Beauty Blogging Junkie

This Week's ideeli Sales!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:34:00 PDT

Need an invite? I got you covered, sugarpie. Go to http://ideeli.com/invite/beautybloggingjunkie and sign on up! Here are this week's sales.

Devon Leigh Jewelry
Starts Tues 7/14
From gold cuffs with flower details to intricate chain link necklaces to turquoise studded drop earrings, every piece is unique, eclectic and eye-catching. Leigh's use of high quality gems and intriguing combinations of materials has led to a devoted following, including celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Courtney Cox and Kirsten Dunst.

Linea Pelle handbags
Starts Tuesday, July 15
Save up to 69%
A wide range of styles will be available.

Falls Sale
Starts Wednesday, July 15
In 2006, serendipity struck when designers Leong Ong and Philip Leeming realized their mutual affinity to vintage shopping, ‘50s art and pristine ready-to-wear. And so the two creative forces united, creating Falls, a collection of airy knits, sculpted dresses, and floaty separates that frames the female form with modern grace.

Gwyneth Sale
Starts Thursday, July 16
Enter Gwyneth Frempong-Boadu, footwear designer for Gwyneth shoes. This industry veteran with over 20 years of experience (she has worked for names such as Sam and Libby, Kenneth Cole, and Steve Madden) knows that you don't have to sacrifice comfort to be in style. Her line of fun, summer shoes features trendy styles and unique prints sure to add a fashionable touch to any ensemble, all with patented sock cushions and flexible soles so you'll never shed a tear over your shoes again.

213 Industry Sale
Starts Saturday, July 18
213 Industry carries a variety of styles and pieces that can be easily transformed from an appropriate day look to a fun night ensemble. Their focus is on creating quality clothing that looks great and won't break the bank. From silky tops to flattering skirts, all of their pieces feature the highest quality craftsmanship and eye-catching details.

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NARS Fall 2009 Collection Inspired by Lolita

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:51:00 PDT

Rock your heart-shaped red glasses and bust out your lolly pops, dolls: For Fall 2009, beauty genius François Nars is bringing Lolita back. He's collaborated with model Heather Marks and makeup artist Diane Kendall.

To recreate the Lolita look, Nars went for prominent cheeks in pink, with blue and copper Silk Road and Indian Summer shades on the eyes.

Eyeshadow Duos ($32)

Brumes Gray-brown / Navy blue
Indian Summer Sparkling gold / Sunny yellow
Silk Road Light tangerine-peach / Dirty pink with gold sparkle

Single Eyeshadow ($22)

Mekong Rich, chocolate brown with gold pearl

Lipstick ($24)

Fast Ride Dark, black-red

A deep, sheer shade reminiscent of Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey that launched to fame in the late '90s.

Nail Polish ($16)

Tokaido Express Purple wine with gold shimmer

I've been rocking this nonstop. It's very The Peculiar Purple Pieman of Porcupine Peak ("Yah-tah-tah-tah-tah-tah-tah-tah, tah-tah-tah-tah! Cha!"). I've been getting TONS of compliments on its grapey, shimmery hue.

New Eyeshadow Duos ($32)

Brousse Silken, deep purple / Rich, chocolate bronze
Eurydice Dark fuchsia-purple / Black gold
Taiga Pale yellow gold / Mossy green with gold pearl

This collection will be available in August 2009 at Nars counters nationwide and narscosmetics.com.

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New From Kiehl's: Sunflower Color Preserving Hair Care

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:00:00 PDT

Breaking news on this Bastille Day, dolls. I'm having the best hair I've had in a WHILE thanks to last week's cut with Matthew, my SFB (super fucking blonde) highlights with Jason this past Saturday, and my new shampoo/condish OBSESH: Kiehl's newest hair care, Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo, Conditioner, and Deep Recovery Pak. The three products launch this month at Kiehl's stores and Kiehls.com.

The paraben-free, sulfate-free, and silicone-free formula uses Sunflower Seed Oil to preserve hair color, and since Sunflower Seed Oil has a natural UV-protective filter, the line's formulas are ideal for protecting hair from damaging summer rays. You're KIDDING yourself if you think I'm going to let a single sulfate anywhere near my Jason-treated locks. For realz. Even better than my glossy, yet super-soft (but not so soft that it won't hold a style) results are the products' intoxicating scent, courtesy of its Apricot Kernel Oil infusion. More deets on the collection:

Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo ($18)

Sunflower Color Preserving Conditioner ($19)

Sunflower Color Preserving Deep Recovery Pak ($25) This one's actually my favorite. You can feel its richness in-shower.

With my shampoo and deep recovery pak combo, I have to TEAR myself away from my mirror to gaze at my epic Reese Witherspoon levels of blonde shininess. No, it's not a myth. You MUST try it out, stat.

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Twitter Contest: Win an Orlane Absolute Radiance Lightbox!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:26:00 PDT

Gals, I LURVE my Orlane Absolute Radiance Lightbox. In fact, I've come up with six "occasions" to use it since I've owned it in the past month and am already in the market for a new one. You lucky ducks can enter to win a Lightbox of your very own (valued at $200!) as Orlane has oh so generously agreed to give one away to a BBJ reader!

Here's what you do. Follow me on Twitter and retweet (that's RT, to tweeters) the following on twitter: RT @Glambr Enter to win an Orlane Lightbox! http://bit.ly/Yfi1k. The deadline is Friday, July 17th at 5pm. I'll choose a winner whom I'll announce on Monday and will DM him or her to contact me with his/her address info.

Good luck!

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Erin Lucas' Sleek, Shiny 'Do Courtesy of Ted Gibson Salon's Liam Carey

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:27:00 PDT

The City's Erin Lucas (owner of the best bangs on EARTH--seriously, I consider getting bangs every time I see hers) hung out last week at Greenhouse in Manhattan as the celebrity mixologist for Three-O Vodka’s new “Bubble” flavor.

Erin had her tresses tamed for the event at the Ted Gibson Salon with celebrity stylist Liam Carey for the event. Liam's doll, BTW. I just saw him at the salon this weekend whilst I got my "the bitches are gonna hate you" highlights touched up with my mane man, Jason Backe. Liam sleekified Erin's hair to match her hot pink frock while celeb make up guru Brian Duprey gave Erin her signature "cat eye."

I'd posit that The City is the most influential show (with regard to hair) of 2009. What say you? Tell me in the comments.

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Bag This Beauty Barg(ain): Avon Skin So Soft Silky Stay Shave Gel

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:00:00 PDT

Mage news, gals. This PHENOM shave gel is only $3 right now on Avon's website. CYE (Can you even?)?? Let's discuss the fantabulosity that is this shave paraphernalia item. It glides with WILD abandon against your gams and never clogs your razor. In fact, its formula is much like another of my faves, Derek Jeter Driven Ultimate Shave Gel, also made by Avon. I suppose that's no coincidence.

It seems counterintuitive that consistency like the clear gel that resembles the LA Looks I used to define my curls circa 1998 would moisturize and keep my legs 5:00-shadow-free for two days, but that is most certainly the case. And for $3, how can you NOT pass it up? Right.

Buy it here!

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The Beauty Girls' Best Posts of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:00:00 PDT

Lianne from The Makeup Girl shares her favorites from this year's Nordstrom's beauty exclusives...

Daneen from Spoiled Pretty found a fabu-less eyeliner that doubles as a shadow crayon. Plus it looks wet. Yes, wet...got it goin’ like a turbo Vette.

All About the Pretty tells all on the new W Hotel in Washington, DC with Bliss Spa now in her neck of the woods.

Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie scored on-set secrets of Mad Men's head stylist Lucia Mace! Click here to read the interview.

Beautiful Makeup Search discovered two tempting treats for the eyes from Talika. If you need help in your eye area, these products are for you too.

Makeup Bag gets perfectly presentable hair in half the time. Click here to find out how!

The buzz around MAC's collaboration with Jin Soon is heating up. To find out all the details and see pictures of the not-yet released Nail Trend collection, visit makeup loves me.

Follow the Beauty Girls on Twitter:
Beauty Blogging Junkie @Glambr
Makeup Bag @makeupbag
TheMakeupGirl @themakeupgirl
All About The Pretty @aatp
Makeup Loves Me @makeuplovesme
Beautiful Makeup Search @beautyblogger
Spoiled Pretty @spoiledpretty

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You Can Stand Under Frederic Fekkai's Umbrella ('Ella, 'Ella)

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:28:00 PDT

Nothing is more frustrating than perfectly coiffed tresses assassinated by rain. Frédéric Fekkai gets it, and will now be offering complimentary umbrellas to all patrons who brave the rain for any hair service. Rain or shine you can leave any of the renowned Fekkai locations with salon-perfect hair. The umbrellas will be complimentary for those clients receiving treatments and $10 for all other customers.

The following locations are participating in this promotion:

5th Avenue
SoHo
Greenwich
Dallas
Beverly Hills
Melrose Place
Palm Beach

Keep your 'do a Do!
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Next Week's Sales at HAUTELOOK

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:45:00 PDT

Here's a list of next week's HAUTELOOK sales. Need an invite? Email me at beautybloggingjunkie[at]gmail[dot]com and I'll hook you up. OBV.

Monday, July 13

BCBG apparel, swim, bags

Mario Badescu skincare

Tuesday, July 14

Yigal

Judith Leiber sun

Me + Ro jewelry

Swiss Legend watches

Wednesday, July 15

Haute Hippie clothing

Ben Amun jewelry

Hermanny by Vix swimwear

Kerstin Florian spa products

Baby Lulu children's clothing

Thursday, July 16

Alisha Levine

William Rast denim (I have a pair of these jeans and they make my butt look SUPERB. Just saying. JT's line is worth checking out.)

Great China Wall mens/womens

Terraillon

Friday, July 17

Cosabella

Basq maternity

Chaiken maternity

Azul

Vivre apparel

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Today's Ideeli Sales!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:38:00 PDT

Need an invite? Click here to score one courtesy of BBJ!

LANVIN GIVEAWAY STARTS FRIDAY AT 2PM
When you need a cure from the designer doldrums, I recommend a dose of Lanvin.
Enter with just one click!

Friday, July 10
Tart
Starting Price: $20
Save up to: 59%
Founder Jamie Feingold first forayed into fashion as an undergrad at
UCSB, making apparel for sorority events. He caught the fashion fever
and decided to start his own brand with wife Dana to carve a new niche
in womenswear. The result is California-based Tart, proud purveyor of
dresses, leggings, tees, and wraps for spunky, sassy women. Their
recipe for success calls for soft, micro-modal jersey fabrics that
flatter every shape, and bright, festive colors that get you noticed.
The result? Everyone comes back for seconds.

Bodhi
Starting Price: $129
Save up to: 60%
Named after the Buddhist word for "supreme enlightenment," Bodhi
handbags are infused with subtle Eastern spirituality. Each bag is
inscribed with an empowering mantra, such as "those who bend in the
wind are strongest," so every time you reach for your phone, wallet,
or lipstick, you are reminded of what a strong, independent woman you
are. When was the last time your bag gave you a pep talk?

Melissa Shoes
Starting Price: $44
Save up to: 44%For nearly 30 years, Brazilian brand Melissa has been
proving that plastic is indeed fantastic with their edgy, innovative
shoe designs. Featuring everything from men’s loafers, to women’s
sandals, high-heeled pumps, platforms, and flats, Melissa is heralded,
above all, for supreme comfort. Every pair is manufactured out of a
patented Meflexo material that is thermo-malleable, flexible, and soft
to the touch. This pioneering use of plastics has been championed in
all the major American fashion publications, and Melissa products are
currently exported to more than 80 countries. In the U.S., Melissa
products can be found at high-end department stores and boutiques on
both coasts.

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Drugstore Gems from Rimmel and St Ives

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:00:00 PDT

Gals, when I've had what can only charitably be called "A DAY," I like to reward myself with a little beauty gem from my local Duane Reade. Just walking up and down the aisles soothes me. I find that even giving myself a budget of $10 for a beauty delight can totes lift my mood from blah to cha cha cha. Here are some recs for your next drugstore tour.

Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer is the saving savvy gal's replacement for her Benefit BADgal Waterproof Liner. Seriously, this Rimmel iteration is just as good for a fraction of the price. Rimmel is seriously one of the BEST drugstore brands there is. Just like everything British, there's just a DIFFERENCE. It glides onto your lid with ease, lasts a full work day and even comes with a smudgy sponge at the end of the pencil. Sold? Sold.

St Ives Smoothing In-Shower Exfoliating Body Polish, Mineral Therapy ($8) Formulated with real sugar crystals, this exfoliator rids you of skin snagginess (ICK, right?) in a flash. I love it as a pre-self-tan scrub as its on the drier side (more oily scrubs can eff up your tan, leaving it streaky), but then transforms into a creamier almost-lathery texture. At $8, it's TOTES affordable. Skin is noticeably softer and smoother post-scrub. Gift it to yourself, mmkay?

Happy Friday, dolls.

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Moshida Man on Kerstin Florian Moor Mud Masque

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:07:00 PDT

Kerstin Florian Moor Mud Mask from Divad Nead on Vimeo.

MM mentions:
Kerstin Florian Moor Mud Masque ($35)
Kerstin Florian Neroli Water ($35--A BBJ fave as well!)

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V For... Vampire Blood? DuWop's Lip Venom V Sneak Peek!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:14:00 PDT

Daneen just tipped me off to this, dolls. DuWop is offering a sneak peek of their highly-anticipated Twilight Venom ($16), debuting this Fall. Lip Venom V is not your typical DuWop venom. Instead of a gloss, Lip Venom V is a shimmering crimson lip stain suspended in a venom-laced liquid lip conditioner with a super potent bite (watch out!), and contains argan, avocado, olive oils and vitamin E.

Per DuWop, only a limited number of Lip Venom V have been produced. Vampires may live forever, but this offer won't. Due to limited quantity and exclusivity of this offer, DuWop is imposing a ration of 2 per customer.

Enter your special code venom54u (thanks, reader Haley!) at checkout to receive the Us Weekly exclusive discount. If you had previously pre-ordered Lip Venom V, your entire order will ship July 10, 2009.

Offer applies to one order per customer per household. This one-time offer ends July 31, 2009 at midnight (ET) or while supplies last. Click here to get yours!

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WWD on Brüno

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:32:00 PDT

From WWD:
After two years of crashing catwalks, Brüno is hitting the big screen at midnight and the fashion industry seems to be in a mocking mood. Diane von Furstenberg tells today’s Women’s Wear Daily, “He’s a great comedian and incredibly talented and I can’t wait to see it. In comedy, anything is fair game...He didn’t come to my fashion show but I wish he had.” But being on the receiving end of Brüno’s antics isn’t always fun and games. Agatha Ruiz de la Prada watched in horror as Brüno bullied his way onto the catwalk of her show last year. “I was furious with that man. He was violent. He pushed my art director to the floor and scared the models...I wanted to kill him,” she recalled. For now, she may have forgiven Sacha Baron Cohen, but the ghost of Brüno will be felt at her fashion shows for a long time. “I will tell you. Security? We have much more of it now.”

Click here to read the rest of the article. Will you be seeing it opening day this Friday? I will be at 8pm!

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Hope Is Not Enough Omega 3-6-9 Replenishing Body Lotion

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:00:00 PDT

"Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane."--Red in The Shawshank Redemption, possibly the most satisfying movie ever made. The movie boasted a kind of bromance theme (amongst many others, obv). And yet, it was made pre- the age of man-dates and bromances. Discuss.

So, let's be real with each other, dolls. There are times when hope ISN'T enough. Like, when you want to prolong your self-tan. That's when I find Hope is Not Enough Omega 3-6-9 Replenishing Body Lotion ($35) to be worth its weight in gold. Curiously (though not intolerably) vitamin-scented, its easily-absorbed consistency yields a dream hydrating machine. It's my favorite loshe consistency I've found in my lifestyle thus far. Holy grail. I rock it ALL the time. It's my number 1 in my rotation. AND I can't remember liking a body moisturizer THIS MUCH. In fact, it's kind of criminal that it's taken me this long to tell you about it, beauties, and for that, I profusely APOLOGIZE.

Best of all? Every time I read the product's name, I think: 3,6,9 damn you're fine
move it so you can
sock it to me one mo time.

In case you don't know, that's a quote from the selected works of Lil' Jon & The East Side Boyz.

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Beauty Bloggerati Weekly Round-up!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:45:00 PDT

Tammy and I BOTH loathe L'Oreal Paris' HIP Kohl Eyeliner
[A Mom in Red High Heels]

Talking Makeup interviews Vanessa Williams
[Talking Makeup]

Karen shows us step-by-step how to achieve a gorge eye concept with the new Smashbox Reign Majesty Eye Shadow Palette
[Makeup and Beauty Blog]

Daneen finds a liner that's "wet, got it goin' like a turbo 'Vette."
[Spoiled Pretty]

Carla's ALSO lurving Fresh's new Sugar Rose Lip Treatment!
[Product Girl]

What beauty items is Julia rocking in her beach bag?
[All About the Pretty]

Makeup Bag discusses this patriotic blue polish from Orly
[Makeup Bag]

What's Lisa using to hydrate her new highlights?
[These Lips Are Made For Glossin']

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Get a Laura Mercier Grab Bag!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:33:00 PDT

Just found out via Dina (hey, doll!) that you can now buy a Laura Mercier Grab Bag (a $300 value) for just $65! AMAZE. Click here to snag yours.

Pictured above is the Light & Fresh version, ideal for fair skin tones, it includes the following full-size items:

Margaux Eye Colour
Eye Book
Midnight Caviar Eye Liner
Linen Eye Basics
Pink Diamond Lip Glace
Sterling Nail Lacquer
Undercover #1
Opera Cheek Colour
Mini Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Chocolate Truffle Creme Body Wash
Sugar Cookie Candle

There's also a Sunkissed and a Dramatic version.
Enjoy!
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Summer VIP Sale on LORAC Cosmetics!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:24:00 PDT

TONS of items on sale up to 70% off at LORAC!

Click here to check out the sale. Enjoy!

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Moshida Man on Lab Series Part 2: Active Hand Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:00:00 PDT

We caught Moshida Man, recently returned from the Korean

peninsula, wandering the aisles of Sephora, happy that he
can finally read the labels of the products. He shares his
short thoughts and observations on Lab Series Skincare for Men.

My father has only a few mantras which he has passed on to me in my 30 years. One that has always stuck with me in my travels was this: "The first thing that people notice when they meet you is your hands." This may seem terribly false to the rib watchers out there, but it's true. After working for years in the hand-shaking hospitality business, serving tables, seating tables, I can tell you that your hands will betray you if you don't care for them, regularly.

Lab Series Skincare for Men is here to help. Their Active Hand Cream ($15) is formulated with electrolytes - yes, like Gatorade, for the jocks - which, as the jocks know, is a method of rehydration. In this age of recommended, regular flu-season hand-washing, you can never get enough hand hydration. In many of my past jobs, especially as a teacher, I was washing my hands ten to fifteen times per day, not an exaggeration. You've seen what happens to your hands after a swim. Change this.

Use this product two or three times per day, and you'll never suffer from a rough handshake. Your cuticles will hold together, especially in the winter, preventing the cracks associated with dry, hot air in your home or office. The solution is non-greasy, but that doesn't mean that we go overboard--less is always best to start. I was particularly pleased with the mild fragrance, which didn't linger beyond its application, but stuck around enough for me to be relieved and then move on. Men don't linger, do we? In summary, this product is affordable, easy to budget with each application, and great on both the front end with its fragrance, and the back end with its endurance.

Note: Suggested Moshida Man application of hand cream--Don't apply the cream to your palms as usually directed. Start with a small, dime-sized amount on the top of your hands, and work around with two fingers. This minimizes waste and prevents you from rubbing the excess on your work pants, you heathen cads. Use a towel next time.

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Guest Post: Sugarshock Dishes on Dita Von Teese (by Way of David Lynch)!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:45:00 PDT

I had the pleash (that's pleasure, dolls. It didn't make it into my glossary yet) of meeting the talented Kristen Vinakmens last year in LA at a beauty conference. Kristen's blog Sugarshock is on my list of daily reads (and it needs to be on yours, too) thanks to her plethora of cultural refs, snappy copy and beauty expertise. Canadian beauty and lifestyle magazine writer (most recently for ELLE Canada) Kristen has worked in the biz since 2001 and launched SugarShock Beauty in March 2007. She won my IMMENSE respect when I caught this little gem of hers below, which refers to one of my fave shows of all time, Twin Peaks. Oh, the days of sexy Agent Dale Cooper. Observe:

In the early '90s, I was a big Twin Peaks/David Lynch fan. The music, quirky characters and black humor of this cult show were like nothing else on TV, or anywhere else for that matter. And one of my favorite characters was Audrey Horne (played by Sherilyn Fenn), the femme fatale teen with the style straight out of 1950s sock hops (tight sweaters, bobby socks and all), who had a crush on Agent-"that's a damn fine cup of coffee"-Dale Cooper. So I thought it was pretty cool that burlesque beauty and fashion icon Dita Von Teese took inspiration from Fenn's look, and in particular, this image of Fenn on the cover of Playboy (all porcelain skin and raven-haired), in deciding to dye her blonde locks that iconic jet-black. Yesterday, Dita tweeted: "Found the original inspiration for dying my hair from blonde to black~Sherilyn Fenn, Playboy Dec.'90. Remember when Playboy was chic? The pictures inside are artful & stunning..."

Image credit: Dita Von Teese, styleskilling.com

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Raychel Wade for La Prairie to Appear at Saks in NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:16:00 PDT

Renowned NYC makeup artist Raychel Wade (pictured below) is the new Colour Ambassador for La Prairie. Raychel’s kicking off her official partnership with La Prairie at Saks Fifth Avenue New York during their annual “Brushes with Greatness” event (Wednesday, July 15 with a bonus day of Raychel on Thursday, July 16), sharing a sneak peek at La Prairie’s Plumage de Nuit fall colour collection and her industry insider know-how with customers.

Plumage de Nuit is a complete color story with products for the eyes, face, cheeks and lips. The collection (each item is under $70) showcases an array of autumn colours encased in La Prairie’s signature compacts. The must-have item in the collection, according to Raychel Wade? The universally flattering Cellular Treatment Illuminating Face Powder – a sleek highlighter/diffuser with the most subtle shimmer to bring a radiant glow to any skin tone and act as an instant pick-me-up.

Will you be heading to the event? LMK in the comments!

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Upcoming Ideeli Sales!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:47:00 PDT

Need an invite? Score one here!

Wednesday, July 8
BCBG: Clothing and Swimsuit SALE

Starting price: $66
Save up to: 55%

BCBG: Handbag Sale
Starting price: $60
Save up to: 59%

Spy: Flirty Summer Dresses
Starting price: $59.00
Save up to: 54%

Persol Sunglasses
Starting price: $89.00
Save up to: 74%

Thursday July 9
MLH
Starting price: $60.00
Save up to: 76%

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On-set Secrets: Lucia Mace, Head Stylist for Mad Men

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:00:00 PDT

Christina Hendricks as the EPIC Joan Holloway, one of my fave characters ever to grace a television screen. Her hair is killing me softly in this photo. Don't think I didn't choose it because it shows the exquisite detail of that killer updo WHILST displaying the front, as well. I obv have too much to say about this pic. Let's start the interview, shall we?

I just can't get enough Mad Men. I work in advertising (albeit in-house, for an asset management firm). I rock me some mage volume at the roots à la the sirens of the '60s. I try every day to channel one Ms. Betty Draper (who is clearly channeling Ms. Grace Kelly, whom I also channel. So perhaps (Gl)Amber is simply Grace Kelly 3.0?) from a fashion and beauty standpoint. I may or may not have agreed to get "The Bitches are Gonna Hate You" highlights with Ted Gibson Salon head colorist Jason Backe on the basis of their taking me one step closer to January Jones' buttery hue on MM. So let's just say that I am on a need-to-know basis re: the hair of Mad Men (mad manes?). Luckily, the supremely talented Lucia Mace, head stylist for the show (pictured, above left), happily obliged my obsesh. In this interview, we discuss everything from keeping Joan Holloway's firey locks fly to some unusual hair products (por exemplo, Evian Brumisateur Mineral Water Spray).

Beauty Blogging Junkie: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

Lucia Mace: I have been a television and motion picture hair stylist for almost 20 years and have traveled all over the world on motion pictures. I love what I do, despite the very long hours. I was Key Hair Stylist on all three Pirates Of The Caribbean movies, among many others.

BBJ: What is most exciting and most challenging about working on Mad Men?

LM: I love how detail-oriented the show's creator, Matt Weiner, is and that I must always be at the top of my game in order to make every person look true to the time period. I have an amazing staff who helps me to do that. I couldn’t do it with out them. Especially Anthony Wilson, my second hair stylist.

BBJ: What do you like most about creating a look from such an elegant time

period?

LM: We use hair pieces and get to create very “done”-looking hair.[Ed. note: Interestingly, Mad Men Head Makeup Artist Lana Horochowski said the same thing! Specifically, that she likes the "done-ness" of the era.] It is easy to flatiron someone but not so easy to elaborately style everyone. Even the men!

BBJ: To what extent do you work with the head of costume design and Lana

Horochowski, head of makeup?

LM: I wouldn’t do the show with out both of them. We have concept meetings for every episode to talk over every detail of the looks to make them look authentic and complete.

BBJ: What movies/television shows either from that era or about that era inspire you? LM: Bye Bye Birdie, or any 60s movies. I really get a lot of inspiration from old Life, Look and Redbook magazines.

BBJ: What are your methods for achieving such fantastic volume at the root?

LM: Redken Hot Sets 22 is one of my biggest assets! I love it! It holds the women’s styles for 12 hours!

BBJ: What products are you using on January Jones and Christina Hendricks?

LM: Redken Color Gels and Shades EQ and Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner for Christina Hendricks. I use Kerastase and Redken Hot Sets 22 on January Jones. I use Cinema Collection Hairspray on both actresses for a nice hold with shine.

BBJ: Are the men of Mad Men rocking hair products as well?

LM: Oh, yes! KMS California Hairstay Styling Gel Cranberry Hold and Tri Aerogel Hairspray and lots of it!

BBJ: What was your first big break?

LM: An Arnold Schwarzenegger flick called Last Action Hero [ed note: I LOVE THAT MOVIE] was my first movie. I had done many many sitcoms for ten years prior to that. I also did True Lies [Ed. note: so much AH-nold!] and many movies since that time. I also do Dancing With The Stars with Department Head Mary Guerrero. It's fun to do live television.

BBJ: What are your top three favorite products?

LM: Redken Hot Sets 22, Evian Natural Mineral Water Spray, Super Clean Paul Mitchel Mousse.

BBJ: What is your style/technique?

LM: It largely depends on what show I am doing at the time. Everything from wet sets to flat irons and blow-drys. I also love working with wigs! It really changes a character.

BBJ: It seems ridic to even ask, but what is your dream job (how can it not be creating the gorgeosity that is Mad Men's hair looks)?

LM: Everything I have done already!

BBJ: What are your top three hair tips?

LM: 1. Don’t overprocess your hair

2. Don’t wear a style that is “in” but doesn't suit your face or lifestyle [Ed. note: I SO agree here, doll.]

3. Don't over-product your hair

BBJ: How do you manage all that smoke? Any tips for eliminating smoke stench from hair?

LM: Smoke is a tough one, as any other scent only adds to the smoke scent. You just have to shampoo. Sorry.

BBJ: Well, I feel that even disseminating that info is a PSA! What's next for you? What are you going to be working on?

LM: I never know. That’s half the fun!

BBJ: What do you like to do when you're not doing hair?

LM: Camp with my family! I am married and have triplets who are 16. Or…enjoy a lovely dinner!

Thank you, Lucia for your thoughtful answers to all my burning volume-at-the-root questions! I can't wait to check out her many examples of follicular genius during the season 3 premiere on August 16.

Will you be watching?

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Zac Efron's New Crop

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:38:00 PDT

Zac, baby. I'm eating my words. Your new 'do makes you look FAR less efreminate. Click here to read more about Zac Efron's new cut.

Image credit: examiner.com

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Lancôme's Pout-à-Porter Lipstick Series to Return

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:41:00 PDT

I snapped this photo of Chris Benz drinking a juice box (hilar!) at his Fall 2009 presentation

Lancôme is bringing back their FAMED Pout-à-Porter Lipstick series! The previous four lipsticks in this collection were collaborations with celebrated designers Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Peter Som and Thakoon. All four of the lipsticks sold out and one Proenza Pink lipstick even sold for $122.50 on eBay.

For Spring 2010, the brand is collaborating with emerging designer (and one of my absolute FAVES) Chris Benz. Lancôme is doing a lipstick naming contest that was announced on Chris Benz’s Facebook fan page today. The new shade will be inspired by Chris’ Spring 2010 collection [check out my posts on the beauty and fashion from his Fall 2009 collecton, respectively, here and here.] and will be worn by the models at his show in September. The contest winner will receive five of the lipsticks plus a $500 Lancôme gift certificate. Just post your suggestion on Chris’ Facebook fan page based on what you know about Chris and his fashion personality. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, July 12, at 5 p.m. EST.

Click here to access the Chris Benz fan page on Facebook. While you're there, be sure to become a fan!

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