside...maybe you'll have a chance to shine!

We’ve got 50,000 Golden Tickets floating around LUSH land. There will be 500 instant prizes, including 10 GRAND PRIZES of an all-expense paid trip for one person to the LUSH factory in Vancouver, British Columbia! Because we’re not just another soap shop, this too is not just another contest. Our instant prizes include advance previews of upcoming product launches, exclusive products, a feature in our LUSH Times, donations to a charity of your choice, private parties at LUSH shops and a visit to one of our Charity Pot partners!

If you are lucky enough to find Golden Ticket inside your LUSH gift set simply scratch the box on your Golden Ticket to reveal a claim code. Log onto www.lush.com/goldenticket to enter your claim code and find out if you are a winner one of the instant prizes! Haven’t purchased or received a LUSH gift this holiday season? You can still participate in the fun! Fill out an entry request and send it to us at the address below to receive a Golden Ticket from LUSH by mail (available only while supplies last).

Golden Ticket Contest
8365 Ontario Street, Unit 110
Vancouver, BC
Canada
V5X 3E8

For complete contest rules, prize descriptions and limitations and other contest terms and conditions, visit www.lush.com/goldenticket.

UNITE to fight cancer

2011-11-03T09:54:00.002-04:00

Every year, stylists flock for UNITE Unveiled (in San Diego, CA) a styling symposium hosted by celebrity-loved hair care brand, UNITE.Earlier this month, UNITE bought together Audrina Patridge, designers and stylists for a cause, revealing unparalleled hair styles on the runway to benefit the breast cancer foundation Keep A Breast.

In honor of breast cancer awareness month,UNITE previewed a collection of upper-torso plaster castings of awell-known celebrities such as Julissa Bermudez, Carrie Keagan, Elizabeth Gillies, Lisa Rinna, Kimberly Caldwell, LaLa Anthony, DJ Tina T and Elisabeth Röhm (see image attached).These castings were each designed by professional artists and are available for auction on CharityBuzz.com. The auction is only live until this FRIDAY (Friday, November 4th).

Bid on the celeb breast casts here: http://www.charitybuzz.com/search?keywords=keep+a+breast&x=0&y=0

hold 2.5oz( mintbalm+ sage+spf)-travel size

2011-11-02T20:54:00.003-04:00

Click Here

With a touch of sage and mint, this flexible hairspray is perfect for touch ups and those that are not hardcore hairspray users. Hair stays soft and still bounces. Plus, it has SPF which is pretty cool.

lift 2.5 oz.(infused with almond)-travel size

2011-11-02T20:16:00.003-04:00

Click Here

First off, this smells lovely. It could be a light roll-on perfume, I swear. My bangs officially love this stuff. I spray some in my hand and rub it in my bangs before blow drying. Bam! They look 5x more full. As for the rest of my hair, it gives it this great, beachy texture. Sort of salty and matte which is perfect for curling. I don't want to see the travel size go.

Smell great to fight cancer!

2011-10-27T10:30:00.000-04:00

Fall fashion color trends change from year-to-year, but one shade that’s always in season for October is pink! Lisa Hoffman Beauty, a collection of fragrance inspired by Lisa's international travels with her husband Dustin Hoffman, is proud to donate 100% of proceeds from the Tunisian Neroli 4-Vial Varation collection to benefit the National Breast Cancer Coalition. This year – give back in a beautiful way with Lisa Hoffman Beauty!

Lisa Hoffman Beauty Variations® pulse point oils: This unique fragrance concept features four pulse point oil variants of a single fragrance in a portable and chic leather wallet. This amazing set will also make a fantastic gift!

About the National Breast Cancer Coalition: As a network of hundreds of groups and tens of thousands of individuals, NBCC speaks for women. We’re not afraid to rock the boat. We believe scientists must get the funding they need for meaningful breast cancer research. We believe everyone must have access to quality care. We believe trained, educated advocates must have a voice everywhere breast cancer decisions are made. And we believe with Breast Cancer Deadline 2020® we can end breast cancer by January 1, 2020.

Congratulations to Allure Best of Beauty Winners

2011-10-24T15:16:00.000-04:00

Some of our favorites got the nod in this month's Allure!
Congratulations!!!

In the list of Hair Stylist extraordinaire Odile Gilbert's favorite things: Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk.

Mentioned in the Cheap Thrills section: Jergens Natural Glow Daily Facial Moisturizer

Big Breakthroughs
-Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips
-Elure Advanced Skin Whitening System

And the BoBs (Best of Beauty Awards)

Hall Of Fame
-John Frieda Frizz Ease Hair Serum, Original Formula
-Tweezerman Slant Tweezers

Top Splurge
-Clarisonic

Hair
-ColorMark Wand & TouchBack by ColorMark for root coverage

Face
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush
EOS lip balm
Glytone Essentials Boost Mini Peel Gel
Eau Thermale Avene Cream for Intolerant Skin

Guy Stuff
Redken for Men Mint Clean Invigorating Shampoo

The Cutest Soaps help save sight!

2011-10-20T13:06:00.001-04:00

Discover the new fund-raising soaps from L’OCCITANE!
Launched October 12th, 100% of the proceeds from sales of the Get on Board for Sight Limited Edition Soaps ($6 each) will support ORBIS,an NGO committed to ending preventable blindness.

Inspired by the ORBIS plane, also known as the Flying Hospital, these limited-edition charitable soaps from L’OCCITANE are crafted in the shape of a plane wearing glasses. Enriched with nourishing shea butter, they leave hands soft and delicately perfumed. Available in Pink (floral and fruity) and Blue (verbena), 100% of the proceeds from sales will allow ORBIS to launch a large-scale project in Burkina Faso, Africa. This country is very special to L’OCCITANE as the company has been working with women’s cooperatives to source Shea Butter since the 1980s

Mama Mio Double Duty

2011-10-17T15:40:00.000-04:00

Mama Mio is working TWICE as hard to help women with cancer!

1. Mama Mio has partnered with Butter Lane cupcakes to create an exclusively designed, limited-edition B-Cup(cake) to be sold in Butter Lane retail locations and www.ButterLane.com in honor of BCA Month. For every B-Cup(cake) sold, Mama Mio will donate $1 to Look Good...Feel Better, the cancer support charity that helps women manage the visible side effects of cancer treatments.

2. Additionally (and separately), Mama Mio will also donate $1 to Look Good. . . Feel Better for every purchase of Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer (packaged with a breast self-exam instructional pamphlet) made on www.mamamio.com during the month of October.

Get LUSH Hair

2011-10-12T21:52:00.000-04:00

I may have, on occasion, mentioned my love for LUSH.
Great products, great company, awesome packaging, entertaining catalogs, Canadians... What's not to love?
In the last year, I have gone on a LUSH hair odyssey.
My hair now loves me for it!

Top 3 LUSH shampoos... so far
1. Godiva- Like the Lady, not the chocolate. Shea & Cocoa buttery goodness make this solid shampoo superb, the jasmine smell is irresistible.
2. Seanik- Lemon and jasmine and seaweed, oh my! Go-to solid shampoo for traveling and summer living.
3. Cynthia Sylvia Stout- Fun to say, amazing to use. Calms frizz-prone hair during times of high-humidity, and smells incredible.

Match with a LUSH conditioner & you'll be good to go!
I like leave-in treatment R&B when my hair is dry, Veganese is nice when you just need a bit of a creaminess.

The website is nice & easy-to-use, but if you happen to be in the proximity of a store, go & smell everything. They even let you try stuff. And the people tend to be very helpful and enthusiastic.

Vapor Organix Beauty Mesmerize Shimmer Eye Treatment

2011-10-12T21:47:00.007-04:00

Click Here

This color is perfect color for blue eyes. It's a nice brown purple that is sheer but can be layered for a darker look. Cream shadow is always a bit greasier and this is no exception but I like it better than a powder. My only complaint is the applicator- even when twisted up pretty high, it's hard to put it it on my eyelid without having to use my finger. I prefer a brush but I like it just fine.

Home Hair Color How-To from Paul Cucinello

2011-10-12T20:10:00.002-04:00

Read these must-know tips from Paul Cucinello, Beauty Expert and Creative Director of the Chris Chase Salon in Chelsea!

Rich Chocolate Brown

AKA The Katie Holmes, a rich brown always calls for a semi-permanent color in a neutral tone. Permanent colors tend to pull too much red because the peroxide in the product brings out the natural warmth in your hair. I suggest trying L’Oreal Healthy Look Crème Gloss Color.
Pro Tip: After applying the color to your roots be sure to refresh your ends. To richen up faded color without over processing (or achieving a darker result than desired) pick up an extra box of color and mix the included deep conditioning treatment into the color and developer mixture. This will dilute the color so it stays sheer and deposits just enough to refine the tone. Apply it to the ends and leave it on for up to ten minutes.

Blonde Bombshell
Blondes can be tricky because most at-home hair colors yield a much more golden result than people are looking for. Don't choose a shade that's too far from your natural color and remember that the color on your roots should be slightly deeper than the ends like Jessica Simpson. Select an ash shade if you want a more neutral result. Unless your natural color is VERY pale, avoid anything that is labeled “Golden” ...chances are you will wind up unhappy.
Pro Tip: Is your blonde feeling "blah"? Brighten up your color with an at home brightening product. It's a great way to kick your color up a notch without frying your ends. It can also soften the look of re-growth. Try John Frieda Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray.

Sun Kissed Blonde
Although I rarely suggest attempting highlights at home, even adding a streak here or there can sometimes be the difference between a costly trip to the salon or a great night out! Using a tail comb, try carefully selecting a few pieces around your hairline that are no thicker than a half of a centimeter. To get a highlighted look like Hilary Duff, place the hair in foil and paint your highlighting color on each piece until they are thoroughly saturated. Try using L'Oreal Couleur Experte 8.2 in Iced Meringue.
Pro Tip: Be sure to keep checking your highlights to make sure they get light enough. Here's where most people make mistakes: You can always tone highlights down if they get too light, but if a highlight isn't light enough after you rinse, unfortunately the only way to correct it will be to re-color each piece again.

Dark & Mysterious Black
Kim Kardashian amps up the sex appeal with her signature black mane. It's super shiny and mysterious. This shade is easily achieved on hair that's already dark, so very gentle color should be used to ensure that it doesn't wind up looking like shoe polish. You can select any shade from “dark brown” to “blue black” depending on your skin tone. Try Revlon Colorsilk in Soft Black.
Pro Tip: If you choose to dye your hair black, know this: it's a long road back so make sure you're ready for a long term commitment. I'm a big fan of using gloss to try color on first and then when you're ready for a major commitment and want to bump up the intensity switch to a semi- permanent color.

Flaming Hot Red
Nothing looks worse than a really fake red. Stick with colors that can occur in nature, just like Adele. Choose natural reds that are more golden or copper (avoid cool, cherry tones). Reds should also be somewhat uniform, so don't be tempted to try adding highlights to a rich red base. If you're a blonde and you want to try copper hues, use a semi-permanent color in strawberry blonde. I suggest trying Couture Color Luxeblend Créme Color in Strawberry Blonde.
Pro Tip: If your hair is naturally dark and you want to achieve a soft, coppery shade, try using a golden blonde permanent color instead of an actual red. The result will be warm and coppery without looking too artificial.

Also, be sure to protect your skin while coloring your hair at-home. Grab your favorite moisturizer and apply a generous amount to your hairline, the tips of your ears and the nape of your neck to avoid staining.

TOCCA cleans up after Breast Cancer

2011-10-12T19:40:00.000-04:00

TOCCA will be donating 15% of its Laundry Delicate collection to Living Beyond Breast Cancer during the month of October.

You can treat your clothes to the finest, best smelling clean while helping women in all stages of cancer.

Spoil yourself and gift your loved ones with something from TOCCA
Laundry Delicate now, and please check out LBBC!

I highly recommend the Delicato da Viaggio (Laundry Travel Set), that way you can get all the amazing scents!

Put some Boo in your routine

2011-10-12T19:21:00.000-04:00

Bath & Body Works is all about Halloween and Fall right now, which I love.

The Pocketbac (mini) sanitizing gels are the perfect size, and are in some crazy fun combinations--my favorite is Haunted House Sour Drop.
The best?
The super cute Hand Soaps! My bathroom has a Green Candy Apple soap in a bottle with the most adorable glow-in-the dark skeleton.

Get some now & scare the germs right out of your Halloween!

E-mail to Fight Cancer

2011-10-11T22:06:00.000-04:00

MeebleMail is proud to donate 50% of the purchase price of their Pink Collection to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. They have committed to raise $10,000 - help them reach Their goal!

Kiss My Face All Natural Castile Peace Soap Pomegranate Acai

2011-10-10T19:18:00.005-04:00

Click Here

For those who don't know, Castile soap is olive oil based -super hydrating and perfect for the changing of the seasons going on now. And I can honestly say, this is the best scent of soap I've ever used. Hands down! So yummy and fruity. Another great thing - a little goes a long way. A dab on the shower puff or wash cloth and you're good.

Kiss My Face Whitening Toothpaste

2011-10-10T19:03:00.005-04:00

Click Here

So I'm not one of those people who loves to chew on INSANELY strong gum or mints. In fact, it might be be one of the grossest things to me. This translates into toothpaste as well. I seek out subtle minty flavor for fear of gagging from mint overload. Enter: This stuff. The natural aloe vera gel flavor has a smidge of mint flavor but it's refreshing and still like toothpaste nonetheless. It also has the flat cap so it stands up in my medicine cabinet -great for this clean freak.

Starting to really love this brand!

Pureology helps treated hair and treatment for cancer

2011-10-05T15:10:00.000-04:00

Great hair care, great cause!
Pureology is proud to announce its’ support in the fight against breast cancer with a limited edition promotion which includes Pureology PureVolume Shampoo, Hair Condition and Blow Dry Amplifier. It retails for $39 and is currently available in participating salons nationwide! In conjunction with this limited edition promotion, Pureology will make a $20,000 donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in support of their mission to end breast cancer forever.

Bobbi Brown goes Pink

2011-10-04T13:24:00.000-04:00

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, B obbi Brown has created the Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Collection. The set features Pink Lip Color and Bellini High Shimmer Lip Gloss, which can be worn individually or layered together. With each purchase, $10 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to preventing breast cancer by funding clinical and translational research worldwide. Also, you get Free Standard Shipping with your purchase of The Pink Ribbon Collection the month of October.

Lip Service From EOS

2011-10-03T11:14:00.000-04:00

One of my very favorite Lip Balms is helping the fight!

For every EOS Lip Balm Smooth Sphere in Strawberry Sorbet purchased from October 1 – 31, 5% of proceeds will be donated to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to fund research for Breast Cancer treatment and prevention.

Originally released as a limited edition flavor, eos’ Lip Balm Smooth Sphere in Strawberry Sorbet will become a permanent addition to the USDA-certified organic and 100% natural lip balm collection this fall. These soft-to-the-touch spheres are petrolatum and parabon free, and are formulated with nourishing jojoba oil, Shea butter and Vitamin E.

Price: $3.29 / Availability: Target

Beautiful hair for you, courtesy of Redken

2011-10-03T11:04:00.000-04:00

Love this look, and sounds like even I could do!

Redken Creative Consultant Guido created another gorgeous blow-out for Saturday’s Sonia Rykiel show in Milan.
“Inspired by Sonia herself- this season the look is a little 1940s meets 1970s, very flirty and pretty. The style is a healthy, bouncy blow-dry with a deep left side part, curls at the end and a black barrette an inch above the right eye to add a bit of sophistication.”
–Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

Redken Products Used:
-satinwear 02 ultimate blow-dry lotion
-hot sets 22 thermal setting mist
-fashion work 12 versatile working spray

Create the Look:
- Apply satinwear 02 ultimate blow-dry lotion to damp hair and blow-dry making sure to lift the roots away from the scalp.
- Create a deep left side part.
- Mist hot sets 22 thermal setting mist on the hair and using a 1-inch iron, pin set the hair.
- Let the hair down and brush out the curls- hair should be smooth, leaving the curls in at the ends.

- Secure a 1x4 inch black barrette about an inch above the right eye for added sophistication.
- Finish with fashion work 12 versatile working spray.

L'Occitane makes Shea Butter beautiful

2011-10-02T20:39:00.000-04:00

Great products, incredible packaging... I'm thinking THE BEST GIFTS...

Launching October 12th is L’OCCITANE’s newest limited-edition collection, and it’s one that the brand holds close to heart:
The Limited-Edition Shea Butter Collection features packaging designed by L’OCCITANE Founder Olivier Baussan who was inspired by the traditional bogolan fabrics of Africa and the country’s indigenous flowers. Available in the below scents, the limited-edition body cream, hand cream and lip balm speak to L’Occitane’s ongoing work with the women of Burkina Faso, Africa who produce all of the Fair Trade Shea Butter used in L’Occitane products.
- Desert Rose from Morocco is known for its generous blooms and fruity, zesty aroma, which perfumes the desolate landscape.
- Hibiscus from Egypt delights the eyes with its brilliant colors -- from the purest white to the most passionate red. Its sensual, sunny perfume awakens the senses.
- Cocoa Flower from the Ivory Coast has a warm, comforting scent with a delicious hint of cacao.

Ultra Rich Body Cream: Exceptionally rich in shea butter (25%), this body cream envelops dry skin in supreme comfort and softness, leaving it deeply nourished, protected and perfectly moisturized.

Hand Cream: Shea Hand Cream, the #1 best-seller at L’OCCITANE, is rich in shea butter (20%), to protect, nourish and soften the skin.

Lip Balm: This new organic balm, made with 10% shea butter, soothes dry and chapped lips and provides gentle nourishing and protective care.

Urban Decay presents The Revolution High Performance Lash Curler

2011-10-02T19:00:00.000-04:00

Using a lash curler always makes me feel a bit insane.
Really makes me nervous.
The Revolution still makes me nervous (steel pinching millimeters from my eye ball!), but at least it doesn't make me feel as though I am sending my eye to prison.
The cage-less design is really cool, makes the whole process easier.
Gives the lashes a good upturn, not a harsh bend/crimp.

If you don't have naturally curly lashes (who does?), this is the next best thing.
My only negative issue-- the little black rubbery pad has a tendency to fall out. I have to keep it in pinched-mode with a hairband while traveling.

Worth the price, the scare, and the hairband, though!

Push Up for the cure

2011-10-02T18:35:00.000-04:00

In the News from New York, one of the BrainyBeautys favorites is helping your wallet & fighting cancer:
In celebration of lifting boobies, brows, and spirits, BOOM BOOM Brow Bar is donating 10% of the sale of each BOOM BOOM Push-Up Brow highlighting pencil sold during the month of October to the American Cancer Society. And, the price is dropping from $18.00 to just $10.00 all month long! It's a deal no one with boobs can refuse!

BOOM BOOM Push-Up Brow highlighting pencil lifts, supports, sparkles, and quite frankly, makes people look younger. This two-sided pencil creates the illusion of an instant eyelift -- use daily for a subtle matte look and switch to the sparkly side for more razzle dazzle -- the twins can't be the center of attention all the time!

Help kiss breast cancer good-bye

2011-10-01T15:37:00.001-04:00

We're going pink this month & showcasing products that help fight breast cancer!
Remember, the fight begins at home-- check yourself! Not just this month, EVERY month!!!

And now... the newest collection from Violent Lips: The Pink Ribbon for The National Breast Cancer Coalition.

THINK: A kiss that cares.

WHAT IT IS: Pink ribbon pouts. Makeup trends come and go, but beauty with a conscience is always in style. Violent Lips is proud to unveil their latest collection of temporary lip tattoos—the Pink Ribbon Line---in support of the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Featuring three exclusive pink ribbon patterns, the collection offers a stylish new way to kiss breast cancer goodbye.

$2.00 per package sold will be donated to the NBCC.

ABOUT VIOLENT LIPS: Violent Lips' mission is to change the way women apply makeup. Hailed as "The Future of Lipstick", Violent Lips intends to keep pushing the boundaries of lip wear with out-of-the-box designs and innovative applications that last up to eight hours.

TO USE: Shape It, Peel It, Set It, Wet It

AVAILABLE PATTERNS: Ribbon Pattern, Solo Ribbon, Pink Plaid with Ribbon designed by celebrity makeup artist Katie Alves.

WHAT IT COSTS:$9.99 for a set of three.

WHERE TO FIND IT: www.ViolentLips.com

Luster Takes a Stand Against Bullies

2011-09-29T23:19:00.000-04:00

Luster Premium White Announces Partnership with Bullying.org:

Luster Premium White, the only at-home product line that whitens teeth up to six shades without causing any tooth sensitivity, is proud to announce their charitable partnership with Bullying.org by donating $1 to Bullying.org for every individual who ‘likes’ Luster Premium White on Facebook beginning September 12, 2011. Bullying.org is an organization solely dedicated to eliminating bullying by providing a forum of support and education for individuals and groups who feel persecuted by their peers. Join Luster Premium White and Bullying.org in their stand to prevent, resolve and eliminate bullying by ‘liking’ Luster Premium White on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LusterPremiumWhite?ref=ts and help put a bright, white smile on one face at a time.

About Luster Premium White:
Luster Premium Whitening branded products are developed by Dentovations and have been independently, clinically tested by a world leader in oral care testing. Created by dentists, Luster Premium White products contain the same ingredients used by dentists for professional whitening. Clinical testing proved that Luster Whitening products whiten teeth up to six shades (average is five shades) without causing any tooth sensitivity. Luster 1 Hour White is the only consumer whitening product to be FDA cleared. Dentovations is constantly working to bring consumers the best tooth whitening products available with the Luster Premium Whitening brand.

About Bullying.org:

Bullying.org's purpose is to prevent bullying in our society through education and awareness. We provide educational programs and resources to individuals, families, educational institutions and organizations. We make available online learning and educational resources in order to help people deal effectively and positively with the act of bullying and its long-lasting negative consequences.

Get your perfect hair with a little help from the stars

2011-09-29T22:13:00.000-04:00

Bringing in a picture of your favorite celebrity hair can help!

Stylists have their fair share of celebrity photos presented, but a good stylist uses it as a communication tool to hone in on a client’s lifestyle so they can create a look that’s a good fit. Krista Beahm, stylist at patrick mcivor color studio, sees stacks of pics, and believe it or not, they pretty much fit into five categories. Keeping these groups top of mind can help make a match in heaven.

Magnificent Mom: No fuss and is always in a rush, but wants to look good. May rock the ponytail a bit too much and needs an alternative with minimum styling effort. Think Jessica Alba, Katie Homes. Tip: A product like Matrix Design Pulse Thermo Glide Express Blow Out Crème is good for moms because it helps reduce drying time. After shampooing, rub a dime size amount in hands and distribute evenly throughout hair and blow dry as usual.

Bohemian/Natural: Loose, soft curls and waves, earthy and carefree, digs simple hair accessories like head bands and flowers. Doesn’t mind putting a little effort into styling, but it can’t look like it. Think Blake Lively and Ashley Olsen. Tip: Section hair from ear to ear, clip rest of hair out of the way, and spray with Matrix Vavoom Gold Heat Iron-In Control Protective Dry Mist to protect against heat damage before curling with iron. Then, section from brow bone to brow bone and repeat.

Edgy: Stylish with a unique flair, likes to stand out in a crowd and make a bold statement that gets them noticed. Will put the time into styling hair if the results are worth it. Think Katy Perry, Rihanna and Megan Fox. Tip: Molding paste is great for making hair textured and edgy. Try Matrix Design Pulse Messy Couture Molding Paste - rub a small amount of product around fingertips, and run through ends and swirl around sections to create edgy texture.

Polished: Red carpet ready at all times, not one hair out of place. Will try new looks if it suits their personal style and will spend a lot of time devoted to achieving the perfect look. Think Kate Bosworth and Jennifer Lopez. Tip: Polished looks need to hold for hours and products like Matrix Total Results Sleek Blow Down Leave In- Cream holds for 24, so every hair stays in place! Apply a nickel size amount evenly throughout hair and blow dry. Finish with a drop or two of Matrix Total Results Sleek Silk Wonder Smoothing Oil for a great shine.

World Traveler: Always on the go, yet always looks great whether they’re boarding or deplaning. Savvy – they have inside scoop (from their stylists, of course) on styling tricks that take them from day to night, plane to event or meeting to photo shoot. Think Angelina Jolie and Kim Kardashian. Tip: Reworking and freshening hair is important for travelers, so a product like Matrix Design Pulse Fiber Shuffle Fibrous Play Paste is great because it stays pliable and hair and be reworked throughout the day…and night. To use, apply product to fingers tips and work through dry hair to style. Later in the day or after a flight, simply rework hair to freshen.

A Perfect Pairing

2011-09-29T15:02:00.000-04:00

News from Thymes:

Thymes is proud to align with the pinnacle of authentic scent, The New York Botanical Garden, to feature an exclusive Thymes store within the NYBG Shop. On Tuesday August 23rd, the nature-loving home and beauty brand opened their first outpost, offering New York their greatest selection of Thymes products yet. Made with essential oils and naturally derived ingredients, Thymes botanically-based bath and body products burst with natural fragrance just like those grown within the New York Botanical Garden.

Don't Eat the Sharks

2011-09-29T14:49:00.000-04:00

From LUSH: Did you know that the growing demand for shark fin soup and other shark products has fueled a decline in shark populations by over 90% in just a few decades? For some, the thought of sharks is scary but the truth is that they are necessary in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems around the world and their survival is hanging in the balance.

LUSH has teamed up with one of the leading marine conservation organizations, Shark Savers to bring an end to shark fining altogether. Launching today is LUSH’s limited edition Shark Fin Soap ($5.95) with 100% of the proceeds going to Shark Savers’ work to raise awareness for shark conservation. This ocean inspired soap has a decorative paper fin, is packed with seaweed and sea salt and will be available at www.lushusa.com and at LUSH stores across North America while supplies last. Help in the fight to protect our ocean’s sharks by putting down shark fin soup and picking up shark fin soap instead.

Who Doesn’t Love Free Skin Care?

2011-09-28T13:33:00.001-04:00

LovelySkin.com will be giving away amazing skin care products on their Facebook page! Enter the SWEEPSTAKES by:

1)Following this link to LovelySkin's Facebook page

2) Click on the ‘Sweepstakes’ tab on the left hand bar

3) Enter to win!

Clarisonic & Glamour Promote Female Film Directors

2011-09-27T22:27:00.000-04:00

PRESS RELEASE:
NEW YORK, NY –GLAMOUR has announced the return of its phenomenally successful short film series,Glamour Reel Moments, premiering this fall in a new and powerful incarnation. The films originate from Glamour readers’ real stories and feature leading Hollywood actresses directing films for the first time. The series includes three short films, presented by Clarisonic, to be released in October 2011.

The films are currently being shot in Los Angeles, with the talent involved at the top of Hollywood’s A-list.

Zoe Saldana,Olivia Wilde and Eva Longoria are directing shorts this year, and the films will star Bradley Cooper, Malin Ackermann, Justin Long, Aziz Azari, Jaclyn Jonet, and others.

Glamour asked readers to submit a personal story where they felt empowered, wiser and beautiful. Glamour narrowed down the thousands of submissions to stories most adaptable to the short film format, and directors ultimately selected the story they wanted to tell on screen. Three winners’ stories were chosen and Glamour partnered with Freestyle and Clarisonic to script, produce and screen the three short films, which will premiere in Los Angeles on October 24 at the Director’s Guild Theater. The films can be seen on glamourreelmoments.com beginning October 25.

“In this age where content is king, Glamour Reel Moments is truly authentic because it originates from the Glamour brand itself—our reader’s real stories—we’re not visitors in other people’s content,” says Leslie Russo,Glamour’s Associate Publisher, Brand Development. “We have Clarisonic to thank for three more female directors in the world.”

The theme of this year’s project is about empowering women to feel beautiful, a celebration of Clarisonic’s commitment to giving women the tools they need to look and feel their best. This year,Glamour is expanding the project to include a skincare symposium delving into the roles that beauty and make-up play in film. The panel will include a director, a film actress, a Hollywood make-up artist, Leslie Russo,Glamour’s Associate Publisher, Brand Development and Executive Producer of the films, and Chris Payne, Vice President of Marketing for Clarisonic.

“As a company, we were instantly drawn to this project as the empowerment theme really resonates with our core brand values,” says Chris Payne, Vice President of Marketing for Clarisonic. “Clarisonic empowers women to take beauty into their own hands. It empowers women to take their skin care routine to the next level, which gives them the confidence to look and feel beautiful.”

Glamour Reel Moments has established a genuine community of women in Hollywood and increased the number of female directors, currently only about 7 percent. Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Kate Hudson, Kirsten Dunst, Eva Mendes, Rachel Weisz and Bryce Dallas Howard have all made directorial debuts for Glamour Reel Moments, which has breached the gates of over 25 film festivals including Sundance, Berlin and Toronto.

Blow Dry Like a Pro

2011-09-27T21:15:00.000-04:00

For hair that shimmers bright and glossy, Sam Villa, Education Artistic Director for Redken 5th Avenue and Founding Partner of the Sam Villa® brand, suggests sectioning when blow drying.

“There’s a reason why stylists section their clients’ hair when finishing, it provides more control with the brush, tension, heat, airflow and direction. Women can get the same skilled shiny finish at home if they section properly,” explains Villa.

Sectioning Tips

· Divide the head into four quadrants and section out each quadrant – start at the nape of the neck and work your way up.

· Use clips to hold extra hair out of the way.

· Never take a section that’s wider than your brush.

· Section depth should be about 1” to 1 ½” depending on density.

· Hold the brush in your writing hand and the blow dryer in the other hand about ½” apart.

· Position the blow dryer parallel to the brush – NEVER put the nozzle directly on the brush, it will burn the blow dryer motor out, damage brush bristles and burn hair.

The new E-T.C. Light Professional Ionic Hair Dryer exclusively for Sam Villa is compact and light, so there is less muscle strain when styling hair. Ward off bad hair days with a professional tool that brings out the stylist in everyone.

Ecru New York Acacia Protein Masque

2011-09-27T20:42:00.000-04:00

Deep conditioner for soft, shiny, beautiful hair!
Love it!
5 minutes to happy hair.
Doesn't leave me greasy or weighed down, just lovely hair.
Use once a week, more if you have dry/damaged hair.

LipFusion Conditioning Stick SPF 15 in Berry

2011-09-14T11:51:00.005-04:00

So I am in love! This is a slightly minty, slightly berry tasting super moisturizing and creamy lip balm with a hint of berry color. I am leaving this on my desk at work or maybe buying another one to keep in my purse. It's big and fat so you'll have it forever. Plus it has SPF15. It's perfect for a hint of color. Loves.

RedKen full frame 07 mousse

2011-09-12T22:06:00.003-04:00

This mousse is a good back up to my go-to mousse. It has a nice, pleasant scent and isn't too heavy when applying. It holds a curl well and the size of the 8.5 oz. means I'll have it forever. It's nice to have around when my number one is no longer.

Luster Now Instant Whitening Toothpaste

2011-09-12T21:42:00.011-04:00

I'm always looking for toothpastes or any sort of whitening system. This toothpaste is bright blue, which kind of threw me off at first. I've now been using it for over two weeks and I'm sorry to say that I see no color difference. Too bad.

Rue La La= Class

2011-09-11T13:33:00.002-04:00

Votre Vu~Tres Magnifeet

2011-09-07T10:58:00.000-04:00

Ooh La La is an understatement!! This two step process to soft, beautiful feet is not only an amazing stand-in on a lonely date night, but would make a fantastic gift to any female friend, family member, or coworker! With the warm summer months now slowly fading away, Tresmagnifeet is the perfect purchase to make now, and have on-hand to give your hibernating tootsies a mid-winter pick-me-up!!

Fashion's Night Out 2011

2011-09-05T20:57:00.000-04:00

In NYC for FNO?
Check out our list of events!
List will be updated right up until the big night (the 8th).

It's now a Girl's Club

2011-09-05T20:38:00.000-04:00

Goodbye, Old Boys Club!

2 SEP 2011 | 09:00AM | Posted by: New York Stock Exchange

Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence at NYSE

Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence visits the NYSE to recognize the national efforts of the non-profit organization in supporting significant growth among women-owned businesses in the United States from micro businesses into million dollar enterprises. In honor of the occasion, Nell Merlino, Founder and President, Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, rings The Opening Bell SM, joined by esteemed members of the Make Mine a Million $ Business (M3) event steering committee, elected officials, long-time sponsors, and women business owners who have both benefited and hope to benefit from the power of the M3 program.

This powerful mix will encompass nationally lead and small women-owned and run businesses, and the wide range of support committed to supporting and growing women-owned businesses in the United States.

About Count Me In and Make Mine a Million $ Business

Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence is the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources, business education and community support for women entrepreneurs seeking to grow micro businesses into million dollar enterprises. Count Me In launched Make Mine a Million $ Business (M3) with founding sponsor American Express OPEN to inspire one million women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses to a million dollars in revenue by providing tools, skills and support of a nation-wide community of peers.

US Census statistics indicate that while women-owned businesses represented nearly 50% of privately held companies in the US, only 2.6% of those businesses are at $1 million or more in annual revenues, compared to 6% of men-owned firms. In fact most women-owned businesses are at $50,000 or less in revenues. Since its introduction in 2005, 28% of program participants have reached the million dollar threshold. CMI’s goal is to bring 1,000 women owned businesses to or beyond $1 million in annual revenues through the program, generating $1Billion in economic impact and at least 25,000 sustainable jobs nationwide. (Source: Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence)

Ecru Hair Care

2011-08-30T08:33:00.000-04:00

There is nothing like the experience of a great hair salon. I love the stunning sights, the soothing smells, the relaxation found from having my locks treated well, and that one of a kind, pampered feeling at the end of it all. I find that very few hair products give me an authentic just-left-the-salon feeling. Ecru is one of those few. I sampled a few items recently and would boast them as must-haves for the salon treatment lover!!

*Ecru Luxe Treatment Shampoo: This cleanse provides one of the richest lathers I have ever experienced.
*Protective Silk Conditioner: This particular conditioner could not have a more fitting name, as my hair instantly feels both strong as smooth, upon application.
*Volumizing Silk Mist: This spritz serves as a detangler and strengthener, adding just another layer of protection and texture.

Klorane takes to the States

2011-08-28T21:29:00.001-04:00

Just in time for the 40th Birthday of their amazing dry shampoo, press release from Klorane, maker of superior shampoos, conditioners, & eye makeup remover:

KLORANE, creators of the world’s first dry shampoo,and known for their success in combining high-performing plant extracts with the best of science, is bringing the brand to life online with the launch of a NEW US-based website in June 2011.

Click on and discover what the power of plants can do for your hair as well as your face and eye make-up removal regime—ever so gently and effectively. The new website opens the door to a comprehensive educational experience, serving as a one-stop location for all your hair care and eye care needs, from providing the perfect, targeted products to telling the compelling stories behind KLORANE’s ongoing search for sustainably grown sources of the most effective plant ingredients,to a hair analysis diagnostic tool and not-to-be-missed special offers.

Easy to navigate and designed to reflect the vibrancy and beauty of the world of Nature, the new site has been created to bring visitors the best—and safest—plant-based beauty products. If you’re on the hunt for eco-conscious formulas that are silicone-free, sodium chloride-free or paraben-free, your choices are a click away. Highlights on www.klorane.com include:

Your Hair Analysis. With our compliments! Let KLORANE diagnose your specific hair and scalp needs and recommend the perfect KLORANE formulas. Simply check off a short analysis, and within minutes you’ll see your prescribed regimen, customized just for you.

About the Plants. For each key plant ingredient—from chamomile grown in Egypt to cornflower grown in France—there’s a video to take you behind the scenes. Watch as farmers who sustainably grow plants exclusively for KLORANE gather Nature’s bounty in full blossom, and botanical researchers at Pierre Fabre Laboratories apply their pharmaceutical know-how to create formulas with natural extracts from these plants, utilizing the lowest number of ingredients for the highest efficacy. KLORANE’s philosophy: “By protecting plants, we’re taking care of people.”

Store Locator. Simply click on “Find in Stores,” type in your zip code and you’ll discover the locations nearest you that carry your favorite KLORANE hair care and eye care products.

The best Push Up for your face

2011-08-28T21:15:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite products?
The Boom Boom Push Up brow highlighting pencil.
I use the matte side as a concealer (yes, I am that pale), and the shimmery side instead of eye liner/shadow.
If I think I need it, I'll even use the shimmer as a bit of highlighter on my cheeks.

Boom Boom, genius behind Push Up and owner of Boom Boom Brow Bar, shares some of her tips:

“I have a little secret, I line the inside of my eyes with the matte side of my Push Up brow highlighting pencil and it makes my eyes pop!” says Boom Boom. “It’s a little tid bit I share with clients and they LOVE it! It’s great for making you feel like you’re 20 again, especially on those days when you need a little extra something something to get you out the door with a smile.”

The trend started on the spring/summer runways, bleached brows and beige lined eyes for extra pop. Boom Boom says no way to bleaching brows, the bolder the better, but lining eyes with Push Up is a little secret every girl should know. “Simply line the inside rims of both lids, and if you’re really feeling it, dab a bit on the inside of the corners of your eyes by the nose. It will make your eyes look big and beautiful!” adds Boom Boom.

Other Push Up Tricks

· Use the matte concealer side on the brow bone to create the illusion of lift and to camouflage stragglers that are growing in while waiting for a brow wax.

· Dab the sparkle side on the inside corner of the eye for a dash of pop, so you look bright eyed and bushy tailed. See you later dark circles!

Bonus: Boom Boom never tests on animals!

Beauty Rx Skincare by Dr. Schultz Exfoliating Pads

2011-08-28T21:00:00.000-04:00

Advanced Exfoliating Therapy Pads

Like Stridex pads, but for grown-ups!

Resurfaces with glycolic acid for refined complexion.

Not going to lie, bit of a burn involved at first. I was not red after, but had to build up to the instructed 15 minutes.

Works, though!

Even cleared up the little white bumps on my chin!

Just be sure to wash your hands really well after applying.

Cures by Avance Anti-Acne To Go

2011-08-28T18:51:00.001-04:00

This three piece kit has 1 & 2 oz. products, so you are TSA-Approved.
Kit contains:

Foaming Face Cleansing Gel (2 oz.)- so, this totally wasn't foaming for me. I like, it cleans well without sucking the life out of your skin, even smells clean; I just could not get it to lather up--not a huge issue, my face was clean. Works very well with my Clarisonic brush.
Algae Deep Pore Cleanser (1 oz.)- smells like dirt, looks like mud, cleans like no body's business! Lightly exfoliating, sucks the gunk out of your pores.
Anti-Acne Moisturizer (1 oz.)- Smooths on easily, no weird residue. Actually moisturizes while zapping zits! My skin is smoother, clearer, happier.

Whether on the road or at home, this kit's a keeper.

2011-08-27T20:54:00.002-04:00

COOLA organic suncare is partnering with the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) to remind people to stay safe and sun protected all year long! In order to accomplish this goal and raise some $$ for the MRA, we need YOU to help us come up with a slogan that promoted year-round sun protection!

Lavanilla Laboratories The Healthy Body Wash 2-in-1 Shower & Shave

2011-08-20T13:45:00.005-04:00

As of lately, I've forgone the foaming shaving cream and moved towards conditioner because I think the former doesn't last very long, dries out my skin and doesn't offer a very close shave. This stuff solves all of my issues. I've had the bottle for weeks now, it leaves my skin soft and no prickles! Not to mention it's a great hydrating body wash for my dry skin. The cherry on the top? It smells like heaven. The combination of the vanilla warmth and clean grapefruit is such a pleasing scent. I'm ordering the perfume right now!

Borghese Rapido Fast Dry Nail Lacquer

2011-08-20T13:12:00.006-04:00

First off, let me say, I LOVE this shade. It's not the shade here in the picture. It's a lovely, of-the-moment mint green. An oh so flattering shade on just about anyone. It dries in 60 seconds which is perfect for any on-the-go lady (aren't we all?). I put it on my toes last week and it's still looking shiny and minty. Adding it to my nail polish collection right now.

Sunscreen FAQs answered

2011-08-19T22:06:00.000-04:00

I have been coating myself with sunscreen every morning since the age of 14. We don't even want to hazard a guess at the number of gallons involved. But has it been enough? I have questions, you have questions, we all have questions. Who has the answers? Let's check with a top dermatologist!

From Dr. Michael Gold, dermatologist and dermasurgeon:

My question for Dr. Gold: I work in an office with no windows (yes, it is not great). I apply sunblock in the morning, around 6 am. Do I need to re-apply before my drive home at 3:30 pm?

His answer: "I would say definitely yes – especially since there is still plenty of sun in the afternoon – especially in the summer. The best defense we have for skin cancer prevention is sunscreen and we know that it does not last all day, so even if you were inside without windows all day I would recommend reapplying before you leave at the end of the day."

Fashion’s Night Out 2011 gets some Provencal

2011-08-19T21:46:00.002-04:00

WHO: L'OCCITANE en Provence

WHEN: Thursday, September 8, 2011

WHAT: Celebrate Fashion’s Night Out in Provençal style at L'OCCITANE's new Meatpacking District and Soho boutiques. Both locations promise to transport New York fashionistas to the south of France, offering a “Passport to French Style.” Vive la France with these Provençal perks:

French fare and chilled rosé
Complimentary hand massages to relieve overburdened arms carrying shopping bags
An exclusive Riviera-inspired tote bag filled with L’OCCITANE’s beauty essentials

Ending the evening in true French Style, L'OCCITANE will raffle off the crème de la crème of all prizes: a complimentary stay for two at the luxe Provençal hotel and spa, Le Couvent des Minimes, where the winner and a friend will be pampered from head to toe amidst the region’s iconic lavender fields.

WHERE:

L’OCCITANE Meatpacking District:48 9^th Avenue (betweenWest 14^th St. andWest 15^th St.)
L’OCCITANE SoHo: 146 Spring St. (betweenWooster and West Broadway)

L'Occitane Sun Verbena Protective Body Lotion SPF 15 (Verveine Soleil)

2011-08-19T21:37:00.000-04:00

A great body lotion plus sun protection?!? Yes, please!

Lightly scented--herbally lemon.

Moisturizes well, absorbs quickly, not greasy.
I now put this on everyday after my morning shower.

The only drawback I have: the bottle can be weak around the corners, so try to shake instead of squeeze. I am, apparently, a vigorous squeezer--had to put tape to cover split on corner of bottle.

Added incentive: L'Occitane, as a brand, ROCKS! They have braille on their products &/or packaging; so if you happen to be blind, you still know what you are using. The L'Occitane Foundation works to Support the Visually Impaired, Advance the Economic Emancipation of Women, and Preserve the Knowledge of Nature. How cool is that?!?!

Clientele Elastology Peptide Hydration Cream

2011-08-19T21:15:00.000-04:00

A lotion light enough for summer that works well enough for winter!
Smooths skin, refines.
Serious anti-oxidants, even has Pumpkin!
You can put it on over a serum for added punch--it plays well with others.
I use at night-- not that you can't use for day, I just want to stretch out bottle :)
Makes my skin all radiant and glowy.
Doesn't cause breakouts or any skin weirdness.
I ADORE!!!

Glytone Acne Treatment Kit (Anti-Irritating)

2011-08-19T20:27:00.000-04:00

This 3-piece kit includes:

Self Foaming Cleanser
3P Gel
Acne Lotion

Truly an acne-fighting system for people who don't want to hurt their skin! Not just for adults, my 14 year old nephew uses (& loves, as much as 14 year old boys can love skin care).

The self-foaming cleaner is AWESOME.
You can totally feel it working.
Eats all the nasty stuff, leaves your face clean but not overly-dry.

The 3P gel has benzoyl peroxide-- it will bleach your sheets and shirts. Use just a touch on zits, and ALWAYS use sun block (especially when using benzoyl peroxide).

The Acne lotion has Salicylic Acid, which is good for treating & preventing zits.

I recommend this--especially the cleanser!!!

Boscia Restorative Eye Treatment for Under-eye Bags

2011-08-19T19:24:00.001-04:00

Crazy-good cream that de-puffs and lightens circles.
It's got peptides & anti-oxidants and all sorts of good stuff.

The missing ingredients? Preservatives, parabens...

Love the pump, don't have to stick my fingers into a pot of cream over & over again.

Doesn't sting or make my eyes water, just works!
I also use it on my upper eye lids, which tend to get dark and swollen.

Vapour Organic Beauty

2011-08-16T05:28:00.002-04:00

vapour

-n

1.particles of moisture or other substance suspended in air and visible as clouds, smoke, etc.

2.a substance that is in a gaseous state at a temperature below its boiling point

3.rare, something fanciful that lacks permanence

Definition number 3 fits this product line best.

Vapour Organic Beauty is a rare, luxurious line, providing stunning shades of skin care and face, lip, cheek, and eye color. Magazines Lucky and Allure obsess over this stuff!! My personal favorite gems out of this seemingly endless treasure chest of beauty, is their Siren Lipstick. Siren comes in sixteen, long lasting, moisturizing colors and is made of pure plant ingredients!

Making life even easier

2011-08-15T18:37:00.000-04:00

Hello loves!

We are always looking to improve your life and make things better.

How now?

To make things less confusing & more search-able,

we are COMBINING our blogs!

Now just go to for all of our product reviews are right on

brainybeautyblogs.com!

Perfume reviews still available on perfume fiend.

Menfolk-- Gifted Guys Groom is still up & running for you.

Sally Hansen~Crackle Overcoat

2011-08-08T17:15:00.001-04:00

Have you tried this stuff yet??? For a while, I could not find this Sally Hansen product ANYWHERE!!! Paint Crackle Overcoat over your favorite hue of polish and watch as it almost magically dries into a two tone crackle finish! Try as many color combinations as you can fathom! Your nail look can go from gothic to girly, depending on what duo you choose! Watch out for off-brand copies of this product. Stick with Sally-she knows her stuff!!

"A sophisticated heat beam which we call a 'laser.'"

2011-08-05T20:51:00.004-04:00

Oh yes, Laser Hair Removal.

The final hair frontier.

6-8 sessions; painless, permanent hair reduction/removal.

And here comes my skeptical face, right?

I was so wrong to question modern science!

I have had 3 sessions already.

No real pain yet-- just antsy legs from holding them still.

Before lasering: I would shave under my arms every morning and it would look like I hadn't shaved by bed time.

After lasering: I can go 3-5 days, comfortably, between shaves.

Seriously, my hair sprouts faster than tie-dye at a Grateful Dead show. Faster than tell-all books after a political scandal. Real fast;)

If it works on me, it will work on you*.

I go to Raja at the Michigan Laser Center. Tell her Kate sent you! She is the nicest lady, totally put me at ease--very important, depending on the area you have lasered! You couldn't ask for anyone better!!! The facility is clean, the lasers are premium, and the prices are reasonable (considering).

*I am super pale with DARK hair-- finally works in my favor! I also have a high pain tolerance, apparently.

Sam Villa E.T.C. Light Professional Ionic Dryer

2011-07-30T18:51:00.001-04:00

I was pumped to try this because I've heard ionic dyers are great for fine, thin hair. Low and behold, it worked. The dryer gave my hair some much-needed oomph and volume. The stream of heat is not too hot, which is great because heat is hair's enemy, right? And I love the rubbery feeling of the dryer and handle for easy gripping. It has 2 heat and speed settings-great for bangs since they don't need to be blasted. Out with my old dryer and in with this new one!

INTRODUCING YOUBEAUTY.COM

2011-07-29T14:30:00.003-04:00

The newest bookmark in your collection:

A GROUNDBREAKING ONLINE DESTINATION

DEVELOPED BY DR. MEHMET OZ AND DR. MICHAEL ROIZEN

It’s a question as old as time: What makes you beautiful? It’s not only a flattering lipstick shade, or the color of your hair—science shows it’s your happiness, self-esteem, charisma and much more. The perfect haircut for your face shape sure doesn’t hurt, either. Beauty is a combination of inner and outer factors rooted in hard science. Two of the leading names in medicine—Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen—developed YouBeauty.com to arm women with proven tools that use science to measure and improve inner and outer beauty, so they may become healthier, happier people.

“Beauty, like health, is multi-dimensional. Every aspect of your body and mind matters,” says Dr. Oz. “We have the opportunity to use the power of the Internet to give every woman access to the leading science in a very personalized and actionable way.”

Trading unattainable standards of beauty in favor of proven quantitative and qualitative metrics,YouBeauty is the first online resource devoted to attaining optimal health through beauty.

“Stress causes gray hair, poor sleep will increase wrinkles, and your diet will directly affect your skin,” adds Dr. Roizen. “The scientific community has proven all of these facts, and many more. We wanted to create a place where women could improve their beauty and health all at once.”

Here’s how it works: At YouBeauty, you’ll find a series of quizzes based on proven research that examine all the factors that affect your beauty. The website features quizzes that measure personal dimensions like happiness, stress, sleep quality, physical activity levels, skin and hair health, along with tools that find your face shape, facial symmetry and body shape, among others. Your score on each quiz will be compiled to measure your YouQ™. Through an ongoing series of personalized action steps based on your quiz results, you’ll be encouraged to improve your YouQ™ to reach your full beauty potential, while learning about yourself in new and important ways.

Unlock your individual beauty potential with YouBeauty.com:

· Take specialized quizzes in nutrition, sleep, relationships, your body, face, hair, skin and mind.

· Receive easy to understand numerical and graphical results based on each scientifically validated scale on your personal profile page. You’ll be able to see where you stand in real time, and anonymously compare your progress to that of other quiz takers.

· Improve your scores with easy to understand,personalized action steps, delivered daily to your inbox.

· Explore the YouLearn section for the latest health-meets-beauty news and feature stories, along with a rich research section consisting of the most important beauty-impacting studies.

· Chat about hot topics in the YouTalk community.

· Tap into expert information with interactive columns written by experts in their fields, including Dr. Oz, Dr. Roizen, dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler, iconic hair stylist Guido, psychology professor Arthur Markman, nutritionist Kristin Kirkpatrick, celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles, prominent plastic surgeon Dr. Arthur Perry, women’s wellness expert Dr. Beth Ricanati, among others.

· Learn about implementing a healthier lifestyle with columns by model Karolina Kurkova and “The Dorm Room Diet” author Daphne Oz.

YouBeauty.com

The science of a beautiful you

Vote for your favorite & win Slatkin & Co.

2011-07-27T12:18:00.000-04:00

The home fragrance authorities, Bath & Body Works and Slatkin & Co. are pleased to announce the three lucky winners of the MyCandleRecipe contest, selected by Harry Slatkin, Creator of Slatkin & Co., Erica Tucker, owner of Sweet E’s Mini Bakeshop in Los Angeles, and Givaudan Fragrance Expert, Jeanine Guerrero during a live cooking event held in New York City.

Tim Ong of Houston, Texas with Strawberry Pistachio Delight
Mary Shivers of Ada, Oklahoma with Tropical Tangerine Cake
NayletLa Rochelle of Miami, Florida with Maple Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Now the expert judges are turning the decision over to you to select the winner who deserves the ultimate grand prize – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join Harry Slatkin in New York City to watch as his or her dessert turned into a gourmand candle. Simply log on to MyCandleRecipe.com to view exclusive cooking event footage and vote for your favorite contestant. FIVE lucky voters will also win a year’s supply of Slatkin & Co. candles! Voting begins Wednesday, August 3rd and closes at Midnight on Tuesday, August 9th.

Win a Clarisonic Mia

2011-07-26T13:49:00.000-04:00

During the month of July, Clarisonic will be celebrating the Evolution of Skin Care with Weekday Mia Giveaways. The brand will be providing fans and those interested in skin care with the videos of demonstrations. In addition, they will ask fans fun questions about what they learned and what they know about Clarisonic. Winners will be selected each day from among those who answered the question correctly to win a Clarisonic Mia.

Access the contest here: http://www.facebook.com/clarisonic

Slatkin & Co. Candle

2011-07-24T17:51:00.000-04:00

Okay, the Sparkling Mojito candle is delicious!

Bath & Body Works totally lucked out in its pairing with Slatkin & Co., and we all benefit with great quality candles that are easily attainable!

Sparkling Mojito is a sweet, yet very clean smell.

Sugared citrus with just the right hint of mint.

Not at all over-powering, perfect pick-me-up!

Well done.

Dr. Brandt UV SPF 30 Face

2011-07-24T16:20:00.000-04:00

Claim:

Formulated to provide advanced broad spectrum UVA (PA+++) protection against UVB rays (SPF 30). Dr. Brandt advanced sun care helps decrease pigmentation induced by UV exposure; preventing photo-aging. Designed with dry-touch technology to absorb quickly, leaving the skin smooth and soft with a shine-free finish.

Truth:

Totally works! No greasy or kabuki face, no sunblock shards, no melt-offs!

My problem:

The container, with its convenient pump dispenser, is too small. While great for traveling, I want a honking giant bottle at home to last the whole summer.

All the other sunblocks should take notice.

BoomBoom's truth on threading

2011-07-24T16:11:00.002-04:00

From Brow-master Boom Boom:

The Skinny on Threading

Thread or wax, what’s a girl to do?! For Boom Boom, owner of Boom Boom Brow Bar, there’s no question, wax it baby! Here’s the skinny on why…

“When done correctly, threading removes the hair follicle from the root, however, many people tell me that they have to thread every week-10 days. Suspicious…this happens when the thread simply cuts the hair instead of pulling it out from the root. It’s basically the equivalent of shaving which is a BIG no no, because the hair will eventually get really coarse and resemble stubble,” explains Boom Boom.

Note to all, if threading more than once a month you might as well get an awesome brow job for just $20 and be done with it! With gentle warm, NOT HOT, waxes like Boom Boom’s Flash Wax, burning is NEVER an issue – EVA! For those who fret about bumps, no worries, Boom Boom uses bacitracin ointment – an antibiotic that prevents infection and reduces irritation.

The other challenge with threading is it tends to produce a particular brow style that Boom Boom believes removes too much off the underneath of the front of the brow bone. It eventually creates rainbow brow, not big bold beautiful arches. “We do lots of rehab for this – it’s a cultural style thing and I’m more into big beautiful brows,” adds Boom Boom.

Truth be told, Boom Boom tested threading out on her lip once and was not comfortable being face to face with someone who was holding a piece of thread in their mouth over Boom Boom’s mouth (yuck). Boom Boom thinks cleanliness is next to fabulousness, so she almost died!

The Skinny: To reduce hair growth and prevent coarse stubble, wax it baby!

Tarte up the QVC awards

2011-07-24T15:38:00.002-04:00

Love LipSurgence™ lip tints or a lights, camera, lashes! mascara fan? Then show your tarte support by voting in this year's QVC Customer Choice Beauty Awards.

Share the Tarte love!

While you're at it, follow Tarte on Twitter and Friend on Facebook!

Eat your way to a more beautiful you

2011-07-18T21:24:00.004-04:00

Celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder shares the recipe for Sally’s Salsa, featured in Kim’s book The Beauty Detox Solution: A perfect healthy snack to bring to the beach, BBQ or just have handy in the fridge. Make a hearty bowl of this every week to keep for you and your family to snack on. It tastes amazing and you will realize you don’t need dense snack foods! Please visit Kim’s blog to get more healthy and delish recipes and beauty food tips.

Tomatoes, a main ingredient in this recipe, are one of the best beauty fruits.

“Fruit is the most life-enhancing food we can put into our bodies. It has the highest water content of any of the food groups and supplies us with vital amino acids, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids. Because fruit breaks down the fastest in our system, while leaving no toxic residue, it supplies us with readily available energy that can be used for immediate fuel.” – From The Beauty Detox Solution

Sally’s Salsa

Ingredients:

4 large tomatoes
1 large sweet onion
1 large orange bell pepper
1 large yellow bell pepper
2 cups chopped cilantro
½ tsp. ground black pepper
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
½ tsp. Celtic or Himalayan sea salt
Cayenne pepper, to taste

Directions:

Turn on some good music in your kitchen! Then dice the tomatoes, onion and bell peppers and add to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped cilantro, black pepper, lemon juice, sea salt and cayenne pepper, and adjust the seasonings to taste.

This recipe and many more are available in The Beauty Detox Solution, featuring a full guide on eating your way to radiant skin, renewed energy and the body you’ve always wanted!

New from LUSH

2011-07-18T11:34:00.000-04:00

From the great minds at LUSH:

LUSH is known for the frothy fun it brings to bathtubs and showers, but we get serious when it comes to giving good hair. All of our hair care products have a trained trichologist behind them, our founder Mark Constantine. Trichology is the scientific study of the hair and scalp, which includes the identification, diagnosis and treatment of hair and scalp conditions. LUSH is interested in TREATING problems, not just masking them - although we do like to mask the hair with nutritious ingredients from time to time. In an effort to help you manage your mane, we’ve created three limited edition haircare gifts launching in LUSH stores and www.LUSH.com on July 18th for the most common hair conditions.

VOLUME AND SHINE: Take hair up a couple of notches with our Volume and Shine set. Our Big shampoo uses sea salt to conjure up more volume than you thought was possible while our lightweight Veganese conditions without flattening hair. Switch it up with our Ultimate Shine shampoo bar and Marilyn hair treatment for shiny hair you can see from miles away.

Contents: Marilyn, Big Shampoo, Ultimate Shine Shampoo Bar, Veganese Conditioner

PROTECT AND NOURISH: If your hair is a frizzy, dry or simply out-of-control, this is the set for you. Curly Wurly shampoo shows hair who’s boss with coconut and vanilla while Jasmine and & Henna Fluff Eaze smoothes with jojoba and Brazil nut oil. R&B revives and balances misbehaving hair and Jungle conditioner keeps everything tame.

Contents: Jasmine & Henna Fluff Eaze, Curly Wurly Shampoo, R&B, Jungle Conditioner

BALANCE AND REPAIR: Wipe the slate clean and start over with the Balance and Repair set. Rehab deeply cleanses while Retread conditioner nourishes hair with yogurt, soy milk and olive oil. The H’Suan Wen Hua hair treatment is an extra step that pampers hair with avocado and eggs.

Contents: H’Suan Wen Hua, Rehab Shampoo, Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bar, Retread Conditioner

Brow-ssiere Brow Gel

2011-07-13T22:04:00.000-04:00

Click Here

Dare I say this brow gel does all it says it does? I shall!

This clear gel smooths unruly eyebrows or the occasional hair that rather meander. At first I thought it'd dry hard and crunchy but after a few minutes, my eyebrows were soft and tame. This is great for girls with thick, coarse hair or those who are meticulous about their brows..ahem, me.

Why do we love Dr. Graf? She wants to save our skin & our children!

2011-07-13T12:16:00.003-04:00

Check it out:

Did you know that between 50% and 80% of one’s lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18? And that the earlier you begin to protect your child’s skin against sun damage, the sooner you begin to reduce his or her risk of developing skin cancer? Just as you teach your children to make brushing their teeth a daily habit, teaching them good sun safety habits will go a long way in keeping their skin healthy.

In this segment of Ask Dr.Graf—PLAY IT SAFE IN THE SUN: HOW TO PROTECT THE LITTLE ONES—we’ll look at simple ways to safeguard your child’s skin before you go out the door and while you’re enjoying the outdoors. From protective clothing specially treated to provide optimal SPF levels to child-friendly sunscreens, to the rules of safe sunning, such as the importance of reapplying sunscreen, and the need to be sun-smart even on a cloudy day, Dr.Graf covers all the basics. Follow her advice and you and the whole family will have fun in the sun while practicing the habits that will help prevent sunburn and minimize the risk of skin cancer.

Check out the video: Ask Dr. Graf—PLAY IT SAFE IN THESUN: HOW TO PROTECT THE LITTLE ONES

The same golden rules of sunprotection we teach our kids also apply to us throughout adulthood. We all know the statistics: According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 3.5 millionskin cancers in over 2 million people are diagnosed annually. And one in fiveAmericans will develop skin cancer over the course of a lifetime. Anotherreason to practice safe sun: up to 90% of the signs of skin aging, such aswrinkles, brown spots and rough, leathery texture, are the result of over exposure to UV rays.

All the more reason for a refreshercourse in sun protection. In this segment of Ask Dr. Graf—THE BASICS OF SUNSAFETY FOR SKIN CANCER PREVENTION AND ANTI-AGING—Dr. Graf gives an overview ofwhat you need to help keep skin wrinkle-free longer and to protect against skincancer. How to choose the most effective sunscreen formula, the right way toapply your sunscreen for the best results, what level of SPF provides optimalprotection as the seasons change and more—it’s all here.

Checkout the video: Ask Dr. Graf—THE BASICS OF SUNSAFETY FOR SKIN CANCER PREVENTION AND ANTI-AGING

Calling all brides & bridesmaids

2011-07-13T12:06:00.000-04:00

Hey Brides & entourage!

Sephora wants to help you look your best for the big day:

Sephora says “I Do” with the new limited edition Sephora Favorites Beauty & The Bride kit. This set contains all a bride needs to look beautiful while walking down the aisle, posing for picture-perfect moments, and beyond. From Gucci's romantic Flora fragrance to Boscia's green tea blotting linens, this kit helps beautiful brides on their big day, and also makes a great gift for the bridal party too!

The Sephora Favorites Beauty & The Bride kit includes 11 must-have wedding-day beauty essentials complete in a keepsake box. This beauty filled box is the gift that keeps on giving, also including a voucher for a complimentary Special Occasion Makeover at the Sephora Beauty Studio*. Schedule a time in advance of your big day to learn how to create your most blushing bridal look with the help of a Sephora beauty expert at a Sephora store near you. This exclusive, personalized service will give you all the tips and techniques needed to achieve the look of your dreams on your big day and ever after.

Appointments are required, so please call the store to book your Special Occasion Makeover. For more information on services at the Beauty Studio, visit sephora.com/go/beautystudio.

The limited edition Sephora Favorites Beauty & The Bride, $50, ($108 value) includes:

bareMinerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer
Benefit The Porefessional
Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens
Buxom Big & Healthy Lipstick in Brooklyn
Flora by Gucci Eau Fraîche
Josie Maran Argan Oil Color Stick in Rosy
Lancôme Juicy Tubes in Spring Fling
Sephora by OPI. Nail Colour in True Romantic
Sephora Collection Flashy Liner Waterproof in Flashy Black
Stila Eye Shadow in Kitten
Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes! Mascara in black

Wedding bells? Beauty Tips for the Bride-to-be

2011-07-10T22:01:00.003-04:00

About to take the plunge? Get professional help!

Bella Schneider, celebrity esthetician and owner of LaBelle Day Spas & Salon, makes sure your beauty regimen is perfect for the big day. Bella has established five bridal tips, which will help make your day flawless and fabulous.

Facial Facts

Bella advises that every bride-to-be should start treating her skin to monthly facial treatments 4-6 months prior to her wedding. Your facial should best fit your skin conditions (clarifying, detoxifying, anti aging, etc.) in order to receive the benefits of the treatment. If you want that glowing, radiant look on your big day, start this process early and all eyes will be on you.

Sun Safety

Every beauty rule of thumb is to protect your skin, don’t let sun damage ruin your sparkle. Bella suggests that the bride, always wear her sunscreen--especially two weeks prior to walking down the aisle. Getting a sunburn during this time period will make you not a blushing bride, but a peeling bride- not the look you were going for, right?

Rehearsal Ritual

Before the big day, there’s a rehearsal dinner and rehearsal ceremony, Bella recommends a rehearsal hair and make-up run through. Make sure your hair is exactly to your liking, as well as your make-up so that there aren’t any surprises the day of. This run through will fix last-minute quirks, which is the last thing you want to be worrying about before walking down the aisle…

Hydration Station

This should already be part of your daily skin care ritual, but before your wedding, Bella suggests that the bride-to-be especially hydrates her skin and under eyes with antioxidant rich night cream (to prevent under eye bags). Your skin should be fresh and exuberant before your wedding day. If you follow a daily skin care ritual, stick to it-- and if you do not, find one and follow it!

Perfect Shade of Tan

If you’re looking for that shimmering faux wedding-day glow before your big day, Bella recommends finding your perfect spray tan shade at least 4 months before to prevent a streaky/uneven color. We all have our spray tan horror stories-- your wedding day is not the day for such a story. Make sure to plan ahead to find the best air brush technician as well as shade to match your skin tone.

Now concentrate on the kiss!

Dr. Graf explains it all

2011-07-10T21:51:00.003-04:00

Read the article about the acid-alkalinity levels affecting your complexion & body in Allure?

Learn more!

We are always on the quest to achieve balance, whether in our personal lives, work, foods, etc., that we sometimes forget that the ultimate balance begins with our body's acid-alkalinity levels. In this segment, Dr. Graf explains how balancing our acidity-alkalinity level is the foundation of beauty and health from the inside-out.

Tips + BeautyBlender = Perfect face

2011-07-10T21:38:00.000-04:00

Seen a funny looking pink tear-dropped shaped sponge in the magazines, on TV, in your friend's makeup bag? It's a Beautyblender! Learn the myriad uses and get your own:

Celebrity makeup artist and Beautyblender founder Rea Ann Silva provides her blending tips and tricks that will leave you looking flawless!

Cover Up Dark Circles and Blemishes

Apply your favorite concealer to Beautyblender. Use the pointed side and the “stipple and twist” technique to work makeup into depressed areas of the face. The stippling and twisting actions feathers out the makeup’s edges, blending it with

out creating changes in the texture or tone of your skin, leaving a perfect finish. The pointed side is particularly great for hard-to-reach spots like around the nose and mouth, and under the eyes.

Ditch the Cakey Foundation Look

Use the round base for foundation on the larger areas of your face such as your forehead, cheeks and chin. It leaves just the right amount on the skin and will leave an airbrushed finish. Be sure to blend makeup all over, including the eye area, starting in the middle and working your way out.

Add Some Color to Get Your Glow On

Instantly brighten your skin with bronzer and blush. Use the round base and apply bronzer to the apples of your cheeks followed by blush. A fast way to find the apples of your cheeks is to smile. Be sure to blend the color up toward your temples. You can even add a highlighter to your cheek bones to really accentuate them and give a glow. Start at the inner corner of the eye, blend it over the brow bone and onto your cheekbone – then do the other side. Finish by blending a little down the bridge of your nose, chin and above the middle of your lips.

Make Your Eyes Pop

Using the pointed side of Beautyblender, apply eyeshadow in your creases and blend it down over the lids avoiding the brow bones. By using the Beautyblender, there won’t be any harsh lines or stripes of color. Instead, it will look blended and effortless. For more definition, rim your upper lashes with a liner pencil and smudge it upward with the pointed side. To get an extra bright-eyed effect, use the tip of the pointed end and dot shimmery eyeshadow onto the inner corners of your eyes. Celebs use this trick on the red carpet all the time!

Add Some Strategic Shimmer

Blend some shimmer on the top of your decolletage in a capital T shape. For an even bigger boost, blend bronzer with the round base of Beautyblender around the inside of each breast to enhance your cleavage. This little beauty magic trick works wonders!

Get your own Beautyblender at major retailers nationwide including Duane Reade, Look Boutique, CO Bigelow, Henri Bendel, Beauty.com and online at www.beautyblender.net

Jan Marini FB celebration & contest

2011-07-08T13:27:00.000-04:00

In celebrating 17 years of great skin, Jan Marini wants you to share YOUR most memorable anniversary stories on Facebook!

Whether it’s the anniversary of your wedding day, first date, or big move to a new city, anything at all that celebrates anniversaries, we want to hear it! “Like” the Jan Marini Facebook page and share your story! The top 3 best anniversary stories will be the lucky winners of Jan Marini’s Clean Zyme and Skin Zyme duo, valued at $72! After all, anniversaries are meant to be shared with those who mean the most to you, and Jan Marini couldn’t think of anyone better than their fans to celebrate with! Click here to get started: http://www.facebook.com/#!/JanMariniSkinResearch

Thymes- great products, great place to work!

2011-07-08T13:19:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Thymes and their employees:

Thymes is proud to announce their new spot as the 7th top small workplace of 2011 according to Minnesota employees surveyed by Workplace Dynamics for the Star Tribune.The unique survey was designed to identify the Top 100 Workplaces in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area for 2011. A staggering 278 companies participated and 60,538 employees were surveyed.

Founded in 1982 by two single mothers, Thymes was born of a shared appreciation for art, nature and beauty products that create a relaxing ritual. The two women set to work developing a collection of natural yet luxurious soaps and bath salts made with essential oils and wholesome ingredients, and packaged with hand-touched details, pioneering an entirely new category of botanically-based bath and body products.Today, Thymes is the leading bath, body and home fragrance brand in specialty stores across the nation. And, continues to deliver exceptional products that stand apart in their uncompromising quality and attention to detail.

Strong values and heartfelt products have always been the backbone of Thymes and remain at the core of the unique homegrown business. Thymes is also committed to supporting non-profit organizations through the Positive Change program. Employees contribute their extra “change” (coins) into a community jar in which Thymes often matches employee donations. Thymes also offers one personal day for each employee to use to volunteer their time helping an organization in need.