Beauty Blogging Junkie

Happy Labor Day!

2010-09-06T07:00:00.005-04:00

Happy Labor Day, friends! As you read this, I'm chilling at the Jersey shore with my gals Andrea and Andrea. I always enjoy the deathrattle of summer that is Labor Day because it's the harbinger of fall, my favorite time of year in NYC, tweed, Fashion Week and no longer having to do "roll call" every weekend to see who's in town.

Here, some great reads to tide you over until we resume talking beauty on Tuesday.

10 Ways to Have Better Sex (College Candy)

Was summer 2010 your worst summer ever (Lemondrop)

The worst dating advice from movies (All Women Stalk)

Would you wear these? (College Fashion)

Can your shoes clean the floor? (Fashion Pulse Daily)

Fall's hottest trends (Hot Beauty Health)

8 ways to transform his style (YourTango)

Fictionary: Nail Fail resulting from a cocktail (Beauty Blogging Junkie)

Jerry Lewis wants to smack WHO in the face? (The Frisky)

Fall fashion tips for curvy girls (Fa(s)t Fashion)

Can you be smart and sexy? (Already Pretty)

Forget beach reads and focus on fall books (Tressugar)

Who wore it best? (Styleite)

An open letter to my friends...who are always wrong (Crushable)

September fashion bloggers to watch (Stylecaster)

The safe sex fashion show (video) (The Gloss)

Chanel wants to tattoo you (What's Haute)

Image: someecards.com
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Lancome Gift With Purchase at Macy's

2010-09-03T14:40:00.000-04:00

Lancôme is offering their Fall in Love Gift with purchase. Exclusive to Macy’s, the deal lasts until Monday, September 6. Here's how to take advantage of the deal:

· Spend $32.50 on any combination of Lancôme products.

· Select your favorite makeup bag (in red, white or black).

· Choose six out of 11 Lancôme favorites in deluxe sample sizes.

Learn more here.

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Jonathan Adler Giraffe

2010-09-03T08:30:00.001-04:00

I just bought this simply adorbs Jonathan Adler giraffe ($120) for Carol as a belated birthday present. Upon seeing it, my brother pointed out that it reminds him of the Directv commercial:

Um! I have a new favorite advertisement of all time. That teacup-giraffe is fucking magical. How I wish one existed. Carol pointed out that it is to giraffes what bonsai is to trees. So true! Also, that dude's apartment is uncannily similar to that of Joan Rivers per her documentary A Piece of Work.

Opulence! I has it.

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Destination: Procrastination

2010-09-02T12:13:00.000-04:00

In homage to 90210 Day, a flashback of the outfits of West Bev
[The Frisky]

Anne Hathaway cuts it all off
[College Candy]

Iconic high school movie boyfriends
[TresSugar]

Fist-pump your way through ELLE's 25 moments in pop culture
[ELLE.com]

Kristen tries out a self-tanner with SPF from Victoria's Secret
[Beauty Addict]

Lanvin for H&M!
[Fashion Binge]

College Fashion challenges you to rock a dress with pants
[College Fashion ]

[Redacted] Guy answers your letters
[lemondrop]

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Fictionary: Nail Fail Resulting From a Cocktail

2010-09-02T08:07:00.003-04:00

Fictionary is a column showcasing beauty-related words that don't exist, but should.

I don't have a recent photo of exactly what Nail Fail Resulting from a Cocktail looks like, and I'm glad about it.

Nail Fail Resulting from a Cocktail happens when, after an evening of drinks, vertical lines marble through my fresh polish application most unwelcomed. It's most visible on pale pink polish--usually when I've invested in a professional mani with Essie Sugar Daddy with the "genius" idea that a light pink polish will boast more bang for the buck, as chips are more discreet. But Nail Fail Resulting from a Cocktail renders my careful planning moot (or "moo," as Joey Tribbiani once said) because SOMEHOW the vertical "cracks" in my nails are much darker than simple chips. They're most akin to the grey lines within an Etch-a-Sketch.

It's sinisterly magical--I've never experienced the immediacy of this type of marred mani from anything other than a night of alcoholic indulgence. This is why when I know a wedding or other such booze-soaked affair is coming up, I invest in a "shot" of Shellac.

Have you experienced Nail Fail Resulting from a Cocktail?

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Jemma Kidd Makeup School Hi-Shine Hydrating Gloss Stick Review

2010-09-01T09:00:00.024-04:00

Happy September, friends! This time of year always feels like the real "new year" (perhaps it's the Jewish new year, or the fact that even eight years out of college, I still feel like I want to buy some Lisa Frank school supplies.) Sometimes you just have to be schooled so that you don't fall into a makeup rut and no one does twists on old faves like Jemma Kidd. That's one school at which I'm dying to matriculate.

You can always bet on her colors to be pure, popping and bright. Jemma Kidd Makeup School recently released Hi-Shine Hydrating Gloss Sticks, which are sold at Space.NK.

The lite-brite-esque colors are briskly refreshing and inspired by Jemma's childhood in beachy Barbados. They're quite wearable They've got the solid, easy application of a lipstick with the glossy finish of a gloss. I'm especially enamored of the "chisel bullet" design of the stick itself and its lack of scent or flavor.

The packaging is futuristically chic. The sleek, flower-adorned tube boasts a satisfying click when you close it, like clicking a pen. To open it, you also click the end and about a 1/2 inch of the tube for you to grab and pull free.

At $25 a pop, they are a bit spendy and I do wish they'd stay on my lips a bit longer. I find I have to reapply every couple hours or so. But that said, the sheer, yet plasticky shiny consistency this glossy stick yields is the gorgeness.

In short, save some dollies first, but do get involved.

Disclosure: Samples of this item were provided for editorial consideration.

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Travel Blogging Junkie: Anara Spa at The Grand Hyatt Kauai

2010-08-31T08:00:00.004-04:00

You'll love this week's Travel Blogging Junkie feature. The scintillatingly relaxing lobby you see at the left is the real, live lobby of the Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt on Kauai, Hawaii. It's OUTSIDE. Can you even? I sat on one of those very chairs pre-treatment sipping on spa water reading magazines and having the time of my damn lifestyle. The treatment room where I enjoyed a glamazing facial (see photo below on right of the room, here used for a couples' massage) is also al fresco.

I had the opportunity to indulge in the Signature Anara Facial ($165 for 50 minutes) in this outdoor treatment room where I relaxed to the whir of wind while my face was exfoliated and treated by Laola, my aesthetician. Laola and I chatted about her glamazing lash-tinting procedure she'd just had done on the mainland a couple weeks prior to my visit. The experience was deeply rejuvenating thanks to an included arm massage and tailored-to-my-skin Epicuren and Eminence products. My one gripe is that for $165, I wish it had included extractions, but even without them, my face did feel sublimely smooth and fresh. Natural facials such as this one typically do not include a major pore clean-out in favor of more pure, physical exfoliants.

And I daresay that I learned I loved an outdoor spa as much as Neil Kellerman loved the pechanga.

Book a spa treatment at Anara:

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, Hawaii, USA 96756
(808) 742-1234

Disclosure: Spa service provided free for editorial consideration.

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Check out My Makeup-Free Monday on The Beauty Bean!

2010-08-30T22:00:00.000-04:00

Gals, I took it all off--makeupwise, anyway--for my girl Alexis Wolfer, Editor-in-Chief of The Beauty Bean.

Check out the photo and the feature here.

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Primetime Emmys 2010 Grooming: Alexander Skarsgard

2010-08-30T19:55:00.001-04:00

More True Blood grooming news. Makeup artist Stephen Salyers used Talika Instant Beauty and Eye Detox Contour Gel to prep True Blood's Alexander Skarsgard for the 2010 Primetime Emmy Awards.

He's looking rather spicy, no?

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True Blood's Ryan Kwanten Rocks Talika on the 2010 Primetime Emmys Red Carpet

2010-08-30T17:02:00.003-04:00

Makeup artist Carlene K used Talika’s Eye Therapy Patches ($62 for a set of 6 pairs at www.Talika.com) on True Blood’s Ryan Kwanten for the 2010 Primetime Emmy Awards.

Makes you want to "do bad things" to him, moisturized eye area or not, right?

P.S. In case you missed it, check out last year's interview with lead makeup artist for True Blood, Brigette Ellis! And stay tuned for another edition this year. Once things calm down for Brigette, we're scheduled for another convo! You WILL know what's on Lafayette's 2010 lashes.

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Primetime Emmys 2010 Beauty: Emily Blunt

2010-08-30T12:35:00.001-04:00

Emily Blunt stunned at the 2010 Primetime Emmys last night. While her best accessory is, admittedly, her arm candy John Krasinski, her violet-grey Dior was a hit. Hair and makeup looked pretty beyouuu as well. Emily's makeup concept included Dior Brow Styler, Diorshow Brow Gel, Diorshow Blackout Mascara courtesy of makeup artist Jenn Streicher.

Hair was finessed by stylist Laini Reeves, who also styled the hair for Emily Blunt’s recent wedding. created a fresh, yet sophisticated look inspired by the iconic finger waves of the '20s. She used lightweight, instantly-absorbed argan oil-infused Moroccanoil products to style Emily’s shoulder length layered hair into a beautiful waved design that fell slightly below the jawline on the sides, and with shorter, pincurled accents at the nape of the neck.

Here's how to get the look:

“We wanted to create a look that was very different from any that Emily had worn before. Once I saw the gown, I knew that a modern look based on the waved looks of the 20’s was the perfect compliment for the design.

I first shampooed Emily’s hair with Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo to leave it soft, shiny and well conditioned for the intricacies of styling.

After mixing a cocktail of Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream and the original Moroccanoil Treatment, I worked the blend from the middle to the ends of the hair to control ends and flyaways and provide natural-looking, soft hold.

Next, I made a low side-part on the right and then pincurled the hair in alternating patterns towards the left and behind the right side. Since Emily’s gown had a beautiful beaded accent on the right shoulder, I wanted to place the hair behind the ear to show this off. (I made the pincurls in the classic way, pinning three alternate rows of of them (anti-clockwise/clockwise/anti-clockwise).

I then misted Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray on Emily’s wet hair and let it air-dry for one hour while make-up was applied. I didn’t use a hairdryer this time since I didn’t want the hair to appear blown in any way. I wanted it to look authentic with all the ends nice and neat, so the waves would look softer yet controlled when they were brushed.

Once Emily’s hair had air-dried, I released the pincurls and raked my fingers through her hair. I used a panel brush to keep her hair flat to the head so it wouldn’t disturb the root movement of the wave, and gently brushed from part to ends so her hair fell into a lovely wave.

Finally, I shaped and styled the flow of the look by framing the left side of Emily’s face with a cascade of waves. (I placed a hidden pair pin to hold it in place.)

To accent the look, I attached a diamond accessory in the hair above the right ear (I crossed two bobby pins, clipped on the earring, and sewed it in with silver thread).

Since we wanted the style to look a bit shorter and also accent the nape of her neck, I created a pincurled, textured effect there at the nape.

I finished the look with a quick mist of argan oil-infused Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray to give the hair a beautiful hold without compromising on softness, movement or shine.

Moroccanoil® products used to create Emily Blunt’s hair look can be purchased at moroccanoil.com.

Are you into Emily Blunt's Emmy look?

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Primetime Emmys 2010 Beauty: Christina Hendricks

2010-08-30T11:45:00.001-04:00

Oh, Christina Hendricks. Considering your 2009 Emmy look lives in infamy (in a good way), I have to say that for such an extraordinarily gorgeous woman (some might even say extraterrestrially gorgeous woman), I did not love your hair or dress. The former should have been an updo--and for me to feel that way is RARE. But no one looks chicer in an chignon than you. And the Zac Posen dress! So pretty, but so ill-fitting, as my gal Tamar pointed out. But what I did love? Your makeup, so mazel tov on that. Here, the deets on Christina's cosmetic concept, courtesy of Lancome:

Christina’s makeup was inspired by Mia Farrow’s iconic character Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby. Celebrity makeup artist Vanessa Scali provided us with the details on Christina’s look:

Face:

Vanessa prepped the skin with Lancôme’s La Base Pro. To perfect Christina’s already luminous skin, Vanessa used Lancôme’s new Teint Miracle Lit-From-Within Makeup. “It has an amazing transparent quality that leaves the skin looking flawless and luminous without being shiny,” said Vanessa. “I applied it with a brush and then blended with my fingers.” Blending with her fingers heated up the foundation a bit, allowing for a seamless finish. Vanessa followed with Effacernes Concealer under the eyes, her “all time favorite concealer.”

Cheeks:

For a fresh pop of color I used Lancôme’s Blush Subtil Shimmer in Pink Pool on the apples of her cheeks. Dabs of Giorgio Armani Beauty’s Fluid Sheer #2 highlighted Christina’s cheekbones.

Eyes

The eye shadow was mix of YSL’s Ombre Solo Eyeshadow in Cashmere Brown and Midnight Black. “I applied these all over her lid, under the bottom lashes and blended it out past her natural lash line to softly elongate the eye,” reported Vanessa.

Eye Liner:

To define and elongate the lash line, Vanessa lined the eyes with Lancôme’s Le Crayon Khôl in Black. “I used a touch of liner under her bottom lashes but smudged it for a softer look,” said Vanessa. For added depth, Vanessa used Artliner Precision Point Eyeliner in Noir at the very base of Christina’s lashes.

Mascara:

Several generous coats of Lancôme Définicils Waterproof Mascara in Black were used on the top and bottom lashes.

Lips:

Christina’s lips were a mix of Lancôme lip colors for an effect that Vanessa described as “red with a little dash of pink.” A sheer coat of Color Design Matte Lipstick in Corset was topped by La Laque Fever Lipshine in Cyber Coral.

What do you think? Did you like Christina's look? Am I alone in hating her hair and dress? I so wish she'd return to her former aesthetic state worthy of being described as Baudelaire's famed string of adjectives: Luxe, calme et volupte.

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Primetime Emmys 2010 Beauty: Jenna Fischer

2010-08-30T11:37:00.000-04:00

Jenna Fischer looked STUNNING last night, which makes me so happy. She's one of those friend-in-my head celebrities (as Wendy Williams says). I'm so loving her slightly be-dazzled beaded dress and her subtly suitable makeup that Molly R Stern created for her. Here, the beauty breakdown in the words of Molly:

Last night, Jenna wore a gorgeous vintage Versace gown. Vintage yes, but it had these amazing graphic red appliqués which made the dress quite modern. With that in mind, we chose to keep the makeup simple and fresh and neutral. The last thing I wanted to do was compete with the amazing color of the dress.

To start, I prepped Jenna's skin with Jurlique Lavender Hydrating Mist, then I lightly moisturized her skin with SK-11 facial treatment essence. Next I based her skin with Chantecaille Future Skin foundation. On Jenna's cheek, I wanted the look to be flushed, but not too rosy. I chose COVERGIRL Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Plush Peach for the perfect glow. Jenna's eyes are simple, I based the lid with By Terry's Ombre Blackstar in bronze fire. Then I dusted the metallic beige of the NARS duo shadow in Rajasthan over the top and up into the crease. For her lash line I smudged out the COVERGIRL LiquiLineBlast in Brown Blaze and then coated her lashes with COVERGIRL LashBlast Fushion in Brown.

Finally, we wanted her lip to look defined yet super soft. A nude with a pinch of color. I went with the sheer stain of Josie Maran magic marker lip and cheek stain in Mambo and went over that with COVERGIRL Wetslicks Amazemint Lipgloss in Freedom of Peach. Her overall look highlighted her features without ever overpowering her. A delightful finish for a delightful gal.

LOVE! What say you?

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Seychelles Dos I Do Bootie

2010-08-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

I just purchased these little south-of-the-ankle confections by Seychelles for only $60. $60! They're so fabulous for Fashion Week, because they're stylin' and uber-comf. I envision them with a super-fly black mini and a self-tan. Perhaps with a slick of Lipstick Queen Jean Queen Lipstick.

Snag a pair of Seychelles Dos I Do Booties at endless.com.

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Emmys 2010 Fashion: Stars in Burberry

2010-08-29T23:28:00.000-04:00

This just in! The following stars rocked Burberry at the 2010 Emmys:

Ryan Seacrest

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Show for "American Idol"
wore a custom-tailored black notch lapel tuxedo, shirt, tie and shoes all by Burberry

Aaron Paul

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for "Breaking Bad"
wore a custom-tailored black notch lapel tuxedo, shirt, bowtie and shoes all by Burberry

Bryan Cranston

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for "Breaking Bad"

wore a custom-tailored black notch lapel tuxedo, shirt, tie and shoes all by Burberry

Connie Britton

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for "Friday Night Lights"
wore a custom-made petrol blue sequin strapless gown by Burberry

Jayma Mays

Actress in the Emmy nominated series "Glee"
wore a custom-made dark sapphire blue chiffon ruched ribbon gown by Burberry

Kevin McHale

Actor in the Emmy nominated series "Glee"
wore a custom-tailored black notch lapel tuxedo, shirt and shoes by Burberry

Rainn Wilson

Actor in the Emmy nominated series "The Office"
wore a custom-tailored ink colour notch lapel tuxedo, shirt and shoes by Burberry

Ben Silverman

Executive Producer of the Emmy nominated series "The Office"

wore a custom-tailored black notch lapel tuxedo, shirt and shoes by Burberry

Hugh Dancy

wore a custom-tailored ink colour notch lapel tuxedo, shirt and shoes by Burberry

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Emmys 2010 Beauty: Anna Paquin

2010-08-29T22:41:00.000-04:00

Stylist Renato Campora created Anna Paquin's chic updo at the 2010 Emmys. The inspiration? A soft yet glamorous look to compliment her dress by Alexander McQueen.

Here's how to get the look:

On wet hair, Renato applied the Fekkai Full Blown Volume™ Styling Whip to the roots and the Fekkai Coiff™ Perfecteur Anti-Frizz Silkening Crème.

Once dried, he used a ½ inch curling iron and set the hair in pin curls. After 15 minutes, Campora removed the curls and ran his fingers through the hair to loosen and create shape.

Next, he pulled the hair back into a high French twist, revealing the nape of her neck, and secured with bobby pins.

To create volume, Campora loosened the hair at the crown of her head, resulting in a softer, yet ultimately glamorous style. He finished the look with Fekkai Advanced Sheer Hold Hairspray.

Fekkai products are available at Frederic Fekkai salons, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Fekkai.com.

I don't love Anna's blonde hue (never did, though I do understand it's for her role as Sookie), but I'm loving this 'do. What say you?

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Emmys 2010 Beauty: Lea Michele

2010-08-29T22:26:00.001-04:00

NARS Cosmetics worked with celebrity makeup artist Melanie Inglessis to create the makeup look for Lea Michele at the 2010 Emmy Awards. Many products from NARS’ new Fall Collection were key creating the look.

Said Melanie, “My inspiration was the era of the 60’s. I thought of Raquel Welch and Bridget Bardot: the winged eye, the nude lip. The dress is so classic, so we wanted to be adventurous with her eyes--giving a dash of color with the new Palladium Soft Touch Shadow Pencil--and kept the lip nude with Tashkent Pure Matte!”

Lea Michele's Emmys 2010 beauty breakdown:

· PRO-PRIME Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base & Skin Smoothing Face Prep

· Douceur Blush (NEW for Fall 2010)

· Tzarine Duo Eyeshadow (NEW for Fall 2010)

· Palladium Soft Touch Shadow Pencil (NEW for Fall 2010)

· Tashkent Pure Matte Lipstick (NEW for Fall 2010)

Subtly beyooouu! What do you think?

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Emmys 2010 Beauty: Keri Russell

2010-08-29T22:07:00.002-04:00

Keri Russell had a personal beauty best, in my unhumble O. The Hawaiian Barbie dress, the flirty bow and side 'do combo, the subtle makeup.

Said makeup artist Tina Turnbow, “We wanted to give her look a classic feel to coincide with the vintage dress she’s wearing. Her warm skin tone and the coolness of the dress was the perfect combination for reflecting the same tones through her makeup: warm eyes, and a cool peachy matte lip. It’s flirty with a bit of sass.”

Tina used NARS Cosmetics to create the makeup looks for Keri Russell and Joan Allen at the 2010 Emmy Awards. NARS’ new Pure Matte Lipstick was key in creating the look as well as many products from the Fall 2010 Collection.

Keri Russell's beauty breakdown:

· PRO-PRIME Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and Skin Smoothing Face Prep

· Tzarine Duo Eyeshadow (NEW for Fall 2010)

· Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo

· Douceur Blush (NEW for Fall 2010) topped with Desire Blush for a pop of color

· Tashkent Pure Matte Lipstick (NEW for Fall 2010)

What do you think of Keri Russell's look?

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Destination: Procrastination

2010-08-26T10:34:00.002-04:00

The inner workings of Heidi Montag
[College Candy]

Some get-over-him films for your viewing pleash
[Crushable]

Check the new Chanel Bleu de Chanel advertising film directed by Martin Scorcese
[Beauty Addict]

Leonard Nimoy (yeah, Spock) is selling really weird T-shirts on Etsy? I smell Regretsy.
[TheGloss]

Fall Fashion Week beauty trends that'll never catch on
[Beaut.ie]

Lancome's new French Coquettes Fall 2010 Collection
[All About The Pretty]

Tamar's review of Topshop's new makeup line has me on a beeline to the store AND quotes Romy and Michele's High School Reunion
[Naag]

Tips for getting him to pack light
[College Fashion]

An interview with Pat Benatar! Heartache to heartache we STAND
[Lemondrop]

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Fictionary: Hook-up Hair

2010-08-26T09:43:00.004-04:00

Fictionary is a column showcasing beauty-related words that don't exist, but should.

"Hook-up hair" was coined by my gal Leah in college at Boston University. Pretty self-explanatory, it's the state of aff-hairs your mane takes on after a major makeout tryst. It's a little bit of self-teasing from friction on a pillowcase, a little of mussing. One could charitably call it "texture," though hook-up hair's defining characteristic is that it plum will not return to normal (even if it was washed just pre-steamy sesh) until you re-wash and style it again.

Which you won't do immediately. You'll rock your hook-up hair to brunch and then later to deconstruct the highlights with your trio of besties over a mimosa.

And tell me: Have you experienced hook-up hair?

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Christina Hendricks is the New Face of London Fog

2010-08-25T10:13:00.005-04:00

Brings new meaning to the phrase, "Make it rain on them hos," to quote the selected musical stylings of Fat Joe.

Christina Hendricks will appear in London Fog® brand’s fall marketing campaign. Christina was recently named "Best-Looking Woman In America" by Esquire magazine. The marketing campaign will debut in October issues of mags like Elle, Cosmopolitan and InStyle.

It's inspiring me to will it to rain.You know, more.

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Living Proof Full Shampoo, Conditioner & Root Lift Spray Review

2010-08-25T08:36:00.008-04:00

Holy grail product alert, friends.

Gloria Bunker Stivic and her glistening locks with Meathead and baby Joey.

Living Proof (who can do no wrong, in my very profesh hair opinion--I have yet to meet a product of theirs I don't love) have knocked my proverbial socks off with their new Full collection. The line includes a sulfate-free Shampoo, Conditioner and Root Lift Spray to compliment their Full Thickening Cream.

First, let's discuss the results. I, mind you, have fine hair--I have a decent amount, but it's by no means thick hair. Living Proof's Full line gives you ALL THIS HAIR. Seriously. There's a WEIGHT to it. Gravitas, if you will. It feels heavy, ample. Like pin-up hair. Like they've somehow smuggled an invisible Orlando Pita into the bottle. After blow-drying and using all of the products in concert, I seriously glanced in the mirror and saw hair that resembled that of my very first hairspiration--Gloria Bunker Stivic of All in the Family fame. I remember watching reruns of the show with my brother (one of the few we both enjoyed, which was nice--because even if I didn't enjoy it, we'd still have watched it) as a young tot and falling CRAZYPANTS (as my gal Andrea Lavinthal says) in love with Sally Struthers' baby blonde shimmering mane.

More Gloria Bunker Stivic

The primal issue about thickening conditioners, which even Meathead could anticipate, is that if they take care of frizz and moisturize, surely they don't plump hair up. Or vice versa. In fact, I've been known to toss them right out--until Living Proof, none worked for me. The very stuff that allows them to hydrate is inimical to fullness. Well, good thing the MIT-educated team in place at Living Proof are no meatheads. Living Proof Full Conditioner blends lightweight conditioners to add strength, softness and shine. It also features PolyFluoroEster at active levels for amazing detangling and smoothness without silicone, oil or heavy conditioners. It trends that line between plumping and moisturizing. It does the latter, but not so much so that you resemble Squiggy of Laverne and Shirley fame, another great show of the '70s, though not from a follicular standpoint, per se.

The Living Proof Full Shampoo's sulfate-free formula still boasts a robust lather. The brand included, once again PolyFluoroEster (can someone buy me a bunch of that for my birthday? THANKS) which helps for easier detangling--weightlessly.

Living Proof Full Root Lift Spray yields hair that is strong AND flexible. How? With a unique blend of resins, never before used in a root lifting spray. The cocktail is strong enough to provide long lasting lift, yet flexible enough so that the lift won't collapse throughout the day. The scientists also discovered that adding PolyfluoroEster helps protect hair's volume by reducing surface tension for an even deposition of the resin film, which also blocks humidity. It's nothing short of magical, my glamrades.

I plan to re-buy this line, friends. I'll DEFINITELY want spare bottles of this on-hand at all times. The Living Proof Full line will be available at Sephora, QVC and Livingproof.com in September 2010. The Full Shampoo & Conditioner will retail for $24 each, $10 each for a travel size. The Full Root Lift Spray will retail for $24.

Disclosure: Samples were provided for editorial consideration

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Giveaway: Win one of 10 Redken Giveaway Sets!

2010-08-25T07:00:00.006-04:00

Gals, I was recently in an educational video for Redken's site with colorist David Stanko called "The Art of the Consultation." Check it out here.

In celebration of the video's launch, I've partnered with the brand to offer you the chance to win one of 10 Redken product pairings: Their Velvet Gelatine 07 and Wool Shake 08. How to enter? Simply leave a comment about one fact you learned about consulting with your colorist from the video in the comments. The deadline is Friday, September 3 at 5pm ET. U.S. residents only, please.

Good luck!

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Sam Brocato Launches E-commerce Store

2010-08-24T16:15:00.001-04:00

Sam Brocato Salon is one of my very favorite beauty sanctuaries--not only for its subtly sophisticated yet low-key atmosphere, but for its sulfate-free mega-effective product line. Until now, only New Yorkers frequenting the Sam Brocato Salon in Soho had easy access to Sam’s entire line of hair products, Brocato. Now the comprehensive line is available online at store.sambrocatosalon.com.

In celebration of the grand opening of its online store, the Sam Brocato Salon is offering 20% off first purchases. Just enter coupon code: welcome20.

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Travel Blogging Junkie: Halele'a Spa

2010-08-24T09:00:00.003-04:00

Check the uber-blue water of Hawaii--there's no Photoshop involved in that. It looks just like that in person.

Earlier this month, Julia and I took an amazing trip to Kauai, Hawaii to visit our friend Erika, who's temporarily (perhaps permanently?) based out there helping her fabulous husband Jody with their family restaurant, Kalapaki Joe's (best fish tacos in the WORLD, BT dubs). We ate a strange amount of Ahi Poke (and arrived home on the mainland hoping sincerely we didn't develop mercury poisoning a la Jeremy Piven), rocked out to the musical stylings of Don Ho and shopped for muumuus (solely to make fun of, natch)--we managed to find one such Alohawear item that was so enormous and hideous, it was hard to believe it wasn't found in Mrs. Roper's closet. But, naturally, we couldn't leave this shimmeringly beauteous land of plenty without squeezing in a little beauty time. As luck would have it, the generous folks at Halele'a Spa at the St. Regis Princeville on Kauai invited us in for treaments.

First of all? When I hear the words "St. Regis" I instantly think of luxury and pristine decor and design. My pop-culture ridden consciousness also remembers fondly Lily St. Regis, smarmy girlfriend of Mrs. Hannigan's brother Rooster in Annie. "Named after the hotel," she purred.

Another pic of the spa water, check out my shorts in the mirror.

Second of all, I purred when I indulged in the Taro Butter Pohaku Massage ($175/60 minutes) with Jane (pronounced JanAY, she's Portugese). The hour-long treatment includes hot stones used to rub in melted Taro butter on your exhausted muscles. I left refreshed and rejuvenated.

Inside the lobby of the St. Regis Princeville

Halele'a means "House of Joy" in Hawaiian, and it's not hard to understand why. To honor its natural surroundings, Halele'a Spa focuses on the Hawaiian concept of the Ahupua'a, a philosophy of living in balance with nature. The word "spa," even in our language, means healing through water. The term is derived from the name of the town of Spa, Belgium, whose name is known back to Roman times, when the location was called Aquae Spadanae, perhaps related to the Latin word "spargere" meaning to scatter, sprinkle or moisten. But anyway.

The view from the hotel's lanai

Halele'a Spa uses products created from local ingredients, many of which are exclusive to The St. Regis Princeville and have been developed by Hawaiian based beauty company Malie, which is wonderful. I bought some items from this line that I'll review in a separate post. I'm also going to do a general post about Kauai as well. In the meantime, check out some photos from our trip to the St. Regis Princeville:

The view from the lanai

One of the pimped-out shower stalls in the spa

Delish spa water--the best part of any spa excursion

Halele'a Spa is located at the St. Regis Princeville at

5520 Ka Haku Rd

Princeville, HI 96722

Call (808) 826-9644 to schedule an appointment.

All photos courtesy of the glamazing Erika

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