Exhilarating Lip Gloss

The aptly named Prescriptives Exhilarating Lip Gloss is a jelly gloss that glides on with a burst of fresh guava flavor. The packaging alone is enought to have me wishing I was in Hawaii instead of stuck at work (actually, I always wish I was in Hawaii, but this lip gloss makes the vacation-craving worse). The gloss Features a high-shine finish and subtle tints of color, in a graphic tube decorated in signature Calyx graffiti. Available in Guava, Pink Grapefruit, and Mango.

The Best and Worst Retro Celebrity Hairstyles

See these hairstyle hits and misses on Drew Barrymore, Heidi Klum, Scarlett Johansson and more

Recently, celebrities are drawing inspiration from many eras including the turn of the century, the twenties, forties, sixties and seventies. While a retro hairstyle can be a refreshing change now and then, it presents pitfalls that even stars need to avoid. See hairstyles

Weekly Web Tour

Makeup Files is celebrating its first blog anniversary! Come celebrate with us by entering the huge birthday bash beauty giveaway worth over $100 dollars!

GIVEAWAY ALERT! The Anti Hair Slave is giving away the entire Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Collection all you have to do is leave a comment to be entered.

Looking for the latest giveaway.. Addicted to Lipstick is having a Kiss My Face Giveaway where she's giving away organic lip shines and lip shimmers.

In honor of Earth Week, Spoiled Pretty is hosting a week's worth of green giveaways. Enter to win eco-chic sunglasses...and beauty booty from Cargo PlantLove, John Masters Organics, Samy, Tarte, Zoya, Kaia, and Burt's Bees!

The Shades Of U is GIVING AWAY prizes from Aminogenesis Dermascyne Wrinkle Arrest and Health Dropz Beverage Booster! Enter to win!

Enter Indian Girl's Complete Skin Care Giveaway : Three lucky readers will receive the complete set of products from Biore Skin Preservation Line. Enter Today !

Kai: A Tropical Vacation in a Bottle

As a follow up to their candle, kai has released a Room and Linen Spray in their cult-favorite scent. The kai room/linen spray comes packaged in an exquisite Italian glass bottle with a fine-mist pump. The exotic scent of kai’s signature perfume oil is delicately blended into a water-based home fragrance that is safe for furniture and linens, and will fill your home with the aura of kai--imagine a permanent tropical vacation. Can't wait to use it; this is perfect for hot summer days!

NOTE: Purchase $30 or more at b-glowing & receive a trio sample set of the 3 Infusion Organique Home Ambiance & body products in Buddha's Fig, Sands of Morocco & Indochine. Enter code INFUSION at checkout. Offer good through 5/4/09.

Alterna Caviar Shampoo--AMAZING!!!

The Product: Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Moisture Shampoo with Seasilk

The Claim: This decadent, sulfate-free, youth-preserving shampoo targets the aging process at a cellular level and salvages strands stressed by the environment, chemical treatments, or simply the sands of time. It magnetizes moisture to hair and keeps it there with the help of caviar-extract-rich Age-Control Complex™. This shampoo also includes marine-based, moisturizing Seasilk® and tint-preserving Photozyme Complex™ with Color Hold™.

The Results: I don't say this lightly, but this is the best shampoo I've ever used. It provides extreme moisture and has made my hair soft and manageable. It's super-gentle and doesn't contain sulfates, so my color lasts longer. Truly, I love this shampoo so much that I don't have the words to describe it (and you know that doesn't happen to me often). Just trust me, and go buy this shampoo. Seriously. Now.

Backstage Beauty Tips

Learn the 26 tricks we picked up from top hair, makeup and nail pros

We asked hair, makeup and nail artists for their best kept secrets. Read on to find tips that will help add a little runway glamour to your signature style. See tips

The 'Mermaid Look' Strikes Again!

Siren of the Sea? Is that like Chicken of the Sea? Well, despite the name, I'm loving the Siren of the Sea Hydrating and Brightening Seven-Piece Collection by Bare Escentuals. There's something about shimmery gold and sea green eyeshadow that makes me feel so exotic, especially when I line my inner lashline with black.

What it does:
Bare Escentuals Siren of the Sea Hydrating and Brightening Seven-Piece Collection reflects the powerful, breathtaking beauty of the mythical mermaid—the "siren of the sea." Create a high-shine, reflective effect that's layered with cool, velvety depth like the ocean. The hydrating blush and hydrating finishing powder—both with water-encapsulated technology—deliver a cooling softness and natural color. Treat your lips to hydration, too, with the natural lipgloss. Dive in and immerse yourself in the sexy, glistening opulence that is 100% pure bareMinerals, and bring the beautiful temptation of mythical mermaids to modern day.

This set contains:
-bareMinerals High Shine Sand Dune (gilded sand, high shine)
-bareMinerals Mermaid Eyecolor (dark blue-green velvet)
-bareMinerals Hydrating Coral Blush (coral dusk)
-bareMinerals Hydrating Mineral Veil (brightening finish)
-bareMinerals 100% Natural LipGloss in Chiffon (nude sand)
-Double-Ended Hydrate & Brighten Duo Brush with Custom Bamboo Handle
-Straw Clutch

Smashbox Untamed

Unleash your wild side with our lush, tropical safari-inspired collection for eyes, cheeks and lips. Sultry, exotic shades and luxurious, creamy textures create a sexy summer smolder.

I love Smashbox, but this collection just seems a little too dark for Summer. It feels like more of a Fall collection to me. The only product I'm interested in is the Eye Brightener, which I think would be great in an evening bag as a quick makeup pick-me-up.

Untamed Creamy Cheek Color:
This luxurious creamy cheek color instantly gives you a sexy summer flush.
Colors-
-Terracotta (sheer bronze nude)

Untamed Waterproof Shadow Liner Trio:
Take a walk on the wild side with these waterproof shadow liners in vibrant shades of the tropics.
Colors-
-Savage (golden olive/ bronze/ neutral beige)
-Exotic (plum taupe/ dark purple/ peach champagne)

Untamed Lip Gloss: Two fierce new lip gloss shades with major bite.
Colors-
-Raw (deep red)
-Flesh (creamy nude)

Double-Ended Eye Brightener: A portable pencil that instantly highlights and brightens for eyes that roar for attention.
Colors-
-one shade (pale pink sheen/ pale gold sheen)

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick For Body. Finally!

When I heard that my favorite highlighter, Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick, was available for a the body, I almost passed out with excitement. Yay! The lightweight, silky powder can be used on arms, legs, decollete, or anywhere you want to glow. I currently use the regular highlighter on my shinbones to make my legs look longer and thinner, and I swear it works. The body brick is oversized and features three shimmering bars of color. At $75 it's pricey, so I'm going to use the body brick for both face and body.

Motor-Eyes Instant Action Mascara

Introducing Prescriptives first mascara with a unique VIBRATING BRUSH that quickly coats and separates lashes for instant impact.

Just one turn of the brush and instantly turn up volume, color impact, lift and curl while turning down clumping, smudging, flaking and application time.

FREE SHIPPING with any purchase using code MOTOREYES at checkout through 4.25.09. SHOP NOW >

Bobbi Brown Nautical Collection

Lately I've been a big fan of a natural look with a pop of color either on my cheeks or lips. Bobbi Brown must have been thinking the same thing when she created her Summer 2009 Nautical Collection. The Nautical Collection features two new products--Sheer Color Lip Gloss and Sheer Color Cheek Tint. Says Bobbi, "I love sheer colors for summer -- they’re wearable, easy and look good on everyone."

Bobbi’s new Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks a sheer tint of natural-looking color. The translucent, lightweight formula glides on smooth and blends evenly onto skin. Packaged in a swivel-up stick for convenient and easy application. Available in six shades for $22 each.

Sheer Color Cheek Tint available in:

Sheer Raspberry
Sheer Mauve
Sheer Lilac
Sheer Coral
Sheer Pink
Sheer Blackberry


The newest gloss formula is super sheer and super wearable. The see-through finish makes it easy for any woman to wear the season’s punchy shades. Available in four shades for a limited time for $20 each.

Sheer Lip Gloss available in:

Marina Pink
Cabana Coral
Sailor
Popsicle

The Nautical Collection will be available in May 2009 at Bobbi Brown counters and www.bobbibrown.com.

NOTE: Just as an aside, how cute is that sweater the model is wearing? I love it!

Happy Earth Day from Origins

April 22 Only! Choose 4 FREE skin care samples with any Online order. Select during checkout while supplies last.

Benefit Contest

Enter Benefit's Mother's Day Sweepstakes to win an exclusive beauty pack of Benefit faves, picked by Benefit co-founders Jean & Jane Ford and Jean's daughters Annie & Maggie Ford Danielson. Grand prize is a beauty loot for mom and one for her daughter! Contest ends May 3, 2009. Enter Now at www.benefitcosmetics.com/contests.

Also, enjoy two new deals online:

Benefit is Singin' in the Rain! 3 days only! Get FREE US Shipping with any order. Enter UMBRELLA at checkout. Not valid with other offers. Valid 4.21 to 4.23.09.

Enjoy 10% off your next purchase by entering code HEYTHERE at checkout.

Could Stila Be Making A Comeback? Let's Hope So...

Okay, nobody panic...Stila's fate is no longer the grim future I was imagining last week, though it is still far from secure. The company has been sold to Patriarch Partners, explaining the recent website shutdown and all-employee furlough. The Wall Street Journal reports that "Traditionally, beauty products have proved relatively resilient during difficult economic times as women sought small, affordable pick-me-ups. But this recession is proving more challenging for high-end beauty lines, particularly as drugstore offerings have improved in quality. Stila, which maintains a cult following with products such as brown sugar lip gloss and pale seafoam blue eyeshadow, joins other high-end niche beauty lines struggling to tempt cash-strapped shoppers." Good luck to Stila and all their hard-working employees. We're waiting for your comeback!

Laura Mercier Bohemia Collection

Laura Mercier introduces Bohemia, her most exotic collection ever. The Moroccan Bronze Illuminating Powder adds gorgeous warmth and radiance to cheeks, while the Eye Mosaics and Kohl Eye Pencils provide lids with either desert or marine inspired shades. The Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Golden Radiance gives the skin a flawless glow while healthy, natural tones of Lip Colour complete the look, leaving you looking earthy, alluring, exotic.

Truly, the Illuminating Powder in Moroccan Bronze is to-die-for. It's quickly become my latest obsession. A swipe on the cheekbones and around the brow bone is all you need for a quick complexion pick-me-up, and it doesn't leave your skin looking 'muddy' like some other bronzers.

Celebrity Updo Pics

17 new ways to wear your long hair up

Updos are always in, whether they're sleek and polished or purposefully messy. Get inspired with new ways to twist, pin and pony by the adorable updos on these celebs. See updos

Bliss World Discount

Currently at Bliss online, save $15 when you purchase a body butter, scrub a shower gel. It's like creating your own gift set!

Save $15 on gifts for mom at Bliss when you buy 1 body butter + 1 scrub + 1 shower gel (any scent!). Use code SAVE15. Offer ends 5.11.09.

Weekly Web Tour

Giveaway Alert! Beauty Blvd. is giving away 2 copies of Mrs. Meyer's Brand New Book! The book gives great beauty related cleaning tips like how to remove mascara from clothes and MORE!

The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are having another giveaway!!! Enter to win a copy of both Bobbi Brown's Living Beauty and Charla Krupp's How Not to Look Old. Click here to enter !!!

Beauty Junkies Unite is having a Baby Boomer Beauty Book Giveaway! 5 readers will win copies of Bobbi Brown's Living Beauty and How Not To Look Old By Charla Krupp!

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog is hosting a giveaway from one of their favorite shopping sites - ChickDowntown.com. Enter now to win a Tolani scarf valued at $85.

Meredith at Daily Dose of Coffee has been getting a lot of compliments on her glowing complexion lately! Read more to find out what she's using. PS: it's recession-beauty friendly!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings is having a fabulous giveaway sponsored by Simplicity Bath and Body! Click here and get all the details to enter!

More Than a Pretty Face is hosting giveaway of the complete collection of Lip Tars from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. This collection of intense colors was introduced at The Makeup Show in LA only last month. OCC sold out of Lip Tar at the event. Enter to win all nine shades from the newly launched Lip Tar collection!

Spoiled Pretty is hosting three amazing giveaways this week. Yes, THREE! Enter the Logics Color DNA System giveaway, Proactiv giveaway, and ZannClip giveaway to triple your chance of walking away a winner. Good luck!

Drew Barrymore's Hitchcock Appeal

Drew Barrymore's look last night at the Grey Gardens premiere is both a Hit and a Miss for me. I love her makeup--very Hitchcock-esque. Her smooth, glowy skin makes the cat-eyed eyeliner really pop. Even her hair is going to for the cool, Ice Queen blonde Hitchcock's heroines were famous for, a la Tippi Hedren in The Birds, but falls short as far as I'm concerned. It seems a little too contrived, as if she's trying too hard. Her hairstylist went completely overboard on the hairspray--that hair wouldn't move in a windstorm.

Maybelline Lash Stiletto

The Product: Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara

The Claim: The only mascara that does for lashes what stilettos do for legs. The Grip & Extend brush grasps each lash and coats from every angle. Elastic formula stretches lashes for provocative length. Pro-Vitamin B-5 formula conditions and smoothes for black-patent shine.

The Results: If your problem is short, stubby lashes, this is the mascara for you. This is absolutely the best lengthening mascara I've ever tried. As you know, I'm extremely hard to please when it comes to mascara, so I was surprised by all the bad reviews I read on this product--most complaints described flaking and a bad odor. I didn't notice either of these things. Nor did I notice the "black-patent" shine touted by the makers. Still, I was really happy with it, I would highly recommend it to anyone searching for 'out to there' lashes. Also, I love that the tube is shaped like a stiletto heel; such a cute idea!

10 Best Celebrity Bob Hairstyles

From the hairstyle we loved on Jennifer Aniston to Paris Hilton's current cut

The last time short hair was in the spotlight was during the pixie age of Halle Berry and Charlize Theron. Remember their boyish coifs? Well, trend-watchers, bobs are making a comeback. Thinking about taking the plunge? Get inspired by the 10 best celeb bobs of (nearly) all time. See hairstyles

Prescriptives Mineral Color

Prescriptives has just introduced their first Mineral Color collection that gives skin a healthy-looking glow with luminosity and all-over radiance. The collection includes products for face, eyes, and lips. My favorite item in the collection is the Lip Gloss in Rose Quartz, a cool pink. The 'secret' to the gloss is R.E.C. complex (Radiance Emitting Crystals--a unique combination of Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Calcite)--I know it sounds like a marketing ploy, but the gloss really is fabulous; it's shimmery without being overpowering. The face and eye sets in this collection are divided by Warm and Cool tones, making it virtually foolproof.

FREE SHIPPING with any Mineral Color purchase using code MINERALS at checkout through 4.18.09 at Prescriptives.com. SHOP NOW >

Waterproof Bronzer

Hourglass cosmetics has come out with a Sephora-exclusive bronzer called the Supernatural Waterproof Bronzer. Am I the only one that's a little skeptical about a powder being waterproof? It's billed as being "an extended-wear, waterproof bronzer that withstands high humidity and extreme moisture. Supernatural is the go-to bronzer for swimming, outdoor activities, and the summer heat." Just the thought of having makeup caked on my face to the point where it will withstand a dip in the pool freaks me out. On the other hand, check out the amazingly cool swivel mirror. I can't even count the times I've unsuccessfully tried to twist my head at odd angles to see my face in a compact mirror so I could apply makeup--with this compact, I'd look like a pro!

You Say You Want A Bronze Evolution...

I'm really liking Clinique's Bronze Evolves look for summer. It's simple and natural--very low-maintenance glam. Sun-warmed tones provide a subtle glow that can go from a touch-of-sun, to full-out Bronzed Goddess. The Almost Bronzer, Liquid Illuminator, and Daily Moisturizer come in two different shades for customized results, and the Long Last Glosswear has added SPF 15 protection.

Note: Through April 17th receive free standard shipping and two deluxe samples with any $30 purchase.

Sephora: 15% Off Everything!!!

How crazy is this? Sephora is taking 15% off EVERYTHING online and in-stores through midnight on 4/21. That's an entire week to stock up your favorite products! Just enter promo code BD2T9CB5 at checkout.

Arcona Booster Defense Serum

The Product: ARCONA Booster Defense Serum

The Claim: Antioxidant cocktail regenerates at a deep cellular level, leaving skin firmer, stronger and protected from damaging environmental stressors. Eliminate environmental impurities that contribute to aging with super-oxide dismutase. Defend against free radical damage and premature aging with resveratrol and grape seed extracts. Retain moisture and protect skin with antioxidant green tea and vitamin E.

The Results: I've never understood people who are loyal to an entire line; I find one or two items I like in a brand and then move on. However, I've never had a complaint with any Arcona product I've tried, so I decided to buy the Booster Defense Serum without even sampling it. To make a long, unpleasant story short, it gave me a rash. Well, not a rash, exactly, more like small bumps all over my face. Now, as I love all the other Arcona products I've tried, and the reviews on this product were phenomenal, I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and conclude that my skin is the problem, not the serum. However, after not using it for a few days to make sure it was truly the serum that was causing these bumps, I tossed it in the trash instead of passing it off to a friend--just to be safe.

20% Off All Stila Products

Glow.com is offering 20% off all Stila products while supplies last. No code necessary--the discount is already applied. Don't get me wrong, I always love a sale, but first the Stila website closes for maintenance, and now their products are going on sale. What's going on!?!?!

Best Bronzed Celebrities

Follow the lead of these A-listers and warm up post-winter skin with expert self-tanner and bronzer tricks

Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham have mastered the natural-looking faux-glow -- proving that self-tanning now is more about looking healthy, than fresh off a tropical vacation. Use these application tips to get your own red carpet-worthy tan -- the safe way. See tips

Leona Lewis in Bleeding Love video

Leona Lewis is always stunningly beautiful, but never more so than in her "Bleeding Love" video. Her makeup artist, Jane Bradley, shares the cosmetics used on set.

Products used:
-Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in #9
-Concealer: Becca Compact Concealer
-Powder: Clinique Blended Face Powder in Transparency 2
-Blush: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Calypso Coral
-Eye Shadow: Ruby & Millie in Green 270P, NARS Single Eye Shadow in Night Porter, M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Bitter, M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Black Tied
-Eye Liner: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black, Givenchy Magic Khôl Eye Liner Pencil in #12
-Brows: Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Mahogany
-Mascara: Max Factor Masterpiece MAX Mascara in Black
-Lips: M.A.C. Lip Pencil in Oak, M.A.C. Tinted Lipglass in Chai
-Highlights / Countour: Daniel Sandler Watercolour in Truth

Urban Decay's Get Baked Eye Kit

Urban Decay Get Baked Eye Kit is a great palette for summer! Three bronze shades and wash of teal shadow is all you need to bring out your inner mermaid. The neutral bronze shades are great for everyday, and the teal is a fun addition for evening. I love the dense pigments of Urban Decay shadows, and the eye pencil has a bronze sheen that makes eyes pop.

Set includes:
-4 Eyeshadows in Twice Baked, Half Baked, Flipside, and Baked
-24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Bourbon
-Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin

Head over to Bare Budget Beauty this week for your chance to win a beautiful train case with $100 worth of brand name products from BeautyTicket.com!!

GIVEAWAY ALERT! The Anti Hair Slave and KeraCare has teamed up to give one lucky reader the entire new collection especially made for weaves and extensions!

Beauty Anonymous brings you YSL Summer 2009 Makeup Collection.

Who is an eyebrow's best friend? Advice Sister Alison of "The Advice Sisters" interviews eyebrow specialist Elke Von Freudenberg and discovers what makes her so special!

The Makeup Divas reviews the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush. While you are there, check out all of her giveaways and enter for some fabulous prizes!

The Easter Beagle of Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog is delivering an Easter Basket full of hare hair products worth over $300! Hop to it and enter now!

Face Candy shows you one of her favorite neon nail shades.

This week, Spoiled Pretty is keeping up with Kim Kardashian. Click here for the exclusive interview, featuring Kim's beauty and style secrets. It's a MUST READ!

Is this the end of an era? Is it possible that Stila is bankrupt? Read what happened while Beauty Junkies Unite was sleeping!

Boutique Flair reviews the Invisibelt. This is a wardrobe must-have created by a veteran Beauty Director for leading women’s magazines!

The Jet Set Girls are giving away a Smythson Jewelry Roll worth (no kidding!!) $465!

What's Blue, Sticky, and Doesn't Work?

The Product: Kiehl's Drawing Paste

The Claim: A gentle yet effective drawing aid for the control of surface oiliness and for the maintenance of skin integrity. Recommended for problem areas. Controls surface oil without over-drying. Chamomile extract gives natural blue/green color. Made with Calendula, Kaolin and Zinc Oxide.

The Results: Um...I don't even know where to start with this product. I guess my biggest complaint would be that it never dries. Ever. The first night I didn't realize it, and woke up with my pillow and sheets blue. I love Kiehl's products, so I decided to keep trying it. After that first night I would use it as a spot treatment mask and then wipe it off before going to bed, but it didn't make any difference. Basically, it smells bad, it's bright blue, and it doesn't work. End of story.

What a Gem!

The Product: DHC Tourmaline Pack Mask

The Claim: DHC Tourmaline Pack uses the naturally energizing potency of tourmalines. Micro-fine particles of this precious gem delve deep down into pores to absorb imbedded dirt and impurities. The result is improved clarity and renewal. Help find relief from the skin-damaged look of UV rays, dryness, stress, and environmental pollution. Get ready to amp up your complexion with this vibrancy-evoking mask. After cleansing, smooth a thin layer over entire face, avoiding eye and mouth areas. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

The Results: This is my favorite mask from one of my favorite skincare lines. I've been using this product for years, and it is a necessity for dull skin. Perfect for use before a big night out, and it's a miracle cure for hangover-complexion!!! It's good for all skin types, so you can use it all year long. Also, you get four free samples with every order and free shipping on $100 orders.

Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper

Receive a free full sized blood orange+white pepper body butter ($35.00 value) with your order of $75 or more at BlissWorld.com! Offer ends 4.30.09.

As I've mentioned before, this scent is amazing!!!