All About The Pretty

NARS Gothika Lip Gloss

I'm so ready for this holiday weekend.  I have a stack of summer magazines to plow through and enjoy.  I'm also spending part of the weekend in Annapolis near the water.  I'm on a water kick right now.  A few beach trips can do that to a person.  I needed a little more inspiration so I turned to Mr. Tahiti himself - Francois Nars.  NARS Gothika Lip Gloss is a perfect summer treat for the lips. It's not new.  It's an oldie but goodie.  It's a berry colored sparkler. 

Have a safe, fun, and lip-glossed filled weekend. 

Thymes Beauty of Bathing Collection

Thymes has created a new brand dedicated to perserving time-honored fragrance traditions and bathing rituals from around the world.  Created for the express purpose of bringing forth beauty.  Beauty of Bathing has released it's first line - Coco Monoi a modern, exotic blend of white gardenia, lushly layered with white tuberose, sweet osmanthus, and sultry notes of tonka bean and warm agarwood.  The complete Coco Monoi collection consists of products are Body Oil, Eau de Parfum, Bath Soap Set, Foaming Bath, Shower Gel and Body Cream.  The scent is really too-die-for.  I'm a bath addict and using this oil has adding to the joy that only a relaxing bath can bring. 

Beauty Duty - 07/01/08

A Touch of Blusher tries out L'Oréal's True Match Super-Blendable Powder.

Teri from Beautiful Makeup Search raves about her new favorite lip exfoliator and lip balm duo, and it's a new one for MAC.

Makeup Moxie reviews Vincent Longo Cushion Lips.

SugarShock Beauty is getting her summer glow on with theNars Orgasm Laguna Blush Bronzer Duo.

WE LOVE BEAUTY.com goes backstage with celebrity makeup artist Billy B at the 16th Annual Life Ball Agent Provocateur runway show.

Kiehl's Brightening Botanical Mask

Kiehl's has a new brightening treatement for the skin available now.

Delivers optimal hydration and overall luminosity to skin; Diminishes the appearance of skin discolorations by reducing the production and accumulation of melanin; and Alcohol-free formulation with the highest concentration of Calcium Pantetheine Sulfonate Provides a calming sensorial experience.

BRIGHTENING BOTANICAL HYDRATING MASK - with Vitamin C, Calcium Pantetheine Sulfonate, and White Flower Extracts.
Brightening Botanical Hydrating Mask – $40.00

Destination Pretty: Maggy London Dresses

This dress is screaming take me away.  I love Maggy London dresses because (1) they are always cute, (2) they pack extremely well, and (3) they have a great price point.  I've been looking at all the extras that airlines are charging and the thought of paying extra for bags really bothers me.  Some people can pack in a carry on, but these days not being able to take my goodies with me is a problem so I stick to one suitcase.  I like to do a lot of rolling, therefore, wrinkle resistance clothing is a must. 

It leaves room for purchases made on holiday.

Body by Sonya Dakar

Sonya Dakar has been taking care of many Hollywood faces for awhile.  She has a premier skin clinic that helps the celebrities maintain gorgeous skin and she was one of the first to come up with signature facial and skin treatments for award season.  Her belief is "skin fitness" which is skin as a whole. It's not just topical.  Exercise and nutrition play equal parts. in making your skin beautiful.  I have used her products from time to time and they are really good.  Now, she has created a line of body products with omega complex and essential oils.  The Mineral Polish and Daily Wash in the Cara Cara scent is the go to in the shower.  It helps wake me up and washes off all the sweat from my morning walks. 

Web Snob - 06/29/08

55 Secret Street has a few Simple, Sexy Tops that You Can Wear With Jeans

A Few Goody GumDrops Is loving the macrame and diamond bracelets from theShamballa Jewels Collection.

Stiletto Jungle shows off 5 fashionista-worthy plus size dresses for summer.

Angelina Jolie is most definitely still pregnant - Allie is Wired has the pics to prove it!

Bag Bliss on the Bow Bag Trend.

Get psyched for discount designer shopping with Cheap JAP's Top Five Reasons to Endure Century 21.

Coquette loves the summer look tiered ruffles.

Debutante Clothing takes a break from vintage to share her top 5 skin products from Drugstore.com

Fashion Indie has discovered another "it" designer. Check out Sani & Son

The offbeat fabulousness of Junko Shimada's designs has Fashiontribes completely obsessed.

I'm Not Obsessed shows you how to get Jessica Simpson's real outfit for $2,556 or the steal for $165.

KRiSTOPHER is wanting, wearing, and hating things for summer tripping. Oluchi the Quintessential Supermodel.

My Fashion Life gushes over Mulberry's collection for AW08 Will men begin towear wedges and pumps?

Papierblog looks at that very question.

Quinta Trends shows the work of Chilean designer Ignacio Lechuga. Just for men!. Wanna find runway steals and sell like a pro on eBay?

Check out Second City Style's interview with eBay Style Director Constance White for tips.

StyleBakery.com wonders if gladiator sandals are worth the investment? These cheap chic finds are.

Stylehive deconstructs fashion icon Lou Doillon's impossibly chic, edgy look.

Stylenotes brings you the list of classic skirt silhouettes and our picks for the best of each style.

SugarShock Beauty has found a tweezer that's fit for serious brow pluckers and Bondgirls alike: the Tweezlight.

Sxy Fashion Queen adores Rihanna's style.

The Beauty Stop shows how to get 6 different lash looks with 1 tube of mascara.

The Coveted experiments with makingShoulder Pads into Hats!

The Fashionable Housewife is crazy about African Prints.  Hard to find at affordable prices, but well worth the search!

The Shoe Goddess is loving Fendi's fall collection including these fab peep-toe straps!

Beauty News - 06/27/08

Bonjour!  Here's what's happening in the world of beauty.  I hope every has a glorious weekend.  A bientot.

• Strange Invisible Perfumes has just released Musc Botanique.
• Aaron de Mey, Lancome's makeup maestro is talking about his new limited edition red lipstick and black lip gloss that will be on counters in the fall.    The red lipstick was inspired by a pair of red Louboutin shoes.  The black lip gloss is edgy and sexy.  I can't wait to see what that will look like.
• Ralph Lauren's latest fragrance was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock.  Notorious will be on counters in the fall.  I can't help just sing the song of the same name by Biggie.  It was created by Olivier Gillotin of Givaudan with notes of black currant, Italian bergamot; white frost peonies, chocolate, orris, patchouli musk, and vanilla.  Laetitia Casta is the face for the print ads that were shot by Michael Thompson.
• Paco Rabanne is releasing 1 Million, a fragrance aimed at the 20-35 year-old man.
• Estee Lauder has opening its first freestanding store in India. 
• St. John has relaunched its women's fragrance at its stores and Nordstrom.
• Kerastase has launched Keraskin, a new skincare line.  It's slowly rolling out in Paris and London.  I will get my hands on this very soon. 
• Ken Paves is introducing a new line of at home color drops, shampoos, and stylers.  He will be on HSN, July 9 for the launch.
• Bumble and Bumble is revamping its Curl Conscious line.
• Caswell-Massey Luxury Collection will roll out to Bergdorf Goodman and Studio at Fred Segal in September.  The line will consist of candles, home fragrances diffuse, liquid and bar soaps.

Source WWD

Shu Uemura Friends & Family Discount

Just in time for summer, shu uemura is offering all their “friends & families” 20% off all orders and FREE standard shipping!  Starting today, Thursday, June 26th and ends on Sunday, June 29th.  This is a great time to get an extra eyelash curler and to try the mini curler.  One of my favorites is the Cleansing Oil Premium A/I. 

PROMO CODE: SHUSUMMER

Offer: Free Standard Shipping + 20% all orders

Valid: from Thursday, June 26th – Sunday, June 29th at 11:59pm ET

**Customers must be SIGNED IN and enter promo code SHUSUMMER to receive this benefit.

Joshi Intensive Hand Treatment

Joshi products are created by Nish Joshi who believes in holistic treatment of the mind, body, and spirit.  The Joshi Clinic has received accolades for wellness.  His line of products are made with all natural ingredients. 

His approach is chemical free.  I was excited when I found out his line was available at Space NK in the US.  I tried the Intensive Hand Treatment.  I wish I could say that I love this product, but I don't.  The shea butter content is nice, the consistency is great, but it's not giving me that loving feeling.  I need magic and this hand treatment wasn't giving it to me.  I'm sure it could work its magic on another set of hands.

Luckily, my Jurlique Hand Cream is giving me good love. 

MAC + Ungaro: Designer Makeup Collection

MAC has collaborated with Esteban Cortezar, designer of Ungaro, for a limited-edition fall makeup collection.  It's a 14 piece collection and will hit stores in October. 

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss

It's baaaack.  Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss is back in four moisturizing and glossy colors.  I was passing through Macy's and just had to take a look.  As I peered at the counter, the color Cocoa was saying pick me up and check me out.  It didn't hurt that my coworker Celina was there encouraging me as well.  In a matter of 5 minutes, we were out the store.  I was the only one with two of the Superbalms.  One in Cocoa and the other in Guava.  I decided to put Cocoa through the yoga test.  A full intense class last night.  It stayed on and I looked half way decent heading to the metro.  The sweaty hair was another problem.  Thank goodness for hats. 

Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup

Prescriptives is launching its All Skins Mineral Makeup next month.  It comes in 18 different shades.  Additional benefits include:  suitable for all skin types; oil-controlling; sweat and humidity resistant; water resistant; non-acnegenic; dermatologist tested; and ophthalmologist tested.  Technology:  Minerals, including Calcite and Mica, and semi-precious gems, including Amethyst and Rose Quartz for a lightweight feel. Squalane and Lecithin provide skin conditioning benefits. Silica helps keep skin shine-free. Contains antioxidant 2CME, a molecule that combines Vitamin C and E which boosts their effect.  Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 protection. 

I will definitely check it out.  I know Prescriptives will have my shade of mineral makeup. 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives

Nordstrom is allowing for pre-orders online and in the store of its Beauty Exclusives.  The regular sale runs from July 18 to August 3rd.  These are my current picks.  What are you selecting from the sale. 

MAC Colorforms 5 Basic Brushes in red.  I'm loving this bold color and the pop makes it easier to find in the abyss that is my handbag. 

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Deluxe Size.  I'm a huge supporter of Creme de Corps and this will work in the evenings before bedtime.  It's a little too thick for summer, but will be perfect for the fall.

 

shu uemura Anniversary Lash Set.   This set will satisfy my need to get another shu lash curler to travel with.  I can now keep this in my travel bag and be set. 

Destination Pretty: YSL Baby Doll Gift Set

YSL Baby Doll Perfume Set is so cute.  I was doing a Sephora perusal and came across the YSL Baby Doll Fragrance Gift Set.  It's a perfect set for destination pretty.  Why?  Because of the four different scents, you can have one for numerous trips.  There is no need to bring large perfume bottles for travel and the way they treat your luggage something is bound to break.  One bottle can definitely fit in the ziploc bag and be carried on the plane. 

Happy, safe, and beautimous travels.

Kerastase Resistance - Substance Constructive Treatment

I was having a conversation yesterday with Mischo Beauty about our mutual love of Kerastase products.  We both went back and forth about which products we couldn't live without and I had to introduce her to the Resistance line.  I am truly enjoying Kerastase Substance Constructive leave in treatement.  MB writes about Kerastase as much as I write about Bobbi.  The treatment is for weakened or chemically treated hair.  Since I'm now chemically treating my hair I want to keep it in the best shape possible.  Kerastase is helping me do that. 

Web Snob - 06/21/08

55 Secret Street offers a few tips on How To Not Look Old (Hint: Start Young!)

A Few Goody GumDrops Visits The Met to seeSuper Heroes:Fantasy and Fashion.

Stiletto Jungle features cheap-chic summer fashion finds.

Bag Bliss has fallen for Valentino's version of the YSL Nadja Purse!

Bag Snob discovers the Parisian chic of Gerard Darel!

Beauty Snob travels in style with Ooh La Spa!

Calculatus Eliminatus praises the classic leather duffle bag and condemns Mr. Gucci's failed attempt at luggage fashion.

Cheap JAP shows you how to snag the latest in designer discounts with The Top Five Ways to Score at a Sample Sale.

Bohemian chic never looked so good with modern tye-dye fashions, says Coquette.

Debutante Clothing is smitten with jazzy, flapper era accessories and shoes

Fashion, Evolved shares some great indie designed pieces Found on Etsy.

In honor of the upcoming Viktor & Rolf exhibition, Fashiontribes salutes a major talent with a mini retrospective.

I'm Not Obsessed shows you how to get Nicole Kidman's Lady Like Style From Her Recent Vogue Shoot.

KRiSTOPHER is wanting, wearing, and hating DvF dresses

Ladybrille says get ready for a star studded Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2008!

My Fashion Life takes a look at this season's key sunglasses.

Papierblog goes to Chicago to view the SAIC Runway fashion show can comes back with photos.

Quinta Trends talks to Mexican designer Paola Hernández about her career and her participation in the Mexico Fashion Week .

Second City Style feels your pain and finds two smashing Sex in the City outfits for a bit less.

StyleBakery likes short shorts - find out their favorites and how to work the trend

Stylehive shows you 10 Bridesmaid Dresses you'll actually want to wear again!

SugarShock Beauty is loving the humble bar soap again, courtesy of Mor's gorgeously crafted Moroccan Mint Soap.

Sxy Fashion Queen has spotted some really heavenly celebrity shoes.

The Coveted wonders if she really needs another vibrator in her purse.

The Shoe Goddess finds the perfect Fendi pump and dress for fall!

V-Style Shows You Wear to Get Carrie's Studded Belt From the Sex And The City Movie.

WE LOVE BEAUTY.com wants you to Beat the Heat with our favorite summertime product picks for poolside beauty!

Beauty News

Good morning and happy Friday.  I hope everyone has a lovely weekend.

• Gucci's Frida Giannini has turned the famous house around.  It is evident in the release of her first men's scent Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme due in the fall.  I enjoyed the Gucci Women so much that I might have to get the men's fragrance for myself.
• Armani Diamonds for Men will be released in September.
• Tom Ford is releasing White Patchouli - the counterpart to Black Orchid.  The ad features Erykah Badu and will be available in September.  I'm all over this.  I LOVE Mr. Ford.
• Prada will launch Infusion d'Homme in September.
• Victoria and David Beckham have two new prestige scents - Signature for Him and Signature for Her.
• Walgreens is adding The Face Shop a Korean beauty brand to its aisles.
• Tela Beauty Organics has just landed the first USDA Organic Seal.  It's available at Barneys New York.

Source WWD

Chanel Colour Collection - Fall 2008

Chanel Colour Collection - Fall 2008 is going to be a dream in gold.  I've mentioned it before, but this will be hitting shelves at the end of next month.

Face:

Powder Blush in Rose Dust - a rose plum shade and Power in Almond - beige

Lips:

• Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick in Simply Pink - a Coral Pink and Fantastic Plum - a Deep Purple; and Great Copper - a Flattering Bronze
• Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Enthusiast - a Rich Coral Red
• Aqualumière Sheer Colour Lipshine SPF 15 in Formentera - a Beige Rose and Papeete - a Sheer Cranberry.
• Glossimer in Amberlight - a glossy Bronze; Delight - a Sheer Lilac; and Gold Light - a Shimmery Gold.

Eyes:

• Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow - Reflets d'Ombre, a palette of coffee, ivory, dark green, and gold shadows
• Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadows in Le Bronze - a metallic brown and Bois Bleu - a dark teal
• Silky Eyeshadow Duo in Cristal Dusk - a combination of white and brown
• Le Crayon Yeux Precision Eye Defininer in Denim - a grey blue

Nails:

• Kaleidoscope - shiny green gold
• Fantastic - a deep wine

Henri Bendel's Beach Bag Event

BENDEL'S BEAUTY BEACH BAG EVENT through June 29.

Hit the beach in style and let Bendel's spoil you with deluxe samples of must-have beauty products that will make your skin, face, and smile stand out this summer!

Shop at Bendel's now until June 29 and receive a fabulous Henri Bendel Beach Bag with your beauty purchase of $125 or more!

Plus, receive seven deluxe samples from Bendel's favorite beauty brands including:

• Tarte Cosmetics' Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara
• Laura Mercier's Chocolate Truffle Body Souffle
• Dr. Brandt's Vitamin Moisture Mask
• Lancaster Sun's SELF TAN Silk Bronze Moisturizing Milk SPF6
• Go Smile's AM Whitening Toothpaste
• Mally Cosmetics' Runway Tango Eyeshadow
• Trish McEvoy's Gorgeous Pink Shimmer Lipgloss

To learn more, please call 1.800.HBENDEL

Italian Vogue, July 2008 - Black Models

Cathy Horyn has a piece in today's NY Times focusing on Italian Vogue's July 2008 issue with all Black models.  Steven Meisel, the photographer yields his magical eye on all the models under Italian Vogue's editor Franca Sozzani artistic view.   Pat McGrath did all the makeup and Guido Palau the hair.  The issue is hitting stores soon.

Philosophy Gratitude Foam and Bath Gelee

Good morning ladies.  Another day, another dollar the saying goes, but I also like to think "another day, another adventure" because that's what life is.  In the mornings I have my routine so down pat that it seems like a machine.  But today I took the time to read the entire saying on the Philosophy Gratitude Shower Gelee bottle.  This pomegranate scented darling not only smells divine, but it also leave me moisturized.  I love their sayings and the simple wording put a smile on my face.  It's the little things like "thank you for a peaceful night's rest."  It's great how becoming beautiful can make me stop and think of the goodness in my life.  The soundtrack for today's beauty is the new Coldplay album Viva la Vida. 

Bobbi Brown Mauve Face Palette

I was tooling around at this very moment and guess what I see.  Bobbi Brown's Mauve Palette for fall.  I'm having beauty heart palpitations.  The kind of palpitations that require a call to Ms. Juanita. 

Everytime I try to be good, Bobbi keeps pulling me back. 

MAC Tendertones Lip Balm in Sweet & Nice

I know I'm late to this party.  MAC Tendertones have been on the counter for a few weeks, but I had to make time to test all the colors and figure out the best one for moi.  Sweet & Nice is a sheer magenta with pearl to me.  They list it as red grape, but to me it's on the magenta/burgundy side.  It is lightweight, scented, and sheer enough to apply under or over most lip colors.  I apply this color very often throughout the day and I may need to run out and buy more before they sell out. 

Beauty Duty - 06/17/08

99 Products makes an explosive discovery and checks out MAC's new Volcanic Ash Scrub

A Touch of Blusher looks at YSL's fall 2008 makeup collection.

Beautiful Makeup Search asked some beauty blogger friends' what their three must-have Summer products are - check out their suggestions!

KRiSTOPHER gets her skin as smooth as a 12-year-old Eastern Euro model’s butt, with MD Skincare

Preview Prescriptives Fall 2008 collection DARING at Makeup Bag.

Makeup Moxie is buzzing over the new Lancome Oscillation Mascara.

Product Girl is loving Essie's new Neon collection, it's full of eye popping color.

SugarShock Beauty is loving Zooey Deschanel's on-trend yet vaguely retro look.

Lianne from TheMakeupGirl declares that the 80's are back with her brighter than bright makeup picks for summer. (Flashdance cut off sweatshirt not included).