Beauty411

Total Beauty Weekly Web Tour

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog is offering another Manic Monday giveaway. TwisTeD Silver Shower earrings will add that holiday je ne sai quoi to that holiday outfit.

Hot Beauty Health is giving one lucky reader a chance to win NARS Exclusive Lip Gloss Collection that includes five fabulous shades to wear this holiday season.

Beauty Junkies Unite discovers Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare and has an "experience"!

Viva Woman shares with you the benefits of the oil cleansing method.

Fabulous Over Forty has a Lancome nail polish giveaway, as well as other holiday gift guides.

Felicia at ThisThatBeauty is doing her own personal rendition of the MAC and HELLO KITTY collection. Check out Felicia's HELLO KITTY Face of the Day.

Get Tips for Holiday Travel from cosmetic bag designer Stephanie Johnson at Makeup Bag.

Battle skin dryness this winter with a great spa-at-home tip from eye4style.

Georgia at Neon Bible takes a look at what Bond No. 9 has to offer for Christmas and it's actually affordable!

What eye look tops winter 2008 makeup trends? Head on over to Frappelattes to find out!

Alison of The Advice SistersElizabeth Grant skin care products. So hop on over and enter the contest today!

Beauty411 shares time-saving tips and styling suggestions for holiday hair without the hassle!

Kyle at Face Candy reviews Tocca's Florence Solid Fragrance.

Beauty Anonymous brings you Shiseido's Majolica Majorca Holiday 2008 Collection.

Did you know while Lipstick can help prevent lip cancer, lip gloss can increase your exposure? Lean about Sunscreen for Lips at RN Guide to Skin Care.

Suzanne at Mineral Makeup Reviews provides an overview of Bare Minerals Skin Care.

The Beauty Blog reviews philosophy Shear Splendor Shampoo.

Beauty Blogging Junkie experiences a truly fantastic facial at NYC's Xac Anthony Salon.

Looking for discounts and free beauty products? Check out TotalBeauty.com's New! Discount Deals of the Week article.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings has fabulous pictures and all the beauty details from the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!

Indian Girl shows you to sport a Bright and Fun Look and Soft and Feminine Look for this holiday season!

Givenchy Holiday Makeup 2008 on Marta's Video Blog-by Talking Makeup!

makeup loves me tells you what her 5 absolute beauty must-haves are!

Head on over to beauty in real life to find out which fabulous new skincare products make the cut in Christine's morning routine.

Kim Kardashian is giving away a selection of MAC makeup, handpicked by the Kim herself. Visit Spoiled Pretty for the deets and to find out how to enter the giveaway!

The Home Spa Goddess has lots of links to Black Friday Beauty deals.

Beauty Blog Network Weekend Beauty Reads

 

Lilan from The Daily Cookie adds a little sparkle to her holidays with Givenchy Pop Gloss Crystal in two new LE shades! A Touch of Blusher talks about major trends in Japanese cosmetics.

Felicia at ThisThatBeauty is doing her own personal rendition of the MAC and HELLO KITTY collection. Check out Felicia's HELLO KITTY Face of the Day.

The Makeup Divas reviews and tells you about a scrumptious selection of bath and body care products, that are perfect to use as stocking stuffers!

Beauty411 shares time-saving tips and styling suggestions for holiday hair without the hassle!

Beauty Anonymous brings you Shiseido's Majolica Majorca Holiday 2008 Collection.

Beauty Junkie in SF discovers Diptyque's luxurious candles in San Francisco's Maiden Lane.

All Lacquered Up ponders whether men can wear nail polish or if it's only acceptable on rock stars.

The Beauty Blog Network shares maybe the best post ever.

Elke finds a Holiday Gift Set for $25 that even Dr. McDreamy would approve of.

Face Candy helps you choose between the Lancome's Holiday Beauty Box and Estee Lauder's Holiday Blockbuster.

Beauty Banter dishes on the must-have Holiday Hair... all the celebs are sporting it!

Head on over to Beauty in Real Life to find out which fabulous new skincare products make the cut in Christine's morning routine.

Space NK offers online holiday discount!

Space NK, one of my favorite online beauty destinations, is offering a 20% holiday discount on orders over $150 when you shop online through December 14th and use code HOL001 at checkout.

Space NK specializes in a well-edited selection of luxury cosmetic brands, including By Terry (I highly recommend trying the Bronze-Expert, a fabulous bronzer in a genious applicator!), Chantecaille and more.  But wait--Space NK is a skincare lover's dream, carrying names such as Zelens Skincare, Kate Somerville, ReVive and Natura Bisse.

One of my picks for a skincare gift is the Eve Lom's Ultimate Cleanse Set.  Eve Lom, the UK-based renowned facial aesthetician, believes that less is more when it comes to skincare.  Her minimalist regimen revolves around cleansing and exfoliation.  The Eve Lom Ultimate Cleanse Set includes a jar of Eve Lom Cleanser, Muslin Cloth and Rescue Mask.

Discover Space NK and take advantage of this great opportunity; I'm making my list!

Mally Beauty launches video network!

Mally Roncal is the highly talented makeup artist who has worked with superstar clients like Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez.  She has a very successful beauty line built around her philosophy that you can achieve professional makeup results easily.  Now, Mally brings her high-energy, positive message to Mally TV.

Mally fans can now get the opportunity to see Mally dishing on beauty, life, family as well as detailed product demos for each Mally beauty product, Mally’s own blog and get candid beauty advice straight from the source herself in the community section.

I love Mally's products, but I also love her positive energy and her belief that ""Makeup is simply the accessory that allows someone's true nature and beauty to outwardly manifest itself."  Her new Mally Beauty website captures that spirit.  Check it out at www.mallybeauty.com.

Black Friday Beauty Deals

Good morning Black Friday Beauty Bargainistas!  While everyone else is out fighting the crowds at the mall, point and click your way to these fabulous beauty buys.  And the best part is, you don't even have to leave the house. 

• Kiehl's Friends & Family:  11/21/08 - 12/1/08.  20% off and free shipping on orders over $30. Use code FAMILY.

• Stila is offering 20% off and free shipping on orders over $30.  Use code ECYX12.

• Shu Uemura is offering a 20% discount and free shipping when you use code SHUFRIENDS through 12/1/08.

• Smashbox Friends & Familyis offering a 20% discount plus free shipping and samples using ode SBFF08 through 11/30/08.

• Perricone MD is offering 25% off your entire purchase using code FF101 at checkout through 11/29/08.

• DuWop is offering 25% off your order on 12/01/08 using code HOLIDAY25.

• Skinstore is offering 20% off using code CHEER20 through 12/2/08. Some exclusions apply.

• Definitely check out Amazon.com/beauty for excusive Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers like this philosophy 3-piece ultimate diet cinnamon buns set reduced to $ 22.00!

Did you find any more beauty deals?  Share it in the comments!

Pass the Cranberries and Pumpkin...oh, my!

Happy Thanksgiving!  Since Thanksgiving is a time to reflect (and eat!), I would just like to say how much I've enjoyed bringing you the best in beauty over the past year.  Of course, there are beauty products to talk about....today I'm bringing you cranberries.  And a little slice of pumpkin thrown in.

Arcona Cranberry Toner:  Cleanse, tone and hydrate with this 3-in-1 cranberry milk toner. Removes dirt, oil & makeup, protects and clarifies skin, neutralizes free radicals, and nourishes & heals for a glowing complexion.

The Body Shop Cranberry Body Butter:  Who could resist this?  A rich, intensive cream that moisturizes for up to 24 hours with a sweet, fruity and festive cranberry scent.




philosophy cranberry 3 in 1 shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath:  philosophy has captured the sweet, yet tangy scent of cranberry in their 24 oz shampoo, bubble bath, and shower gel. 

June Jacobs Perfect Pumpkin Peeling Enzyme Masque:  This purifying pumpkin enzyme smells just like pumpkin pie and is a natural, gentle alternative to AHA peels. Gently digests and exfoliates dead skin cells and impurities as it delivers pumpkin's botanical repair benefits into the skin.

Are there any cranberry or pumpkin products that are your favorites?  Let me know in the comments!

Harajuku Lovers Float in Macy's Thanksgiving Parade!

One of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions is to wake up early and as I'm preparing the turkey, turn on the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.  This year, it will be extra cool, because there is a new Harajuku Lovers Float in the parade!

Neon Lights, over the top signs and Harajuku girls are on full blast on the new Harajuku Lovers float. Inspired by the Harajuku area of downtown Tokyo, the  float  consists of multi-level, clear, plexi-glass platforms that show the  lights  of Tokyo to full effect.

Featured on board will be balloonhead alter egos of Love, Lil Angel, Music, Baby and G - the Harajuku Girls!  Also taking the  trip through Manhattan will be the real Love, Angel, Music and Baby who will dance close to their balloon counterparts on Thanksgiving.

In addition to the float, there will also be street team members dressed up in the Harajuku Lovers theme handing out samples of the fragrances and cards for a special gift with purchase.

If you'd like to check it out in person, it's all happening at Columbus Circle, the West side of the street; Broadway between 38th and 58th Streets; 34th Street: the South side of the street between Broadway and 7th Avenue.

Bond No. 9 Holiday Fragrance Collection

Even though I don't live in New York (but wish that I did!) there is something so universal about its' appeal.  So it goes with Bond No. 9 Perfumes.  A fragrance for each neighborhood in the city.  And just as you'd expect the city to be decked out for holiday festivities, Bond No. 9 doesn't disappoint.

Three of Bonds' most popular fragrances get the royal treatment. Each bottle is embellished with over 5,000 Swarovski crystals. The pearlized milk glass Eau de New York Bottle is studded with diamond colored Aurora Borealis stones.  Chelsea Flowers receives the emerald colored stones and Chinatown features ruby colored stones.  Retailing at $650, these beauties will only be going to a select clientele this holiday season.

For the rest of us, though, there are more affordable holiday gift options:

I love this set of four soaps, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Chinatown, Eau de New York and The Scent of Peace.  The colorful wrapping depicts a field of Bond No. 9 tokens on an ivory background. This set is $ 95 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Also at Saks is a set of five travel candles. These would make wonderful gifts on their own.  The set includes Chelsea Flowers, Chinatown, Eau de New York, Nuits de Noho and The Scent of Peace.  $ 95.

Bond No. 9 Perfumes are available at Bond No. 9 New York Boutiques and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Le Metier de Beaute

Le Metier de Beaute cosmetics have exploded onto the beauty scene, founded on the principles of craft, design and quality.  Not content to be merely another beauty brand, Le Metier de Beaute sought the input of top beauty insiders, makeup artists and a select group of discerning women to help craft the brand.  The packaging, sleek lines and functional design are exquisite.  And it's because of this attention to detail that Le Metier de Beaute succeeds in delivering high quality products.

I recently had the opportunity to try the line and in the interest of full disclosure, I'm completely smitten.  I want it all!

Here are a few of the standout products:

Anamorphic Lash Mascara:  This mascara is fantastic. It glides onto your lashes with a buildable formula that doesn't clump or glob--complete deal breakers for me.  Anamorphic Lash Mascara thickens and defines lashes and I didn't once experience smudging or flaking.  I tried this mascara in the Midnight Blue (also available in Black and Brownish Black) and am seriously loving it.  Anamorphic Lash Mascara is flawless; yes, I believe Holy-Grail-worthy!

Precision Liquid Eyeliner:  Liquid eyeliners always intimidate me, which is why I usually use a gel eyeliner formula.  The very precise applicator allows you to apply the product accurately, while maintaining control and definition.  Want a thicker line?  Just press harder.  Only available in Noir (black), I found this to be highly pigmented, smudge proof and easily removable, due to the fact that it's water-based. 

Limited Edition Lip Gloss in Black Magic (from the Le Metier de Beaute Holiday Collection):  If you're into this season's black-for-lips-look, you'll love the performance of this Lip Gloss.  The formula is perfect for more intense color payoff with added shine and gloss.  The formula itself is nourishing, with vitamins and antioxidants.

Nail Lacquer in Crimson:  Although the product sheet calls this a "dark patent red", I call it a true crimson; gorgeous color that is chip resistant, long-lasting and a formula that doesn't contain DBP, formaldehyde, toluene and xylene.  The Nail Lacquer provides a shiny, high-gloss finish.  This shade just screams "holiday".

Le Metier de Beaute cosmetics are available in select Neiman Marcus stores, Bergdorf Goodman (exclusive NY retailer) and online at NeimanMarcus.com and BergdorfGoodman.com.

Holiday Hair: Time saving tips with glam results!

Between shopping for the perfect outfit to wear to the office holiday party, then picking out just the right makeup, who has time to worry about their hair?  Here are some tips to glam up your holiday hair, that will take your look from frumpy to festive in a matter of minutes.

Start by creating a messy updo; it's a modern and romantic look. Think Angelina Jolie--she owns the look.  Before you start, prep the hair with a root volumizing product, like BigWigg from AG.  Spray BigWigg into the roots of clean, damp hair, then blow dry for incredible volume support and shine. Another bonus?  AG products smell amazing!  Pull hair up into a loose ponytail with a Goody hair band then twist and pin, pulling out loose strands to frame your face. 

Spray hair with Nexxus 360.  This is an excellent finishing spray that allows you to go over, under and around your hair without the nozzle getting clogged.  And because it's from Nexxus, you know that you won't get product buildup.  It has a medium hold that is still touchable; it's one of my favorite hair sprays.

Complete the look by accessorizing your hairstyle with Holiday Jewels, from Goody.  This holiday hair collection includes head bands, metallic hair bands, barettes, pins, clips--they're all fabulous! And because they're from Goody, they're inexpensive.  This collection is exclusive to Target through February 2009.  My favorites are the barettes with stones that look like marcasites and the jeweled bobby pins. Love!

If your hair is too short for an updo or you want a complete change, have you ever thought about hair extensions?  Jessica Simpson and her celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves have collaborated on a line of hair extensions called hairdo, that just clip into your existing hair.  Super easy! Available in synthetic or human hair, you can choose from a variety of styles, lengths and textures.  For more information and where to buy, check the hairuwear website or HSN.

And short-haired gals, you're not left out.  Go for a Modern Bob this holiday season.  Recently seen on Anne Hathaway and Gwyneth Paltrow, Fabrice Gili, Creative Director of Frederic Fekkai Soho Salon, recommends using the following to attain this clean, blunt style.  Start off with Fekkai Anti Frizz Creme Celebration of Style Kit to create a sleek. flawless look.  Saturate the roots and then blow-dry hair upside down to create fullness.  Then wrap hair around a 1" curling iron, making sure to leave the ends out to create a relaxed curl.  To soften this look you can add a slight wave and relax curls with Fekkai Finishing Creme.

Holiday hair doesn't have to be stressful if you follow some of these wonderful tips.  Work with what you've got, add in some great products to help out, wear a smile and enjoy yourself!

Photo of Angelina Jolie: credit to Evan Agostini/Getty Images