BLACKswan Beauty

Beauty Myths Busted

2013-05-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

BSB is happy to shed light on some of the most popular beauty myths around. For one, stuff like "eating greasy foods causes acne," is not necessarily true. It's more likely that sugary or starchy foods trigger breakouts and blemishes.

More Fiction vs. Fact

"You can shrink your pores." Porexia can only be minimized in appearance with a salicylic acid-based exfoliant to keep them unclogged like MURAD T-ZONE REFINING GEL/$40 at Sephora. For a DIY treatment, try an egg white and honey mask to tighten skin or aloe vera gel.

"Pluck one gray and seven more will grow back." Since each hair follicle can only produce one hair at a time, it's possible that the follicle next to the gray is already beginning to produce another. Brush hair with coconut or apricot oil to soften wiry grays and consider a semi-permanent color to match your natural shade.

"Crossing your legs will cause varicose veins." Contrary to popular belief, standing for long periods of time may be the culprit.. Poor circulation makes it difficult to pump blood from the legs to the heart. Be sure to shift weight from one leg to the other, stretch, point and flex your toes or jump up and down to get the blood flowing.

Got a question about a beauty myth? Ask us on the blog.

Sources: RealSimple.com; Sephora; HuffingtonPost.com; InStyle Nov 2012; mySkin; CookingCosmetics

Be a Nail Pro with Nail It! Magazine

2013-02-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

As of last week, manicure aficionados have a publication that has nail addicts covered.

NAIL IT! Magazine is the first lifestyle magazine for those who love nails -- it covers art, color trends, products and nail care. It also has a go-to-guide for local salons, DIY tips and tricks, and of course, celebrity style. And there's more...but if you're obsessed with your nails, get your copy at at newstands now or subscribe here.

Best Travel Hand Creams

2013-01-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit: Travel + Leisure / Levi Brown

This frigid weather is no joke! Even with gloves, my hands can become extremely dry. Check out a couple of Travel + Leisure top picks (along with a BSB fave) to keep your hands hydrated.

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve ($13) Formulated for the driest hands, this moisture treatment is a rich formula offering care and protection all day from neglect and harsh elements with a blend of botanical oils. It IS super thick but my hands feel soft like a baby's bottom. It feels like the moisture is sealed in even between hand washings!

EOS Everyday Hand Lotion ($4) : Infused with moisturizing Shea butter, oat extract, and vitamins C and E, this travel-friendly pod leaves skin soft for hours. It's 97% natural, paraben and lanolin free plus it fits right in your cosmetic case.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Nail & Cuticle ($18) This creamy balm contains Shea butter, anti-oxidizing carrot oil, softening honey, grape seed and coconut oil along with anti-bacterial myrrh. It penetrates the skin quickly to protect, moisturize, and replenish dehydrated hands. (Lightly fragranced but also paraben free!)

What's your remedy for dry hands?

Mani Monday: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquers

2013-01-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

Many of you are fans of OCC's gorgeous lip glosses but their nail collection is just as amazing. It includes 36 richly pigmented shades that dry in minutes and last for days. A quirky range of inky dark hues, demi matte brights and a rainbow in between! Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Laquer has the perfect polish for you. And for those who favor a polish that goes "green" each shade is free of formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, formaldehyde resin and camphor. Also available at Sephora/$8.

CranBeauty

2012-11-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

The cranberry is a little fruit that is very big this time of year. Cranberries are good for you inside and out. As a side dish, cranberries are rich in antioxidants that ward off bad cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. When applied topically, they prevent wrinkles, exfoliate and act as a gentle astringent. Each berry contains vitamins A and C to help with collagen production and hydrate skin. Combine these ingredients from your pantry to maximize the benefits!

½ cup of cranberries

¼ cup of plain yogurt

3 teaspoons of olive oil

¼ cup of honey

Blend all together to a creamy consistency. After it thickens, apply mixture to face for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water and moisturize.

DIY beauty is not for you? Try these cranberry infused products instead:

OLE HENRIKSON EXFOLIATING LIP SALVATION: Contains cranberry seed oil to soften, smooth and moisturize lips with a cranberry colored tint with no petroleum/$15.

NIVEA POWERFRUIT HYDRATING SHOWER GEL: This fragrant cleanser hydrates skin all day long with cranberry extract and contains vitamin C/$4.79 at Drugstore.com.

CND SCENTSATIONS CRANBERRY LOTION Soothes and moisturizes hands and body with Vitamins A, E, and Aloe Vera. Also quickly absorbs into skin without the greasy feel/$11.95.

(Photo from USCranberries.com)

BLACK Friday Beauty Buys

2012-11-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

The list below has great savings for EVERYONE.

Happy Shopping Beauties!

■AHAVA: 40% off site-wide with code BLACKFRIDAY until 11/25.

■BATH & BODY WORKS: $20 with any $40 purchase VIP bag valued at $100+ with code VIP12 until 11/23. $5 Wallflowers 2-pack refills til /23. Buy 3, get 3 free Signature Collection through 11/25. 2 for $20 3-wick candle until 11/25. $10 limited edition 3-wick candle, 11/22 through 11/23 plus more. Check the site.

■BECCA: 20% off any $50+ purchase + free shipping with code GIVETHANKS til 11/24 (midnight PST).

■BENEFIT: Spend $30 and get a FREE deluxe mini BADgal lash mascara. Spend $60 and also get a FREE deluxe mini the porefessional. Spend $90 and also get a deluxe mini sugarbomb. Enter STAYCATION at checkout. Offer valid 11/23 – 11/25/12 at 11:59pm PST.

■BLISS: Up to 50% savings on best in skincare; save 30% on Bliss+Remede bundles, 20% on Bliss, Remede, Elemis products. Cosmetic bag filled with travel-sized beauty goodies with $150+ purchase.

■BOBBI BROWN: Free beauty trio of your choice + free specially-sized lipgloss with every order + free shipping, no code necessary. 11/21 through 11/26.

■THE BODY SHOP: 3 for $30 on all products. Mistletote ($100 value) for $30 with any $30 purchase while supplies last, 11/21 through 11/25.

■CLINIQUE: 3 free minis with any $25+ purchase, plus free shipping, no code necessary, 11/22 through 11/26.

■EVE PEARL: 40-60% off with code BPCM2012, 11/22 11AM EST through 11/27 11AM EST.

■FEKKAI: 20% off + free shipping, no code necessary, 11/23 through 11/26.

■GIORGIO ARMANI: 20% off + free shipping on $75+ orders, 11/23 only.

■INGLOT: 20% off total purchase price 11/22 3AM EST through 11/27 3AM EST, no code necessary. Advised to order with expedited shipping to receive order within 12 business days.

■KIEHL’S: Receive a deluxe trio of your choice + free shipping with code TREATS, 11/22 through 11/25. $20 off $75+ orders + free shipping with code JOYFUL, expires 12/31. With an $85 Kiehl’s purchase, receive Crème de Corps, Clearly Corrective, Rosa Artica Lightweight and Rosa Artica eye in a Kiehl’s pouch, both online and in stores

■L’OCCITANE: Up to 25% off favorite gift sets + buy 3 get 1 free select stocking stuffers, 11/23 through 11/26.

■LAB SERIES: Free skincare survival kit with $50+ purchase, 11/22 through 11/23.

■LUMENE: 40% off Lumene at Walgreens (online and in-store), 11/23 only.

■MARK: 20% off your order with code MARK20, 11/2 through 11/25.

■NORDSTROM: -9 brands are participating in a gift with purchase in store and online, including top brands Jo Malone, Clarisonic, Smashbox, Clarins, Jimmy Choo, Prada and more!

■OCC MAKEUP: Receive Triptych Lip Tar with $25+ purchases while supplies last, 11/23 through 11/26.

■OJON: Free full-size conditioner with purchase of matching shampoo + free shipping, 11/21 through 11/26, no code necessary.

■OUIDAD: 25% off all orders with code FFCURL, 11/23 through 11/25.

■SAKS FIFTH AVENUE: $25 gift card with $100 cosmetics and fragrances purchase with code BEAUTY12 through 11/23.

■SEPHORA: Stash of $10 sets (all valued at more) on 11/23 only. Sets include: Sephora Collection Gilded Brush Set Trio ($30 value), Bare Escentuals Let It Glow Set ($42 value), Boscia best of Boscia Set ($30 value), Ole Henriksen 3 Little Holiday Wonders ($35 value), Philosophy Purity Made Simple 12 oz ($26 value), Stila Travel Palette + Deluxe Kitten Lip Glaze ($67 value), Tokyo Milk Femme Fatal Trio ($30 value), Too Faced Deluxe Chocolate Soleil + Travel Kabuki ($34 value), Tarte Gifted Mascara + Multipleye Lash Primer ($31 value), Jak black Comfort & Joy Duo ($14 value), Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes & Nail Wipes ($21 value), Tocca 3 Mini Rollerballs ($30 value), Bite Mini Lipstick Palette ($48 value), LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer & Shadow ($40 value), Buxom In the Spotlight Set ($40 value).

■SHU UEMURA: 20% off + free shipping on $50+ orders with code WISH2012, 11/22 through 11/27.

■SMASHBOX: 20% off orders of $50+ with code FRIENDS2012, 11/21 through 11/26.

■SUGARPILL: 30% off select items, 11/23. 20% off select items, 11/24 through 11/26.

■TOO FACED: Additional 50% off all vintage items with code BLACK2012, ends 11/26.

■ULTA: ULTA Artist Palettes ($16.99 instead of $24.99), Benefit Fa La La La Flawless ($25, $79 value), Stila Kitten Classics ($10, $32 value), Smashbox Studio Steal zBrush Collection ($19, $74 value). Valid 11/23 and 11/24.

■URBAN DECAY: Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color Collection for $49 ($140 value), 11/23 only. Smoked Palette + free double-ended 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set for $49 ($77 value), 11/23 only.

■YSL: 20% off with code BLKFRIDAY12, 11/23 through 11/25.

For more deals, gifts with purchases and beauty buys, go to Temptalia.com

Bye Bye Puffiness

2012-11-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

Lack of sleep, too many salty/sugary snacks or allergies may make you look...swollen. Add my favorite cocktail (a salted margarita) to the equation and it's a wrap! You could puff up like a blowfish the next day.

The delicate thin skin around your eyes requires special attention. Give your eyes a little TLC to reduce swelling:

Splash cold water on your face to constrict blood vessels.
Cucumber slices are hydrating and contain anti-inflammatory properties to refresh swollen eyes.
Use an eye mask to refresh tired eyes for 10 minutes like the SEPHORA Instant Depuffing Eye Mask/$6.
Perform a gentle mini-massage around your eyes using your middle finger.
Try DR. NV PERRICONE MD Advanced Eye Area Therapy to minimize fine lines plus reduce puffiness and discoloration with Vitamin C and other antioxidants/$98.

TIP: Getting eight hours is essential for a clear complexion and a great demeanor. Sleeping in the right position also wards off puffy eyes. Catch some zzzz's on your back with your head slightly elevated. Gravity drains fluids down away from your face.

IMAN Cosmetics Launches BB Cream

2012-11-03T15:00:00.000-04:00

Aaahhh...the beauty hybrid that is BB cream -- a little multi-tasker that's taken over standard foundations and powders. Unfortunately, there's been a void in the market for women with darker skin tones...until now. Leave it the iconic IMAN to do something iconic. IMAN COSMETICS will soon introduce a collection of BB creams for women of color -- infused with licorice root extract and Vitamin C to combat hyperpigmentation, a chronic problem for some of us. Created to match 35 skin tones, the IMAN Skin Tone Evener BB Cream SPF 15/$20 comes in six shades. Go online at ImanCosmetics.com in December and try stores in January 2013. Read more about the photo shoot for the ad campaign at GLAMOUR.COM.

The MAC Perfect Plush Brush Kits

2012-10-31T15:00:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again...The holiday brush sets from MAC COSMETICS are in stores now!

The Essential Brush Kit has all the basics for beauty in a super cute zippered pouch...the 190 Foundation Brush, 129 Powder/Blush Brush, 275 Medium Angled Shading Brush, 266 Small Angle Brush (my favorite for liner and defining brows) and the 226 Small Tapered Blending Brush.

The Mineralize Brush Kit ideally has all the tools you need to give good face...with mini versions of the 187 duo Fibre Brush (great for powder blush or liquid foundation),130 Short Duo Fibre Brush, 286 Duo Fibre Tapered Brush and the 282 Duo Fibre Shader Brush. Housed in an oblong zippered bag with two compartments and each brush is the perfect shade of peach to match.

Finally, The Advanced Brush Kit delivers professional results with 167 Bronzer Brush, 168 Large Angled Contour Brush, 239 Eye Shader Brush, 217 Blending Brush and 212 Flat Definer Brush. The pretty pink set is the perfect size to keep in your bag for every day.

We all know how much individual brushes cost. So take advantage of this deal of $49.50 for each set that comes with the makeup case. Get it at MAC or NORDSTROM Stores.

Nordstrom Exclusive: The Pouch Brush Set

2012-10-08T14:00:00.000-04:00

NORDSTROM’s Pouch Brush Set features an assortment of brushes that comes with a sleek little quilted pouch. There’s a brush for all your basic application needs. The set includes seven synthetic brushes: face, blush, foundation, concealer, two shadow brushes and an angled eyeliner brush (for winged liner or defined brows).

Buying each one could cost over $100 if purchased separately. These brushes are soft, durable and travel friendly. Preserve your brushes with regular cleanings! At least once a week, use a gentle brush cleaner or warm soapy water (Dawn dishwashing liquid works per celebrity makeup artist, Sam Fine) to avoid shedding and built-up bacteria. The skunky black and white bristles conveniently show how well you clean each one. Not bad for $35/NORDSTROM exclusive.

KIEHL'S Friends & Family 2012

2012-09-19T18:00:00.000-04:00

Get your favorite luxe items at 20% off at Kiehl’s retail stores and the site Kiehls.com. To redeem this offer, bring this invitation to your neighborhood Kiehl’s or enter the code FRIENDS upon checkout on the site. Shop until 9/24/12...What are you going to buy?

Katie Holmes: The New Face of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

2012-09-09T17:00:00.000-04:00

KATIE HOLMES is officially the first celebrity face of the iconic brand, BOBBI BROWN COSMETICS according to WWD. She will also act as the beauty brands muse and as collaborator. Expect to see her in the ads for the Spring 2013 campaign. In the fall, her name will appear on a capsule collection of color cosmetics.

What do you think about the pairing? I think it's a perfect match.

Non-Toxic Nails: Eco-Friendly & Inexpensive

2012-09-04T15:00:00.000-04:00

More and more companies are becoming conscious of the ingredients that make up our cosmetics, nail brands included. They're intent on removing the harmful nasty chemicals without compromising color, quality or texture. Check out these BSB picks:

Celebrity manicurist DEBORAH LIPPMAN created this collection of toluene, formaldehyde and DBP free polishes (in 45 shades)/$16-$18.

NAILEZEE: Colors that will compliment your skin tone and aren’t lacking in color or coverage either. Each is completely free of harmful chemicals (BIG5Free)/$10.

COLOR CLUB nail polishes are entirely vegan and never tested on animals. The lacquers are Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP and paraben-free AND they're made in the Big Apple with the best raw materials/$8-$12. (Fall Collection 2012 shown.)

RGB COSMETICS makes cruelty-free, camphor-free, toxic-trio-free polishes in an array of colors/$16.

NUBAR NAIL LACQUER are free of the toxic-trio and come in lots of colors. The brand meets the standards of PETA to be certified vegan and cruelty-free/$8.

Chanel Le Vernis Collection -- Fall 2012

2012-09-04T10:30:00.000-04:00

The season is changing and it's time to switch things up for Fall. Here's another gorgeous set of lacquers for the upcoming season.

Ditch the neon brights and glittery shades for deeper darker hues. The LES ESSENTIELS DE CHANEL Fall 2012 collection includes three shades: Frenzy, Suspicious and Vertigo. Suspicious -- a raspberry creme, Frenzy -- an opaque greige neutral and Vertigo -- a murky grey brown with red reflects/$26 each.

Which one will you try?

ZOYA Fall NYFW 2012 -- The Designer Collection

2012-09-03T13:30:00.000-04:00

I came across the ZOYA Fall NYFW 2012 Collection in the September Vogue Magazine and was floored by the vampy creme polishes -- begone summer brights!

As much as I love color, I've been sporting a black pedicure for the last week. Clearly, I'm ready for something new. Haute off the runway is the six piece Designer Collection that reacquaints us with sultry rich tones for fall.

MONICA: A rich eggplant creme color.

NATTY: A deep steel blue creme shade that's pretty neutral -- not too dark or bright.

NOOT: A dark grey-green creme with blue-green undertones.

REKHA: A perfect balance of bright and bold color that can be thought of as a sexy classic.

TONI: A merlot/raisin shade with purple undertones.

EVVIE: A murky grey creme with teal green undertones (custom shade created for use in Peter Som's Fall fashion week runway show).

Get the sampler/six polishes for $48 or each one for $8.

What BSB loves about ZOYA besides the pretty colors -- the formula is vegan friendly and cruelty free...Big 5 Free: No toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP and camphor.

New Beauty at Nordstrom Now

2012-07-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

Discover much-loved beauty brands that are now at NORDSTROM, including VINCENT LONGO, AGENT PROVOCATEUR, KEVYN AUCOIN, STILA and more.

AGENT PROVOCATEUR: A unique collection of floral fragrances that are both feminine and seductive. It marries scent and seduction in an iconic collection of floral fragrances.

NAPOLEON PERDIS: A vast cosmetic store at this counter -- pure color with staying power. Get eye shadow palettes, lashes, lip veils and brushes all at once!

VINCENT LONGO: With an eye for vibrant color, he translates his runway and red-carpet designs to real life. The beauty and fashion insider's makeup brand of choice since the launch of their premiere collection in 1995, their high-performance formulas and trend-setting color palettes have developed a cult-like following among stylish, sexy, self-confident women around the world.

Plus, now I don't have to wait to go to Sephora for STILA and THE BALM. THE BALM is a fun and nostalgic brand — perfect for women of all ages." With a "beauty in five minutes" philosophy, this brands multiuse, mega-fabulous products have become their calling card, offering quick fixes and wondrous solutions for a wide range of beauty wants and needs. And their plethora of striking colors and fantastic formulas allow you to release your inner artist to create looks that will keep you looking and feeling forever young.

For more iconic brands that are new to NORDSTROM and beauty exclusives, click here.
(Psst...plus you can shop the Anniversary Sale til August 6th!)

NARS Foreplay Palette for Sephora

2012-07-13T15:00:00.000-04:00

NARS Cosmetics has introduced a blush palette that you will love! The quad features shades based on one of its bestsellers -- Orgasm -- a sheer peachy pink blush. Foreplay includes a matte peach blush, a matte pink blush, a gold highlighter and, of course, the ever-popular Orgasm. Whether you use a solo shade or blend together for a flushed glow, a lust-worthy complexion is guaranteed. You can find the NARS Foreplay palette at Sephora or their online store/$49.

Cult Nails Untamed Collection by CoCo

2012-07-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

There are five unique colors in this collection created by a 12-year old girl. Yep, that's right!!! This kid is on to something..punchy shimmery nail color for summer. You can play up your nails with these showoff shades:

Annalicious – A fiery red orange with gold shimmer reflects.
I Got Distracted -- Black jelly polish with holographic and green glitter.
Deal With It – A vibrant lime green with golden sheen.
Spontaneous – A dark, deep and dusty purple creme with purple glitter.
Untamed -- Bubblegum pink sheer polish with subtle multi-colored specks of brilliance.

Purchase all five lacquers online at CultNails.com during the presale that starts today (July 11th) until July 17th for $40. If you miss it, each will be sold individually beginning July 18th for $10.

Cult Nails is cruelty-free, 'Big 4 Free' (no Toluene, Formaldehyde, Camphor or Dibutyl) and ships worldwide (well, almost). Plus, these pretty polishes are vegan friendly and they come in recyclable packaging.

Read details about the collection's creation:
Cult Nails is a family business and when Maria sits down to create polish colors, it’s not uncommon for her daughters to have a seat and start creating their own polishes as well. They typically create a polish or two that they want to immediately wear, but Coco became a diehard in the home lab and would create polish after polish like a mad scientist!
If you have nails and you are near Coco, your hands will most likely be polished to perfection. The easily distracted Coco knows no boundaries when it comes to nails and polish. You will just have to deal with it as she paints your nails. We had this Spontaneous 12 year old pick her top 5 favorite creations and we are releasing them as her collection! Since she created the colors, we thought it was only fitting that she also name the colors. So Coco and her marketing team (Her BFF Anna) set aside about 30 minutes and began the hard work to name this collection.

When Maria asked Coco what inspired the colors, she gave her a look that said it all. The colors themselves were the inspiration.

Fruit-ful Benefits for Your Skin

2012-06-29T10:00:00.000-04:00

The last few months I've held a "cooking" class for tweens. Instead of filling our bellies, we are 'feeding our skin' with some pretty amazing skin remedies from Gena Surphlis, creator of COOKING COSMETICS. These recipes include all natural ingredients found at your local grocery store. Gena kept the kids informed about the advantages of healthy ingredients and using natural products in their skin care routines.

Some of my favorite classes covered the benefits of using fruit for body and skin like:

Papayas

Teen skin is prone to breakouts which could lead to spots and an uneven skin tone on the face and body. Papaya contains papain -- an enzyme known for its gentle exfoliating benefits. Papaya along with honey can help lighten the skin in areas with uneven pigmentation. Read about it here.

Watermelon
Watermelon makes a great facial toner! Watermelon is loaded with antioxidants and amino acids that clears pores and controls oil on the skin. Combine watermelon with witch hazel and distilled water for an easy skin refresher.

Lemons
Lemons are one of the most popular home skin care ingredients. Lemon juice can be added to your favorite facial cleanser or shampoo to prevent dandruff and replenish and tone your scalp. A few lemon slices will soften rough skin spots such as heels and elbows too.

Apples

Apples are another multi-tasker. Rinse hair with apple juice to boost shine and reduce dandruff. You can rub thin apple slices on your face to clean it and control oily skin. Great remedy to combat acne too.

Strawberries

Strawberries are an excellent exfoliator as they are rich in salicylic acid to penetrate deep within the pore. Strawberries help lessen the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads. Rich in antioxidant Vitamin C, it assists in collagen production which reduces lines and wrinkles Alpha-hyrdoxy acids increase skin cell renewal to reveal vibrant youthful skin.

To keep my skin even and ward off breakouts, I use an all natural face mask that I make right in my own kitchen. I mash fresh strawberries with some lemon juice together then apply the mixture onto my face and rinse with cool water after 10 minutes. The concoction brightens my skin and I follow with olive oil to moisturize. It’s an easy way to remove excess oil buildup, reduce blemishes and tone my skin all at once.

ESSIE Launches Flagship Nail Salon

2012-06-26T14:00:00.000-04:00

Now you can get your nails done at ESSIE with ESSIE...America's nail expert has moved from being carried in stores and nail salons to opening up their first flagship store in the Samuel Shriqui Salon in the Upper East Side today (on 65th Street and Madison Avenue)! The new salon is very modern with white walls, vibrant purple and pink lounge chairs and color-coordinated manicure stations. Explore loads of shade options at the color-coded polish wall which includes classics like Ballet Slippers and other iconic varnishes... over 250 in all. The salon is sure to be a hit with "ladies who lunch," tourists and high profile professionals alike. Luxurious manicures start at $32 and pedicures are $65. Read more here or visit http://www.essie.com/.

(Photo and story from Allure.com

L'Oreal Launches I Love

2012-06-13T17:30:00.000-04:00

Whoo Hoo! I'm excited that L'OREAL PARIS launched some pretty amazing product recently. These are a few things that I'll be adding to my makeup kit real soon.
Colour Riche Colour Caresse --  Bright color, shine and weightless texture in just one swipe! Non-stick lip color in 16 shades.
Infallible Eyeshadow shade extension includes six new long-wearing shades...a full 24-hours of waterproof, crease resistant and fade resistant shadow.
The Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream --  A cream that hydrates, corrects, evens and perfects the skin in one easy step in fair, light, medium and deep tones.
Infallible Laquer Liner 24H is a glossy, lacquered gel liner that glides on smooth and even in five delicious hues.
Youth Code Dark Spot SPF 30 Day Cream diminishes dark marks left behind after that annoying pimple or acne flairs up, fights sun damage and prevents dark spots from forming for an even skin complexion.
Try Voluminous Power 24H Mascara for the brand's biggest boldest lash in an instant. The key? It's the mega brush. (Psst...Voluminous is my FAVORITE mascara...and it's only $8!)
Eversleek Precious Oil Treatment w/ Argan Oil is for frizzy unruly hair. It's sulfate-free and is infused with sunflower and olive oil to seal in smoothness.

Another Basketball Wives Beauty Collection: E by Evelyn Cosmetics

2012-05-29T10:30:00.000-04:00

I should have known TraCey Jones was up on this beauty tidbit. She shares an obsession with Basketball Wives' EVELYN LOZADO: shimmery shadows. Seems the reality tv star recently launched her own cosmetic line E by Evelyn -- brilliant color shadow palettes (looks similar to the Crown Brush set) and glittery pigments along with makeup brushes. You can expect more from this brand: blushes, bronzers, lipwear, lipgloss and nail polish soon.

If bold color, shimmer and glitter is your thing, then this collection is perfect for you. E by Evelyn is exclusively available at EbyEvelynCosmetics.com but will be available at select retailers at a later date. Would you try these products? Have you? Please share details here!

Billboard Music Awards 2012

2012-05-21T10:40:00.000-04:00

Celebs seized the opportunity to switch things up at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards last night. Check out these style chameleons. Which looks were a hit or miss?

Brandy Norwood

Alicia Keys

Jurnee Smollett

Usher

Miley Cyrus

Katy Perry

e.l.f. Studio Makeup Mist & Set

2012-05-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

e.l.f. STUDIO MAKEUP MIST & SET has a product that sets your makeup for the entire day AND reduces shine and oil. It's formulated with feel good ingredients like Vitamin E, aloe, cucumber and green tea to soothe skin and hydrates skin. A few pumps of this lightweight, alcohol-free mist improves makeup wearability and prevents color from fading. Sounds like a great product for those of us who can't be bothered with touch-ups throughout the day. Plus it's only $3!

(Article: GLAMOUR Girls In the Beauty Dept)

Alexis Bittar Bangles with Swarovski Crystals

2012-05-02T11:30:00.000-04:00

I'm not big on Lucite jewelry but these ALEXIS BITTAR pieces are quite the exception. I think they put me in instant summer mode: cocktails at a rooftop soiree, vacationing, and all the other grand activities we engage in when we show more skin.

The Modernist Embraced bangle is a large hand sculpted Lucite bracelet embellished with 18k gold-plated brass, glittering pave and glass stones and Swarovski crystals with a magnetic clasp/$325. Create a nice balance with the Miss Havisham skinny bangle hand set with Swarvoski crystals in 18k gold-plate brass (three other metals to choose from)/$195. Both pieces are available at Nordstrom.

Alexis Bittar is an American jewelry designer and recipient of the 2010 CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year Award.