Beauty Blogging Junkie

Ab Fab's Patsy And Edina Front Alexis Bittar's New Ad Campaign

2012-01-27T19:40:00.000-05:00

Couldn't. Possibly. Love. This. More. Ab Fab's Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are the new faces of Alexis Bittar's new ad campaign.

Sweetie DARLINGS!

Source: The Cut

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Bliss Valentine's Day Event

2012-01-27T16:41:00.000-05:00

I know it's so Shit Single Girls Say, but I totally loathe Valentine's Day--whether I'm coupled or solo. It should be the spirit of amore that moves a man to spoil me, not the mandate of Hallmark. But if you are looking for something a little more productive to do rather than spend an evening with bodega roses over an overpriced meal at a packed restaurant with a craptastic prix fix menu--come to BLISS! Read on...

Make sure you're ready for Ryan Gosling when you run into him at a bar.

This Valentine’s Day, bliss spa has teamed up with Rogue Female Fitness, and Brooke Wise of Wise Matchmaking. Tuesday, February 14th 6pm – 8:30pm at bliss49 on the ground level. 541 Lexington Avenue (between 49th and 50th Streets) in New York City. Why? You'll sweat: 45 min workout with Rogue Female Fitness all-star trainers. You'll smooch: prep your pout with bliss spa fabulips treatments, free at-home fabulips kits and get dating tips from Brooke Wise. You'll snack + sip: lite bites and wine. You'll shop: 20% off bliss, Laboratoire Remede and Elemis products. AND You'll spa: 10% off spa treatments booked that night.

Click here to book. Tickets are $40.

Enjoy!

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Official Mascara Correspondent: Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascara

2012-01-27T08:45:00.001-05:00

Official Mascara Correspondent Ashleigh Ciucci (whom I ran into last week at my fave new TACO joint! So much fun!) takes on Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascara this week ($22 at sephora.com). Does she give it a meh, feh, or a hell yeah? Read on and find out. In Ashleigh's words:

Anastasia is known for perfecting natural and groomed brows, so she should give you the same in the lash department, right? Well, she does, but almost too well.

This mascara gives you soft pretty lashes, but doesn't really give your lashes a lot of oomph! The small fuzzy brush applies the waxy formula to perfection. Your lashes will look full, flared and long.

You'll want to dive right in for coat #2, but you'll find that the formula is a little too dry and can be a bit bulky at the tips. If you concentrate the product at the roots, you can build a bit of volume though. Same goes for the midday touch-up; a bit of density can be built, but don't dare take it through the tips or you'll be in Clump City.

It comes off easily with soap and water at the end of the night, which is a plus. If you're a girl on a the go and want a one coat mascara, buy this babe.
--Ashleigh Ciucci

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Avon Anew Celebrates 20 Years + Launches Two New Products

2012-01-26T11:13:00.005-05:00

I look delighted BECAUSE I AM! Credit: Brian Ach/Getty.

To paraphrase Carlton's hero Tom Jones in the reverse, it IS unusual for a skin care line to be going strong after two decades. And yet, though Avon Anew began in 1992, an era of Wayne's World, Kriss Kross, The Real World, The Body Guard, Right Said Fred's "I'm Too Sexy" and most important, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which my brother and I watched every week. I'm from Philadelphia, we adore us some Will Smith and I'd bet that everyone from the area has a Will Smith in the mall story (I do).

So when I saw CARLTON walk in (Alfonso Ribeiro), my inner 12 year-old did not know what to do with my 30s self. The internal monologue went something like DOIKNOWTHATGUYFROMHIGHSCHOOLWAITWHOISTHATWHYISCARLTONBANKSATANAVONPARTYWHENISTHEDANCE. Read on...

My Daily Glow editor Liesa also reminded me that Alfonso was ALSO in '80s gem Silver Spoons. Anywho, to celebrate 20 years of Avon Anew, the brand hosted a phat fete (like what I did there?) boasting '90s tunes like "No Scrubs" and offered formerly controversial slap bracelets by the bar--evidently, they're legal in 2012 at an Avon bash! It was so authentically '90s, I was tempted to trade my champagne for a Zima. Avon's also launching two new Anew items in honor of the occasion: Anew Genics Eye Treatment and Anew Clinical Resurfacing Expert.

Avon Anew Genics Eye Treatment ($36) is a genetically inspired anti-aging eye treatment developed to undo up to 10 years of visible aging. After genetic research was conducted in Italy, a Youth Gene was discovered, linked to longevity. Avon partnered with these researchers to find a connection between the gene and skin and discovered that the same Youth Gene that keeps the body healthy also helps skin cells act younger. With components like collagen and Hyaluronic acid, undereye skin looks more refreshed and hydrated upon using.

Avon Anew Clinical Resurfacing Expert ($38) employs a triple blend of professional-grade ingredients and is designed to mirro the effects of the mechanical action of professional microdermabrasian. The formula gently exfoliates to remove dull flakes, smooth skin texture and diminish the look of wrinkles. Per a clinical study vs. three professional microdermabrasian treatments over 12 weeks, this product proved to be 79% as effective. Not too shabby, right?

Skin damage. It happens every day, no matter what you say. Use Anew and allow your skin to act as youthful as young, carefree Carlton.

When you go out and about [without skin protection], it's such a crime. Avon Anew products are available at avon.com.

UPDATE: My brother just reminded me about Alfonso starring in this epic Pepsi commercial with Michael Jackson in 83 (AMAZING). Check it here.

This post is sponsored by Avon, but all opinions shared are my own.

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Giveaway: Win A Shabby Apple Dress!

2012-01-26T08:47:00.004-05:00

In eager anticipation of the March premiere of Mad Men, I've reignited my love of a retro frock a la Joan Holloway's demure, knee-skimming, hip-hugging numbers. Specifically, I've been rocking the El Capitan dress by Shabby Apple. The demure-with-a-look-of-yore fashion brand boasts unique frocks at freaking phenom prices. The El Capitan dress at right will set you back a mere $86. But you may not even have to pay THAT much because I'm giving away one dress to one lucky BBJ reader THIS WEEK. Here's how to enter:

1. "Like” Shabby Apple on Facebook: You'll even get special promotions and discounts just for being a fan.

2. Leave a comment on this post using the Fictionary word of your choice in a sentence. You'll find all Fictionary words here.

The deadline is Monday, January 30 at 5pm EST. The winner will be contacted then. Good luck!

Dress sent for review by Shabby Apple.

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BBJ In The New York Times!

2012-01-25T21:03:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my gal Andrea Arterbery (AHNGE) for quoting me in her "Cartoon Characters Inspire Makeup Lines" article in The New York Times' Skin Deep column, out tomorrow in the paper! My fave? Obv the MAC Wonder Woman collection.

Read the fabulously written piece here.

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New: göt2b POWDER'ful Back 2 Bed Texture Powder

2012-01-25T17:31:00.001-05:00

Don't worry, Tess McGill's "before" hair is not
the final effect you'll get from Powder'ful.

As Tess McGill famously said in "Working Girl," "You want to be taken seriously, you need serious hair." Conversely, there are times when you want to channel (follicularly, anyway) more bedroom than boardroom. You can have "a head for business and a bod for sin," but if your hair is too structured, too corporate, you're just not using all the ammo in your arsenal for post-work liaisons. Luckily,
göt2b's got you covered with their latest gem, Powder'ful. Read on...

Celebrity stylist Larry Sims (one of my new favorite PEOPLE by the way--he began his career working as a BACKUP dancer to such jamz as "Percolator" and shares my favorite Christmas movie, "A Diva's Christmas," with Vanessa Williams and additionally, a healthy recognition that Vanessa Williams is EVERYTHING.) recommends shaking a bit into your mane to add a sexy, tousled texture without having to bust out the heat tools. This game-changer delivers just-rolled-out-of-bed locks using a weightless consistency that imparts a satin matte finish. While it will absorb some of your hair's oils, I'd use this one more to give your hair a little body and kink as opposed to having it function as a dry shampoo. Use it after hours and he'll be expecting sexts, not texts that end in "Please advise." As Jack Trainer famously said, "You're the first woman I've seen in one of these things that dresses like a woman, not like a woman thinks a man would dress if he was a woman." Be that woman from a HAIR perspective.

Truly a hair powder paradigm shift, göt2b POWDER'ful Back 2 Bed Texture Powder retails for $6, available February at drugstores and Ulta.

Disclosure: Product sample provided by Got2b for editorial consideration

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Destination: Procrastination

2012-01-25T16:39:00.000-05:00

Create a water marble mani!
[Betty Confidential]

Cute accessories for colder months
[Real Beauty]

UM, CHECK OUT THESE HOUSES WITH WATER SLIDES
[The Luxury Spot]

Can you believe these TV shows are still ON?
[College Candy]

Michael Kors' pre-fall 2012 pieces
[Fashion Binge]

Valentines to send your celeb crush
[Your Tango]

Pros dish on the hottest wedding trends of 2012
[TresSugar]

A bride-to-be on choosing her maid of honor
[The Frisky]

A touching story of the late Charla Krupp's effect on my gal Kristin
[Fashion Style Beauty]

Win this Breil Orchestra watch!
[Fashion Pulse Daily]

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Get The Look: Kate Bosworth's Hairstyle At The 2012 Sundance Film Festival

2012-01-25T15:17:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Brian Magallones, Kate Bosworth's hairstylist, for giving me the deets on Kate's Stundance sleek hairstyle, as well (read her makeup breakdown here). In Brian's words:

"To compliment Kate's dramatic red lips and dress, I wanted to keep her hair sleek and elegant. I first started by blow drying her hair using Phytovolume at the roots to get some root lift. I then slicked her hair back into a high ponytail to accentuate her gorgeous cheekbones using Phyto Shine Defining Wax to get it nice and sleek. I then ran a flat iron over the ponytail, and held it all together with Elnette Hairspray and finished with Biolage Color Care Sheilding Shine Mist. Tip: The finishing touch to any elegant ponytail is to wrap a section of hair around the ponytail base securing with hair pins."

Gorge!

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Drybar Opens At Le Parker Meridien Tomorrow!

2012-01-25T14:30:00.002-05:00

Midtown girls with feral hair rejoice! Drybar is opening their second NYC location tomorrow at Le Parker Meridien: 119 West 59th Street btw 6th and 7th Avenues.

Read my review of the downtown Drybar location on Elle.com here.

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Tune Into My Live Chat On StyleUnited's Facebook Page on Friday, 1/27

2012-01-25T14:14:00.000-05:00

Have a style question? Want to learn how you can get personalized head-to-toe style recommendations with just a few clicks? Tune in here on Friday, January 27th at 2:30PM ET for a live chat with me. I’ll be answering your questions and talking about my experience with beauty, fashion and new style site, StyleUnited.

Click here on Friday to attend the chat.

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"I'm Wearing My Gold Lame Snood..." Sh*t Fashion Girls Say 2

2012-01-25T09:33:00.000-05:00

Just discovered this little gem via my gal Sarah. "Who pulled that look? Lisa Frank?"

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Travel Blogging Junkie: Grand Summit Hotel At The Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah

2012-01-24T13:22:00.003-05:00

Credit: The Canyons

I'm back from a whirlwind tour at Sundance courtesy of Got2b hair care (stay tuned for a post on their newest innovation). We had an epic time staying at the Grand Summit Hotel at Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah. I even heard through the grapevine that Michael Cera and Paris Hilton were staying there.

Boasting an INCREDIBLE bed that rivaled my new Four Seasons mattress I just bought for myself at home and an in-room fireplace, the joint is the penultimate in COZY. And cozy you'll crave after enduring the various and sundry CRAZYTOWN modes of transport in Park City including but not limited to a cabriolet (not the fun Volkswagen, BT dubs, but instead a crazy ski lift thing you stand in in the bitter cold which takes you, at an astounding speed over the street), funicular, snowmobile and a SLEIGH.

The latter we took to have dinner at The Viking Yurt, an incredible six-course dinner experience with only a few tables and delish food. There we met a really nice, really insane couple who are so outdoorsy and into extreme sports in freezing cold weather, they actually were celebrating their second anniversary. They got married OUTSIDE in Park City in January at that yurt. Naturally, the dude proposed while the couple skied. He told us all about how they'd been in "avalanche formation" (obviously I had to ask what that was--it's when one person skis at a time through a course) and he'd buried the ring in the snow and used food coloring to color a heart in the snow. Of course, since he went though first, she'd thought that meant he'd been seriously hurt and was BLEEDING. And then she DUG FOR THIS RING and ENJOYED IT. This couple FASCINATED me. I did a veritable anthropological study in the manner of Margaret MEAD on them.

Jeannine, myself, Casey, Kaitlyn and Lizzie at No Name Saloon.

Anyway. While we didn't get to experience any films this time, we did enjoy an incredible meal at the St. Regis in a sick private room, bloody marys at No Name Saloon, where I was deva to learn Michael Vartan had been mere hours prior to our arrival, had a blast snowmobiling (it's like jetskiing, but in the snow) and rocked out till 2:30am at the Tao party, where we encountered James Marsden.

Moi, pre-snowmobiling! I felt like Maverick, and appropriately, had a need for speed.

Jeannine and I at Tao.

Funny story about that vest--it's this one, and it's real Mongolian sheep wool. What they forget to tell you on Shopbop is that it sheds EVERYWHERE and that you and your party will be pulling little hairs out of your MOUTH the entire time you wear it. The exact moment James Marsden and I made eye contact at Tao, I WAS PULLING A PIECE OF FUR OUT OF MY MOUTH. That happened. He seemed good-natured enough about it and kind of smiled, but I was MORTIFIED.

Jeannine, Lizzie and I at Tao.

Here, a video tour of my room at Grand Summit Hotel at The Canyons Resort.

Thanks, Got2b, for an insanely fun time!

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Get The Look: Kate Bosworth At The 2012 Sundance Film Festival

2012-01-23T20:23:00.000-05:00

Kate Bosworth looked STUNNING at Sundance--effectively renaming the event (to me, anyway) STUNDANCE. Makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan for Votre Vu created the look for the starlet's press events in Park City, Utah. Here, the deets straight from Kelsey.

"For the premiere of "Black Rock" at the Sundance Film Festival I prepped Kate's face by using a combination of different Votre Vu products to create the perfect canvas ready for the makeup application.

I started off by massaging ATTENTIVE Creme de Jour for Sensitive Skin all over the face and neck. This cream is great because it calms the skin and replenishes moisture - especially in these weather conditions.

To keep the under-eyes moisturized, I lightly smoothed into the skin Tout le Monde Antioxidant Eye Gelee.

Next I applied Votre Vu Sensational Eyes Eye Primer in Medium on lids for a perfect way to keep eye shadow on all day - the perfect base.

To finish prepping the face for makeup I dabbed a drop of the Attentive Serum Delicat Pour Le Visage into the skin and massaged starting at the center of the face and moving outward.
Kate has amazing skin so she really doesn't need a heavy foundation. To set the foundation I dusted on Votre Vu Mineral Powder in Light all over the face.

For the premiere I wanted Kate's makeup to be fresh and natural but with a bold classic red lip. The perfect base for the lipstick is the Votre Vu Champagne Kisses Lip Treatment. I didn't line Kate's lips so the Champagne Kisses pulled double duty by moisturizing and preventing the lipstick from bleeding out."

What do you think, BBJ Nation? Stunning or what?

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Fictionary: Kryptonheight

2012-01-23T12:22:00.005-05:00

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

Famously 6'5" Vince Vaughn

Kryptonheight (clearly based on Superman's famous natural weakness) refers to my condition of being rendered powerless against the allure of a man 6'2" plus. Though the affliction lay dormant after nearly a decade in New York City, the teacup man capital of the world, it never really goes away. There's just something about no glass ceiling re: my heel height that gets me every time.

Example: At the Sundance Film Festival, I find myself SLAIN on a regular basis thanks to the kryptonheight of the scruffy, corn-fed down-clad skiers and extreme winter sport enthusiasts.

Example 2: In 2010 at the Sundance Film Festival, 6'3" Ben Affleck walked into the Entertainment Weekly suite, where I was hanging out, silencing the room immediately with his combo of kryptonheight and charisma. The brand reps I'd traveled with and I then had to talk about him for the next EIGHT HOURS.

I swear when I'm in the company of a gentleman who can't simply order his jeans on the Internet and can't JUST borrow a coat when at a friend's house, Chris Isaak's (6'1", BT dubs! META) "Wicked Game" becomes the soundtrack of my life.

Are you affected by kryptonheight?

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Spotted At Sundance: 'TrueBlood''s Ryan Kwanten

2012-01-23T11:07:00.000-05:00

That's how close he was. iDie.

Guys, TrueBlood's Ryan Kwanten (who will always be Jason Stackhouse in my head) was mere feet from me at a football party held at the Sky Lodge Hotel. Other Sundance celeb sightings include James Marsden (!), Malin Akerman, Michael Cera (he's my fave) and Cheryl Hines. We're off to NYC today after a weekend filled with fun, extreme winter sports like SNOWMOBILING, dinner in a yurt on top of a mountain and multiple parties. Unfortunately we weren't able to screen any films this time, but it was an incredible experience, all thanks to Got2be. I'll be updating you guys about their new product Powderful later this week.

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Joico Used On The Set Of 'The Hunger Games'

2012-01-20T19:08:00.000-05:00

Get ready, friends, as I fully anticipate this site will become The Hunger Games Blogging Junkie as we approach the March premiere of the movie. I just got word that Joico’s color and style team helped create all the bright and bold hair designs for the cast.

Joico Guest Artist and Hollywood Stylist Cherry Petenbrink (in collaboration with Hair Department Head Linda Flowers) was tapped to create the hair color designs for the film’s leads--Jennifer Lawrence, Stanley Tucci and Elizabeth Banks--and she went with Joico Vero K-PAK Color. She and the other stylists who worked on the five-month shoot turned to the new K-PAK RevitaLuxe and Smooth Cure Smoothing System to maintain the cast’s hair. Cherry also reveals that Joico Design Collection stylers, Spiker and Spiker Blast, Joico JoiMist Firm Hairspray and Joico Brilliantine Pomade were the go-to formulas for designing and maintaining the film’s futuristic hairstyles.

What do you think of the hair in the trailer thus far? And are you ALSO going to see the flick at midnight on opening day?

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Singer Etta James Dies At 73

2012-01-20T12:45:00.000-05:00

Etta James was one of the last living DAMES. I've long joked that her tune, "At Last" would be my wedding song. RIP, Etta.

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Get The Look: Kate Beckinsale's Hairstyle & Makeup At The 'Underworld 4' Premiere

2012-01-20T12:21:00.000-05:00

Otherworldly (and Underworldly) gorgeous Kate Beckinsale looked HELEN OF TROY HOT last night at the premiere of "Underworld 4." I scored the scoop on the star's hairstyle and makeup, courtesy of Adir Abergel and Molly R. Stern, respectively. Here, the deets.

HAIRSTYLE
Adir Abergel for Fekkai created beautifully polished waves. Adir wanted to create a romantic, bohemian look.

Adir began by applying Fekkai Coiff Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel to wet hair at the roots to lift the hair and Fekkai Highlight Care Illuminating Cream at the ends to seal in moisture. He then blow-dried the hair using a round brush to add body. Next, Adir took a 1-inch curling iron and curled the hair starting two inches down from the roots, going away from the face. He finished the look by applying Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream for extra shine.

MAKEUP
Per Molly R. Stern, celebrity makeup artist: "Tonight for the premier of 'Underworld Awakening' Kate wore a perfect elegant meets bohemian gown by Jenny Packham." The red carpet look – a perfect elegant meets bohemian look inspired by her Jenny Packham gown, and mirrored in her makeup: natural tones that kept her look soft with a seductive edge.

Face
To ensure she looked flawless throughout the evening Molly prepped Kate’s face using the iconic Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance, $30. Then she applied Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Fawn, $42 to enhance Kate’s extremely natural glow. Molly then highlighted her cheekbones and nose with Laura Mercier Secret Brightener, $30 to give Kate an extra kick of light.

Lips
Kate’s glistening lips were created with Laura Mercier Baby Doll Shimmering Lip Glacé, $22.

Eyes
Molly used a blend of Laura Mercier Luster Eye Colour in African Violet, $22 and Laura Mercier Luster Eye Colour in Crystal Beige, $22 for the base and then add a line of Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Liner in Mahogany Brown, $22. She finished off her lashes with two coats of Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara, $24.

What do you think of Kate Beckinsale's look at the "Underworld 4" premiere?

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Skinterrogation: Dr. Ava Shamban

2012-01-20T08:56:00.000-05:00

The Skinterrogation column is a new feature on BBJ! Here, I post Q&A seshes with major movers and shakers in the skin care industry.

You'll probably recognize Dr. Ava Shamban from ABC's "Extreme Makeover," though this skintillating gal's got much more on her resume than that. The author of “Heal Your Skin” and owner of Ava MD Santa Monica and Ava MD Beverly Hills, she's a Board Certified Dermatologist with over twenty years of experience treating skin. While working on "Extreme Makeover," she had a limited time to get people looking their best. By using a combination of innovative techniques in an accelerated time frame, she was able to clear acne, rejuvenate aging skin and ease acne scarring in as little as two weeks! Realizing that not everyone was able to have an “Extreme Makeover,” she developed a formula for combination treatments available in both of her offices. Dr. Shamban has extensive experience in the use of the latest lasers, radiofrequency, and injectables. Dr. Shamban is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UCLA.

I recently had the opportunity to ask her all manner of pressing skin questions about her work on groundbreaking new injectable LAVIV, among others. So without further ado, here's Dr. Shamban's Skinterrogation.

Beauty Blogging Junkie: Tell me a little about your background! When did you realize you wanted to be a dermatologist?

Dr. Ava Shamban: I was originally a general practitioner and decided to become a dermatologist when I began seeing so many patients with untreated skin conditions. I did lab research on skin diseases that involved collagen and elastin, two of the major proteins in skin, as a fellowship and then went into private practice.

BBJ: What's the most exciting thing that's happened to you in the course of your career?

AS: Doing the dermatology for the show Extreme Makeover. I had to figure out new techniques and combinations of procedures to get predictable results in an accelerated time frame.

BBJ: LAVIV sounds truly groundbreaking in the world of injectables. It's the first and only iteration that's FDA-approved. What initially drew you to want to work with the brand?

AS: LAVIV is the first biological treatment for wrinkles that uses your own collagen producing cells (fibroblasts) to replace lost or damaged collagen. Having worked with these cells in the laboratory during my research years I was really excited about their potential to rejuvenate the skin and eliminate wrinkles.

BBJ: Tell us about your own skin care regimen.

AS: I apply an anti-oxidant mist and then a sunscreen in the AM, at night I alternate between a retinoid and an AHA, then layer on my peptide-ceramide cream, Extreme Specialist.

BBJ: What is your desert island skin care product?

AS: I guess I would have to say a moisturizing sunscreen with antioxidants! It can be used twice a day.

BBJ: Beyond skin care, are there any buzzwords we should keep an eye out for when shopping for makeup if clogged pores are a concern?

AS: Mineral oil, Lanolin and isopropyl are all active ingredients used in foundation and can trigger acne by blocking pores. Some makeup foundations, powders and concealers can also clog pores and tend to aggravate acne prone skin. Look for oil-free, and non-comedogenic products. However, I cannot stress enough the importance of a proper skin care regiment for preventing clogged pores. Daily cleansing and exfoliating with the appropriate products for your skin-type and regular cleaning of brushes and sponges will assist you in your goal for clean and beautiful skin.

BBJ: What are your three best skin care tips for all skin types?

AS: My 3 tips for any skin type are always to: cleanse and exfoliate, moisturize, and always protect your skin with sun block!

BBJ: Tell us a little about the skin-healing program combining skin care, nutrition and fitness you discuss in your book, Heal Your Skin.

AS: Diet, exercise and a proper skin regiment are interconnected in promoting healthy skin inwards and out. A healthy diet and healthy skin are closely linked and a nutritious diet provides the nutrients that are necessary for your skin’s cells. The best advice I can give with regards to a healthy diet is eat a balanced meal, avoid processed foods, eat foods that promote anti-inflammatory agents like almonds, fish with omega-3, fruits with anti-oxidants such as berries, healthy oils, and plenty of water. Good nutrition acts as a supplement to your daily skin regiment and lends support and promotes healing and skin repair. Exercise is the third part of this equation and as we know, has many positive effects on our skin. It reduces stress, enhances circulation, improves nutrient delivery to skin cells, and can even modify hormonal shifts. All three components work together hand in hand to directly improve the health and appearance of your skin.

BBJ: What are your thoughts on scrubs/exfoliation? Do you recommend physical or chemical at-home scrubs/peels?

AS: I think scrubs and exfoliation are important parts of a skin care program but need to be tailored to the type of skin you have as well as specific skin issues.

BBJ: What do you recommend to lighten age spots and acne scars to even skin tone?

AS: Use a product that includes hydroquinone or arbutin, these will prevent new pigment from forming, combined with an AHA to exfoliate off the existing pigment. This will work with dark acne scars. Indented acne scars need filler or laser treatment for correction.

Thanks, Dr. Shamban!

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Screen Siren Skin Care: The Erno Laszlo Hollywood Collection

2012-01-19T11:45:00.001-05:00

Fashion Week is looming, and it's my TWELFTH season, if you can believe it. As much as I adore fashion, I find the fashion CROWD is not as welcoming as the beauty crowd. One of the Amber Katz Rules For Life is that fashion is art and beauty is science--you stay in your lane, for the most part. It always takes a little indoctrination for me to feel like I'm truly SUPPOSED to be rocking a ball gown and 6-inch open-toe heels in the dead of February with Fashion Girl Attitude, which is not my normal demeanor. It's all very I'd Like To Thank The Academy for me to channel my more aloof, formal side on day 1 at the tents (after that, it's usually smooth sailing) and ready myself for the battle that is backstage. It's all tiny rooms with throngs of journalists thrusting their iPhone recorders in the faces of Orlando Pita, Sarah Lucero, Francois Nars, Odile Gilbert--competing for The Quote, which of course, the entire group of eight journalists and bloggers (and cloggers, alas) will use, even if it was you who siphoned it out of the artist. I begin every walk to my first backstage of the season with Madonna's "Vogue," to get myself in a glamorous mindset and try to envision myself as a soignee sylph with incredible journalistic talent.

This year, I'll be doing one better--I'll not only be inspired by the glamour of Greta Garbo and Monroe (per Madonna) I'll be wearing skin care based on the original CUSTOM FORMULATIONS OF THOSE ICONS, thanks to Erno Laszlo's The Hollywood Collection.

Madonna - Vogue (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: Vogue, Madonna (entertainer)

To fete 85 years of beauty, Erno Laszlo created a limited edition 5-piece set of custom blend skin care formulations inspired by the most iconic screen sirens of yore, all of whom were devotees of the brand. Housed in a luxurious lacquer box, each jar boasts new ebony packaging, the first departure from the brand's readily recognizable minimalist clear and white utilitarian packaging. The collection includes Ava Gardner’s Instant Eye Repair, Marilyn Monroe’s Morning Beauty Rescue, Katharine Hepburn’s Intensive Porcelain Veil, Grace Kelly’s Refresh Moisture Infusion and Greta Garbo’s Velvet Night Cream.

Known for showing up on the set about a month late and having barely slept, Marilyn Monroe has a coordinating cream: Morning Beauty Rescue brightens and rejuvenates the complexion, thanks to its elegant blend of semi-precious gems and liquid pearls suspended in a light, air-whipped pink gel. And if you think I'm wouldn't rock Grace Kelly's softly scented violet Refresh Moisture Infusion even if it gave me wrinkles AND pimples (luckily it doesn't), then you don't know me at all. Grace Kelly, Harlow, Jean--be the PICTURE of a beauty queen.

Erno Laszlo The Hollywood Collection ($125) launched this month exclusive to Nordstrom through February 2012, then available in luxury retailers nationwide. Use it when all else fails and you long to be something better than you are today.

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Official Mascara Correspondent: Clarins Instant Definition Mascara

2012-01-19T09:21:00.000-05:00

Official Mascara Correspondent takes on Clarins Instant Definition Mascara ($24 at Nordstrom.com). Does it do what it claims? Read on for her review...

The biggest novelty about this mascara is its brush. It has an extremely unique shape; the bottom 2/3rds of the brush is soft and football shaped to provide precision and definition. The top third is narrow and rubbery to give you volume and intensity. I found that with the first coat, the football section of the brush got the base of the product down. The top section of the brush deposited more product, combing and lifting the lash up and out.

The second coat gave each and every lash a lot more length and thickness. I had to be a careful to not over-work the product though, the tips got a little squared off.

With my afternoon touch-up, I was able to intensify the pigment a bit and avoided clumps by using mainly the lower section of the brush. It removed easily with soap and water at the end of the day. It's always great to see something new and this brush really delivers. I'd def buy this one.
--Ashleigh Ciucci

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Golden Globes 2012 Makeup: Michelle Williams

2012-01-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

CHANEL Celebrity Makeup Artist Angela Levin created Michelle Williams' stunning Golden Globes makeup this Sunday for the red carpet. While I love her pixie, I wasn't, let's say, inspired by her headband. That said, I thought her makeup was ASPIRATIONAL to say the least.

Speaking of aspirational, let's dig deep into the INSPIRATION for the look, per Angela.

“My inspiration was a gorgeous Golden Globe winner!!”

Here's how to get the look:
Angela started the makeup application with cleaning the skin with CHANEL Lotion Douceur Gentle Hydrating Toner using a sponge instead of cotton. She then applied a thin layer of CHANEL Ultra Correction Lift Intensive Lifting Concentrate on her face, Angels Makeup Collagen Treatment under her eyes, and placed CHANEL Sublimage La Creme Texture Supreme on her cheeks and neck. For this red carpet makeup look, Angela applied CHANEL Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup SPF 15 in Beige-Pastel on the face and eye lids, as a base.

On the eyes, she used the grey shadow shades from the CHANEL Quadra Eyeshadow in Smoky Eyes to create a light smoky effect on the upper lid, then adding CHANEL Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Black Shimmer to the top lash. Angela then defined the brows with CHANEL Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil in Blond Clair and added two coats of CHANEL Inimitable Mascara in Noir on the top and bottom lashes.

On Michelle’s cheeks, she applied CHANEL Powder Blush in Rose Ecrin that gave a perfect flush, and completed the look with CHANEL Rouge Coco Hydrating Crème Lip Colour in Perle.

What do you think of Michelle Williams' Golden Globes glowy gorge moment?

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Fitness Blogging Junkie: Yoga To Combat Sunday Blues

2012-01-18T08:35:00.020-05:00

There's something about Sunday night that really makes you want to kill yourself. And that creepy 60 Minutes watch that sounds like your whole life ticking away.--Angela Chase

Since I was in middle school, every Sunday night from 6pm on, I freak out.

My closest friends are aware and know that when they reach me during that pivotal time, I may be in A Mood. It's so odd. No matter if I'm working for myself or back in the dimmest, darkest days of my worst full-time gigs, I get so stressed about the waning weekend and the packed workweek ahead. Somehow the equivalent of being made a fool of by the only boy I'll ever love and a looming Geometry exam for which I can't study because Brian Krakow has my text book (though the modern day equivalent is a deadline for which I don't have all the interviews or info) always emerges in some small capacity on Sunday night. For a long time, I used to insist on total and utter solitude the entire night to get a jump on the week's work. And yet, that did little to relieve the stress.

Lately, I've taken to addressing this behavior straight on by instituting two things on Sundays, and they're quite simple. Family dinner (i.e., a gossipy dins with three of my best gal pals--usually Dina, Andrea Lavinthal and AHNGE Arterbery) and a Sunday sesh of yoga.

The daughter of one of my dad's longtime colleagues, Be, recently invited me to attend one of her classes at in Williamsburg and I felt like a new woman after indulging in a 75-minute class a few Sundays ago. The class was fantastic. For years, I've skipped working out on Sundays but I have to wonder if there's a direct correlation with my major misery every single week on that day only? Be's energy, music choice and adjustments were great and while I felt like my bod got the stretching and workout it needed, I left feeling relaxed, centered and best of all--not too sweaty.

I highly recommend checking out one of Be's classes in Brooklyn or Union Square. Here's her schedule:

Tuesday 4:30pm Prana Brooklyn
Wednesday 6:30am Prana Brooklyn
Thursday 8:15pm Prana Union Square
Friday 6:30am Prana Brooklyn
Saturday 12:15 Prana Brooklyn
Saturday 4:30pm Prana Union Square
Saturday 6:15pm Prana Union Square
Sunday 12:15pm Prana Brooklyn

For more info, check out Be's site at beshaktiyoga.com and pranapoweryoga.com.

OM,
Amber

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