29 May 2009

TotalBeauty.com
Best and Worst Highlights for Your Hair Type

Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston should be your hair color inspiration, but Lindsay Lohan, not so much


Considering highlights or wondering what went wrong with yours? Let these celebrities guide you towards the best (and away from the worst) highlights for your hair type.

See hairstyles

Mojito? I'll Take A Double!


I have a very exciting announcement to make: my ultimate happy-hour substitution, Korres shower gel in Basil Lemon (aka mojito in a soap), is now available in jumbo size. That's right, every morning I'm having a mojito in my shower!

28 May 2009

Prescriptives Exhilarating Summer Color Sweepstakes


I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I LOVE contests and giveaways. There's something about 'Free' and 'Sale' that makes it so much better than paying full price. The latest giveaway is from Prescriptives. There's no purchase necessary, so click the link below to sign up.

The EXHILARATING Prize includes full sizes of:
-4 U-Pick Eye Colors
-1 U-Pick cheek Color
-1 U-Pick Large Refillable Compact
-2 Exhilarating Lipcolors
-2 Exhilarating Lip Glosses
-1 Eye Definer Brush
-1 Eye Shade and Shaper Travel Brush
-1 Calyx Sheer Exhilaration Fragrance Spray
-Luxury Cosmetics Bag

Enter the Exhilarating Summer Color Sweepstakes at Prescriptives.com! Prize valued at $229.50. Enter by 6.29.09. Enter Now >

Stila Indian Summer Collection


Stila's Indian Summer collection is infused with genuine 24kt gold! 24kt gold is a known antioxidant with added anti-microbial properties. It feels so luxurious and

Highlights of the collection include the mineral bronzing powder in Brushed Gold is a 100% natural finishing powder that gives skin a warm, natural bronzed glow skin with one simple dusting. Eco-certified ingredients hydrate and protect, while the pearl pigments and 24kt Gold keep skin youthful and glowing. In my opinion, the only drawback to this product is that the brush picks up a lot of excess powder, which I then shake off, wasting more than is necessary.

Another great product in this collection is the charmed eyeshadow palette. Adorned with authentic Indian bindis, this palette features four highly-pigmented new shadow shades all infused with genuine 24kt gold. The palette includes four wet-to-dry shimmer shadows: intense teal blue with green and gold shimmer, mid tone copper with gold shimmer, warm gold with gold shimmer, and deep burgundy with black and red shimmer. The palette is summery, shimmery, and - dare I say? - mermaid-esque...

27 May 2009

20% Off At Benefit!!! 3 Days Only!

Benefit Cosmetics LLC
Get 20% off all orders at Benefit Cosmetics! 3 days only! Enter MAKEUP20 at checkout. One use per customer. Can be combined with shipping codes.
Offer valid 5.27.09 - 5.29.09.

Cherub Cheeks



The Product: Stila Cosmetics Cheek Duo - Pink Glow

The Claim: Two shades are always better than one. Get a fresh, flushed glow with Stila Cosmetics Cheek Duo - Pink Glow. The pigments are baked on a terracotta tray for the smoothest, most radiant finish on the skin. The duo includes a shade of bubblegum pink and a shade of mauve. Ideal for those of all skin types who want a sheer, natural-looking pink glow on the cheeks. Mica creates a luminous finish. Vitamin E repairs damage. Jojoba Oil hydrates and nourishes.

The Results: A swirl of this pink and mauve blush on the apples of your cheeks will give you the fresh, cherub glow you've been dreaming of. It's sheer with a hint of shimmer, so it looks like you're naturally blushing. Love it!

Prescriptives Gift with Purchase


Set Includes:
-All You Need+ SPF 15 Moisturizer for Normal Skin
-Colorscope Lip Gloss in Sassy
-False Eyelashes Mascara in Plush Black
-Weekend Makeup Bag

FREE 4-PIECE SET + FREE SHIPPING with a $25 purchase using code ESSENTIALS at Prescriptives.com. Valid through 5.29.09, while supplies last. SHOP NOW >

26 May 2009

TotalBeauty.com
Celebrities with the Best and Worst Skin

Experts reveal what these stars are doing right and wrong when it comes to taking care of their skin


Celebrities have some of the best skin gurus in the country at their disposal, and plenty of cash to splurge on skin-perfecting treatments. But why then do some of them have less than perfect skin? Could it be the late-night partying? Too much fun in the sun? Read on to find out -- you may just learn a thing or two about how to take better care of your own skin.

See celebrities

Can a Scent Be Both Sexy and Girly at the Same Time?


I was out of town last week and left my body wash at home. My friend M was kind enough to let me use hers, a cute little bottle called Thymes Red Cherie Body Wash. After showering and getting dressed I noticed a faint, wonderful scent following me around. Red Cherie is one of those scents that you can't quite tell exactly what it is, a scent that has you leaning closer to get another whiff. It's mysterious and musky, but still flowery and girly at the same time. This unusual scent is a mix of sparkling pomegranate, ripe cherries, passion flower, a twist of lychee with a tease of fruity musk. I dare you to use it and resist the temptation to sniff yourself all day!

19 May 2009

Clinique Gift with Purchase at Norstrom


With any $25 Clinique purchase at Nordstrom, receive a Trina Turk designed, one-of-kind cosmetics bag filled with seven of her handpicked favorites for a complete look. A $65 value.

Gift Includes:

- Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips
- Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
- Blushwear Cream Stick in Rosy
- Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Sun Burst
- Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
- Different Lipstick in Tenderheart
- Superfit Makeup in either Creamwhip or Neutral

18 May 2009

Mattify, Moisturize, and Tone in One Step


The Product: bliss steep clean toner pads

The Claim: T-zone shine is thing of the past with our toner pads! Perfect for oily and combination skin to reduce mid-day shine without leaving your cheeks peeling or parched. With salicylic acid, smartsponge technology (self activating oil-control spheres), and dead cell digesting enzymes. Don't 'face' the day without them. Decongests pores and reduces inflammation, gently exfoliates to prevent breakouts, hydrates the skin to restore moisture balance, controls oil where needed without drying.

The Review: This is an easy, convenient way to get rid of any remaining debris after cleansing. They're especially good after waxing--no more ingrown hairs for me. I use these after I work out and I've noticed I don't break out as much as I used to. They're perfect to throw in your gym bag and go!

16 May 2009

Bambi Lashes


The Product: Shiseido Lasting Lift Mascara in Black

The Claim: Provides maximum lift and weightless volume to lashes for hours. Waterproof. Smudgeproof. Gives lustrous dimensional color with Full Saturated Color Powder. Contains Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE, a lasting moisturizer.

The Results: After applying this mascara, my lashes looked naturally full and long. It increased the curl in my lashes, which made my eyes look huge (a miracle in itself). I went to the mall and was actually asked if I had lash extensions. I couldn't believe it! Me? The girl with short, stumpy lashes? Obviously this was about the best day EVER! The curl lasted all day, and I spent way too long checking out my awesome lashes in the rear view mirror while driving. When I got home I used my regular makeup remover and face wash...and the mascara was still there. I had to practically bathe my lashes in the makeup remover, and then scrub them--I'm pretty sure I pulled out some lashes with the amount of scrubbing I did. It occurred to me that if it was always this difficult to remove, I would be in short supply of lashes very soon. You would think that the threat of lashless eyes would dissuade me from using the mascara again: no way! The doe-eyed look from this mascara was too much for me to resist, and I continue to use it daily. It's sooo worth it! (I've learned to press a cotton ball soaked with makeup remover on my lashes for about 30 seconds to take it off)

14 May 2009

TotalBeauty.com
Best and Worst Hairstyles for Your Face Shape

Find the best look for you based on these celebrity hairstyle hits and misses


What's the best cut and style for my face shape? It's one of the beauty questions most frequently asked by women. Here are some of the best and worst styles you can select for your face shape as seen on some of our favorite celebrities.

See hairstyles

13 May 2009

Benefit Velvet Eyeshadow


Get free shipping for a limited time when you buy Benefit's new velvet eyeshadow. These velvet eyeshadows glide on light as a feather and the gorgeous shades look fabulous on everyone! Glide on bare lids for a dose of sheer, velvety color or layer over creaseless cream shadows for even richer color. Available in 9 different colors.

Tips and tricks--
For base shadow: Use fluff shadow brush to blend from lash line to brow bone. Softly diffuse color upward with gentle strokes.
For contouring: Blend a deeper shade into the crease of lid from outer corner, sweeping to inner corner.
For highlighting:
Softly blend a light shade over brow bone and pat on center of lid above the iris to help make eyes look bigger & brighter.

Get FREE US Standard Shipping with purchase of velvet eyeshadow. Enter VELVET09 at checkout. Offer valid until 5.19.09. Don't forget to add product to your shopping bag before checkout.

La Mer introduces The Treatment Powder Foundation SPF 15


La Mer is launching The Treatment Powder Foundation SPF 15, availablelater this month at select Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and www.lamer.com.

Here's a sneak peak:

"Weightless color and precious gemstones smooth away imperfections to reveal a naturally flawless finish. La Mer’s potent skincare benefits leave skin looking luminous.

This lightweight compact formula smoothes away imperfections to transform the complexion. A signature Radiant Ferment continuously improves clarity and brightness to illuminate the skin. Airspun seaborne particles – some of the lightest materials on earth – create an imperceptible finish that leaves skin looking naturally flawless all day.

Luxurious and lightweight, The Treatment Powder Foundation SPF 15 provides medium to full coverage and leaves skin looking smooth and flawless. Wear this compact formula alone or in tandem with another Skincolor foundation."

12 May 2009

Hostess with the Mostest


Hostess gifts are hard. I don't want to get them any home decor in case they hate it, and I don't like bringing candles unless I know ahead of time what their favorite scent is. My solution: Rain Africa Scented Stones. They are handmade, decorated and scented stones pressed out of natural clay. The gracious hostess can toss a few of these African scented stones in their linen drawer or any other area they would like to refresh or fragrance. The stones should be refreshed periodically with a few drops of their favorite essential oil. Plus, they're already packaged so beautifully that you don't need to wrap them. In addition, Rain products are handmade by villagers in South Africa using environmentally-friendly practices, local ingredients and providing vital and ethical employment for the community.

11 May 2009

Be fine Gentle Cleanser


The Product: Be fine Gentle Cleanser with Sugar, Mint, Oats & Rice

The Claim: Gentle Cleanser is a naturally moisturizing formula that uses food ingredients to rejuvenate skin tone, fight aging, invigorate, and refresh your skin. Sugar removes impurities of daily stress, revealing radiant skin. Mint stimulates circulation, reviving both your senses and skin tone. Oats and rich work together, feeding vitamins A, E and F for vital replenishment.

The Review: This cleanser actually smells like fresh mint, not the sickeningly sweet mint scent used in some products, making it perfect for early morning use. After using my skin is not too oily, not too dry, but just right. It's extremely gentle, and leaves my skin feeling refreshed, without any residue. Also, I love that it has a pump. When I don't have a pump I tend to use too much and go through the products too fast. The Be fine Gentle Cleanser distributes the perfect amount each time, and the slim bottle is nice for travelling.

TotalBeauty.com
21 Days Left to Win a $5,000 Sephora Shopping Spree

Write reviews and sign up for TotalBeauty.com's newsletters, and you could win!


Put your beauty know-how to good use and you could win the ultimate product-junkie prize: a $5,000 Sephora shopping spree. All you have to do is sign up for TotalBeauty.com's newsletters or write product reviews on the site. Every day that you write reviews gives you a better chance to win! What are you waiting for?

Enter the contest

07 May 2009

TotalBeauty.com
Do You Like Short, Medium or Long Hairstyles Best?

When it comes to celebrity hairstyle icons, which length of hair do you prefer? See what women think...


How would you like your style icon served up? With short, medium or long hair? Overwhelmingly, when searching for celebrity hairstyle inspiration, women prefer medium length styles that offer maximum flexibility. Here are some of the most influential celebrity style icons and their most popular hair looks.

See hairstyles

Pretty in Peeptoes


Get pretty in peep toes with this Smashbox palette inspired by Seychelles' spring shoe collection. Includes a removable gold makeup palette packed five shadows (Vanilla, Pink Champagne, Taupe, Dark Teal, Light Purple), a cream liner (Grey Putty) and a blush/soft-lights duo (Coral/Shimmering Gold), all housed in a sleek mirrored checkbook wallet. I love the slim design, and that the blush is big--that's normally the first item I run out of in a palette. Available exclusively at Nordstrom and Smashbox.com.

06 May 2009

The Big Chill


I live in a studio, and one of the best perks is that it's convenient for me to put my gels and creams in the refrigerator. There is something so refreshing about slathering my face and body in cool creams on a warm day, not to mention the great results I get with puffiness when I apply eye gel. I don't have one product that works the best, they all feel great straight from the fridge. If you haven't tried this before I highly recommend it; especially as we near summer. Just make sure your roommate doesn't mistakenly think it's food...

05 May 2009

Lela Rose for Beauty.com


Beauty.com always has the best gift with purchases, and their latest is no exception. Filled with $160 worth of goodies, the cute Lela Rose sailor-inspired bag is filled with deluxe goodies.

Samples included:
-Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara, Black
-Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten Compact, Golden Apricot
-POP Beauty Eye Magnet Primer, No.1 Airbrushed
-It Cosmetics™ My Youthful Smile™ Duo, (assorted colors)
-Nuxe Tonific® Fermeté Intensive Firming Cream
-bliss® Best of Skintentions™ with SPF15
-Borghése Piede Vitale Foot Créme
-ARCONA Papaya Enzyme Gel, Rejuvenate PM
-BVLGARI Omnia Amethyste Body Lotion
-Nick Chavez® Beverly Hills Angel Wings Ultra-Light Styling Paste
-Rene Furterer Fioravanti Shine Enhancing Detangling Cream Rinse
-Jonathan Product Straightening Lotion
-CLARISONIC® Gentle Hydro Cleanser, All/Sensitive Skin
-PHYTO Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Shampoo
-Stila Eye Shadow Pan, Shore

Clinique Gift With Purchase


Clinique has an amazing gift with purchase online right now--you even get to pick your samples from 7 different catagories. Ultimate Choice Gift – You pick the mix in your 7-piece gift FREE with any $21.50 clinique.com purchase. Available only while supplies last. Plus, FREE Standard Shipping with $40 purchase.

Milk. It Does A Body Good.


The Product: k. hall designs Shea Butter Lotion

The Claim: Milk, it does your skin good. It is a rich, velvety smooth body cream enriched with the scent of Coconut, Vanilla, and fresh Cream. Shea Butter and Aloe Vera hydrate, calm, and soften the skin.

The Results: This lotion is the perfect treat for summer. It's lightweight yet moisturizing, the aloe extract is great at the end of a day at the beach, and the Milk scent is subtly exotic. Plus, you just have to love the simple, modern bottle.

The Bonus: All Orders over $49 Receive Free Priority Shipping from Apothica.com

04 May 2009

TotalBeauty.com
The Best and Worst Sunscreens

See which products will prevent your skin from looking lobster-like all summer long


Whether we like it or not, sunscreen is a must for all of us. And according to Heidi Waldorf, M.D. of Waldorf Dermatology & Laser Associates in Nanuet, NY, we need "an SPF of at least a 15 daily." No one wants to spend all summer slathering on sunblock, but with these reader favorites maybe it wont seem like such a chore.

See sunscreens

No. 14: Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel, $45

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 6*


Why: Readers complain that it "is too orange" and "the brush bristles break off and shed..."

No. 3: Philosophy A Pigment Of Your Imagination SPF 18, $30

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 5.5*


Why: Readers didn't like the "thick and sticky" formula and hue, which "turns my skin yellowish and made me look like I was sick..."

The Best: No. 14: Dermalogica Super Sensitive Face Block SPF 30, $40.50

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.2*


Why: Readers like that it is SPF 30 and that it is "not greasy, doesn't clog pores or cause breakouts."

Want to see the rest of the list? Click here!