MAC Dame Edna Collection

I spent a good 15 minutes playing with the colors of the new Dame Edna collection from MAC, and I am far from impressed. Are they sure this collections wasn't meant to go straight to a circus? I guess, considering the Muse, such a collection is to be expected, but I was still disappointed. None of the colors seemed truly wearable, and were garish and harsh on my skin. The packaging is cute, but what good is cute packaging if it's not going to be used?

Sonicare for your Face

So, I've been skeptical about the Clarisonic skincare brush, primarily because the reviews have been so positive that it makes me nervous. For $200, I expect a miracle. Well, I received one for Christmas (in the cute, exclusive Bliss-blue), and I am now a believer! My skin has never been smoother. I have moved from cleaning my face, to my neck, and now to my chest. I'm dying for them to make a bigger size that I can use on my whole body (though I'm sure I'll get there with the little one--it's only a matter of time). Talk about a Christmas miracle!

UPDATE: The blackheads on my chin have almost completely disappeared. I'm beside myself with excitement.

Is This a Joke?

No, I haven't tried the EyeEnvy Appliques by ColorOn, but I am absolutely repulsed by them. First, they're ugly...I mean, zebra eyeshadow? Yuck. Second, it assumes that everyone has the same eye shape, and one size fits all. This entire concept is just wrong!

To make things worse, the reviews on this product are great. My favorite is the reviewer that writes, "I only use the camo and leopard (haven't tried the zebra-looks a lil bit cheezy on box)." Only the zebra looks cheesy? Who are these people?!?!? It boggles the mind!

Recession Obsession, Part 1

Lack of money is forcing me to get creative with my spending habits, so I've switched some of my more expensive beauty products for drugstore brands. Here are some substitutions I've found so far that hold up to the pricey originals.

--My normal Frederic Fekkai hairspray has been replaced with Pantene Classic Hairspray in Flexible Hold. Both provide soft, non-sticky hold.

--Bumble and Bumble hair powder has been replaced by Psssssst Instant Spray Shampoo, and I actually prefer the Psssssst.

--My Nars Body Glow is now Neutrogena Body Oil. Different scent, same results.

I'll keep you updated on more items as I find them! To be continued...

Primer? Exactly What am I Being Primed For?

In my quest/obsession for perfect airbrushed skin, I was thrilled to try Make Up For Ever's HD Microperfecting Primer. I used the Neutral shade that claimed it "adds natural luminosity to the complexion." I never got far enough to test whether my skin looked "luminous" or not--the primer was hard to blend and left my face sticky, causing the foundation I put over it to look splotchy. I immediately washed it off and started over.

I thought the first application may have been a fluke and I was judging it unfairly, so I tried it again a couple of days later: the same thing happened. Obviously, I am NOT recommending this product, and am sticking with my Smashbox primer.

Winter Face Brightener

This winter I've been forgoing my usual tinted moisturizer in favor of Jane Iredale's Dream Tint in Peach Brightener. Dream Tint is an oil-free tinted moisturizer with a peach tint that corrects uneven skin tones. Another plus is that it has SPF 15; I'm mixing half Dream Tint and have daily moisturizer, and it gives me a soft-focus effect that gives skin a healthy glow. It's very subtle and perfect for work.

Zeno Acne Device--Too Good to be True?

I've had the Zeno MD for a while now but have been hesitant to post about it because I couldn't decide whether it actually worked or not. Zeno is a hand-held device that you place on pimples for two and a half minutes while it heats up, killing the bacteria in your skin. Per the company, in a clinical study "Zeno faded 90% of blemishes within 24 hours."

I've come to the following conclusion regarding how I feel about this product: yes, it helps blemishes go away faster; however, in its place it leaves a bright red mark that doesn't fade. I think it's actually burning my skin. Instead of pimples, I now have burn marks on my skin--I traded a raised bump for a flat burn mark. Though the burns are easier to cover, they're not going away. Take from that what you will, but I now have about five perfectly round red dots on my face from this...

Two Gifts In One

After years of lusting after all things Missoni I can finally say that Missoni charm bracelets are a practical necessity: one of the charms opens to reveal a solid perfume. It comes in the original Missoni fragrance or the Acqua (I prefer Acqua, the original is a little too chocolaty for me). I love that it is a collectible that you will continue to wear even after the perfume is gone. Also, where else can you get anything Missoni for only $50?

Free Gifts and Free Shipping

Beauty companies are amping up their marketing for the final stretch before Christmas. I love it when compete to have the best deals!

--Free shipping on Bumble and Bumble orders with no minimums. Today only, no code required.

--Free shipping and 2 free samples (Everything Mascara and Pot Rouge in Blushed Rose) with a $50 purchase at Bobbi Brown cosmetics. Code: TREAT.

--Free shipping and 4 free samples (you choose samples, plus cosmetic bag) with $35 minimum purchase at Estee Lauder today only. Code: ONEDAY

--Free shipping and 7 piece sampler kit (your choice of kits) with minimum $60 purchase at Kerastase today only. Follow the link for codes.

Laura Mercier 'Twilight' Collection

Now through December 12th, when you purchase $75 of Laura Mercier products, you get this complimentary Twilight collection for free. Never one to leave you without suggestions for spending your hard-earned money, I recommend the Lip Glace Set and the Eye Crease Brush.

The Twilight Collection includes:
--2.0 oz. French Vanilla Soufflé Body Crème
--Full-Size Black Mascara
--0.14 oz. Mini Twilight Mosaic Shimmer Bloc
--0.018 oz. Mini Purple Sapphire Kohl Eye Pencil
--Full-Size Cinnamon Lip Glacé
--Double-Ended Angled Eye Colour and Smudge Brush
--Included in a brown patent leather cosmetic bag

Retail Value of $125.00!

UPDATE: The gift with purchase has been sold out. Sorry!

Holiday Juicy Tubes

Lancome's new limited edition Juicy Tubes have come out for the holidays; this year they boast black accents. For my money, juicy tubes are a must for quick, sheer coverage on the go. My fave in this collection: Pretty in Pink, a cool pink with a hint of shimmer. It works great as a subtle nude lip with a matching smokey cat eye. Very Parisian and understated. C'est tres chic!

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Need help with stocking stuffers?

--Fragrance Pocket Watch. $18

--Rudolf Lip Balm Set. $12 for 4

--Shopping Marathon Aromatherapy. $12 on sale

--Christmas Morning Bubble Bar. $5.95

--The Bright Stuff Body Mist Collection. $20

--Michael Kors Rollerball/Lipgloss combo. $22

--Hershey's Vanilla Creme Travel Candle. $10

--Pocket Redo Freshen-Up Wipes. $20

--Bvlgari Refreshing Towels. $25

--Claus Porto Liquid Hand Soap. $18

Getting Ready for a Fairy Tale

With the charming name of "Who's the Fairest," how could you possibly look anything but fairy tale perfect when you get ready using this whimsical mirror from Anthropologie? Perfect for the vanity, the brass twigs hold a double-sided mirror. I actually asked for this last year for Christmas, but they were sold out...hint, hint...

A Gift for Them and a Gift for You

Now through Saturday, December 6th, spend $100 on any beauty or fragrance purchase and get a $25 gift card; just use code GLAMCARD at checkout.

If you're unsure how to spend the $100, here are my recommendations:
--YSL Beaute Christmas Set. $60
--Bobbi Brown Shimmering Nudes Palette. $50
--Jo Malone Deluxe Soap Collection. $85
--Barbara Barry Living Room Spray. $42

A Fairytale Scent for the Holidays?

Cute packaging? Check. Charming name? Check. Pink shimmer? Double Check. A scent to match? Ehhh...

The Philosophy Sugar Plum Fairy scent is back for the holidays, and I didn't want to let another year go by without trying it out. Excited, I pour a glistening blob of gel into my hand...and smelled cough syrup. Seriously. I had flashback to when I was sick as a kid and my mom would force feed my cough syrup at night. It has the same sickeningly sweet smell. Yuck!

A Parisian Treat

I had my first Kir Royale in Paris when I was twenty; I felt sophisticated and chic as I sat in the Ritz sipping on the Champagne and Creme de Cassis cocktail--I swear it smells exactly the same. It's a moment I'll never forget, and I can relive it daily when I use the Philosophy Pink Bubbly lip gloss, exfoliating wash, or shower gel. Simply amazing, and I love the pink color.

A Glimmer of Shimmer

In college I would stock up on the hair glitter that was sold at Halloween, and wear it out at night. It looked great in pictures, put in person I was a walking Disco ball. I gave it up after college because I could no longer pull off the tacky glitter look. Now, however, I use Frederic Fekkai's Spray on Hair Crystals. The super-fine glitter leaves a subtle shimmer and light hold on my hair. I spray in on the underneath sections of my layers so that a little sparkle peeks out when my hair moves. This limited edition item is available in Champagne, Copper, and Bronze (I use Champagne).

Body Scrub for a Winter Glow

Every few years I make it to Park City to go skiing. One of my favorite parts of the trip is spending time in the Mountain Body store. It's small and cramped, and has so many products and scents it's almost a sensory overload--I love it! A product I make sure I pick up every time is the Body Glow. It "exfoliates and softens your skin, using fresh fruit extracts, healing mineral salt from the Great Salt Lake Basin, & avocado, sesame, apricot kernal, and jojoba oils for superior skin nourishment." And it really works; I get out of the shower with a thin layer of the oils still on my skin, and the scent lasts all day. I'm partial to the Lavender & Tangerine, but they're all good. It's not necessary to fly all the way to Utah anymore, not only will they ship it right to your door, but they're on sale right now!

A Morning Mojito

I stumbled out of bed this morning mumbling to to myself about how I wished it was Saturday, when I suddenly perked up. What was this miracle worker? Korres shower gel in Basil Lemon; suddenly I was not cursing the 5 day work week, but instead was laying on a chaise lounge in Mexico drinking a mojito. Normally I'm not a fan of anything that smells edible, but this was refreshing without being overwhelming. Plus, it creates the perfect amount of light suds without leaving any residue. I love that this entire line, produced by the oldest homeopathic pharmacy in Greece, is all natural, as well.

MAC Metal Urge Collection

In related MAC news, the new Metal Urge collection is awesome. As MAC says, the collection is "a rich new vein of rare earth-inspired shine and shadow is ready to be mined." My favorite: the cream-based eyeshadow in Verdigris. It's a toned down mermaid green color that has a smokey subtleness to it; I'm going to use it to line my eyes over black eyeliner. It would also work really well layered under the pigment in Spiritualize. So many choices, so little time...

MAC Monogram Collection

The new collection from MAC is something very different for them: a high end line. The prices are near double to what they normally are, ranging from $22-$70. The collection is packaged in gold and browns and includes lipstick, lip gloss, powder, brushes, fragrance, and a clutch. All in all, the colors are nice, but it reminds me of something I'd find from Estee Lauder. I would just as soon stick to their regular line (which is still fabulous), and save my money--you're basically just paying for the packaging.

'Perfectly' Disheveled Hair

I've tried many Sea Salt Sprays on my hair to give it that beachy, windblown look , but all it did was make my hair dry and sticky; it inevitably ended up in a ponytail. I had pretty much given up on the look, until I found Nick Chavez's product, Flocker. It's exactly what I've been looking for: it texturizes and gives lift without any stickiness. The texture is a lot like a hairspray, but you spray it in your palms and then scrunch it. Now, I'm not saying I looked as good as Jennifer Garner in this picture, but I was pretty darn close...

The Ultimate Clarifying Shampoo

Another one of my 'life changing products' is this clarifying shampoo by Frederick Fekkai. I use it about once a month to get rid of the buildup from my gels, conditioners, silicone serums, etc. It smells amazing--exactly like the apple cider it's name after. Also, it gets rid of all buildup without turning my hair to straw, and it leaves it soooo shiny. I've tried a lot of clarifying shampoos, but I keep coming back to this one. It's like a new beginning for my hair every time I use it.

Healthy Lip Gloss???

So, I received a full size sample of Borba lip tint in Luscious a while back, and was extremely excited to try it. Per Borba's packaging, this lip tint "boosts the visible benefits of all BORBA Nutraceuticals and Cosmeceutical products by harnessing the positive effects of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients everytime you lick your lips."

First of all, the scent/taste (supposedly Vanilla Mint) was somewhat nauseating. It was way too sweet and the scent gave me a headache. Second, I really think it made my lips dryer than they already were--I had to put chapstick on before I used it. Third, the color didn't go on smoothly. Overall, this was horrible. I do not lick my lips enough to get the amount vitamins that would make this product worthwhile. In fact, when I have this on I try not to lick my lips at all! I actually threw it away, and it takes A LOT to make me get rid of a beauty product. Has anybody else tried this product? What do you think?

Scent-sible Home Decor

How cute is this scented tassel from Agraria? It would look adorable hanging on the back of a chair or on a doorknob. They come in 8 different scent/color combinations, though I'm partial to the Mediterranean Jasmine (shown) which is a bouquet of Mediterranean jasmine, blooming honeysuckle, gardenia buds, freesia, lily of the valley and tuberose. And I love that I can still display it even after the scent fades.

Hair Color Drops

I used to go into the salon every month for a glaze. I like the added shine and the color boost it gives my hair. When John Freida added the color glaze to their line I stopped going to the salon, and started using this glaze several times a week in Sheer Blonde to stretch out the time between my highlighting appointments. The glaze really increased the shine, but the color didn't make much of a difference.

Now, however, I'm using Ken Paves Healthy Hair Color Drops, and it's amazing! To use, add several drops of the concentrated color to your normal conditioner and then leave it on your hair for a few minutes. By being able to control how many drops you put in, you can really personalize the amount of color that is deposited in your hair. I'm using Beige, but it also comes in Red, Brown, Platinum, Honey, and Black. I definitely notice less of a line between my highlights and my natural color. The drawback: the first time I used it my roots looked oily, but now I scrub a little at my scalp to get rid of the film the color leaves, and it works great.

Spider Scents

I think this solid perfume from Estee Lauder's Pleasures is so cool Designed exclusively for Saks, the clear crystal is surrounded by gold with tiny glittery crystals on the head and neck. Spiders don't jump to mind when I think of beauty, but this update on a vintage look is a collectible that you'll keep forever--it's absolutely fascinating. Beautifully boxed, with a velvety pouch. $250

Longer Lashes for (Slightly) Less

In my never-ending hunt for amazing lashes, I've tried close to a dozen products claiming to grow lashes longer. A few of them worked (at $150 for a 6 week supply), but most of them didn't. Then I received a sample of DermaLash by DermaQuest. Though still pricey at $85, it lasts over 3 months and has made a huge difference in my eyelashes. I even had someone ask if I got lash extensions! I apply this nightly on my lashes like a would a liquid eyeliner. It took about 6 weeks, but I woke up one morning and realized that my lashes were significantly longer. Now I use it once every few days to make the tube last longer--I never knew my lashes could even get this long!

Bare Escentuals Indulgence

Available exclusively at Nordstrom, Bare Escentuals has release the Indulgence Collection, a set of 20 face and eye colors ($200 value for $75). It includes 14 bold shades of bareMinerals eyecolors, 1 bareMinerals liner shadow, 4 bareMinerals all-over face color, and 1 bareMinerals mineral veil. The eye shadoes range from sheer to matte to shimmer, and can be layered or mixed for many different looks.

Vampire Make Up Trend? I'm in!

In keeping with my slight (huge) Twilight obsession, I've decided that the pale, otherworldly vampire look is in. To create this look I'm using T. LeClerc's Loose Powder in Parme No. 7, a lavender shade. The purple tint of the loose powder neutralizes redness and whitens pale complexions. Though the powder is sheer and you can't tell that you're wearing mauve powder, it's a dramatic look and best for already pale skin tones. Apply last with a fluffy brush for an airbrushed finish.

Twilight Movie Make Up

I can't believe how excited I am about the Twilight movie coming out on Friday--I'm almost giddy. I think that Edward is the most dashing hero since Mr Darcy! I'm completely caught up in the teen craze, so you can't imagine how thrilled I was to find that Makeup411.com had a list of the actual colors used by make-up artist Jeanne Van Phue on the set. I may not have a handsome vampire in love with me, but at least now I can channel Bella's natural beauty.

Robert Pattinson's (Edward) make up:.

-Foundation: SK-II Air Touch Foundation in OP-1
-Powder: MAC Blot Powder/Pressed in Light

-Lips: Benefit Silky Finish Lipstick in Ms. Behavin

Kristen Stewart's (Bella) make up:

-Foundation: SK-II Air Touch Foundation in OP-3

-Powder: MAC Blot Powder/Pressed in Light

-Blush: Visiora Compact Powder in PC 103

-Eyeshadow: MAC Eye Shadow in Blanc Type, Flute, and Wedge

-Mascara: Smashbox Limitless Lash Mascara in black waterproof

-Lips: Smashbox Lip and Lid Primer and Benefit Silky Finish Lipstick in Good to Go.

Sephora Scent Sampler

Sephora's Scent Sampler kit includes 9 scent samples to try, an atomizer, as well as certificate for a full size product of your favorite scent. There are three women's scent samplers and one men's, but this one is my favorite because it includes the Prada Iris scent, which you know I'm currently obsessed with. If you're looking for a new perfume, and are not sure which one to buy, this is a great was to try it out first.

Best Holiday Gift Ideas under $50

In the current lean economic times, my holiday gifts are going to be less extravagant than they were last year. Here are my suggestions of the best gifts on a budget:

-Juniper Ridge has the cutest little sachet gift set that is already wrapped up and ready to give. $30

-Perfumeria Gal has a set of 3 lip balms in their vintage looking tins. $18

-Sephora's Blockbuster Palette is a great deal, and includes 71 eyeshadows! $48

-Laura Mercier's Souffle Sampler includes 3 of their best selling body lotions. $50

-Essie's top 2 color nail polishes are already packaged in this gift bag. $21

-Tocca has a travel candle gift set in 4 great scents. $38

Conditioning Treatment Must-Haves

My hair is extremely dry and porous, which is really upsetting because I don't even blowdry it. I rely on twice weekly conditioning treatments to keep my split ends from becoming unmanageable. On Sundays I use a protein mask. Right now I'm in the middle of a tub of Frederic Fekkai Protein Treatment. I slather it on my ends and then wrap my hair under a shower cap for an hour or so while I watch TV. A warning about this mask: if you use it too often, your hair actually gets worse, so I recommend once a week. Trust me, I was using it too often and my hair was breaking off, so I would just use it more--it was traumatizing. My hairstylist later told me that too much protein can have an adverse reaction on hair.

One evening during the week I use a deep moisturizing mask. I switch off between Komenuka Bijin and Bumble and Bumble Creme De Coco Masque. I HIGHLY recommend both of these masks; I guarantee that your hair will feel better after using one or both of them. Komenuka Bijin is a line from Japan that uses Rice Bran and other natural ingredients--this has been a staple of mine for years. The Bumble and Bumble mask is fairly new, but is quickly becoming a permanent fixture in my shower. Plus, it smells amazing! Does anyone else have any hair treatments they can't live without??

Givenchy Holiday Collection

I am a big fan of Givenchy's packaging; the ornate minimalism combines beauty and function, exactly how I like my products. Their holiday collection adds a little extra sparkle to that packaging, while also offering color options to every day staples. Every color in the Tempting Chocolate eye pallet is wearable, and the different shades can easily go from day to night. I also like how the color of the lipstick and gloss matches so perfectly--I'd wear them layered in the evening. These products would be great on a trip because you wouldn't have to worry about what make up to bring.

Make Up for a High-Def World

I was extremely skeptic when Cargo came out with their Blu_Ray line. I mean, self-adjusting pigments? One color powder for every skin tone? Per the company, this line "was created especially for filming in high-definition. The professional-quality makeup covers imperfections while looking completely natural—since any heavy coverage is amplified in hi-def—and the result is radiant skin." It sounded like an absurd marketing strategy to me. I mean, how often do you find natural-looking full-coverage?

However, I have to admit the blush is pretty amazing. I wore the pink color out at night, and it looked like a veil of color on my cheeks--the slight shimmer hid any imperfections. At the time, I didn't notice too much of a difference, but after seeing the pictures of the night I was a true believer.

Rachel Roy for Beauty.com

Rachel Roy has teamed up with Beauty.com for a fabulous gift with purchase. With a $100 purchase, you get a Rachel Roy case filled with deluxe samples (valued at $150). This is truly an amazing deal, and I'm sure it won't last long. I love Rachel Roy, and the vintage-looking case can be used as a clutch.

Samples include:
-Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer
-Korres Basil Lemon Showergel
-Fresh Sugar Lychee Body Lotion
-Murad Firming Bronzer SPF 15 for Face and Body
-PHYTO 7 Daily Hydrating Cream
-Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
-Stila Lip Gloss in Kitten
-Remede Alchemy Premium Night Cream
-ARCONA Cranberry Gommage
-Frederic Fekkai Protein Rx PM Repair Strengthener
-Jane Iredale PureMatte Finish Powder
-Nick Chavez Flocker
-Prescriptives Super Line Preventor

2 minutes to better skin

Every once in a while you find a product and you wonder, "what did I do before I used this?" For me, one of these products is MD Skincare's Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel. Though somewhat pricey ($75 for 30 applications), it is worth every cent. It exfoliates, eliminates oil and large pores, and reduces the look of wrinkles, all without irritation. And it's easy: after cleansing in the morning, wipe the pad from Step 1 over your entire face, wait two minutes, and follow with Step 2. Then forget all about it--until a week later when you get tons of compliments on your skin and rosy complexion; I swear by this product!!!

Tarte--Purse Your Lips

I know I've said it before, but I just love the limited edition items that come out during the holidays. For a beauty junkie like me, finding new products becomes a full-time job from October through December. The latest: Tarte Purse Your Lips Limited Edition Lipgloss Clutch. An adorable broze clutch houses nine of tarte's famous lipglosses. Tarte glosses are infused with the Tarte t5 super fruit complex™, which is "loaded with naturally occurring, antioxidant rich nutrients and vitamins that have been known to deliver refining, anti-aging, and skin-restorative benefits with each application." Now, I don't know if it actually makes you healthier, but it tastes delicious and I feel like I'm attempting to do something good for my body during the holidays.

Worth it's weight in gold?

My Friend C sent me the link to this item, and I just about DIED!!! It's so chic, so delicate, so perfect for the holidays. Though it looks like pure gold leaf, she swears that when you brush on Chanel's Facettes D'Or, it's a soft and subtle highlight that is great on cheekbones and lids. I love it--it's a more refined version of the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, which is always in my top beauty products. In these times, however, a little less 'bling' is a good thing. I'll be showing off my more subdued glow all season long!

Try before you buy...

Beautyfix.com has come out with a quarterly selection of deluxe samples and full sized products for face, hair and body, valued at $400. Their panel picks several brands and items, automatically sends them to you, where you can try and then review on their website. The current selection includes products by Redpoint, Sensa, PCA Skin, M Lab, Kronos, Jane Iredale, Amarte, and Perricone MD. Also included is a $25 gift card to glow.com, so you can purchase your favorite items--for $50, I think this is a steal!

Make Up For Ever to last forever.

Make Up For Ever has released a palette created and signed by Dany Sanz, Creator and Artistic Director of Make Up For Ever. Includes 30 shades of their notoriously high-pigmented eye shadows that will allow you to create any and every look you could imagine. The eye shadows come in three different finishes: matte, satiny, and iridescent. While pricey, $390 ($640 value), it begs the question, 'can you really put a price on exclusivity?' With only 100 available, this is moving to the top of my Holiday wish list!

Available exclusively at Sephora.

It's beginning to 'smell' a lot like Christmas...

If you are not set a fan of Aunt Sadie's candles, you're about to be: there is a different candle for every holiday/event you can imagine. With retro images and matching scents, you can enjoy 'Beach in a Can' in the summer, 'Thankgiving Turkey' in the fall, and 'Wedding Bells' for a spring wedding. Her Holiday collection is always my favorite, though, with scents such as Winter Nights, Tree in a Can, Candy Cane, and Ginger Bread, among others. Their fun, festive, and has 70 hours burn time. My purchase this year is going to be 'Winter Nights,' a spearmint scent.*

*Can be found at www.beautyofasite.com.

Kooba Bag Exclusive

Beauty.com has an exclusive lilac Kooba wristlet filled with full size products and deluxe samples--a $200 value for $85. It's a great way to own a Kooba bag without the usual pricetag.

Set Includes:

-Butter London Banana File

-Boscia Peppermint Blotting Papers
-Stila Lip Glaze in Peach Cobbler
-Cargo Blush in Fresno (A favorite of Christina Ricci)
-Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Bangalore
-Blinc Kiss Me Mascara in Black
-Tarte Clean Slate Primer
-Oscar Blandi Olio di Jasmine Serum

-Lorac Perfectly Lit Powder in Spotlight

As with all Beauty.com orders, you get free shipping with any $50 purchase, and 3 free samples of your choice. Can be purchased at www.beauty.com.

Another Frizz Secret

It's been raining here in San Diego, so I'm thinking a lot about hair products that help eliminate frizz. I've tried dozens of hair serums to help get rid of frizz and boost shine. Funny enough, it was a drugstore brand, John Frieda, that I think is the winner. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum is somewhat miraculous when it comes to fighting frizz. I put this all over my hair and then twist sections to bring out the wave, but's also good for straight hair. It comes in three different formulas: Light, Original, and Extra Strength. The Original formula works great for me, and at under $10, what do you have to lose?

New Kai Moonlight Candle

Kai is finally releasing a large candle in their famous scent--a blend of exotic white flowers found on Hawaii. A 3-wick soy candle with 110 hours burn time, this is sure to my be a favorite among cult followers. Available for pre-order at b-glowing.com with a 11/12 ship date, I'm sure this item will sell out fast.

Pre-order at www.b-glowing.com

Trina Turk for Clinique

Trina Turk is the newest designer for Clinique's new gift with purchase, available exclusively at Nordstrom. The silver bag has a bright yellow lining, and a 'Trina Turk' label. Available for a limited time with any $25 Cliniqe purchase, this kit includes: Cleanser, Cream, Multi-Compact, Mascara, Gloss, Blush, Lipstick Case, Trina Turk Travel Bag. Run, don't walk, to the nearest Nordstrom!

Weather-'Poof' Your Hair

Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom has become a staple in my hair styling routine. (I use the term 'hair styling' loosely, as I blow dry my hair maybe 3 times a year.) I have frizzy, poofy, wavy hair that is oily at the roots and dry at the ends. It's basically 'nightmare' hair. However, it does become a bit more managable when I use this cream. It's fairly heavy, so I don't recommend it if you have thinner hair. I slather it on from mid-shaft to ends, and it really weighs the hair down and eliminates a lot of frizz. It helps my hair have more defined curls, as opposed to the stringy mess I have without it. It works in dry heat and rain, which is nice, so I don't have to switch products with the season.

Also, if you buy it (or anything) at kiehls.com, you get three generous sized samples.

Everything's coming up 'Iris'...

If someone asked me my top ten smells, Iris would not be one of them. Until I smelled the offerings from Prada and Acqua di Parma, that is. Like the bottles themselves, the scents are straightfoward, yet mysterious, with tons of class and glamour. It's not a sweet floral, but a musky, woody floral. It's a sensual smell that I imagine women in the 1920's wearing for a night out. It doesn't assault the senses, but slowly creeps up on you until your wondering "is it me that smells this good?"

As a side note, the Acqua di Parma image is a special packaging for the holidays--I love the cute purple box.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!!!

After a long summer, it's finally starting to feel like winter. One of my favorite winter looks is the bright pink cheeks, as if you've just gotten back from a day skiing in St Moritz. Personally, when I get back from skiing my face is tomato-red, but I'm sure you get where I'm heading with this. To attain the perfect ski bunny cheeks without the windburn, I recommend Stila's Convertible Color in Petunia (not color shown). It's a cream, so it leaves a dewy flush. I apply only on the apples of my cheeks, and keep the rest of my makeup minimal--mascara, concealer and clear gloss only.

To be honest, I first bought this product at Barney's a few years back after seeing Sarah Jessica Parker buy it. I figured, if it's good enough for SJP, it's good enough for me! It turned out to be a great purchase.