Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Laura Mercier's Eye Canvas

2012-02-07T09:02:00.007-05:00

Oh how I love an eyeshadow primer! Or a good one that is. I wear a shadow primer each & every day, whether I'm wearing shadow or not. A good primer with smooth & even out skin tone in one fail swoop. My tried & true Trish McEvoy brightens & wakes up my eye area like none other. That is, until maybe now. There's a new contender in town: I'm quite excited for Laura Mercier's new Eye Canvas. Pot container aside(boo!), it promises to neutralize discoloration with a foundation like coverage while being smudge & crease proof. It also is specifically for oily skinned gals like moi- rejoice! It goes one step further in saying it will help smooth those pesky little fine lines to create, yup- you guessed it: the perfect canvas for make-up application. Pretty tall order, but coming from the creator of the Secret Camouflage Concealer- I have high hopes! It comes in five shade selections & is available now for $26.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

$500 Visa Card Valentine's Giveaway

2012-02-03T13:58:00.006-05:00

The Beauty Blogger Coalition is back with another $500 Visa card giveaway! To enter, please allow the Rafflecopter widget to load below. All Terms and Conditions may also be found in the widget. Please visit the following Beauty Blogger Coalition members who are bringing this to you! You may enter using Rafflecopter from any of the below blogs but your entry will only count one time. You may, however, tweet about the giveaway (the last option) once a day for the duration of the giveaway.

Beauty Blogger Coalition
Beauty and Fashion Tech
Beauty Info Zone
Beauty Swatches
BlushingNoir
Gems in a Bottle
Madame B Fatale
Moxie Reviews
My Beauty Bunny
PeaceLoveLipgloss
Perilously Pale
Phyrra
Polarbelle
polish insomniac
PolishGalore
Pretty in Dayton
Prime Beauty
The Beauty Delicacy
The Plastic Diaries

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck Beauties!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss

2012-02-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

As you girls know, I am truly powerless to walk through a cosmetic department & not take something home with me! I'm the same way at an animal shelter- yes I have fears that one day I will be featured on Hoarders... So when I spotted Bobbi Brown's High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Naked Plum out on display recently, it beckoned & yes you guessed it- I made it mine.

Plum Nude is the perfect little pick me up & just the thing to have for a beautiful Valentine's pucker! Though I was probably one of the only Bobbi Brown customers that was sad when they got rid of their lipgloss brush applicators in favor of sponge applicators, this applicator delivers a good amount of product. I tend to prefer brush applicators in general for more precise application. But I will say I like pretty much everything about this gloss- it's refreshingly minty, not sticky & doesn't tingle which can irritate my sensitive skin. Mwah!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Must Have Make-Up Monday

2012-01-30T13:00:00.001-05:00

So this is the first time I've ever heard of Bling Tone eyeshadow from MyFace Cosmetics. It came in the first installment from a new monthly beauty sampler I've subscribed to called Beauty Army. I do love getting a monthly pick me up, though I need more products like a hole in the head;)

I received Sp"ice"y, which in the compact looked like a cool toned, shimmery brown shade. It's a much richer coppery shade when laid on the skin, though not very intense pigment wise.

I decided to smoke my eyes out with it when I went to the Matt Nathanson concert last night. I primped in hopes of A) Matt would see my smokey eyes & decide to leave his wife for me or B)He would single me out of the crowd & pull me up on stage a la Courtney Cox in that Bruce Springsteen video. Alas neither happened, but the concert was amazing none the less! I smudged the shadow in a winged shape on the lid, into the crease & along the lower lash line. I then lined my upper lash line & bottom waterline with jet black liner. I added mascara & was good to go!

Here it is on the lid, for a softer day time look. I must say, I feared fall out with the shimmer when I first opened the compact. Nothing annoys me more than when sparkles drop from my shadow onto my cheeks. I'm happy to report that this shadow cooperated beautifully, with little if any fallout when I used my standard prevention methods. When I read up about the shadow, I also noticed in its description that it can almost look 'wet' on. I had definitely thought the same thing. It's not a cheap eyeshadow at $20, but I liked it enough I might add another color to my beauty arsenal!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Files From the Brow Whisperer

2012-01-26T10:55:00.000-05:00

Just as cowlicks can happen with the hair on your head, they can happen to your brows. Most of the time- whether we know it or not, we have two slightly asymmetrical brows. The goal with my shaping is always to bring a client's brows into balance.

In the past, when this client has gone other places, her 'tail' or end part of her brow has almost been completely removed. This is probably due to the fact that the technician didn't know what to do with the cowlick. Previously too much was taken off at the beginning of her brow, as well as she has a cowlick there, too. Poor thing had incredibly shrinking brows! I often say brows are a journey- you might not get the brows of your dreams in one visit; as there is often work to be done on the client's end. Namely leaving them alone for a bit, so I can start fresh. In this case I want the client to let as much hair on her 'tail' end grow in as possible. In the meantime I showed her how to strengthen their appearance with brow powder. I tell everyone, patience Grasshoppa- amazing brows will come!

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer. M

Polish Pic{k}s

2012-01-24T09:47:00.006-05:00

I can honestly say I don't think I've ever purchased a Lancome Polish in my life- which is saying something! From looking at their website, however the fact that they had only 6 shade options probably explains why. When I caught a glimpse of Le Vernis 23, it had to be mine. The color in the bottle is a mesmerizing brown with golden shimmer. The bottle was so petite, I couldn't read its name, but if it had one it should be Sexual Chocolate- seriously it's that pretty. It was just different enough from everything else that's in my polish arsenal, that I scooped it up. As you can see, the bottle is quite tiny & I believe I paid $15 {or maybe $19} for it. I couldn't even find this shade on their website.

Trying to capture the gorgeous color in a photo proved very difficult & as I mentioned the shade isn't even on the Lancome site to link to. On the nails, it doesn't translate as richly as I'd hoped, either. To the naked eye it looks more like black, which I'm fine with- I love dark nails. I just really wished the dimension that appears in the bottle would have appeared on my mani. Maybe when the sun hits it, its beauty will be revealed. I'll post as to its wearability in the comments section in a few days. Has any else tired any Lancome polishes?

Peace. Love. Polish. M

Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash

2012-01-18T09:53:00.006-05:00

I received a deluxe sample of Bliss' Fabulous Foaming Face Wash in one of my many beauty subscription services recently. You know I am honest and forthcoming of my beauty addiction, girleens! I thought it would be perfect to take with me while I was in Florida. In general I tend to gravitate towards Bliss, or at least their cute packaging & cleverly named products. Oh & did I mention the yummy smells? Bliss' Lemon & Sage body butter makes me swoon! However this cleanser just didn't seem to like me. I noticed my skin feeling pretty tight after using it the past few days, something my teenage self would have adored- but current self not so much. However last night was the real test. I came home from dinner & washed my face with it. I always do a double cleanse if I'm not showering at night to make sure all traces of my make-up are removed. I looked up & not one bit of my foundation had been broken down. Eeks! Mascara running down my face- I had to reach for a different cleanser to do the job. On paper this cleanser looks like it would be a dream come true with it being oil free & having man made exfoliating spheres, but alas this one one isn't for me.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Must Have Make-Up Monday: Mally

2012-01-16T09:21:00.000-05:00

I'm not proud of this, but often during my holiday shopping I did a little of 'one for me, one for you.' Does that ever happen to you? You find the perfect little something for someone & realize you have to have one yourself? Of course that was the case when I was flipping through Henri Bendel's Holiday Catalog & spotted this Mally collection. How could I resist all of that perfection in pink that is known as the More Perfect Palette?

I will be the first to admit I lose all rational when it comes to make-up, so cost isn't always the top factor in my acquisitions- unless it's way out of my league. However, I must say I was floored at what a great value this kit was at only $65!

This palette has already traveled with me to NYC in 2012 & is now in Florida with me at this very moment. Due to its versatility, it's perfect for travel. Two blushes complete your needs as to cool undertones & warm undertones. Six shadows have you covered from day to night, as well. An eyeshadow primer-you know I can't be without one, an all over luminizer, 3 brushes & a petal soft gloss round out the mix. I say run, don't walk to make it yours!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Elizabeth Arden Blender Brush

2012-01-14T09:10:00.000-05:00

Alright so maybe I had unrealistic expectations of this Elizabeth Arden Blender Brush($15) from the get go. I assumed it would be basically a mini version of my beloved Beauty Blender on a handle, that would let me get into tighter areas with more convenience. Alas, that was not the case at all.

These 2 sponges couldn't be more different. The Elizabeth Arden one was so stiff, it was hard to work with. There was no give with the applicator when trying to apply my foundation, so the stipling method used with my Beauty Blender for a seamless finish left me with dots of foundation all over with the Elizabeth Arden version. I tried wetting it, but still when trying to use it on my undereye area- it felt hard & not very comfortable. It also poses a bit of a challenge to clean successfully. Such high hopes dashed. Now I feel guilty for straying- I'm sad to say I'd take a pass on this one, Beauties.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Goody for Goody!

2012-01-11T09:24:00.000-05:00

Have you seen these genius little creations from Goody? Though they look odd, think of them as almost 'anchors' in terms of holding any updo style into place. My hair is fine & very slippery- things rarely stay put.
Looking like a sci-fi strand of DNA, think of the Spin Pin as just a spiral bobby pin ($6.49.)
I can't tell you how many hair gadgets I have purchased in the past that just collect dust. For a classic look I gather my hair in my hand like a ponytail & twist around into a bun. I place an elastic around it to secure the edges, then twist just one Spin Pins into it, plus a feather to accessorize & it will hold all day! Most styles loosen on me as the day wears on. Plus when I take them out at the end of the day, I don't yank hairs out as when I do with bobby pins. Hallelujah!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Files From The Brow Whisperer

2012-01-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

Often I am referred to clients when they've had a previously poor brow experience. I call these woman survivors of PTBD{Post Traumatic Brow Disorder.} All kidding aside, can you imagine having a hatchet job done on your brows? These woman are coaxed for weeks, if not months by those that love them to get the courage to come to me & try getting their brows waxed again. Such was the case with this woman, who said it had been well over 6 months since she'd let anyone touch her brows. It's so important to get a feel for each client's lifestyle & personality when shaped their brows- seriously! I have glam girls, natural girls & in between- each brow style varies in term of upkeep.

From what this client told me, she likes a pretty natural, full brow. Before coming to see me, she said someone had taken off half of her brow. It took several minutes of talking with her to get her comfortable enough to lie down & let me work my magic. Most of the time I know what I want to do to a client the moment they walk into my studio & I see their eye shape- but listening to their expectations of maintenance sometimes modifies that. I trimmed this client's brows to start, then conservatively waxed both above & beneath the brow. A night & day difference from before, but still something she was comfortable with. She left with a smile on her face from trusting in me, which in turn made me smile.

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer. M

Poppy King for Boots No 7

2012-01-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

Poppy King seems to be well 'popping' up everywhere as of late. The Queen of Lipstick worked on collaborations with Kate Spade & Boots No 7 this year (I also thought for J Crew, but I seem to be making that up.) I scooped up two pieces of her Boots No 7 collection at Target, because I seem to be powerless to show any restraint while waiting for prescriptions at Target! One thing to know- the color swatches are very inaccurate on the display. Luckily they had the actual lipstick tube testers to swatch on my hand.

I went with Allure, which seemed to me the safest & closest to a nude. I must have 1000 color combos of nudes & still counting- but that's what I love! The lipstick feels more like a balm & gives a very sheer wash of color.

I purchased the coordinating gloss & here it is topped on the lipstick. The gloss feels super light & not at all sticky on the lips. The purchase wasn't life changing, but still soft & pretty.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

New Years Nails

2012-01-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

The polish I'm wearing to ring in the New Year reminds me of champagne on my fingertips! I actually stumbled across this concoction of polishes when coming to the aid of a girlfriend's manicure mishap!

Has this ever happened to you? You paint your nails at night & in the morning you wake up with sheet marks on your manicure. Granted- there was wine involved the night before, but still it's so frustrating! That's what happened at a recent girl's night to my friend, B! She had painted Zoya's Pandora polish on her nails, only awaking the next morning to deep groves in the polish.

Enter Sephora by OPI's Wild About Shimmer Polish to the rescue! Topping mistakes with a shimmering nail color helps diffuse light & take away attention from imperfections! See you can barely see any of the indentations from the sheets. It was such a stunning color combo, that I thought it was perfect for New Years! Here's to a happy, healthy & glamorous 2012!

Peace. Love. Polish. M

Tarte's Puttin on the Glitz

2011-12-30T09:45:00.000-05:00

I had looked longingly at Tarte's Puttin' on the Glitz holiday collection for a while at Ulta. The rich shadows & clever configuration were calling my name!

Each of the 3 palettes in the collection easily snaps into a super cute silver purse.

Looks can be deceiving- I actually can shove my Iphone in it! Your ID, some moolah, phone & the included lipgloss- you're good to go. It's stylish enough to take with you for New Years!

Speaking of New Years, the Girls Night Out Palette is right up your alley if you're looking for an amazing shadow collection to get your smokey eye on! Rich pewters, shimmery grays & matte black have you covered in that department.

Walk in the Park Palette (also spotted in this compact is Tarte's Park Avenue Princess Bronzer- which has a cult following!)

Here I used the Walk in the Park palette for a soft bronzed eye, I even used the hunter green shadow in the compact as my eyeliner!

Nine to Five Palette

The soft shimmers from the Nine to Five Palette along with my signature winged liner. This might be my favorite palette out of the bunch, with super versatile, soft shimmery colors. All in all you get 18 shadows, 3 Amazonian Clay Face Powders & the Maracuja infused lipgloss that can nestle neatly into the sleek clutch. It's a steal of a deal at $48! My suggestion (especially if Santa brought you some gift cards this holiday season) is to grab this limited edition kit while you can!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M
*This kit was gifted for review

Lorac 3D Liquid Luster

2011-12-27T08:45:00.001-05:00

Even when I'm 80, my love affair with all things sparkly will still be going strong! I'm lucky that as a make-up artist, I can pretty much wear whatever look I want to work. I know those in finance might not be able to get away with some of the things I can! Still there are times, I want to glam up my day look in a jiffy! When I spotted Lorac's 3D Liquid Lustre it looked like a magical potion.

I just shake it & then I put a tiny bit from the dropper on to my hand. As you can see- it's packed with sparkle! Worth the mention, it really stays put.

Here's my eye make-up at the end of a work day. I had been running around like a mad woman, as we were getting ready for our holiday party. I was already running late & I needed a quick pick me up!

I patted on the diamond like Lustre to my eyelids gently with my ring finger.

It really spruced my look up, I added a quick application of a coral gloss & I was good to go! This is a perfect sparkle option to ring in the New Year with or to keep in your purse to take your look easily from day to night!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Glossy Kisses & Warm Holiday Wishes

2011-12-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Beauties, I hope you have the merriest of Christmases being surrounded by those you love. Hug those that you can, remember those that aren't with you & savor the memories in the making.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

PIXI Ultimate Beauty Kit

2011-12-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

Can you feel it in the air? The sheer terror at the fact that Christmas is a mere 2 days away? I'm having flashbacks to college when I would cram all night for exams- only this time I'm staying up until 1:00am wrapping presents. When I'm frazzled, there are few things that cheer me up as quickly as make-up does. Especially considering the calories that are in wine & ice cream, yes make-up it is. Even as a child when I heard visions of sugar plums & all that for Christmas- I dreamt of fairies sprinkling pixi dust & sparkle on my cheeks.

So with child like wonder I opened Pixi's Ultimate Beauty Kit at work- a delightfully portable & eco friendly kit packing a wallop of beauty essentials: 32 eyeshadows, 16 lip glosses & 8 cheek glows! All of a sudden during my oohhhing & ahhhing, 2 people joined in chorus peeking over my shoulder! This palette is a crowd pleaser & one meant for those who love color.

The pigments are vibrant & true. I can't tell you how many times when I've purchased a big holiday palette & there's been little payoff on the skin. This collection is a steal of a deal at $40- in fact my target is sold out of it! But if you need that perfect last gift for a gal on your list- this is it. This is my other Beauty Best Buy for the holidays!

Plus the gals at PIXI are so awesome they want one of my readers to be starting off the New Year right! They've given me a trio of my beloved Endless Silky Eye Pens{see why I heart their creamy goodness here.}

As well as their limited edition Pretty Eye Perfection 12 shadow sampler so your peepers will be looking their most gorgeous in 2012! To enter just leave a comment, follow me on Twitter: @PeaceLoveGloss, tweet about the giveaway, or like Peace Love Lipgloss on Facebook. Each step counts as one entry- let me know your total tally in the comments section. I'll pick the winner on New Year's Eve! Good luck Beauties!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Holiday Polish Pic{k}s

2011-12-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

I had actually never heard of Venique nail polish, until I popped in to get some beauty supplies & spotted the display. I scooped up Runway Sparkle thinking it would be the perfect holiday color. I was right, it is a rich blue red with micro glitter that catches the light beautifully! Though the brush isn't as fabulous as my go to OPI's, the color lasted a full week with minimal wear & tear. I got several compliments on it & people asked where they could purchase the brand. I'll definitely be checking out additional shades. What's your go to holiday shade Beauties?

Peace. Love. Polish. M

Tarte's Starlet

2011-12-20T10:00:00.001-05:00

Cue the Angels singing. As I mentioned, I get giddy with all the holiday collection launches. It's a great time to experience lines you might be unfamiliar with, because they're offering great values & samplers. However with some kits, you realize after you get them home & play with them that there are more duds than winners. Not with the Starlet collection from Tarte. This is how it should be done! There's not a dud in sight with this collection. Plus you'll actually use the box to house trinkets(love the lucite knobs!), it's so classic it will adapt to any home decor.

The collection offers pretty much all the eyeshadows you'll ever need- day, night, metallic & matte are included. A total of 24 eyeshadows housed in 2 of the drawers are broken down into 6 color quads for easy color wardrobing. But think outside of the box- the sky's the limit. I've used 2 shades from the middle drawer (far right Leading Lady on top & Diva on bottom) as a bronzer & blusher. I also have often used the taupe shade Idol from the top right quad to fill in my brows. Also included are samples of Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara & multipEYE lash primer.

The Tarte cult favorite bronzer, Park Avenue Princess is included in the bottom tray meant for cheeks. Also included are 2 Amazonian Clay 12 Hour blushes in Glory & Starlet. Rounding out the group is Amazonian Clay Shimmer Powder in Rose.

Using the soft bronze shadows Popular & Timeless from the middle tray for an easy day look.

Gilded silver shadows Celebrity & Superstar brighten the lid in this shot. Again the Idol shadow was used to fill in my brows in both shots. At a reasonable $52, you get a lot of bang for your buck with the Starlet. I would think any make-up lover would rejoice at finding this under the tree. Dare I say it's one of my top 2 beauty best buys for the holidays? I just did.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Make-Up Must Have Monday: Paul & Joe Beaute Holiday Collection

2011-12-19T11:00:00.001-05:00

One thing everybody seems to want more of during the holiday season is time! We're always rushing around like maniacs to get everything done. Paul & Joe Beaute's Limited Edition Ornamental Holiday Collection in Noel 002 gets you gorgeous in no time flat.

The limited edition gloss is full sized, whereas the glosses that are mainstays in the line are duos which are a little smaller. The lacquer in the tube looks like rich cranberry with gold shimmer. Both come in a limited edition green make-up bag that would be adorable to hang on the tree Christmas morning!

Whenever I hear the word gloss or cream when it regards to eye shadow- I think of a smeared mess. That's often the case with my oily skin. Not with the Paul & Joe eye glosses for some reason. They're pure sparkling goodness!

I, of course, am no one to turn down the opportunity to play with make-up! I had on a very neutral shadow that the gloss subtly enhanced on the lid.

What I love about the glosses is you can really top them on any shadow. Brianne was wearing
a soft bronze color, the gloss just added some additional dimension that catches the light.

A close up of the Noel lip lacquer- it's actually a sheer pop of color. Most of the Paul & Joe lacquers can look intimidating in the tubes, but are incredibly wearer friendly. This lacquer would really suit any skin tone.

Here our spa manager B is sporting both products, applied in about a minute flat- she was in a rush to go to a holiday happy hour after work. Her quick touch up looks festive & fabulous! Plus she's sporting the House of Harlow inspired earrings she got in our boutique- gorgeous!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Fabulous Finds Friday: Stocking Stuffer Edition

2011-12-16T08:58:00.001-05:00

Let's face it- the holidays aren't cheap. Never mind you the joys of Christmas music, decorating & cookie baking- crossing everybody off your list really adds up & doesn't my VISA bill know it! My favorite part of presents is unwrapping the little treasures nestled deep into the needlepoint stocking my mom made for me. Now that I'm a grown-up too(that could be up for debate) we all pitch in on the stockings. Those little treats get expensive. Here are some great ideas, that you can break up into stocking stuffers or little gifts for girlfriends & coworkers. I always like to take advantage of value sets offered around the holidays & break them up. This Mally Deluxe Automatic Waterproof Liner Collection has 10 pencils for $50- that's a great deal at $5 a piece!
This Stila Holiday Lip Glaze set has 8 minis(still an ample amount, but not full size.) It's only $25- breaking down to an unbelievable $3.25 per gloss!

I received this all natural Biggs & Featherbelle body sampler set from a girlfriend recently- it's like a clown car full of body treats! Seriously packed inside are 18 soap samples, 2 lip balms, 3 bath salt samples, 2 milk salt samples, 5 body scrub samples & a partridge in a pear tree! Just kidding about the last part, but if you break up the set- you could have three stockings or 3 gifts easily completed for under $24!

I'm actually not one for hand creams, but in the winter my hands get especially dry with all the hand washing in between seeing clients. This travel Juara hand cream transports me to somewhere tropical, while the candlenut oil deeply hydrates & smells divine! I keep one on my desk & one in my purse- it's an affordable little luxury at $10

I read about these EcoTools brushes (I think) in Lucky Magazine & they're a steal! They feel amazing & are cruelty free to boot! Again with these, I would break up the kit & wrap them individually for more wow factor. Getting kabuki brushes for under $4 is pretty much unheard of- as is this line. They're found at Target, though you might have to search for them. I asked a salesperson who said they didn't carry it, then I found them. Grab them while you can as they're limited edition. What are you're favorite little treats to unwrap under the tree?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Kinara Red Carpet Facial Kit

2011-12-13T09:37:00.000-05:00

What girl doesn't want to look like she's ready for a walk down the Red Carpet? Especially around the holidays, with all the parties- I know I want to get my glow on! Kinara's Red Carpet Facial Kit is a cult favorite among celebrities, because it reveals vibrant skin with no downtime. The kit involves a 3 step process. (1)On clean, dry skin a peel containing Lactic & Malic Acids is applied for about 5 minutes. (2) A soothing neutralizer with Argenine is then applied to stop the peel. (3) A deliciously frothy mask follows to hydrate & further soothe. Pikea Robusta & Lysate extract in the mask plump up fine lines & wrinkles, too.

Here are Lindsay & Jodi of the Beauty Team masking. {Um no I'm not putting a picture of myself in a mask on the internet, I'm so mean- he he!} I wanted to try the system on a multitude of skin types: Lindsay's extremely oily, I'm combination & Jodi's very dry. The whole gang felt like it worked on their skin type & revealed smooth glowing skin in under 20 minutes! This time of year everyone is so busy. Clients pop in to get their brows done, but time is a luxury most of us don't have when baking, cooking, decorating & wrapping tops our lists. This home kit is perfect to prevent those holiday stress induced breakouts! I did the system last night while decorating my tree- this morning, we're both merry & bright!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Easy Holiday Party Favors

2011-12-12T09:19:00.000-05:00

As promised this is the easiest little tutorial to make holiday favors with peppermint bark! Besides holiday, you could easily change the cookie cutter to suit the themes of a baby or bridal shower.

First, I melted dark chocolate in the microwave. To cut down on mess, I used a gallon Ziplock bag for easy clean-up! When melting chocolate, microwave at medium heat at 30 second intervals. I massaged the bag at each interval to prevent the chocolate from burning & ensure even melting.

When it was uniformly heated, I snipped the end off the Ziplock & began piping the chocolate into the cookie cutters. This step will be covered, so it doesn't have to be gorgeous. You just want to make sure it's touching the sides of the cookie cutter.

Let the dark chocolate cool. Then on to the white chocolate, repeating the same melting process as with the dark. I used Wilton melting candies that I already had on hand for this step.

Same as before, you now pipe the white chocolate on top of the dark. Again, it doesn't have to look perfect since you'll be topping it with the peppermint. This is such a fun project to do with kids, too!

Unwrap & place candy canes in another Ziplock.

After unleashing the day's frustration out on the candy canes, this is what you are left with. I used a soup can to pound the bag out on the sidewalk.

Press the broken candy cane pieces into the white chocolate, while it's still warm.

Voila! To keep this project affordable, since I was making a lot of them I went to the Dollar Store for the cookie cutters. The metal tree cutter in the center was $1, but then I found the plastic ones you see in the tutorial that came 6 in a pouch for $1- score! Of course, on the other end of the spectrum you could do copper cookie cutters to make the favors more elegant.

Here they are wrapped & ready for holiday giving in a festive basket at the spa! For my first time making them, they turned out very pretty & they were a big hit. Let me know if you make these, I'd love to see your pictures!

Peace. Love. Peppermint Bark. M

Easy Holiday Hair How To

2011-12-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

My areas of expertise lie in make-up & skincare, in fact I often say I'm hair challenged! However I do have a signature look & I'm always doing demos on clients. It's super easy- yes even I can do it! It's romantic & perfect for the holiday season- so of course I'm going to share it with my Beauties!

This easy updo works best with shoulder length hair or longer. Grab a stretchy headband- we carry Medusa's Heirlooms at the spa & that is what's shown in this tutorial. Start by placing the headband Olivia Newton John a la Let's Get Physical Music Video style across your forehead.

Back starting view.

Start at one end, by taking small sections & simply tucking it into the band of the headband.

Repeat with additional sections, to follow & cover up the previous section. It doesn't have to be perfect- that's the beauty of it- just keep tucking!

The updo will take shape before your eyes, with very little actual effort- that's the best part.

This style works with all hair types. I love it on hair with slight wave & highlights- it really brings the dimension of the color out.

You can leave the back section perfectly plain or can add easy embellishments! I tucked a feather in for one look.

For another look, I stuck a flower pin in her hair - the sky's the limit creatively speaking! I was even thinking a small, tasteful ornament could be gorgeous & unexpected for the holidays. To finish, just move the headband in the front to where you want it. For a Nicole Richie vibe, leave it as is. For a Grecian goddess vibe, pull it up like a traditional headband(refer to yesterday's post to see Brianne wearing it that way.) Whichever way you wear it, I promise you- you'll get tons of compliments. Now go forth & be pretty!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Holiday Soiree

2011-12-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

Our spa holiday party was last week & since most of my fabulous readers don't live in glorious Baltimore- I wanted you all to still feel a part of it! Here were some of our treats to our guests: my beloved Thymes' Frasier Fir votives & candy cane bark. Stayed tuned for the tutorial on the bark, they were super easy & make the perfect party favor!

Warm spiced {& spiked!} apple cider resided in the snowman decanter. Champagne with a splash of cranberry{this concoction is called a Poinsettia} was our signature holiday drink.

For some reason my dipped pretzel rods are always a fan favorite- which are so easy to make & customize as to theme or holiday. Our Becca Make-up Event was that same weekend, so we left our display out so our guests could play with the products.

A closeup of the spice cupcakes in poinsettia baking cups, which were iced with buttercream frosting & dusted with opal sanding sugar. I piped a red & white striped dollop of icing in the center just to be fancy!

The small, but mighty La Papillon Beauty Team! From left: Esthetician Lisa, our Diva of Dermatology Dr. Noelle Sherber, yours truly, Esthetician & Spa Manager Brianne. Brianne is sporting the easy holiday hair look I taught her- stay tuned for a tutorial on that as well!

It was a super fun evening & a way to show our customers how much we appreciate them! Every guest also left with a sample of Kinara's Red Carpet Facial Kit. It is an at home facial peel system that we just got in & absolutely love! After all, we want all of our clients' skin to be Merry & Bright for the holiday season!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M