October 2008 Archives

Beauty Snob Tina recently wrote about the Holiday Prescriptives line in stores Nov. 1st  and it's def worth checking-out. I was able to try-out some of the Holiday products and I love their new glosses -- non-sticky and long-lasting as usual, with just a touch of shine -- I especially love the Rose shade. Looking forward however, I previewed their Spring 2009 collection today and it was faaab. It's all about customization and giving the customer what is right for their individual needs. My favorite thing that they're offering is Custom Blend Lip Gloss and what it is, is a gloss created especially to your specifications using a vast array of base shades, color extenders, pearls, and finishes...flavors too: Tropical, Latte, Melon, Bellini, Berry, Meringue, Cocoa, Icy Mint and Vanilla. There's literally everything from a barely there pink (that's me!), to a deep mocha with a high gloss finish --the possibilities are endless! A package redesign is coming in March 2009, but you can get your own now for $26 at select beauty counters or online here. 

FABSUGAR: Which Vogue Front Row Shoe Is Most Fab?

55 Secret Street discovers her SoleMates - discreet high heel protection for everything from cobblestone walks to the mean sidewalks on New York City.

A Few Goody GumDrops has just ordered the ultimate Digital Goody from Vivienne Tam!

Stiletto Jungle names the best jeans for pear-shaped women.

Allie is Wired has the first pictures of Gwen Stefani's new baby, Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale.

Bag Snob exclusive: Pierre Hardy bags!

KRISTOPHER is wanting, wearing, hating Jimmy Choo clutches.

Vintage Marc Jacobs (1991) auctioned off, Papierblog is in lust.

In this economy pretty much anything is negotiable. Second City Style offers tips how to bargain for a better deal.

StyleBakery went on a recession-proof shopping spree and found must-haves to wear now and forever

The Shoe Goddess ponders the practicality of 6-inch heels. How high will you go?

There has been this whole scare of antiperspirant / deodorants that cause breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease because of the aluminum content. Well, I think we can all agree that we would rather smell than risk those dangers. And as it is, my memory sucks. There are conflicting studies but the one thing that got me to switch is the fact that the effectiveness is caused by little pieces of aluminum lodged into your pores to stop the sweat from coming out. I kind of gave more credence to medical technology in thinking that there was some special ingredient in antiperspirants that stopped your body from making sweat. But that is not the case, you still sweat - it is just being clogged inside of you and that does not sound like a good thing. I was disturbed enough to give non-aluminum alternatives a try, Tom's of Maine Natural Deodorant, being that it is my favorite brand for organic, natural products. OK, I know I talked a lot about sweat so I need to clarify immediately by pointing out loud and clear that this is a deodorant, not antiperspirant, so you will still sweat, it just keeps you from smelling. See, for me, my problem is mainly odor. I kind of sweat but that isn't what's keeping me from flailing my arms at will. It has been 3 weeks and I have to say, this is working for me. I like the Unscented, although it still has a slight lemongrass scent to it, and I have tried the Lavender, which I like but I prefer unscented just so it doesn't compete with my perfume. My husband tried it and he was like a leaky faucet so he had to stop. If you are a sweater, don't even bother. But if you're like me and just need odor control, why not go with a natural product? Tom's of Maine Natural Long-Lasting Deodorant Stick, Lavender and Tom's of Maine Natural Long-Lasting Deodorant Stick, Unscented are $5.49 each at Drugstore.com.

Just because it's winter it doesn't mean you should neglect your skin. I scrub, exfoliate, and moisturize all year round-- 24/7. And yes, my hubby is the only who notices but he is the only who matters! I have a plethora of body scrubs in my shower, I use different scents according to my mood and sensitivity of my skin (during the time of the month when I'm bloated I use a green tea scrub).

My latest body scrub obsession is Fresh Sugar Bath Brown Sugar Body Polish. Not only does it smell and feel good while applying it, it leaves my skin so soft and buttery with a hint of glow from the natural oils. $68 at Sephora. I met the founder of Fresh, Lev Glazman, at an event recently and found his unnaturally pale and perfect skin kind of scary. He was very nice though and told me that he and his wife were inspired to create a line of fresh and simple products that combine ancient rituals and modern technology. Their goal was to have products that both perform and pamper. I'd say mission accomplished! Jump to see the photo!

I've been noticing that Lavender products are getting prominent displays these days and I can only attribute this to the anxiety surrounding the economy and the presidential elections since people often use Lavender as a sleep-aid and for relaxation purposes. So, in light of this, I thought I'd highlight some that I've been using in response to mild stress..mostly they're products that let you take a deep breath and enjoy a comfortable moment to yourself which is all we need sometimes!! Clarins' Santal ($46), is fab for those comfortable with using a face treatment oil -- I'm all for mixing luxury with drugstore, but when it comes to splashing oil on your face stick with a trustworthy brand like Clarins or risk unfortunate breakouts (and that will reeeally get you stressed!). Santal is formulated with lavender oil so it helps sooth and calm while moisturizing your face. More after the Jump!

Do you get smudges all over your face when you apply smoky eye make up?  I don't really have this problem but apparently other women do.  There is now a shield you can buy to prevent make up smudges (it's all about continuing the shopping process isn't it?  When times are tough, women buy more beauty products.  It's a strange phenomenon actually, we're willing to starve but be damned if we get ugly!).  Anyway, this is a disposable stick on shield you put under your eyes to catch all that debris from your dark eyeliner, shadow or mascara.  I guess it would be good for make up artists but seems a bit useless for the average girl.   $16.95 for a pack of 50 (25 applications) at Shadowshields.com

I attended an event hosted by Kerastase to unveil their New Specifique collection that will be available beginning November 10th and I have to say it was refreshing to see that all the Kerastase representatives had great hair! It seems like it would be obvious, but I can't even name the number of events I've been to where people talk about how great a hair product or a skin product is and you look at them and can't possibly believe it. That said, the way Kerastase was discussed kind of made me think of my doctor when she gives me a prescription! Each product has a specific purpose meant to target a particular problem. Personally I didn't need to be convinced I've written about their products before and they're one of the few lines where I can find products that tackle my oily scalp while maintaining my color and moisturizing  my ends. That said Beauty Snob Tina didn't have the best experience with one product she used to tackle her damaged her, so I'm curious to hear what people think! The new Specifique line is specifically targeted to those with scalp concerns -- dandruff, oily scalp, or thinning hair. We were all given samples and I just started using the Bain Densitive GL for thinning hair ($39) and while I haven't used it long enough to see if my hair does in fact look fuller, I can say that like with the Chroma Riche line your hair is just soo much more manageable the next day. Jump for the full rundown of their new line and for what you can get now!                                                         

Bag Snob- is not impressed with the Sistine Satchel from Zac Posen.

Couture Snob dreams of a Fantasy Hotel: Maison Moschino

Tot Snob has a Rocker Bench that every toddler needs!

Purse Blog has the ideal football college bag!

Thoughtful Dresser- the woman who taught McQueen.

Bella Sugar- Halle Berry is a curly girly.

I'm about to give you the best tip you will ever receive in achieving youthful and glistening skin. The kind of skin that even a four year old notices-- my son pronounced me young today; he said I was not old and yucky because my skin is so pretty (oh yes, he got a very big cookie after dinner!). Laura Mercier's Illuminating Moisturizer is best mixed with her tinted moisturizer or your own foundation of choice. I apply it with a foundation brush and lightly pat it in and it gives my skin the most unbelievable glow! This is not to say that you should throw out your skin creams, this is just the icing on the cake. A quick fix, if you will. If your skin is sallow from lack of sleep or stress, pat this all over and you'll gain 10 years. Instantly. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - Illuminating Natural Radiance $42 in three shades at Sephora.com

Maybe it's because I'm pre-disposed to not liking Versace (with the exception of the occasional shoe/gown and their nail polishes that are accented with the smallest Medusa head possible, I've never been a big fan of their flashiness/glitz), but I just can't even imagine wanting Gianni Versace Couture, an eau de parfum that comes in a hand-stitched white leather train case and is priced at $2,100 if someone offered it to me for free!! It just seems so over the top and tacky, not to mention how much space it takes for a 3.4oz bottle! That said, Versace says that you can take out the fragrance and use it as a jewelry box -- seems a little small for that to me...The bottle also seems very manly to me (something about the heaviness and all that leather). If you feel so inclined to purchase the fragrance however, be warned there are only 100 limited edition bottles and they'll be available in the U.S. come November exclusively at Versace boutiques. As for the smell, according to WWD it has a floriental-woody scent - "citrus accents of bergamot and mandarin blend with energetic notes of red berries and tangerines to form the top notes. The heart of the formula dissolves into a floral bouquet. Sambac jasmine mingles with velvety heliotrope and almond blossom tones. The essence of Tonka bean combines with the woody notes of patchouli heart and sandalwood." I like jasmine and sandalwood, but that's not enough to convince me. Snob or Slob?