Keri Russell at the Primetime Emmy Awards



pretty in pink, Keri Russell (i miss Felicity, don't you?) attended the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmys looking fresh and laid-back, but still very elegant.

Tina Turnbow created the makeup look for the star of the upcoming comedy series, Running Wilde, using NARS new Pure Matte Lipstick as the key product, as well as many products from the Fall 2010 Collection.



"we wanted to give her look a classic feel to coincide with the vintage dress she's wearing. her warm skin tone and the coolness of the dress was the perfect combination for reflecting the same tones through her makeup: warm eyes, and a cool peachy matte lip. it's flirty with a bit of sass." ~Tina Turnbow for NARS Cosmetics

the following products were used to create Keri's vintage-inspired look:

PRO-PRIME Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and Skin Smoothing Face Prep
Tzarine Duo Eyeshadow (new for fall 2010)
Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo
Douceur Blush (new for fall 2010) topped with Desire Blush for a pop of color
Tashkent Pure Matte Lipstick (new for fall 2010**)


xo
Pure Matte Lipstick will be available september 1st exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue; pics: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America

Beauty Blog Network Weekend Read



happy sunday! i'm late posting this today, but hopefully you'll forgive me! :) the weekend was relaxing and fun-- as yesterday i spent most of the day at home with my family (i did take my son for a much-needed haircut, though), and today was spent alone with hubby for a "date day". date nights aren't practical with his work schedule, so when we plan dates, daytime works best.

hope you enjoyed your weekend-- can you believe september starts this week??!!

and now for your evening enjoyment, a short and sweet weekend beauty read:


Phyrra shows you the new eye shadow collection from the creators of BB Couture, Gabrielle Faust by Overall Beauty.

Beauty and Fashion Tech has a new buyer's guide to DIY Laser Hair Removal comparing home laser hair removal systems and other permanent hair removal devices.

Beauty Girl Musings reviews Halle Berry's newest fragrance, Pure Orchid.

**Enter for a chance to win Dermacyte skin care products including Oxygen Concentrate and the NEW Oxygenating Eye Complex worth $150 at Beauty and Personal Grooming. Ends Sept 3, 2010.

xo
**giveaway!

Madagascar Orchid Fragrance Oil from Lisa Hoffman Beauty on HSN



tomorrow, august 27, 2010, Kym Douglas will be on QVC to present a fabulous treat from Lisa Hoffman Beauty: the best-selling Madagascar Orchid Fragrance Oil.

you'll be happy to know that with your purchase, 20% of proceeds from each sale of Madagascar Orchid Fragrance Oil will be donated to the Rainforest Foundation that was founded by Trudie Styler and Sting (yes, that Sting). voted "Customer Choice Nominee for Best Fragrance", this is definitely one to check out.

not sure how you would use a perfume oil? Lisa Hoffman shares that you can "...use a touch of the perfume oil in your hair-- it absorbs in nicely because it is an oil. apply just a little to the palm of your hand, then rub in. its leave a subtle hint of the fragrance."

Lisa loves the benefits of using a roll-on fragrance because "...you can control the application; it doesn't get on your clothes or on other people around you and doesn't waste any of the product. they are great because they are portable and you can carry them with you to discreetly reapply throughout the day or evening. oils penetrate into the skin and with the warmth of the body diffuse the fragrance."

find out more about this scent by visiting lisahoffmanbeauty.com and tune in (or setting your dvr) to HSN tomorrow!

xo

ARCONA Skincare Launching at Nordstrom!



breaking news, beauties! ARCONA, the fabulous skincare brand that makes our favorite celebs look their absolute best (especially before major events), is expanding to Nordstrom! the los angeles-based brand will begin this expansion in several Nordstrom locations across the country beginning now through october, 2010:

in august: Santa Monica, CA-- Santa Monica Place (opens friday, august 27th!); Las Vegas, NV-- Fashion Mall (love that mall!); San Jose, CA-- Valley Fair and Newport, CA - Fashion Island (another fave of mine).

in september, Chicago, IL–- Michigan Ave, Portland, OR-- Downtown, Dallas, TX-- NorthPark Center, Boca Raton, FL-- Town Center at Boca Raton

finally, in october you'll find ARCONA in Portland, OR-- Washington Square, Honolulu, HI-- Ala Moana, Short Hills, NJ-- The Mall at Short Hills and San Diego, CA-- Fashion Valley (yay!)


these Nordstrom locations will carry the entire ARCONA line, including favorites such as Triad Pads, Magic White Ice and Wine Hydrating Mask. don't see a city near you? you can order via nordstrom.com

xo

product craving: Urban Decay Naked Palette



i know i'm not the only one who wants the new Urban Decay Naked Palette. why? because it keeps selling out within seconds of becoming available again!

i'm totally kicking myself: i had my chance to order it via sephora.com** a little over a week ago (my local store sold out and won't be getting any replacements-- see the photo below, LOL!), but missed it-- now i have to wait again...



in any case, you'll find in this palette 12 full size eyeshadows in shades ranging from a pale champagne to a gorgeous deep charcoal. you'll also find a double-ended 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero (black) and Whiskey (brown), as well as a mini Primer Potion.

shadows include:

Virgin-- nude satin
Sin-- champagne shimmer
Naked-- buff matte
Sidecar-- beige sparkle
Buck-- nutmeg matte
Half Baked-- bronze
Smog-- golden brown shimmer
Darkhorse-- bronze-plum shimmer
Toasted-- taupe-bronze
Hustle-- mocha shimmer
Creep-- near-black metallic
Gunmetal-- dark grey metallic


tell me: are you craving this fabulous product like me, or do you already own it?

xo
**i'll keep checking the site daily. as soon as i have it, you'll be the first to know! ;)

fragrance review: Halle Berry Pure Orchid



the second scent for the Oscar-winning actress, Halle Berry Pure Orchid boasts notes of jungle cactus flower, lemon, blackberry creme, star anise, masdevallia orchid, giant sequoia and patchouli, which sound like they should work together beautifully to create a fabulous, complex fragrance, but i'm sad to report, they fell short.



to be honest, Pure Orchid is nice. not good, not bad, but pleasant. it's a sweet floral that doesn't go too overboard in the sweet department, and truthfully when i first smelled it, i enjoyed it and was excited to wear it.

that all changed, and i'll tell you why. each time i've worn it (about a dozen or so times now), the pretty, if-purple-had-a-smell-this-has-potential-to-be-it scent didn't last. within a few hours, the scent just disappeared. as if i never put it on...

bummer.

you can find Halle Berry Pure Orchid at a drugstore near you and Walmart.com.

xo
product featured sent to me for review consideration; second pic (of bottle and packaging) taken by me :)

body beautiful: 5 Foods to Eat for Healthy, Glowing Skin



while many a skincare products really do provide fabulous benefits, as well as visible results, relying on them solely won't always give you the skin you want. in fact, the best looking skin comes from maintaining a healthy diet.

you know this, and even i need to be reminded sometimes, but what you eat has a lot to do with how your skin looks!

i received some fun info from Dr. David Bank, president of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, regarding this topic so you, my fabulous readers, could give your skin (and bodies) the nurturing it deserves!

not only are these foods good for you, they are delish, too-- take a look at how you can incorporate them into your beauty routine with these recipes...



baked potatoes: trade those greasy french fries for a fabulous baked potato (with skin) to provides 75% of the body's daily copper need. copper, vitamin c, and zinc produce elastin fibers that support skin structure. copper deficiency in your diet can reduce skin's ability to heal and cause it to become rigid and lifeless.




cantaloupe: super healthy for skin because of its antioxidant properties. these are beneficial for fighting off skin-aging free radicals. recipe: blend diced cantaloupe, low-fat yogurt, and other berries with a cup of almond milk for a delicious afternoon pick-me-up or breakfast on-th-go.



wheat germ: uber nutritious, wheat germ is the embryo within a grain of wheat. it's a good source of biotin, a vitamin C that's important to skin (and hair!) health. even a mild biotin deficiency can cause dermatitis, a condition characterized by itchy, scaly skin. recipe: sprinkle wheat germ on yogurt for a tasty way to get more biotin.



almonds & walnuts: almonds contain 150% of daily vitamin E needs and is rich in oils that moisturize your skin, while its antioxidants protect against skin damage and premature aging. in addition, walnuts contain the essential fatty acids that help improve skin. recipe: reach for a handful of almonds or walnuts instead of a bag of chips as your next snack.

cottage cheese: when selenium in cottage cheese meets vitamin E, the result is a powerful free radical-fighting antioxidant team! surprisingly, it also protects against skin cancer and dandruff. recipe: mix cottage cheese with fresh fruit (and almonds!) for a great morning breakfast.


tell me: do you already (or will you be eating any) of these foods soon?

xo

new makeup collection: AHAVA Mineral Makeup Care



i am a fan of the AHAVA brand, and was excited to learn the they will soon be launching their very first collection of makeup called Mineral Makeup Care!

the info shared with me described the Mineral Makeup Care collection as being formulated with powerful anti-aging ingredients and moisturizing properties including dunaliella algea (an indigenous dead sea seaweed loaded with vitamins, beta-carotene and amino acids) and AHAVA's Mineral Skin Osmoter™ (a unique blend of 21 essential dead sea minerals). also, users can expect to find the texture to be silky with soft-focus technology, to smooth over fine lines and imperfections for a flawless, natural, non-artificial coverage.



the line includes:

Light Foundationan oil-free, medium coverage foundation that minimizes pores and provides a matte finish. can be used on all skin types.

Rich Foundationa creamy full-coverage foundation that fades fine lines and provides a lustrous, glossy finish. ideal for normal to dry skin types.

Compact Powdera silky, soft-pressed powder that provides light coverage and a natural finish. can be used on all skin types.

Loose Powder ­– a weightless powder that can be used alone or on top of foundation for medium to full coverage and a semi-matte finish. can be used on all skin types.

so, tell me: what do you think? is this a line you want to try? Mineral Makeup Care will be available september 1st on ahava.com and in Ulta stores nationwide.

xo

New Multi-Tasking Products from Jillian Dempsey for Avon



to the joy of many multi-tasking-loving beauty mavens, Jillian Dempsey, Avon Global Creative Color Director and hollywood makeup artist, has created an exclusive line of color products for the busy woman on the go. with these products, any look can go from a sleek, professional look for day, to a sultry, smokey eye for night, to fabulous, lush lashes that are gorgeous, thick and voluminous looking (and look great anytime).

the bonus-- you can do it with just three products!

crazy to believe, i know, but i've tried them firsthand, and my product-obsessed self has been convinced that less is more (at least for some occasions, LOL!)

take a closer look at these beauties...



the Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Multi Pencil is my favorite! the double-ended pencil includes a soft eyeshadow on one end (blendable and great when you're in a hurry) and a gorgeous cream lip and cheek color on the other (the texture is perfect and creates a pretty finish). they come in three shade duos:

Raspberry Radiance – berry lip color with a satin finish paired with a shimmery champagne shadow.
Sugar Plum – neutral mauve lip color with a creme finish paired with a shimmery pink shadow (pictured).
Twice the Spice – deep plum lip color with a soft shimmer with a soft shimmer brown eyeshadow.




on one end of the Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Duo Eye Enhancer you'll find a creamy, liquid eyeshadow-- the formula goes on with a wand, and has to be blended, but wears well once applied-- and on the other, a perfectly coordinated luxurious liquid eyeliner. the liner glides on smoothly and wears great throughout the day, but i found it took a bit longer to dry than i had hoped. available in 4 duos: White/Jet Black, Shell Pink/ Warm Brown, Gold/Jet Black and Bronze/Warm Brown (pictured).




Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Lash Booster is designed to be applied between coats of mascara. it's a goof-proof gel that contains custom fibers that cling to lashes, helping to create a dramatic lash look. available in Black and Brown (pictured). this alternative (or in addition) to a lash primer really gives my my mascara a boost. this beauty girl loves to have fab looking lashes! :)

all of these products are available now through your local Avon representative. visit avon.com for more info.

xo
products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

My New Beauty Obsessions from Benefit Cosmetics



like you, any new beauty product is so exciting to have and use, but every once and awhile you get your hands on a product and you can't get enough of it. i just happen to have two new products that i am loving from Benefit: Creaseless Shadow/Liner in Birthday Suit, and their newest gloss, Ultra Shines Lip Shine in Wild Child.

i can't tell you how happy i am to have these in my beauty life!

i was introduced to these, and other goodies (see the pic above of her train case), by an old friend who just happens to be a makeup artist for Benefit! i was thrilled when i found this out because, while i have some experience with the brand, i always like to learn about products from someone who uses them all the time. so, needless to say, i was able to play with the products, ask lots of questions, and buy what i really liked (there were some other gems i picked too, so you'll be hearing about those soon).



these shadows are fab for the summer season-- the cream formula is super blendable, quickly transforms into a powder finish after being applied, and doesn't budge as the day goes on. they'll also definitely work to take me into the fall/winter season. i'm thinking Birthday Suit will keep my smokey eye looks looking fresh and radiant. :)




the Ultra Shines lippies are so lush and yummy on my lips. they aren't sticky and moisturize fabulously. the Wild Child shade is described as a glimmering amethyst and definitely not a color i would have chosen for myself. in its tube it looks so pretty-- not pink, not purple-- and quite bold, but on my lips is a great sheer-but-bright color. love!


me, wearing Wild Child-- excuse the up-the-nose shot, LOL!

of course, you don't have take my word for it-- discover these for yourself. visit your local Benefit beauty counter and have some fun! you can also find the Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner (available in 12 shades) and Ultra Shines Lip Shines (available in 5 gorgeous colors) online at benefitcosmetics.com and sephora.com.

xo
pics taken by me :)

Spa Trends for 2010



who knew going to the spa could be so fashionable? yes, beauties, the spa is a place to relax and get pampered, but it's also a fabulous way to stay healthy (hey, mental and emotional health are so very important, too, you know).

on Spa Week's daily blog, they came up with a list of 12 trending spa treatments, and i thought you'd be happy to know there are some great treatments on the list! take a look at a few that sound very pampering and very beneficial for your health...


to fight allergies:



ugh, i know all too well how annoying allergies can be, so something like this is right up my alley. these treatments off things like sinus massages, breathe-easy facials and cold & flu bath salts-- perfect to soothe those pesky seasonal allergies.



get better beauty sleep:




if you battle with insomnia, you're in desperate need of a good night's slumber. proper REM cycles are just as rejuvenating as a spa treatment, so one of the hottest trends emerging in the industry is a dream-worthy mix of the two to promote better sleeping patterns. scents such as rosewood, valmarosa and Vanilla are used to guide you off to never-never land while massage techniques make for a complete relaxation experience.


hot and cold stone massages:



always a favorite treatment, especially during Spa Week (because they are always amazing!), the hot stone massage offers the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate. to give it a new twist, this treatment can now also include the application of cold stones. what's the benefit, you ask? well, not only does it add multi-dimensional stimulation (by alternating the hot and cool stones), but this method helps every cell in the body receive more oxygen and nutrients, while also encouraging a more effective removal of toxins.



there are other amazing new treatments that you'll want tot learn more about to prepare yourself for Spa Week-- read the full list of top spa trends by visiting Spa Week's blog!



p.s., Spa Week's fall spa directory is up now for us west coasters, and will be available on september 13 for the rest of the country. there you'll be able to see which spas are offering which services. i plan to participate-- you should, too! try one, try all— Spa Week is the best time to indulge and experiment-- treatments will be available for just $50! visit spaweek.com for all the details.


xo
info and images courtesy of Spa Week

Kim Kardashian Wears Born Famous Couture "Dagger" Necklace



Kim Kardashian was spotted around los angeles a little over a week ago wearing a fabulous statement necklace (if you must know, her errands included lunch at Divine Pasta, a visit to Shades hair salon and then a meet-up with her mom at Giorgio Baldi in santa monica). the Born Famous Couture "Dagger" Necklace gave her neutral, body-conscious dress the perfect bit of edge without being over the top.

like what you see? it's currently available at the Diane Merrick boutique in los angeles.

xo
image of Kim Kardashian from x17online.com; image of necklace courtesy of Born Famous Couture

Leighton Meester at the 2010 Teen Choice Awards



when Leighton Meester attended the 2010 Teen Choice Awards, she too had a pretty makeup look, created by none other than CoverGirl's celeb makeup artist Molly R. Stern.

Molly shares what products, and how she used them, to create this soft, feminine look...

for her face:

"i prepped Leighton's skin with Josie Marin Argan Oil Skin Primer and lightly moisturized with Sk-11 Facial Lift Emulsion. next, i sparingly used CoverGirl Clean Liquid Makeup.

for her eyes:

"we wanted a celestial glow with a smidge of an edge. so i first based her eye with NARS Cream Chadow in Corfu on the lid, then with Shu Uemura P Gold 94 over the top. i added a little silver sparkly glittery shadow from RMK, a treasure i found in japan, to the inside of the lid and under the outer edge of the eye. next, i lined the top of the lid at the lash line and under the eye with CoverGirl LiquiLineBlast Eyeliner in Blue Boom. for her lashes, 2 coats of CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion in Brown was the perfect finish."

on her cheeks:

"i used Kevin Aucoin Creamy Moist Glow in Nuelle and dusted YSL Touché Blush over the top. to set her look for the red carpet i dusted all over with La Mer Treatment Powder Foundation in Linen.

on her lips:

"i wanted a long lasting nude so i chose CoverGirl Oulast Lipstain in Nude Kiss on the lip with CoverGirl ShineBlast Lipgloss in Dazzle over top."

thanks Molly-- fabulous work!

xo

Lucy Hale at the 2010 Teen Choice Awards



did you tune it to the 2010 Teen Choice Awards on monday night? if so, i'm sure you enjoyed seeing all of the gorgeous hair and makeup looks! one of my favorite looks was on Lucy Hale. she's gorgeous naturally, but i really love how her makeup look amped up the drama factor, perfectly suited for her just-edgy-enough dress and fierce shoes (love!).



mark celebrity makeup artist Mai Quynh explains how she created the Pretty Little Liars star's Teen Choice Awards makeup look:

on her eyes:

"to begin, i used the Concealer Brush to apply the bronze shade from the Keep It Going Longwear Eyeliner & Shadow in Surreal to her lashline and blended upwards to the crease. next, i applied a top coat of I-Mark Custom Pick Eye Shadow in Gioia into the crease and smudged up to her brow bone, then lined both her upper and bottom lashline with I-Mark Custom Pick Eye Shadow in Java using the Flat Eyeliner Brush. to add an extra hint of drama, i lined her inner lids with Eyemarker Color On Line in Jet and finished with two coats of Make It Big Lash Plumping Mascara in Raven."

on her face:

"i prepped Lucy's face by applying Face Xpert Flawless Touch Makeup in Golden with the Foundation Brush to even out her skin tone. next, i dabbed Good Riddance Hook Up Concealer in Light/Medium under her eyes, blending it in with the Concealer Brush."

"for her cheeks, i used the mark Foundation Brush to apply Just Pinched Instant Blush in Peachy to the apples of her cheeks. i then dusted a light coating of Matte-nificent Oil-Absorbing Powder to eliminate any excess shine in her t-zone. using a combination of Bronze Pro Bronzing Powder in Pro Golden and Glowdacious Illuminating Powder in Shimmied Up with the Powder Brush, i accentuated the contours of her face and added a gorgeous radiance."

on her lips:

"i used Juice Jems Lip Gloss in Juicy Fig to give Lucy's lips the perfect amount of color and shine, without looking overdone."

visit meetmark.com or contact your local mark rep for more info on these products.


xo
all products by mark; info courtesy of the brand's PR company; image by Bauer Griffin via zimbio.com

Total Beauty Quiz: Find the Best Foundation for You

if you're looking to find out what foundation type is best for you, this fun little quiz from Total Beauty will definitely help take the guesswork out of your search-- or at least give you some good brand suggestions you may not have tried yet-- take a look!

TotalBeauty.com
Find Your Best Foundation

See which formula is ideal for your unique skin type


Find Your Best Foundation

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article

Do you know which foundation you should be wearing? Take this quiz and see which formula is right for your skin type.

Take quiz



xo

Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer



Covergirl and Olay have outdone themselves by creating a fabulous product, the new Simply Ageless Serum Primer. it's an anti-aging serum. it's a primer. it's a brilliant light moisturizer that i simply can't get enough of.

i was first introduced to this beauty by Molly R. Stern at the CoverGirl Lounge event in los angeles back in may. she used it to prep Rashida Jones' skin for the gorgeous look she ultimately created. Molly herself, a makeup maven, admitted that she wasn't too thrilled with the idea of a primer-- she never used them before (good moisturization of the skin works just as well as a primer in most cases, fyi)-- but after using it, and seeing the results it gave, she became a fan.

i, on the other hand, was beyond thrilled to know that CG was stepping it up and adding this to their Simply Ageless line! i couldn't wait to try it myself.

i've been using it for a couple of months now, and i adore it!

it's made with Olay Regenerist ingredients, of course, so my skin doesn't just get prepped for foundation, but is also given an anti-aging treatment every time i use it (multi-tasker alert!). i love its delicate consistency and the way it quickly smooths over my skin without a hint of oil. it doesn't leave my skin matte, but rather looking fresh, pretty and lightly moisturized. i don't have any serious wrinkles, so i don't know how it would be in treating them, but i do know i like the way my skin has been looking since using this.

hope you'll give it a try! look for it soon in your local drugstore.

xo
product featured given to me by representatives of the CoverGirl brand at an event mention in this post.

shoe love: Dollhouse Basanti Bootie



a few weeks ago i paid a visit to Ross, hoping to find some cute shoes (it seems my local store always has a great selection, but i find better clothing and handbags at sTJ Maxx and Marshalls-- funny, huh?). sure enough, i found these adorable Dollhouse Basanti Booties. these heels are exceptionally comfy (the insole is cushioned and there it has a hidden platform to offset the 3 1/2 inch heel) and i can wear them with everything, thanks to their neutral hue.

i love, love, love them! they are still available online, and who knows? maybe at your local discount retailer. :)

xo
pic taken by me :)

body beautiful: Wings of Nature Nutrition Bars



looking for some yummy, healthy treats that will give you energy and nourish you body? let me introduce you to Wings of Nature's Nutrition Bars. they're made with whole, natural ingredients and perfect when you need a snack. i never thought these would be as good as my favorite Lara bars, but they have won me over, for sure.

while you may find the words healthy and decadent hard to put into the same sentence, these bars are just that. they are are so good for you and taste amazingly delish! take a look (and try not to drool)...




Cranberry Crunch was my first pick to try. i love cranberries, and the ingredients (peanuts*, raisins*, sesame seeds*, agave syrup*, almonds*, rice syrup*, crisp brown rice*, cranberries (cranberries*, apple juice concentrate*, sunflower oil*), pumpkin seeds*, cranberry flavor*) worked fabulously together to create a deliciously satisfying, chewy, sweet and nutty snack. i was only disappointed when it was gone.




Espresso Coffee Bar was my pick once my next snacking opportunity came around. this bar combines the rich flavor of espresso and cocoa that is mmm, mmm, good! the coffee flavor is so well-balanced-- any coffee or espresso-lover will enjoy this one. ingredients include: sun dried raisins*, brazil nuts*, cocoa cass, sunflower seeds*, agave syrup*, crisp brown rice*, walnuts*, brown rice syrup*, roasted coffee beans* and espresso flavor*.




Almond Raisin Bar was the last bar to be tried, and i still can't decide if this is my favorite one. sesame seeds*, raisins*, agave syrup*, sunflower seeds*, almonds*, rice syrup*, crisp brown rice* and pumpkin seeds* made my taste buds so happy-- i loved the salty sweetness and the chewiness was perfect.

all of these bars are low sodium, good sources of fiber, vegan, dairy free, certified organic and kosher, and are low glycemic (keeps blood sugar levels in check). they're all also free of preservative, additives, cholesterol, gluten and trans fats, and are non GMO-- healthy, healthy, healthy! :)

currently, Wings of Nature Bars can be found in a few (very few) stores, but are sold in packs of 24 online. hopefully, they'll be expanding soon! visit their website, freshharvestproducts.com for more info.

xo
products featured were sent to me for review; *certified organic by OC/PRO Canada K9V 4R1 Cert. #648

Oribe Gives Scarlett Johansson a New, Modern Bob



celeb hair guru, Oribe, recently worked with actress Scarlett Johansson to create for her a fabulous new hairstyle. the end result: a lighter-feeling, more modern bob.

Oribe says, "this haircut has a lot of versatility. it's very modern-- a medium-length to longer bob, cut in a really jagged line at the bottom. we kept the good parts of Scarlett's longer hair-- the softer ends-- and took length off the back. the cut isn't super-angled, and it isn't incredibly severe-- it's softer and more wearable. there are a million directions you can take with this haircut-- it's not your typical bob. Scarlett's hair was photographed in more of a natural state, but you can do so much with this style."

want to know more details about ScarJo's new cut? head over to DailyMakeover.com!

xo
source: DailyMakeover.com; images: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

A Month of Beauty Giveaways at The Beauty of Life!



for the second year in a row, Jamie over at The Beauty Of Life is doing an entire month of beauty giveaways! going on now, each day readers will have the opportunity to enter to win an amazing beauty prize from brands like Balenciaga, Ted Gibson, Orlane, Tocca, Dermalogica and Dior, just to name a few.

fyi, these are top-of-the-line, amazing products, beauties! Jamie is a beauty expert, and i promise her picks won't dissapoint. so head over there everyday for the rest of the month (and subscribe if you don't want to miss out on Jamie's fabulous daily updates!) and enter to win!

p.s., each giveaway lasts for only one day-- from midnight to midnight -- with the winner being selected the next day. here to The Beauty of Life now, and good luck!

xo
image: Beauty of Life Blog

NARS Palettes for Fall 2010!



the summer is winding down for me here in sunny so cal. no, the temps aren't dropping (though i admit, this has been the coolest summer i've experienced living in the city that i do for the last almost 12 years), but my kids do start school next week (the official end of summer for them). another sign that summer is coming to an end-- new fall beauty goodies!

currently available from NARS are two palettes sure to make the transition so much sweeter...

housed in new packaging-- a NARS-logo zippered case (so cute!)-- each one holds a gorgeous, colorful surprise. with two signature NARS cheek products chosen to complement the lips or eyes, for a deep and sultry or light and fresh look, you can create a limitless amount of looks. all you have to decide is if you're all about the eyes or all about the lips-- or both!

take a closer look:

Beautiful Life Lip and Cheek Palette (pictured at top)

top row (left to right): Sexual Healing Lipstick (sheer, shimmering pink), Honolulu Honey Lipstick (satin, flesh-toned beige), Roman Holiday Lipstick (sheer, delicate pastel pink), Funny Face Lipstick (semi-matte fuchsia)

bottom row (left to right): Copacabana Multiple (glistening pearl), Orgasm Multiple (peachy pink with shimmer)




Only You Eye and Cheek Palette

top row (left to right): Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow (metallic rose mist), Mekong Single Eyeshadow (espresso fused with gold), Eurydice Duo Eyeshadow (electric aubergine), Pandora Duo Eyeshadow (matte black)

bottom row (left to right): Hungry Heart Blush Duo (iridescent gold ivory), Orgasm Blush (peachy pink with shimmer)



find both palette at narscosmetics.com.

tell me: which palette will you choose?

xo
info and images courtesy of NARS

what i'm loving now: CellCeuticals CerActive Active Moisture + Barrier Repair Skin Treatment



i was recently introduced to CellCeuticals CerActive Active Moisture + Barrier Repair Skin Treatment, and as you read in the title post, i'm loving it. this moisturizer does exactly what it promises: added hydration and soothing benefits for thirsty skin.

like winter, summer can also be a time of dehydration for your skin. sure, you might have an over-production of oil that you're trying to keep under control, but keeping moisture from it isn't going to do you any favors-- that's where this beauty fits in perfectly.

CerActive Active Moisture + Barrier Repair Skin Treatment contains many "techy" ingredients, as well as organic ones, that work between surface cells. the result is long-lasting hydration. after my normal skincare routine, i apply the creamy, light formula and it glides onto my skin beautifully, leaving it feeling happy. :)

i found out that one of the not-so-secret ingredients is licorice root extract. its function is to strengthen skin's hydro-lipid barrier function, while also providing skin-soothing benefits-- cool, huh? and you thought licorice was just a fun snack to eat at the movies!

discover more about this and the entire CellCeuticals line of products at cellceuticalsskincare.com

xo
pic taken my me :); product featured sent to me for review consideration.

Easy Summer Hairstyle Trend: Braids



adding a braid or two to your hair is one of the easiest ways to give your hair a little something extra. variations of the style have been seen on runways and celebs like Kate Hudson, Nicole Richie, Lauren Conrad and Kristen Stewart sport braided styles frequently.

for summer, it's not just little girls who can wear braids. they offer a little change and work fabulously day or night (you may also find a braid helpful during odd growing-out-the-hair stages). one style in particular that i love (and wear often myself) is the headband braid. it's quick and simple, really! take a look...

*first, take a horizontal line two inches back from your hairline and separate that front section of hair. leave the rest loose.

*then, starting at the left side of the head, just above your ear, french braid until you reach your right ear.

*finally, secure the braid with an elastic and tuck the ends behind your right ear. style the rest of your hair as you wish.




Women's Heath Magazine features how to get this style as well as other twisted and braided styles in their current current july/august issue, on newstands now. you can see a how-to slideshow online by clicking here.

xo
info courtesy of WH; Kate Hudson image: Anwar Hussein/Empics Entertainment/Abaca; Kristen Stewart image: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

Total Beauty: Low-Rated Drugstore Makeup

while drugstore makeup can be amazing, and has improved tremendously over the last couple of years, there are still products on the market that aren't so loved. Total Beauty has gathered a list of low-rated products that site members have had bad experiences with.

check out this helpful list, then let me know if you agree with the picks!

TotalBeauty.com
Cheap Makeup Gone Wrong

See which low-rated makeup products you should avoid


Cheap Makeup Gone Wrong

This is a TotalBeauty.com cheap makeup article

Total Beauty readers give us the lowdown on 16 low-rated drugstore makeup products.

See products

No. 16: Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara, $6.94

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.9


No. 16: Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara, $6.94

"I know hate is a strong word but ... I hate this mascara! …"

No. 15: Milani Loose Makeup, $7.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.6


No. 15: Milani Loose Makeup, $7.99

"The coverage is horrible: it looks patchy and uneven …"

No. 14: CoverGirl Trublend Microminerals Foundation, $10.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 5.6


No. 14: CoverGirl Trublend Microminerals Foundation, $10.99

"It clogged my pores …"

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!



xo



By Crew