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Recently I had the opportunity to try some products from Raw Essentials Skincare by Carol Alt.  What I first loved about Raw Essentials is that it does not contain any synthetic chemical ingredients with a low temperature manufacturing process that retains the vitamins, minerals and nutrients of its key natural ingredients.  As someone with sensitive skin, I am always apprehensive when trying any new skincare, but I was looking forward to trying something without harsh chemicals.

The famed supermodel Carol Alt is not just another pretty face attached to a skincare line.  Carol Alt is dedicated to the raw lifestyle and named the line “Raw Essentials” because all of its active ingredients are 100% raw.  Raw Essentials will never use petroleum, sulfates (another allergy of mine) and detergents, synthetic preservatives like parabens, artificial colors and fragrances, and genetically modified organisms.  The company’s website says, “Raw skin care products allow your skin to absorb all of the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that are necessary for glowing, healthy, young-looking skin.”  Sounds good to me!

The Raw Essentials Vita Eye Serum helps reduce the appearance of puffy and tired eyes in mature and aging skin. This targeted beauty treatment features an 84% raw aloe content and polypeptides processed from raw carrot juice (Mom always told me carrots were good for my eyes).  While I don’t have “mature” skin, I love to try anti-aging products and I am especially excited about products that reduce puffiness.  With my allergies, I tend to wake up with puffy eyes, and I am always looking for an easy way to reduce this.

The eye serum is a roll-on, and it goes on so nice and smooth.  It feels cool and soothing when applying, and I noticed within the first uses that it helps de-puff my eyes in the morning before I apply my makeup.  It does it without drying out the skin around my eyes, and while I don’t yet have any crows feet, I definitely noticed my eye area looking smooth and refreshed.

I’m looking forward to trying more skincare products from Raw Essentials.  So far, I’m convinced this one is a winner!

Last week TheFrisky.com invited me out to the exclusive 1OAK in NYC to help them celebrate a wonderful milestone.  In less than a year, this celebrity-filled, dating/relationship-focused website geared towards women partied to the tune of 2.5 million unique visitors per month! While guests sipped on some frisky orange and jalapeno tequila cocktails, TheFrisky.com’s team of editors, management, and writers took over the notoriously selective club the way Jay-Z would.

TheFrisky.com certainly threw a fun party and even raffled off two Apple Ipods (which I unfortunately did not win). However, I think I was more shocked that I found myself inside 1OAK, a club I normally avoid because of it’s strict red velvet rope. Luckily, I ran into my friend Roselyn Montero from Temptd.com, and we enjoyed empanada h’ors devours!

The website, owned by Time Warner/Turner Network, is rather entertaining and full of humor. I have enjoyed their videos, especially a segment called, “Ask Granny” where a woman asks her grandmother some modern-day questions about love and relationships. It’s definitely a fun site to read on that boring Monday at work!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and before I know it, I’ll be baking up some pumpkin and apple pies.  Next I’ll be hosting holiday parties and whipping up batches and batches of cookies.  It’s my favorite time of year for homey scents in candles and delicious flavors like Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte.  So why not evoke some of that homey goodness in fun beauty products?

While you already know I can spend hours in Sephora, lately I’ve been on the hunt for some stocking stuffers, and gifts for friends (and me!) that are inspired by something delicious.

One of my favorite finds is Philosophy.  They have so many great products and gift sets inspired by baked goods.  I get hungry just shopping. I love Philosophy’s Classic Cookbook set. This set of three-in-one Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath formulas in Pumpkin Spice Muffin, Red Velvet Cake, Double Rich Hot Cocoa, Warm Pear Cobbler, Gingerbread, and Cinnamon Buns. Delicious!

When I am baking cookies, one of my main ingredients is brown sugar. So why not check out some products containing brown sugar? The Brown Sugar Body Polish by Fresh is a gentle moisturizing scrub treatment for the body.  I love sugar scrubs and brown sugar is an extra treat. The Fresh SugarBath Collection combines the fresh scent of lemon with the restorative and antibacterial properties of sugar. Not to worry though – you won’t get any side effects like a sugar rush!

For beauty products that are truly sweet, look no further than Dylan’s Candy Bar. I love the Fridge Full of Sweets Gift Set – Birthday Cake Batter and not just because my birthday is a few short weeks away! This set contains Birthday Cake Batter Body Smoothie Lotion and Birthday Cake Batter Soda Pop Shower Gel. An added bonus is the 2.0 oz Bag of Gumballs!  The Fridge Full of Sweets gift sets also comes in Coconut Bon Bon.

Is anyone else ready for dessert now?

The season for holiday parties is just beginning and the question that’s most often on my mind is, “What am I going to wear?”  The threat that someone may see me in the same dress twice (Oh, the horror!) means I’m on the hunt for options that are both stylish, sexy, and economical.

I like Guess? by Marciano lately for fun and flirty party dresses.  I just picked up the Nambi Corset Dress and the Crista Dress for girls’ nights out.  They have just the right amount of sex appeal.  My philosophy is too never show too much all at once.  No mini skirts with maxi cleavage!

One of my classic go-tos is J.Crew.  Classic just sums it up.  J.Crew has everything from day dresses to wedding dresses and a wide array of party dresses and even bridesmaid dresses.  From fun prints and designs that look one-of-a-kind to simple cotton dresses with great sheen in a lot of colors, J.Crew has it all.  This season I am picking up their cotton cady Sydney dress in Cypress or Spiced Wine.  What I like about this dress is that it can go from day to night.  You can wear this to a daytime wedding or even to work with some great tights and a jacket or sweater.  With the sheen of the cotton, it transitions easily to date night, parties, and even wedding attire (they also make great bridesmaid dresses).

Another place I adore for party dresses is White House | Black Market.  They have lovely sophisticated dresses at reasonable prices (usually under $200).  Most of their products are obviously black and white, but these are easy-to-work-with party staples.  My current favorite is a strapless floral dress with a bow on it. I could wear this one out or to a wedding – it’s very versatile.

What I really love to do, is to go with a great stand-out color or print when considering a party dress.  While the LBD (Little Black Dress) is always a chic choice, it gets boring to go to every party in black!  Why not show your personality with something fun?

This season Express has some great finds.  My favorite is the sleeveless tube dress that comes in both black and Fantasia Blue.  I love it in black (pictured), but for some fun, why not try the blue?  It’s bright without being too electric and is sure to get you some positive attention.  The best part?  It’s only $79, so why not get both colors?

What do you look for in a party dress?  Do you stick with LBDs or do you like to throw on something red or with a bold print once in a while?

So now that I’ve got most of my parties all planned… all I have to do is find some matching shoes!

One of my favorite places for classic pieces has gotten a makeover at its SoHo, NYC location.  Banana’s SoHo flagship stored just reopened this past Wednesday, November 11, 2009, after a remodel.  The 18,000 square-foot store (um, drooling) was overhauled with a design that is intended to make shopping easier, and more fun.

The new plan has large sections devoted exclusively to special collections and accessories, with a circular section in the front for Banana’s limited-edition, slightly more expensive, Monogram Collection.  In the back of the store you’ll find a large space that showcases their jewelry line (I could spend hours here!), right  next to the classic Heritage collection.  Menswear is just upstairs,  with shoes, sunglasses, and tables of apparel overlooking New York City’s Broadway through expansive windows.  The entire space is crowned with strings of lights that cast an ambient glow.

I’m excited to check out the new layout (and maybe some new products).  It might be an occasion to plan a girls’ shopping trip and a nice lunch.  I am in the market for some new shoes, you know….

Winter is nearly here and I am already feeling the effects: dry skin, static-y hair, and chapped lips. Between the cold dry air outside, the hot dry air inside, and the wind blowing (it dries out your skin, hair, and lips, and you can get a wicked windburn in the winter), winter can wreak havoc on your beauty routine. I tend to get super dry skin around my eyes and mouth, which is so frustrating and uncomfortable! I’ve also experienced chapped hands! It’s the worst!

Here are some tips to help ease your skin and hair into winter:

1. Stay hydrated. Just because you’re not sweating as much doesn’t mean you can’t get dehydrated. Drinking enough water will help keep your skin and your lips hydrated.

2. Moisturize. This might be Beauty 101, but you’d be shocked to know how many people do not moisturize their face OR their hands and bodies. In the winter I like to even go for a creamier body moisturizer.   Some of my favorites are Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion by Clinique and Deep Moisture Body Cream from Neutrogena.

3. Go for a gentler cleanser. I like Dove body wash because it contains moisturizers. For cleansers, I really love Neutrogena’s Extra Gentle Cleanser.

4. Take care of your hands!  Chapped hands can be so painful.  Remember to wear gloves to protect your skin.  My favorite hand cream is Aveda Hand Relief, but there are so many available that are great for your skin.  A little goes a long way.

5. Avoid licking your lips.  The dry air (especially inside) can make your lips BEG for moisture.  It’s so hard to avoid doing, but so important.  Use a lip balm and keep yourself hydrating by drinking water.  Your lips will thank you, and you can avoid the nastiness of having badly chapped lips!  There are also some great lip exfoliants out there (try Sephora) which can help if you have flaky dry skin on your lips.

6. Invest in a humidifier.  This brings me back to when my mom used to run it when I was sick as a kid, but it really works.  My skin gets so dry in the house (especially if you have forced hot air… ouch!) and having a humidifier really helps.  I put it on at night.  It helps me breathe easier and my poor nose and the sensitive skin around my eyes and lips don’t get dried out.

7.  Try to exfoliate, but don’t go overboard.  Remember to moisturize after using a face or body scrub.

8.  Don’t forget your feet!  Just because you’re not showing them off as much doesn’t mean you should neglect them.  I get regular pedicures throughout the year, and you can exfoliate and moisturize your feet very easily at home. Bath & Body Works has a great foot care line.

9. Keep using sunscreen.  This is another practice we usually abandon when summer is over but it’s still so important.  You can protect your skin from drying and aging by using sunscreen EVERYDAY, regardless of the season.  The sun may not be as strong, but each day you are still exposing yourself to harmful effects, even if you’re not feeling the burn.

10. Skip the blow dryer in the winter.  Remember how the hot air from the furnace is bad for your skin?  Well imagine what the hot air aimed at your tresses is doing!  If you must, be sure to invest in heat styling products to protect your hair from the damage of getting dried out.  No one wants static-y hair or split ends!  There are also some GREAT remedies for damaged hair you can find in any drug store, or ask your stylist for a deep conditioning treatment if you’re suffering from dry winter hair.

Have a beautiful winter!

I’m not one for starting my Christmas shopping so early but when you come across sales like these, it’s hard not to!  Normally I like to wait for Santa to pass by at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade before I get into the season and complete my holiday shopping list.  However, 20-30% off some perfect gift items sound really good to me.  Sales=1 ; Scrooge=0

Check out these great discounts and offers online and in-store!

• 7 For All Mankind Friends & Family 40% OFF
  40%off both online and in store- use code “7FAMILY”. Valid 11/12-11/15
• Coach Factory Stores 20% OFF
  Take an additional 20% off at Coach Factory Stores. Valid through 11/15
• Juicy Couture Friends & Family promotion 30% OFF
  Take 30% off regular and sale merchandise. Offer is only valid in-stores with a coupon . Valid 11/11-11/18
• Urban Decay Friends & Family
  Use code “FNFW1″ for 30% OFF your entire order. Valid 11/9 – 11/20
• Bloomingdale’s – Friends & Family 20% Off
  Save 20%off regular and sale priced merchandise. Available in-stores and online. Use code “BFRIEND”. Valid through 11/15
• Kate Spade online sample sale
  Up to 75% off for this online sample sale. Valid 11/10-11/13
• Macy’s Friends & Family 25% OFF
  Save 25% off in most areas and 10% off small electronics, personal care, furniture and mattresses. Exclusions include cosmetics, fragrances, online Coach products (though it will work in-store), toys and gift cards. Use code “MACYSFF”. Valid 12/2-12/7.

It’s tough to find the right fragrance, especially when you’re getting spritzed from all angles at the department store.  All you really want is to find the perfect cologne that works great against your skin and make you “smell good.” Well here is a little help from our High Five for men’s cologne in 2009.  These picks have proven to receive some positive compliments from those who have sniffed around me.

I Am King by Sean John - You certainly feel like a king when you spray this sweet and refreshing scent. It’s not a statement of arrogance but rather “a motto of all men who will buy this fragrance.?, says Sean Jean Combs. This cologne has top notes of tangerine juice, orange, cranberry and French berries; middle notes are cassis and sea water; base notes are amalfi lemon, French labdanum, cedar, vetiver, oakmoss and sandalwood.  Sean John again wins Fragrance of the Year 2009 at the 37th FiFi Awards for this unique masculine freshness that I love to use daily for work.

Female feedback: “Mmm I just love that fresh scent of yours.”

Rock Volume I by John Varvatos – John Varvatos is definitely one of my favorite designer scents and has done it again with this limited edition fragrance putting an “edgy feel” and new twist from the original which shares the same top note of sage. Inspired by John Varvatos’ passion for rock ’n roll, the blend of rose absolute and coffee makes this a perfect wear for a fun date! This cologne transforms you with an image of sensuality and an explosive rock ‘n roll vibe.  Oh and the packaging is hands-down impressive having a bolt cap and a heavy metal shell with classic John Varvatos icons carved into it that encases the bottle. You can definitely “Rock ON!” with this scent.

Female feedback: “You smell so delicious, what are you wearing?”

Green Irish Tweed by Creed – I really shouldn’t be sharing my top secret fragrance for fear of everyone (including women as this is considered unisex) will be flocking to get this in their collection.  Usually, I save this favorite fragrance of mine for special events because it’s not exactly inexpensive and it normally gets sold out during the holiday season. Created originally for Cary Grant and worn by Robert Redford and Richard Gere, Green Irish Tweed is an elegant, yet sporty scent with notes of mysore, sandalwood, ambergris, violet leaves, French verbena and Florentine iris. I also suggest layering with other Creed fragrances for a nice mix of aromas.

Female feedback: “You always smell so heavenly!” “You HAVE to tell me what cologne you’re wearing so I can get it for my husband!”

Attitude Extreme by Giorgio Armani - What a perfect name to describe this power fragrance by the design house of Giorgio Armani. It’s a stronger, more intense version of Armani Attitude from 2007. It’s more masculine and unforgettable with notes of Sicilian lemon, star anise, cedar, cardamom, coffee, patchouli and amber. It’s been reworked to display masculinity in a dark, seductive, and potent fashion. I love to wear this in the evening as it strikes a sense of elegance and extreme attitude.

Female feedback: “I couldn’t help but admire your fragrance, you just smell really good.”

Tokyo by Kenzo – Inspired by serene nature and colorful nights in a modern metropolis Tokyo, this fragrance has a distinct masculine scent. It consists of a blend of ginger, lemon, grapefruit, shiso, cardamon, green tea, pink pepper and bitter orange. The allure of this cologne is the ability to blend a modern urban feel with the Japanese tranquility. It’s for the guy who loves the luminous, vibrant lights and scenery of a crazy electric city. Feeling energized from this fragrance, I’m ready for a night out on the town and the busy nightlife.

Female feedback: “Either I love how you dance or that you smell so yum, both work for me.”