This year’s survey found that women love the luscious locks of Eva Longoria, but they may be more attentive in watching the red carpet for the catastrophic crooner, Amy Winehouse. In the men’s category, the world’s most famous bachelor, George Clooney, rose to the top of the pack, while for the second year in a row Kid Rock was rated as the worst. Mother/daughter duo, Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise, both made the list for best hairstyle in 2008, showing that style does indeed, run in the family.

The Top 3 in Each Category

Female Celebrity with the Best Hairstyle in 2008

1. Eva Longoria
2. Katie Holmes
3. Victoria Beckham

Male Celebrity with the Best Hairstyle in 2008

1. George Clooney
2. Patrick Dempsey
3. Jake Gyllenhall

Female Celebrity with the Worst Hairstyle in 2008

1. Amy Winehouse
2. Pink
3. Mary Kate Olsen

Male Celebrity with the Worst Hairstyle in 2008

1. Kid Rock
2. Clay Aiken
3. Billy Ray Cyrus

Celebrity Child with the Best Hairstyle in 2008

1. Suri Cruise
2. Violet Affleck
3. Shiloh Jolie-Pitt

While voting on celebrity best and worst hairstyles, this year’s survey participants were also asked about their own styling habits:

* 33 percent of American women would be willing to give up highlights/lowlights to save money.
* 56 percent of women say they would never give up professional trims, even in a sinking economy.
* The worst blunder the majority of Americans have made when it comes to their hairstyle is cutting it too short, followed closely by damaging hair with heat and chemicals.
* 29 percent of women use a curling iron more than any other hair appliance, with flat irons coming in a close second with 28 percent reporting that it is their tool of choice.
* 67 percent of women have experimented with anywhere from 1 to 3 different hair colors during their lifetime.

The Sally Beauty Supply Best Tressed(R) Survey polled results from 1,000 women and was conducted by MarketTools, Inc. The survey ran from December 29, 2008 to December 30, 2008.

About Sally Beauty Supply

Sally Beauty Supply LLC is the world’s largest retailer of professional beauty supplies offering more than 6,000 salon quality products for hair, skin and nails. The company serves its retail customers and salon professionals at over 2,800 stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Mexico, Ireland, Belgium, France, Spain and Japan. For further information, visit sallybeauty.com or call 1-800-ASK-SALLY for the store nearest you.

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Dude, am I the only person who thinks the Burt’s Bees line kicks arse? I love their lotions, hand soaps and lipglosses, and I’ve had my eye on some of their fancy Travel Kits for a while.

I. LOVE. SAMPLE SIZES, and these travel kits are chock full of ‘em. Those mini-bottles and jars make it easy to discover new products from a line without having to commit.

Case in point: the Radiance Collection Kit ($15), which I sampled last week.

It comes with seven mini-items from the Radiance Collection, a body care line featuring products containing royal jelly (a nutritious substance eaten by queen bees in the hive) to restore glow to dull skin: Radiance Exfoliating Body Bar, Exfoliating Body Wash, Body Lotion, Day Creme, Night Creme, Eye Creme and Lip Shimmer.

I liked everything in the kit, but my favorite product turned out to be the one I least expected to like — the Exfoliating Body Bar.

Scented with rose and freesia, she foams up like crazy and leaves my skin feeling clean without that annoying tightness some cleansers can cause.

I figured out that it also works fab as a shave cream, too (I have hairy Yeti legs…).

I was able to try a product I may otherwise not have tried and now may even spring for the full-sized $4 bar.

Burt’s Bees Radiance Collection Kit

Price: $15
Use: Seven sample-sized body and bath products from the Burt’s Bees Radiance Collectionn
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

Whatever happened to Lil’ Ceaz?

I’m almost too ashamed to admit that I still know the lyrics to Crush on You, by Lil’ Kim and Lil’ Ceaz (”I know you see me on the video, TRUE!”).

Raise your hand if you remember being in a club when this song played. It always made everyone go NUTS! Ahhh… memories.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | No comment |

The unique anti-aging product makes its debut at the Green Mansion VIP Spa Lounge party, along with sponsors Waterford Crystal, Virgin Companies, and SPA-Addicts. The elixir will be included in celebrity swag gift bags to support a variety of green and globally-friendly charities, including Green Global USA, Action Against Hunger, Virgin Unite, the Black-Eyed Peas Foundation, the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Infused with the South African plant Rooibos, known as red tea, Shanti Super Anti-Stress Elixir is specially formulated for environmentally stressed skin. Red tea extract is more powerful than vitamin C and provides 50 times more potent anti-oxidants than green tea. ChanChi’s Shanti Super Anti-Stress Elixir contains the purest form of red tea obtainable–along with other potent anti-oxidants such as alpha-hydroxy acid and zinc. This patented formula promotes healthy, supple, and smooth skin by destroying harmful free radicals that adversely affect the skin and cause premature aging.

Masterminded by Los Angeles yogini and lifestyle guru Clara Chan, the ChanChi product line is specifically designed to cultivate the same benefits yoga has for the body–but for your face and skin–reducing stress while increasing balance, suppleness, and tone.

Contributing to this event is fundamental to ChanChi’s mission statement, which includes donating a portion of all proceeds to philanthropic organizations that enhance the body, mind, and spirit connection. Says Chan, “Action Against Hunger provides clean water and nourishment for the BODY, Virgin Unite empowers youths to use their MINDS and creative talents to give back to the community, and the Black Eyed Peas Foundation speaks to the SPIRIT–by delivering the universal language of music to nations around the world and to promote peace. I couldn’t think of a better atmosphere in which to launch a potent healing elixir.”

The Sundance Film Festival is the premier showcase for U.S. and international independent film, held each January in and around Park City, Utah. Presenting approximately 120 dramatic and documentary feature-length films in seven distinct categories and between 60 and 80 short films each year, the Sundance Film Festival has introduced American audiences to some of the most ground-breaking films of the past two decades, including sex lies and videotape, Maria Full of Grace, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, An Inconvenient Truth, Trouble the Water and Central Station. The festival–and its much-coveted parties and events–are in high demand among celebrities and fashionistas alike.

For further information about Shanti Super Anti-Stress Elixir, visit ChanChi’s website at www.LiveChanChi.com. To schedule an interview, contact Clara Chan at info [@] LiveChanChi.com or (310) 663-5481.

“My ChanChi face and body products are specifically designed to cultivate the same benefits yoga has for your body–but for your face and skin–reducing stress while increasing balance, suppleness, and tone,” says creator Clara Chan.

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Drugstores aren’t always home to great makeup brushes, which is why Sonia Kashuk took so many of us by surprise.

But Sonia’s not the only one making superb yet affordable makeup brushes. Say a warm hello to Eco Tools and their fantabulous 5-Piece Brush Set ($10)!

They’re the softest drugstore brush heads I’ve ever used, even softer than Sonia Kashuk’s. That, coupled with the great price, makes this kit (which includes four travel brushes and a carrying case) a total steal.

From left to right: Eye Shading, Concealer, Powder/Blush and Baby Kabuki brushes

Made from the synthetic fiber, Taklon, Eco Tools brush heads feel both silky AND soft, LOL! — like my favorite fussy tabby’s fur (meow!).

The kit goes on sale next month and comes with the following:

• Baby kabuki brush: While not as dense as my MAC 182 Buffer Brush, this lil’ baby applies powder with aplomb. The small brush head really gets into the nooks and crannies around my nose.
• Powder/blush brush: You can use this brush to apply mineral foundation or face powder. I like to use it as a blush brush (both powder and cream), because the head fits precisely onto the apples of my cheeks.
• Concealer brush: I like the precision of very thin concealer brush heads. This head’s a little too big for my taste, but it still works like a charm, applying Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadows like a pro.
• Eye Shading Brush: A tapered brush great for simple washes of color over the entire lid, for crease work and for blending.
• Cosmetic Bag: Cute and tiny, this cotton and hemp bag carries all four of the kit’s brushes with room to spare.

Eco Tools wants to go green. Their brush heads aren’t made from animal furs, and their brush handles which fit nicely in the palm on my hand (I wish they were longer, though, sigh), are made from sustainable bamboo and recycled aluminum.
(...)
Read the rest of Watch out Sonia Kashuk! Here Comes Eco Tools (89 words)

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | No comment |

Developed by Michele Brown MD, a board-certified obstetrician, Beaute de Maman’s Facial Scrub and Face & Body Cream are safe and effective treatments for both mother and fetus. Both products, which have been touted by Pregnancy magazine for halting pregnancy acne, address the physiological and hormonal changes that a woman encounters during pregnancy. The ingredients in these products, as well as all of the products in the Beaute de Maman line, have been have been carefully researched for safety on reproduction toxicity sites available to physicians.

“I am extremely pleased that Beaute de Maman’s Facial Scrub and Face & Body Cream have been selected by Pregnancy magazine,” said Dr. Brown. “These products, as well as all of the products in the Beaute de Maman line, have been created especially for the pregnant woman who is looking for safe and natural skin care alternatives — which is critical during pregnancy. Providing women with the opportunity to naturally correct pregnancy related issues affecting their skin is the motivation behind all of our products.”

Facial Scrub

The creamy Beaute de Maman Facial Scrub has been specially formulated for all skin types and is highly effective in removing dirt and surface oil from makeup and dead skin cells that can often clog pores. Prepared in a moisturizing base in order to avoid excessive drying, the facial scrub contains exfoliating beads, leaving skin clean, soft and refreshed. The Facial Scrub is an ideal treatment for acne which is often experienced in early pregnancy.

Face & Body Cream

The Beaute de Maman Face & Body Cream has been developed to help treat acne which can be an all too common occurrence during pregnancy. Thanks to a special formulation of antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, the Face & Body cream contains a soothing and rejuvenating blend of natural botanical extracts including tea tree oil, avocado ester, lavender oil and peppermint oil.

Stretch Mark Cream

The super hydrating Beaute de Maman Stretch Mark Cream aids in the prevention of pregnancy stretch marks. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and bio-saccharide gum, along with gardenia tahitensis, coconut oil and pea extract, all natural botanical and herbal ingredients, helps to moisturize and preserve the skin’s elasticity and suppleness.

Nipple Gel

The Beaute de Maman Nipple Gel was specifically created to aid in the healing of sore, cracked, dry nipples experienced by the nursing women. A soothing blend of natural and herbal ingredients, including Calendula officinalis, promotes in the healing of inflamed areas on the nipple. Unlike other dark brown sticky gels currently on the market, this product contains NO LANOLIN. Instead, it has an omega 3 fatty acid base which is colorless and odorless.

About Beaute de Maman

Beaute de Maman, a unique product line that uses only natural and herbal ingredients to ensure the safety of both mother-to-be and fetus, was developed by Michele Brown MD, a board-certified, Yale-trained obstetrician with more than 25 years of experience. Consistently in-tune to the health and well-being of her patients, Dr. Brown has seen first-hand the physiological and hormonal changes experienced by women during pregnancy. Motivated by a strong desire to help treat these women in a safe and natural way is what led to the creation of Beaute de Maman.

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“The American Academy of Dermatology is one of the most respected medical organizations in the country. Being honored by these professionals whose passion has led them to a career focused on treating patients for diseases associated with skin, hair and nails is a great testament to Skin & Aging’s editors and contributors who work so hard to deliver relevant and timely editorial every month,” says Group Publisher Steve Gephart.

American Academy of Dermatology Gold Triangle Award Winners are judged by a committee of Academy members and chosen based on specific criteria which include:

* Raising awareness of dermatologic issues among targeted audience
* Creativity/originality
* Medical accuracy/quality of dermatologic information
* Enhancing awareness of the dermatologist as the expert in the medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions
* Helping to change public perceptions of, or attitudes toward, health behaviors as they relate to dermatologic issues

Skin & Aging’s 2008 Gold Triangle Award Honorees are:

Indoor Tanning: Confronting the Hype – An in-depth look at health risks associated with indoor tanning against the backdrop of an aggressive multi-message advertising campaign by the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) that disputes the link between tanning and melanoma. http://www.skinandaging.com/article/8718

New Sunscreen Labeling: Breakthrough or Burden? - This article focuses on the long-needed progress in UVA testing and labeling in the United States and addresses the FDA’s “Proposed Amendment of the Final Sunscreen Monograph.” The amendment establishes a global benchmark for UVA protection as determined by the FDA — and provides a challenge to formulators. http://www.skinandaging.com/article/8399

Pediatric Patient Care: An Update of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus – CA-MRSA infections are recognized by investigators all over the world as a problem of epidemic proportions. The first cases of children diagnosed with CA-MRSA were reported in 1998. Since then, the pathogen has been reported throughout the world, affecting both rural and urban areas. This update provides the medical community with crucial information surrounding the public health concern in both hospital and community settings that is present and what investigators have found in treating the smallest victims. http://www.skinandaging.com/article/7973

Visions of Beauty - Media claims of miraculous, overnight restorations of youth imbue patients with an unrealistic expectation that huge changes in appearance are easily attainable and desirable. What is the role for the clinician in providing a realistic outlook that is typically much more subtle than actual results? http://www.skinandaging.com/article/7848

Skin & Aging is published monthly and provides practical and clinical insight into today’s general dermatology issues. This award-winning publication is read by 13,250 dermatologists, PAs, residents and nurses in the field of dermatology and offers reader-friendly, timely and informative articles that highlight clinical and practice management advice that easily can be translated into current practice settings. In addition, the publication is distributed at targeted events including but not limited to the Winter AAD, the Summer AAD, the Maui Derm, and the Fall and Clinical Dermatology Conferences. For more information, log onto http://www.Skinandaging.com.

HMP Communications LLC (HMP) is a wholly owned subsidiary of HMP Communications Holdings LLC, which also owns the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education (NACCME). NACCME provides a wide array of accredited CME offerings with industry thought leaders participating in roundtable meetings, webcasts, symposia, conferences, seminars, podcasts and satellite programs. Discover more about HMP’s products and services at www.hmpcommunications.com.

Skin & Aging is part of HMP Communications’ portfolio of healthcare-related media. HMP Communications, LLC has spent the past two decades focusing on advances in the clinical care and treatment in some of the world’s most debilitating diseases and medical conditions. Today, healthcare professionals consider HMP Communications, LLC medical journals, websites, meetings and symposia as authoritative sources for comprehensive information in the fields of wound care, dermatology, podiatry, cardiovascular care, electrophysiology, long term care, managed care, diabetes, arthritis, and specialized primary care. HMP Communications, LLC journals are both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed to best disseminate critical content in the most effective manner for readers. In addition to online and print media, the company produces and manages tradeshows, conferences, symposia, digital programs and customized programs.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology was founded in 1938, and is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

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For New Year’s I resolved to get back into shape, so yesterday I headed to the gym at the booty crack of dawn.

I figured a workout sesh would help me accomplish two valuable things: 1) I could burn off the obscene amount of mint chocolate chip ice cream I ate the night before, and 2) I could road test <a href="
http://www.lorealparisusa.com/lips/Bare-Naturale-Gentle-Lip-ConditionerSoft-Sugar.htm
">L’oreal Bare Naturale Gentle Lip Conditioner ($9).

L’oreal claims that Gentle Lip Conditioner is “96% of natural origin.” Like you, I’m not entirely sure what that’s supposed to mean (what’s the remaining 4%?), but the product does contain sweet almond oil and vitamin E, and I do know what both of those are, LOL!

It comes in 10 sheer (read: subtle) shades, taste- and fragrance-free, each designed to soften and moisturize lips. I tried Sheer Peach, a nearly transparent, shimmery peach.

I was running late for spinning class, so I slathered on Sheer Peach while going from my car to the gym in the parking lot.

Right away the texture reminded me of Philosophy Kiss Me Lip Balm. It’s a little thinner than MAC lipglass and non-sticky, as well.

At the gym I huffed, puffed and sweated like Whitney Houston circa the Bobby Brown years, and I could feel Gentle Lip Conditioner workin’ its magic on my lips the entire time.

I can usually tell the good from the bad lip conditioners by how my lips feel a few hours after putting one on. In Bare Naturale’s case, my lips felt great — soft and flake-free.

L’oreal Bare Naturale Gentle Lip Conditioner

Price: $9
Use: To soften and moisturize dry, flaky lips (gym approved!)
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

I’m keeping a tube in my gym bag, fo’ sho!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | No comment |

The Ski Kit includes the Epionce Active Shield Lotion SPF 30+ and the Epionce Extreme Barrier Cream. It will be available on www.2009WorldGames.org, www.epionce.com, and at select Epionce retailers around the United States, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the World Winter Games. In addition, Episciences, Inc. will donate one full-size tube of sunscreen to each Special Olympics athlete participating in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho.

“We are grateful for Episciences’ partnership, but most of all for their commitment to our athletes,” said Chip Fisher, CEO and Chairman of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.  “A significant amount of these athletes have either never received medical care, or have received very little.  Episciences’ donation of sunscreen to the athletes participating in the World Winter Games will be another step in the right direction in promoting healthy lifestyles among our athletes.”

“Episciences is honored to be involved with such an outstanding organization,” said Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, founder and CEO of Episciences, Inc. “We are excited to support these inspirational athletes by providing them important skin care, and launching our Epionce Ski Kit.”

About Episciences, Inc:
Episciences, Inc, is based in Boise, Idaho. Episciences, Inc, integrates twenty-plus years of research into the development of a highly effective cosmeceutical, non-prescription, dermatological product line. This breakthrough product has been proven effective by 14 independent clinical studies to reverse and prevent the effects of visible skin aging and certain common skin diseases. For more information, visit the website at www.epionce.com.

About the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games:
The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in Idaho, USA, 7-13 February 2009 and up to 3,000 athletes from more than 100 countries are expected to compete.  Surpassing the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games in athlete numbers and participating nations, the World Winter Games will be the largest multi-day winter sporting event ever held in Idaho.  Competition will take place in seven winter sports – Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing and Speed Skating. Competition and other activities will take place in communities and venues throughout Idaho including but not limited to Boise, Sun Valley and McCall.  For more information, visit www.2009WorldGames.org.

Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games include:  Hewlett Packard, Lithia, Microsoft, Wal-mart and Sam’s Club, Micron, Sprint, Boise Inc., Food Services of America, Canon, Fusion Imaging, Citrix, Avaya, Extreme Networks, Juniper Networks & S1 IT Solutions.

Venue partners include Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, Qwest Arena, Expo
Idaho, Sun Valley Resort, Ponderosa State Park, Centre on the Grove and Boise
State University.

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The first new product, called Trilane Anti-Aging Moisturizer with Squalane, is currently in development. It will contain 100 percent natural, eco-friendly squalane sourced from olives, which has the same hydrating properties as shark-derived squalane, but without the worry of the overfishing associated with shark squalane. In addition, the new formula will contain natural jojoba esters, a botanically-derived emollient that helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin firmness.

“Squalene is a powerful, natural antioxidant found in all human tissues, with the greatest concentration in the skin,” explains Dr. Lark. “I first learned of this wonderful moisturizing oil more than a decade ago from one of my colleagues in the natural health field came to visit me. Squalane has been one of my absolute favorite skin care product ever since. And the new formula promises to be the ideal choice for women of all ages.”

According to Linda Werner, Vice President and General Manager of Women’s Health at Healthy Directions, “We are thrilled to have found an olive-based source of squalane for our Trilane line. This allows us to provide our customers with the amazing benefits of Dr. Lark’s top-selling squalane, while adding the moisturizing and toning properties of jojoba esters. Together, these two ingredients will help minimize the signs of aging from a lifetime of exposure to sun, wind, smoke, pollution, and harsh chemicals.”

Olive-derived squalane is a result of the olive oil industry. After pressing the olives to obtain olive oil, the leftover material is then used to extract squalene, which is then converted into squalane. Jojoba esters are made from jojoba seed oil, which is actually a liquid wax made up of long chain wax esters. They are very stable and highly resist oxidation, making them very useful in cosmetic formulations.

About Susan M. Lark, MD

Dr. Lark has devoted her career to raising awareness of women’s health issues, such as PMS, obesity, hormone replacement therapy, and osteoporosis. She pioneered the use of women’s self-care treatments based on diet, nutrition, exercise, and stress management, and has penned 12 books on women’s health and healing. Her most recent title is Hormone Revolution.

Her monthly newsletter, Women’s Wellness Today, and her Web site, www.drlark.com, are dedicated to educating and empowering women to make the best choices for optimum health and beauty. Online visitors may sign up for Dr. Lark’s free biweekly e-newsletter, which presents breaking health and beauty news, along with lifestyle tips, easy recipes, and simple exercises for health and beauty.

About Healthy Directions, LLC:
Healthy Directions, LLC, is the recognized leader in providing authoritative health and wellness solutions to consumers. Healthy Directions’ subsidiary, Doctors’ Preferred, LLC, is a leading vitamin and nutritional supplement business that develops and sells proprietary, branded nutritional supplements based upon the research of the Healthy Directions health experts, marketed primarily through direct mail. For more information on Healthy Directions, please visit www.healthydirections.com.

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1. Mood:

A mish-mash this morning: feisty (ready to kick booty, haaaaay!), ravenous (mmm Eggo Waffles) and cheerful

2. Eyeshadow:

Chanel Mystic Eyes quad from the 2009 Spring Bohemian Fantasy Collection

3. One random thing you don’t know about me:

I don’t like calamari.

4. Fragrance:

Vera Wang Princess

5. Outfit:

Skinny jeans, black turtleneck, black knee-high boots, black striped hat and gold hoops

6. MAC essentials:

Concrete eyeshadow, <a href="http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/product-review-–-mac-266-small-angle-brush/
">266 brush, <a href="http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/mac-blushes-a-few-favorite-pinks-dollymix-blushbaby-and-pearl-blossom-beauty-powder/
">Blushbaby blush, Select Moisturecover Concealer

7. I would really love to ____:

Get back in shape, to write full time, to care less about what other people think and to take a trip to Italy

8. Makeup lust:

MAC Redhead!

9. Nails:

Chanel Vendetta

10. Weekly goals:

To go to spinning class at least twice, to write a tutorial for the blog, and to start looking for some new freelance writing projects.

Let me know how you’re doing today. Just copy the empty list, and paste it with your answers in the comments.

Le list

Mood:
Eyeshadow:
One random thing you don’t know about me:
Fragrance:
Outfit:
MAC essentials:
I would really love to ____:
Makeup lust:
Nails:
Weekly goals:

Not even Monday can stand in our way!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | 19 comments |

Heya, ladies. How was your weekend? I can hardly believe it, but the holidays are officially over. Seems like Christmas came and went before I knew what happened.

For Tabs, it was a rough New Year’s. He came down with a kitty cold a few days ago and has been sneezing and coughing up a storm. He’s on antibiotics and sleeping even more than usual, which for a cat means he’s up maybe 15 minutes a day.

The photo of San Francisco’s steep Lombard Street at the top of this post uses a Photoshop technique I’ve been wanting to try. It’s called tilt-shift and supposedly gives the illusion of a miniature model (click to see a larger version). That’s Tabs there in the corner. He says hi.

Hope your week gets off to a good start!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | 7 comments |

In Glendale near Phoenix, plastic surgeon, Dr. Regenass comments, “We have to use the power of our food ingredients to slow down the aging process. Antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients all play a significant role in our health which also reflects in the severity of our fine lines and wrinkles and our skin elasticity.”

Proper nutrition is always the first advice from health advocates and physicians in keeping the body strong and healthy. It is in recent years that antioxidants have been recognized for their intimate involvement in the prevention of cellular damage. Cellular damage is a major contributor to cancer, diseases, and aging. Antioxidants can slow the cellular damage - slow the aging process.

It is these power foods or superfoods that have been singled out for their high nutrient properties and for the roles they play in reducing the symptoms of premature aging. Dr. Regenass has combined her in-depth knowledge of nutrition and anti-aging to develop a cookbook loaded with recipes designed around good foods and good flavor.

Dr. Regenass again, “Healthy eating, anti-aging eating, does not taste bad. With beautiful, fresh ingredients, and incredible spices and flavors, these recipes are easy to make, bursting with flavor and the added benefit is slowing the process of aging from the inside out.”

Dr. Heidi provides some of her favorite easy recipes full of anti-aging superfoods. These recipes are designed to spark your imagination and give you the desire to make anti-aging foods part of your daily diet, thereby contributing to a healthier, happier and more gorgeous you.

Dr. Regenass is a plastic surgeon, but she believes that plastic surgery should never be the first answer to beauty. “Beauty, health, and vitality are all reflective of our lifestyles. One who eats nutritious foods and exercises will have a much better cosmetic surgery result than one who does not exercise or eat properly on a regular basis.”

“Cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX Cosmetic, injectable fillers, and laser skin resurfacing are tools to help us fight aging and appear youthful, but they should be complimented with other choices - exercise and the foods we eat, ” says Dr. Regenass.

Some cosmetic surgery options to help fight the aging battle are incredibly beneficial for their subtle changes but highly effective results such as brow lift. Phoenix patients enjoy the natural refreshed look after a brow lift procedure with Dr. Regenass. “My goal is always beautiful, refreshed, natural-looking results.”

Eyelid surgery, Phoenix surgeon, Dr. Regenass, suggests to open the eye area for a less angry or less tired appearance. “It’s amazing what an eyelift can do for one’s appearance. It opens the eye and makes a more alert and youthful face.”

For more information on anti-aging foods or anti-aging cosmetic treatments, please visit Dr. Regenass online at www.drheidi.com.

About Dr. Heidi:

Born in Zimbabwe, Heidi Regenass, M.D. brings an international flair to cosmetic plastic surgery. As a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Regenass specializes in plastic surgery procedures that rejuvenate the face and body, enhancing one’s natural beauty. Dr. Regenass performs a variety of plastic surgery procedures for both men and women to help them achieve their desired cosmetic result.

Dr. Regenass received her medical degree from the University of Utah. The prestigious Mayo Clinic is where Dr. Regenass performed her General Surgery residency. Following this she further specialized in her chosen field of Plastic Surgery and completed a Plastic Surgery residency at the University of Utah.

Prior to her medical training, Dr. Regenass earned a Master of Science degree in Health Education and worked as a health and wellness specialist in the United States and Southern Africa. For more than 20 years she has been dedicated to a holistic approach to medicine to help her patients achieve their health and beauty goals.

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While in graduate school, Cheri Oatsdean found that her post-adolescent skin was actually worse than it had been as a teenager. Also, her skin wasn’t improving with any of the major cosmetic lines that she tried in desperation. In fact, with her sensitive skin, she was actually burning her skin in an attempt to alleviate her embarrassing facial outbreaks.

Frustrated with most of the available products, she tried to find a gentle, more natural skin cleanser. Finally, she discovered and developed a pine resin, essential oil-based skin care product that worked wonders on her own skin.

“I saw a startling and unexpected benefit. It began reversing the aging process,” said Oatsdean. “I’m nearly 60, and I’m often mistaken for someone in her 30s.”

Beginning the arduous task of marketing and manufacturing her soap for mass distribution, Oatsdean’s products were tested and approved by a biologist. She continued developing her soap into her current line, culminating with the 2008 launch of www.FlawlesslyYours.com and her new blog site, SkinAndHairSolutionsBlog.com. The blog launched in December 2008.

Even pet owners and groomers have benefited from this gentle soap.

“These products are so gentle. Nothing has ever made my skin feel and look so clean and smooth,” Oatsdean said. “Thankfully, I discovered these formulas in my early forties before my skin had visibly aged. Now I am told I look like I have discovered the fountain of youth–a daily, gentle, and natural Botox in a bottle.”

Oatsdean recognizes that her products may not be for everyone. For that reason, she has a very thorough guide for allergy testing on the FAQ section of her website. For additional information, customers can visit her informational blog, www.SkinAndHairSolutionsBlog.com.

“This is more than just a business to me; it’s an opportunity to serve others,” said Oatsdean. “I want to help people who have the same skin problems I had. These products are so gentle and natural, and I can tailor the formula to each individual person’s skin type. It is so rewarding to alleviate pain and build self-esteem, regardless of age or station in life.”

About the Company:
Flawlessly Yours! LLC was founded by Cheri Oatsdean in January 2008. Her skin, hair, and pet care products range from humans to pets. Each item has been personally tested and manufactured by Oatsdean.

Contact Information:

Cheri Oatsdean
www.FlawlesslyYours.com
(316) 651-0572

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A dash of freesia, a bit of lavender…

Brace yourself but Hot Topic’s selling a new Twilight perfume ($48!). “The forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest.” LOL!

Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix is tempting

This finishing spray mist is supposed to set your makeup for hours. OOH! Let me know if you’ve tried it.

How I really feel…

… about Comic Sans, NOOO!

Cute makeup bags

These print handmade bags come from my old stomping grounds out in The Beast (that’s East Bay in Pig Latin, yo), close to where I grew up. Don’t the Paris and Cat Mug Shot bags rule?

Multitaskers unite!

A list of nine multi-tasking beauty products engineered to save you time, space and energy. The peach nut oil’s supposed to be safe for faces, cats AND surfboards, LOL!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | No comment |

I. DON’T. CARE that it’s strange. I can’t help that my favorite set in MAC’s new Brunette Blonde Redhead collection is Redhead. Makeup rules were meant to be broken, right?

Here are some MAC Brunette Blonde Redhead swatches, hot and fresh out the kitchen (sorry, I’ve been listening to R. Kelly all day).

Here’s everything *except* for the three Brow Set gels — Girl Boy, Clear and Show Off. Already part of the permanent collection, the Brow Gels are available for peeping and purchasing at the MAC counter and online.

Brunette Mineralize Skinfinish is the shizz! I wanna take the pan and just rub it all over my bod like a makeup pervert.

I’m also lusting after Quick Tease Lipglass and Deep Shade Eyeshadow…

From left to right:

• Chignon Lipstick: shimmery plum with pink pearl
• What A Do! Lipstick: frosty pink coral gold
• Quick Tease Lipglass: shimmery plum
• Soft Wave Lipglass: shimmery peach

From left to right:

• Deep Shade Eyeshadow: shimmery royal blue
• Henna Eyeshadow: shimmery gold khaki
• Femme Fi Eyeshadow: shimmery gold beige
• Brunette Mineralize Skinfinish: shimmery coral

I think most of the Blonde collection shades are too cool for my skin tone, but my pale beauties should have plenty o’ fun with them.

Two colors that did make my heart skip a beat were Strawberry Blonde Lipglass (I can see this pairing perfectly with a classic cat eye) and Top Knot Eyeshadow (hello, smokey eye hawtness!).

From left to right:

• B-Babe Lipstick: frosty cool pink
• All’s Fair Lipstick: shimmery purple pink
• Strawberry Blonde Lipglass: shimmery red pink
• Peroxide Lipglass: shimmery white pink

From left to right:

• Pincurl Eyeshadow: shimmery white pink with a touch of gray
• Knight Eyeshadow: shimmery slate blue gray
• Top Knot Eyeshadow: shimmery charcoal with purple glitter flecks
• Blonde Mineralize Skinfinish: shimmery cool pink

Redhead’s my favorite of the three sets. The gold, pink and peach color palette makes a lot of sense to me, but I like the others almost as much.

On my wish list: all the Redhead eyeshadows, Red Devil Lipglass and Redhead Mineralize Skinfinish.
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Read the rest of MAC Brunette Blonde Redhead Eyeshadow, Lipstick, Lipglass and Mineralize Skinfinish Swatches (139 words)

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | One comment |

Yesterday I did a look with smokey plum eyes, rose cheeks and dark lips using a few products from the Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy line.

Carmindy, makeup artist and author of Get Positively Beautiful: The Ultimate Guide to Looking and Feeling Gorgeous, helped develop the line for drugstores nationwide.

With natural-looking eye, lip and cheek products to subtly enhance your favorite features, you won’t find anything too blinged out or find any high fashion crazy colors here.

So far, I really like what I’ve seen, particularly the eye and lip products.

The Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy (say that five times fast!) makeup products used in this look include…

• Instant Eye Definition Palette in The Amethyst Eye Palette ($8): three shimmery shadows in plum, pink and dark purple shades
• Always Perfect Liquid Eye Liner in Pure Plum ($8): shimmery dark plum
• Lift & Define Mascara in Jet Black ($8): black
• Luminizing Face Primer ($10): shimmery white highlighting lotion
• Sheerest Cream Blush in Rose ($12): matte brown rose
• Color Comfort Lip Color in Sparkling Berry ($10): creamy rose berry
• Color Comfort Lip Color in Berry Wine ($10): creamy deep wine
• Color Comfort Lip Color in Garnet ($10): creamy dark magenta

(Note: I couldn’t decide which lip shade to wear with the eyes, so I tried the look with three different lipsticks, LOL).

Smokey Plum Eyes

I start by priming my lids to prevent creasing and to help the eye makeup last longer, dotting and blending Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Wheat with a finger.

Time to add some shadow!

I apply the lid color (shimmery plum) from The Amethyst Eye Palette onto my lids and crease with a MAC 252 Large Shader Brush, and then use the same brush to sweep the highlight color (shimmery light pink) underneath my eyebrow.

For a smokey effect, I use a Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Crease Brush to apply the contour color (shimmery dark purple) to the crease and the outer v.

To finish, I grab a MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush and sweep it gently along the edges of the colors to remove any harsh lines.

To better define the eyes I line both the upper and lower lash lines with Always Perfect Liquid Eye Liner in Pure Plum using the brush applicator that comes with the product.
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Read the rest of Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy: A Smokey Plum Face of the Day (318 words)

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | 12 comments |

Heya, ladies! Just another quickie video, this one on filling in eyebrows. I’m going to try and do a new video every few days. I think in this one I start off by saying “Having well defrined eyebrows…” Defrined… I invented a new word, LOL!

Do you have you any plans tonight? Right now I’m foolin’ around with some Eco Tools cruelty free brushes. My GAWD the brush heads are soft!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | No comment |

Like the new Rouge Double Intensite Ultra Wear Lip Colour lipsticks ($34 each) — both of them deliver long-lasting lip drama.

• Alexandrite: shimmery brick red
• Opal Rose: shimmery rose gold

The double-sided wands come with a separate lipstick (base coat) and a clear gloss (top coat) designed to be worn together.

Coco wasn’t kidding about the “long wearing” part

These babies are the Terminators of long wear lipsticks. They last all day and don’t stop for nothin’! One morning I applied a layer of Alexandrite, and six hours and several cups of coffee later, my lips were still a rich brick red.

There’s always a catch…

These have mad pigmenation and staying power, but there’s a catch, or at least there was one for me. They aren’t the easiest lipsticks to apply. My first attempts left me with blotchy, streaky lips. Totally gross.

After a few dreadful attempts, I found a few application techniques that seemed to work.

1. Start with smooth lips

When my lips weren’t completely smooth, these lipsticks settled into the cracked and peeling areas, resulting in uneven color. Applying a lip conditioner or lip balm overnight helped a ton. I slicked on a layer of Philosophy Kiss Me before I went to bed and in the morning my lips looked smooth and felt soft.
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Read the rest of Chanel Rouge Double Intensite Ultra Wear Lip Colour: 5 Application Tips (174 words)

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | One comment |

The Company’s high performance skin care products addresses all skin types, including the most sensitive skin with sulfate-free Cleansers, Toners and Moisturizers with combined ingredients to bring balance to an individual’s skin type. Customers can then expect comfortably soft and smooth skin - whatever their skin type. For extra care, we offer granular Exfoliators for every skin condition to reveal a more perfect, younger and vibrant-looking skin in seconds, and facial Masques to revitalize, nourish, soothe and firm to produce visible results in just minutes of use. For dark spots, we offer a lightening crème to gently diminish hyperpigmentation, sun and age spots with visible results after 2 to 4 weeks of continuous use.

The Company also offers anti-aging, ultra-high performance treatment products that are designed to deliver fast, noticeable results in a matter of days. Our Line-Ease™ Serum Concentrate is a gentle at-home alternative to painful facial injections, and visibly relaxes and softens fine line, wrinkles and expression lines; Face Firming Complex contains Moisture Trap TM., our exclusive ingredient destined to increase moisture level in the skin for up to 24 hours. This silky, light emulsion delivers Co-Enzyme Q-10, and vitamin C ester, Glycoproteins and sodium hyaluronate to provide long-lasting moisturization and defense from the environment. Our customers have stated that our moisturizers are the best they have ever used.

Joy Lorraine Cosmetics beauty care products such as our DeCircling™ Serum for Eyes is a multi-peptide, targeted eye care treatment designed to illuminate dark circles and visibly relieve under eye puffiness, and our Firming Peptide Eye Crème is designed o help reduce the appearance of sagging, fine lines and wrinkles to give eyes a noticeably more lifted and rested look. In addition to our high performance skin care products, the company also offers a Total Skin Fitness System for men. This minimal system is design for men who want more than just a great shave. This 3-step, twice a day skin fitness system consist of a multi-functional cleanser and shaving gel in one, a face scrub to instantly buff away dead flakes that collect under a man’s beard and a lightweight face lotion to drive moisture deep into the skin.

To protect skin’s daily health and vitality from harmful UV rays, the company offers for all skin types Solar Defender SPF 28 UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sunscreen protection from burning UVB and aging UVA rays.

The Company’s skin care products are designed with scientifically proven ingredients at effective dose levels - to deliver targeted action and optimum results. We promise no miracles, just highly effective treatment products that help skin to function at its own best performance level.

Joy Lorraine Cosmetics customers are mainly African American, Hispanic, Latino and Asian women who seek us out to address their makeup and skin care needs. Our products are Cruelty-Free and are tested only on humans to make sure they work.

“It is important for men and women of all ethnicities to understand that there are no miracle ingredients, product or “fountain of youth” in a bottle to effect remarkable changes in the skin.” says CEO Joy Holder emphasizing that the company’s goal is to help each individual customer achieve maximum benefit for their skin type at any age.

If you haven’t tried Joy Lorraine Cosmetics yet, we suggest you do by logging on to our website. The company provides you with targeted skin care solutions and color cosmetics you’ll be proud to wear.

Current customers can now look forward to placing their orders on-line through our secure website at www.joylorrainecosmetics.com 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We accept major credit cards including paypal and Google Checkout.

In addition to on-line sales, Joy Lorraine Cosmetics can be found at Atlantic Center Mall, 625 Atlantic Avenue - 2nd Floor (next to Old Navy), Brooklyn, New York 11217 - Telephone 718- 623-1515. Our products can also be found at future trade show events such as The Circle of Sisters. We would like to encourage you to register for future trade show events participation and thank all of our customers for their continued support.

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According to the study, Organic Fresh Fruit had the highest purchase incidence at 27%, with Organic Fresh Vegetables close behind at 26%. Organic Dairy Products, Eggs and Milk, were cited for purchase by 18% and 17% of US Adults, respectively. Frozen Organic products — Vegetables, Fruit and Ice Cream — had low purchase levels at 5-6%. Purchase levels for Organic Beauty Care products also had very low mainstream acceptance with stated purchase for Organic Skincare at 5% and Organic Hair Care and Cosmetics at 4% and 3%, respectively. By contrast, non-Organic products for all of the above categories have household penetration levels of well above 70%.

“The findings are consistent with trends we have been tracking in retailer sales data,” commented Dr. Jetta. “Very few of these products have meaningful sales levels in traditional mass market retailers, even the ones that are very strong in the Natural Food and Specialty channels.”

Dr. Jetta goes on to say that while a few retailers have had success with Organic products, most of the ones that have invested heavily in this trend will see a poor return on that investment. “Most of the sales growth in these channels has been driven by increased selection of Organic products rather than any inherent growth in consumer appeal.”

About TABS Group and the Organic Product Research

The Organic Product study was conducted among 1,000 representative respondents aged 18+ in the TNS panel. The study was fielded from November 12-15, 2008. TABS Group is a leading provider of research and consulting services to the consumer products industry. TABS Group (http://www.tabsgroup.com), based in Shelton, CT, has been in business since 1998, and has developed particular expertise in the Nutritionals industry.

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A new study seems to say that we Americans haven’t bought into the hype over organic beauty products.

Despite the attention from the media and manufacturers, organic beauty care items still haven’t caught on, according to the TABS Group (no joke; that’s really the name), a leading marketing research and consulting firm. “There is a significant gap between the hype and reality of consumer purchase behavior with regards to Organic products,” states TABS Group President and Founder, Dr. Kurt Jetta.

In the study, only 5% of respondents claimed to have purchased at least one organic skin care product within the past six months. Only 4% claimed to have purchased organic hair care, and just 3% purchased organic cosmetics.

By contrast, well over 70% of respondents claimed to have purchased non-organic beauty care products over the same period.

Are you buying organic beauty on a regular basis? If not, what’s holding you back?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | 21 comments |

Chanel Fandago blush ($42) temporarily helped me forget that it’s cold enough outside to freeze my butt bones.

After two layers I felt like winter had ended. There was a flush to my cheeks that I hadn’t seen in months, and I felt like I’d spent the afternoon twirling through sun dappled fields o’ flowers.

As the only blush released with Chanel’s Spring 2009 Bohemian Fantasy Collection, Fandango, a shimmery pink and brown, applies with intense color that really brings out the brown in my skin. To avoid dark, muddy cheeks, I layered it slowly with a MAC 187 skunk brush, trying to use a light touch.
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Read the rest of Chanel Fandango Joues Contraste Powder Blush: A Pink Brown Flush for Spring (83 words)

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | No comment |

“Over the years I have developed many skincare formulations for pharmacy clients and my wife, including during her pregnancy, crafting all with the utmost love, care, and compassion. Never once did I compromise on quality,” said Dr. Gram. “The opportunity to share SKIN1 nationally through a reputable channel like Dermstore.com is extremely fulfilling because I can confidently say every product puts the user’s health and skin first.”

Product Development
As the owner and operator of two successful West Coast pharmacies, Dr. Gram has worked with some of the most respected dermatologists in the country and garnered a loyal following for his unique compounded skincare solutions. SKIN1 embodies Dr. Gram’s scrupulous approach to skin care by merging the finest elements in nature with the most powerful pharmaceuticals to successfully treat skincare issues without irritation.

Each product is infused with Dr. Gram’s signature Nutra-VÎt Complex™. This winning combination of essential pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and natural herbal blends fights inflammation as well as offers anti-aging properties, moisturizes, renews DNA, balances skin and slows skin discoloration.

SKIN is designed to meet the needs of all skin types during various stages in life and refrains from adding fragrance to products to avoid harsh synthetic ingredients that may cause potential skin irritation. All products are made with the highest integrity ingredients and are paraben and sulfate free. Currently comprised of daily and acne regimens, the brand will soon add regimens for men, babies and anti-aging.

Products include:

Daily Regimen

* Daily Scrub - Smoothes and cleanses with walnut shell powder, bamboo, and ginseng extracts. nutrient-rich treatment gently exfoliates skin, while enhancing its natural resurfacing properties
* Daily Cleanser - Mild, hydrating formula rich in antioxidants that balances and protects the skin. Invigorating eucalyptus and mellow cedarwood combined promote health for all skin types
* Daily Moisturizer - Light cream moisturizes while pomegranate, soybean seed and primrose extracts even skin tone, and encourage cell turnover to give a lasting protective finish
* Eye Rescue - Brightens and nourishes the sensitive skin around eyes; diminishes fine lines, shadows, and puffiness.

Acne Regimen

* Clarifying Cleanser - Gently penetrates and purifies blemish prone skin without stripping.
A blend of green tea and lavender bring out skins natural healthy glow.
* Clarifying Toner - Unclogs pores and balances oil production. Medicated blend of chamomile, green tea, and cucumber empowers natural ability to repair and prevents future blemishes.
* Clarifying Mask - Brings together the antiseptic power of sulfur and camphor with the soothing relief of oat flour. Nutrient rich treatment purifies and brightens skin while minimizing the appearance of pores.

“My face feels immediately smoother after using Dr. Gram’s Daily Scrub. It’s been especially helpful in removing dead skin cells from my chapped lips. My lips are no longer suffering from the cold winter weather!” Meagan De Lello, esthetician, Dermstore.com.

Environmental Commitment
SKIN1 is committed to being an environmentally conscious company in all aspects of its business, implementing strict recycling guidelines and green eco-packaging. SKIN1 also only sources ingredients from eco-friendly companies that offer the finest natural, organic and pharmaceutical grade ingredients.

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Girl, I don’t care how you do it — walk, run, rollerskate or hitch a ride on a three-legged donkey — but find some way to see the new limited edition Vendetta nail polish ($23) in person before it’s too late.

One of two new nail polish shades released for spring 2009, Vendetta’s shimmery midnight purple shines with flecks of red and blue micro-gltter. Imagine the darkest purple — nay, almost black calligraphy ink — and that’s Vendetta. I. LOVE. IT.

Vendetta selling out fast

I’m not the only girl fawning over it. A Chanel artist friend told me the color has been selling out super uber-fast. So fast, in fact, that in less than a week her counter had sold more than half their supply! Some women were buying multiple bottles, LOL! Seriously, I can see why. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+

Love Chanel Vendetta but looking to save a few bucks? Consider Essie Sexy Divide ($8).

Django, Chanel’s second spring polish shade

Vendetta (aka the spring nail superstar) joins another Chanel polish shade this spring. Django, a shimmery, peachy beige with pink touches, looks just like the inside of a seashell.
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Read the rest of Chanel Vendetta Nail Polish: Midnight Purple Fantasy (164 words)

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | No comment |

Strength training

One of the big lessons of the show was identifying your strengths, defined as the things that make you feel your best — organizing things, teaching, caring for others, being creative, doing detailed paperwork, crunching numbers, etc. — and finding a job in which you’re able to focus on your strengths as much as possible.

Business expert and bestselling author Marcus Buckingham has helped millions of people reach new levels of success and happiness at work — including employees at Coca-Cola, Gap and Microsoft — with his radical “strengths training” approach. His key to success is simple: Stop spending so much time trying to fix your weaknesses. Instead, focus on what makes you special and unique. “A strength is an activity that makes you feel strong,” he says. “If you want to know what your strength is, you’ve got to pay attention to how you feel. It feels like focus. It feels like concentration. You feel invigorated. Energized.”

Career transitions…

The episode hit me hard because like the women on the show I’ve been going through a transitional period with my career.

I haven’t felt good about my job at the literary agency for many months, so I’ve decided to find a new path.

Starting later this month, I’m going back to school for the first time in 10 years, yikes! I’ll be taking journalism classes and focusing on freelance writing. Like most people, I’m a little freaked out (aka scared) about the economy, but I couldn’t see myself being happy in 5-10 years if I didn’t try to move myself forward at work.

A list to get the career ball rolling…

Even if you’re happy and satisfied at work, it might be fun to make a list (you know I love lists!) of your strengths. It might help you identify new projects at your current job, find a new hobby or figure out ways to make some extra money.

Activities that make me feel strong, focused and energized…

1. Making lists
2. Organizing and executing detailed projects
3. Talking to people and being able to retain the information they share about their lives — the names and ages of their children, their favorite hobbies, etc. I’ve always liked chatting with people.
4. Writing
5. Brainstorming creative/odd/weird ideas
6. Learning about and trying new activities
7. Visual art stuff: photography, Photoshop, collage, makeup
8. Cleaning, LOL! I dunno if it counts as a strength, but when I have a clean and organized workspace all is right with the world.
9. Teaching and helping others

Are you thinking about making a career change or perhaps reevaluating the course of your current job? Writing a list might be a good way to get some ideas flowing.

Your turn

If you’d like to share your list of strengths, please post them in the comments. Oh — I listed 9 things because 9 is my favorite number, but you can make your list as long or as short as you want!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Happy New Year!

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2009. | Permalink | 7 comments |

Whatever you’re doing tonight, rock it out, even if it involves 80’s dance moves.

See you in 2009!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2008. | Permalink | 14 comments |

Earlier this month I got the chance to chat with Jean Ford, co-creator of the Benefit Cosmetics line.

To be blunt, Jean’s hot (and *very* tall!), and she has lots of fierce fashion and makeup advice.

We talked about high heels and Foot Petal inserts, makeup trends and what kind of makeup to wear to parties.

Jean even offered some tips for creating a soft and subtle brown and pink look for New Year’s Eve. Thanks, Jean!

Come hither eyes

For this look, start with a deep, rich cocoa colored shimmery shadow on the lids, working the color just barely into the crease. Try the dark brown shade from the <a href="http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/gp/product/B000I5LDYY/sr=1-1/qid=1230748477/ref=sr_1_1/192-7453707-5427544?ie=UTF8&n=164991011&bcBrand=core
">Big Beautiful Eyes Palette (a shimmery dark brown) or Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow in Busy Signal (also a shimmery brown).

Next, ramp it up by patting a shimmery pink eyeshadow like Lust Duster loose eyeshadow in Cloud 9 on top of the brown. Use your fingers to place the shadow on the center of the lid and to blend out the edges.
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Read the rest of New Year’s Eve Makeup Ideas from Benefit Cosmetics Co-Founder Jean Ford (115 words)

© Karen for Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds, 2008. | Permalink | 9 comments |