I got mine during fashion week (you can win one by entering my monthly contest here) and enevitiably, I got an awful zit right afterwards.  True to form, the Zeno Hotspot cleared it up (and made it far less painful) in about a day and a half.

How It Works: The treatment tip delivers an optimum level of heat to destroy the bacteria that causes acne and puts a stop to your pimple at its source.  They have a slew of  clinical trials if you need some more proof

It’s hot enough to get the job done, but not so much that it’s uncomfortable to the touch because it adjusts to your skin’s temperature to deliver just the right amount of heat (by bye scalding hot washcloth!!)  Most blemishes need two to three 2 ½ minute treatments to be completely eliminated but, in some cases, just one treatment can be enough to stop the blemish in its tracks.

Not bad right??  You totally need one of these in your life….

Stay Pretty!!

Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl, she is a Beauty Expert, Social Media enthusiast, Project Manager, Web 2.0 cheerleader and she is Always Online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

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From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the upper right hand corner labeled "Disclosure".

The very latest in a series of famous M·A·C collaborations, it was only a matter of time before the demure-to-daring kaleidoscopic prints of Liberty of London coloured our world with Brit wit and bohemian chic. From the unstudied, Sienna Miller style of Spitalfields Market to the grit-and-glamour of Portobello Road, the swinging London girl has always been an unstoppable M·A·C makeup force! Spring 2010 insists on the ultimate flower fusion, with M·A·C joining forces with Liberty, creating cool Britannia compacts and Lipsticks, Eye Shadows, Powder, Blush, Nail Lacquers and, of course – blushing, bountiful, quite British accessories.

FYI – There are several permanent/repromoted shades in this collection Permanent shades are Peachstock (PRO), Free to Be, and Dirty Plum (PRO). Repromoted shades are Dame’s Desire (Dame Edna), Shell Pearl (various), Summer Rose (Rose Romance), and Vestral White (Hello Kitty).

The Rundown:

Beauty Powder ($25.00 U.S. / $30.00 CDN)

The luxurious, soft pearl finish of M·A·C Beauty Powder packaged in a glossssy white compact. Lid is decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Limited edition.

• Shell Pearl Pale peach with gold pearl (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
• Summer Rose Soft violet pink with pearl (Limited Edition) (Repromote?)

Eyeshadow ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)

• Give Me Liberty of London Flat creamy pink (Matte) (Limited Edition)
• Free to Be Creamy true coral (Matte) (Limited Edition)
• Dame’s Desire Frosty mid-tone reddish purple (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
• Birds & Berries Frosted dark green blue (Veluxe Pearl) (Limited Edition)
• Bough Grey Mid-tone bluish grey (Satin) (Limited Edition)

Lipstick ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

• Ever Hip Creamy light coral (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)
• Peachstock Neutral peach (Satin) (PRO)
• Petals & Peacocks Creamy bright magenta pink (Amplified) (Limited Edition)
• Blooming Lovely Creamy greyed lilac mauve (Amplified) (Limited Edition)

Lipglass ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

• Frankly Fresh Neutral pink beige with soft pearl (Limited Edition)
• Perennial High Style Creamy bright pink coral (Limited Edition)
• English Accents Creamy mid-tone blue pink (Limited Edition)
• A Different Groove Deep purple brown with pearl (Limited Edition)

Blush ($18.50 U.S. / $22.00 CDN)

• Dirty Plum Sheer dark plum (Limited Edition)
• Prim & Proper Neutral nude (Limited Edition)

Nail Lacquer ($12.00 U.S. / $14.50 CDN)

• Vestral White Creamy white (Cream) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
• Blue India Dark green blue with pearl (Cream) (Limited Edition)

Liberty of London Makeup Bags

• Small A limited-edition laminated makeup bag decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Zip closure boasts a fabulously outsize floral pull. Measures 8″ x 2.75″ x 3.5″. ($22.00 U.S. / $26.50 CDN)
• Medium A limited-edition laminated makeup bag decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Zip closure boasts a fabulously outsize floral pull. Measures 8″ x 2.75″ x 5″. ($25.00 U.S. / $31.00 CDN)

Liberty of London Scarf ($95.00 U.S. / $115.00 CDN)

A limited-edition scarf designed with an exclusively created floral pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Rows of coral, orange, yellow and blue flowers form a repeating pattern on a white background. The fabric is a soft wool/viscose blend. Made in Italy. Measures 27″ x 82″.

MAC’s Give Me Liberty of London collection is available at all MAC counters and online at maccosmetics.com.

Stay Pretty!!

Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl, she is a Beauty Expert, Social Media enthusiast, Project Manager, Web 2.0 cheerleader and she is Always Online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the upper right hand corner labeled "Disclosure".

Every year there are a few invitations that really get beauty writers excited but nothing stirs editors (and the general public alike) like the CEW Awards. Lined up for what appears to be at least half a football field filled with tables and brand representatives, editors weave their way through as quickly as possible before the general public descends upon the rooms with intense fervor. Here are the best of what I think you need to know about:

First of all, be sure to head to CVS Pharmacy and check out the spectacular Beauty 360 collection. The renowned mass retailer’s big step into prestige cosmetics has scent, skincare and cosmetics that are truly major department store quality right in your favorite pharmacy. Vincent Longo, Mario Badescu, and Laura Geller are just some of the brands now available there.

You’ve heard about them and seen them everywhere but it bears repeating that the Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Mascara with that curious medieval-looking application ball is still one of the best mascaras on the market. It’s revolutionary design and stay-put formula makes a huge difference with your look.

Want to get a smoky cat eye that will stay put? NARS Eyeliner Stylo is truly a revolution in this makeup arena. Long-lasting formula (no, seriously long-lasting – use makeup remover for this one) that can be applied in a thick line or a thin one with the ease of your favorite pen? It made its way into my makeup bag that night.

I won’t be able to stop raving about this one for years to come: the Sue Devitt Microquatic Oxygen Infusion Masque. Apply it and just leave it there to work. Its foaming action pulls impurities out of the skin while it infuses moisture and oxygen into the skin, leaving behind an amazing healthy glow. This is a must-have.

I’m also now completely obsessed with Skyn Iceland’s Glacial Cleansing Cloths. Use them to remove makeup, refresh your face during the day or after a workout, they’re gentle and effective. Another purse favorite of mine.

For those of us who use heat or styling tools to whip our hair into submission, we have to protect against damage. Suave’s Damage Care Shampoo and Conditioner are like sending roses to your hair with a note of apology. Able to reverse damage and nourish worn-out strands, it’s a cost-effective cure for tortured tresses.

One of my all-time favorites, I am crazy about this Oribe 24-Karat Gold Pomade. It’s a little on the costly side but it’s a soothing hair gel that has real gold flecks in it to add instant shine and glow to your hair. Instant highlights in a pot. LOVE this product.

I’m also a huge fan of Mizani Gloss Veil Shine Spray is perfect for women who have ethnic hair and want to add shine. Silicone and preservative-free, it adds a sexy sheen and a healthy glow. Get this. Now.

Last but not least is the scent category. This one can get a bit competitive but what if you could mix your own scent? Hence I love Memoire Liquide, a bespoke scent company that has several scents based on the principle that scents not only mark a memory but will help you recall them with emotion. Indulge in one of their beautiful scents or stop by their exclusive counters at Bloomingdale’s 59^th Street flagship or Henri Bendel’s on 5^th Avenue and mix your own signature scent right there. Sexy, sensual and masterfully-crafted, they’re a must-have.

I have to say, I really enjoyed my time at the CEW Awards. I think next time I’ll remember to pack a snack, a bottle of water, extra camera batteries and a change of shoes. This was NOT the night to wear heels.

Reporting for TheMakeupGirl - Kristin Booker

Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl, she is a Beauty Expert, Social Media enthusiast, Project Manager, Web 2.0 cheerleader and she is Always Online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

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From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the upper right hand corner labeled "Disclosure".

Let’s examine the evolution of the half shaved head style.  First Cassie, then Keyshia Cole (with red stars…smh), then former MTV VJ Lala Vasquez (with crazy lines like it’s 1984), THEN Will & Jada let Willow Smith sport the “Rihanna do” (which I kind of understand because she is a kid and it’s whatever….let them do their thing and get it out of their systems while they are young) but my point is, Mel is on the TAIL end of the trend.

By the way, if you are old enough to remember, Annabella Lwin lead singer from the 80’s group Bow Wow Wow was first one to do it anyway.  Trends definitely ALWAYS come back around but this is one that may have been best left a few decades back….

Please let that grow back thanks….

Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl, she is a Beauty Expert, Social Media enthusiast, Project Manager, Web 2.0 cheerleader and she is Always Online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the upper right hand corner labeled "Disclosure".

The Rundown:

• All Day Wear Transfer-resistant formula helps create a barrier against heat and humidity for 8 hours of wear. Even in the most humid climates, makeup stays in place.

• Natural, Soft-Matte Finish This new formula contains an oil-free emulsion system that delivers a blend of finely milled pigments, spherical powders, and mica for natural-looking coverage. Perfect for oily and normal/combination skin. Available in 20 Shades.  The Problem You want a foundation that lasts and gives you shine-free, even-looking skin, but yours never looks natural—and it starts to fade by lunch.

This oil-free, long-wearing foundation balances oily and combination skin, so you’ll have a soft-matte, even-looking complexion without needing to pile on powder throughout the day. And like all of Bobbi’s foundations,  the shades are yellow-based for a natural look.  Perfect for oily and normal/combination skin.  Available in 20 Shades.

“This oil-free formula gives skin a soft-matte finish that looks healthy and natural—never heavy. And it’s buildable, so you can customize your level of coverage.” – Bobbi Brown

Suggested Retail Price: $45.00

On Counter: March 2010 Available at all Bobbi Brown Counters and on bobbibrown.com

Stay Pretty!!

Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl, she is a Beauty Expert, Social Media enthusiast, Project Manager, Web 2.0 cheerleader and she is Always Online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the upper right hand corner labeled "Disclosure".

Lips and cheeks get the pretty young thing treatment…Cremesheen Glass makes a comeback for Spring 2010. Introducing six new très jolie shades and three bring-back essentials, because the world wants more of this creamy, high-flying gloss formula that provides sheer, Just Superb colour with a touch of sex-o-shine!

To accentuate them, a combination of six Lip Pencils ranging from neutral to pinks and browns, to delight and define. And here’s a lovely thought: six new Mineralize Blush Duos are also making a limited appearance. Inspired by the original, they provide a gossamer sheer and lightweight application…all Too Fabulous.

Cremesheen Glass ($18.00 U.S. / $21.50 CDN) (Permanent)

• Just Superb Dirt neutral pink
• Loud & Lovely Blue pink
• Richer, Lusher Peach coral
• Double Dare Coral red
• Deelight Mid-tone neutral
• Over Indulgence Neutral brown
• Fashion Scoop Clear pink (Re-promote)
• Partial to Pink Light peach pink (Re-promote)
• Boy Bait Light nude (Repromote)

Lip Pencil ($13.00 U.S. / $15.50 CDN)

• Boldy Bare Dirt red brown (Limited Edition)
• Mouth Off Deep peach coral (Limited Edition)
• Trimmed in Pink Bright blue pink (Limited Edition)
• In Synch Bright yellow pink (Limited Edition)
• Naked Liner Light neutral (Limited Edition)
• Chestnut Intense brown (Permanent)

Mineralize Blush Duo ($23.00 U.S. / $27.50 CDN)<—LOVE this!!!

A limited-edition Mineralize Blush featuring two shades swirled into an abstract pattern. Delivers the sheer colour and soft, dimensional pearl finish of all M∙A∙C Mineralize powder formulas.

• Rhapsody in Two Light pale pink/pale peach (Frost) (Limited Edition)
• Chic Couple Light yellow brown/dark peach (Frost) (Limited Edition)
• Two Virtues Light blue pink/light violet (Frost) (Limited Edition)
• Bi-Tone Rose pink/copper bronze (Frost) (Limited Edition)
• Buddy Up Dirty rose/neutral yellow pink (Frost) (Limited Edition)
• Sun & Moon Neutral brown/pink brown (Frost)

MAC’s Too Fabulous collection is available now at MAC counters everywhere and maccosmetics.com

Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl, she is a Beauty Expert, Social Media enthusiast, Project Manager, Web 2.0 cheerleader and she is Always Online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the upper right hand corner labeled "Disclosure".

In addition to the polish line, Karma Organics also sells three different organic soy nail polish removers. The polish removers come in Unscented with Vitamin E, Tea Tree scented or Lavender scented (and let me tell you: they smell really good!) The polish removers are 100% biodegradable, 100% soy and corn-based, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. They are also free of any petroleum ingredients or by-products and are derived from American produced farm crops. Like the nail polishes, the bottles are 100% recyclable including the label!

I left the booth with a bright pink shade of polish #330, “So Berry Sweet” which I polished my nails with last night. One stroke of the brush left a bright, opaque coat on my nails which I then covered with their top coat. My nails dried in five minutes flat and I didn’t smudge them! I’m a serial hand-washer and from what I’ve seen so far, this polish is showing zero signs of chipping any time soon!

I also got a bottle of the Karma Organics unscented polish remover with Vitamin E, which I used to remove my old coat of polish. The polish came off effortlessly (I’ve had to scrub hard with some acetone-based removers in the past) and left my nails looking clean and healthy!

Karma Organics was recently featured on WNBC Weekend Today in the “AskMelissa” segment as one of the Top 10 Lifestyle Picks for 2010! The brand has also been featured in some popular magazines, including O, The Oprah Magazine and Health and Allure, where it was chosen for the Allure Editor’s Choice Award! Karma Organics is currently only sold at the upscale women’s boutique Henri Bendel on Fifth Avenue in New York City.  You can read more about Karma Organics products by visiting their website, or by visiting the Karma Organics Spa, located in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

Read more of my wrap-up of the IBS/IECSC here!

Reporting for the The Makeup Girl – Erika Belezarian

Erika B. is a college student living, working and playing in the concrete jungle of NYC! She is extremely passionate about fashion, beauty, style and music. Follow her on Twitter @ErikasAPrincess or read about her NYC adventures on her blog Shoes, Shirts and Other Sh!t.

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the upper right hand corner labeled "Disclosure".

Now you can vicariously experience the backstage experience that I got to be a part of! I had never felt so gorgeous until I had a hair designer, a makeup artist and two photographers around me at all times (not to mention Teddy Charles touching my hair and melting me with his compliments!)

There  were some amazing and talented people there to help up the gorge factor.  One of those people is the fabulous and talented Jamie Beck. Jamie graciously gave up her birthday night to take pictures for the Sunsilk Launch and took amazing pictures of all of us!  Check out her blog From Me To You or Follow Jamie on Twitter

The second photog that made us sparkle from behind the lens is the uber-talented Ana Schechter of AnaPhoto. Ana could make anyone feel as glamorous as a runway model and she even let me pose with her adorable puppy Charlie!  Check out Ana’s website AnaPhoto or Follow Ana on Twitter!

As you can probably  tell, I had a blast getting pampered and prettied for my final photo shoot! I hope you guys enjoy these pictures!

P.S. – there is a photo of Teddy in there, I won’t tell anyone if you steal it for yourself

Photos courtesy of Jamie Beck of  From Me To You and Ana Schechter of AnaPhoto

Reporting for The Makeup Girl – Erika Belezarian

Erika B. is a college student living, working and playing in the concrete jungle of NYC! She is extremely passionate about fashion, beauty, style and music. Follow her on Twitter @ErikasAPrincess or read about her NYC adventures on her blog Shoes, Shirts and Other Sh!t.

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the upper right hand corner labeled "Disclosure".

Today I was able to get an insider’s view and gain knowledge of this up-and-coming treatment at the International Beauty Show (IBS). After walking past the booth and reading through the information, my friend Dzi, (who I attended with) asked to be a hair model during their last demonstration of the day!

The Brazilian Blowout is not permanent hair straightening, but instead is a treatment to help minimize frizz, smooth the hair and add shine. There are many advantages to the Brazilian Blowout over other treatments since it contains no formaldehyde, or any other chemical ending in”-aldehyde”. As a matter of fact, none of the chemicals in it will change into an “-aldehyde” when it’s used on the hair.  The Brazilian Blowout uses a nutrient-complex and a proprietary polymer system that essentially “fills in” damaged areas in the hair shaft and cuticles, making the hair appear smoother and helps to condition the hair which actually makes the hair healthier! Additionally, the Brazilian Blowout treatment can be used on any type of hair, including processed and/or color-treated hair, damaged hair, ethnic hair, good quality extensions and wigs. The Brazilian Blowout can also be used to relax and smooth new hair growth after getting a permanent straightening treatment.

Unlike other treatments that may take several hours, the Brazilian Blowout only takes about 90 minutes to complete and lasts up to twelve weeks. After twelve weeks if you choose not to re-treat your hair with another Brazilian Blowout, it will simply return to its original state and will not show the signs of “growing out” that occur after a permanent straightening.

According to Dzi, while processing, the treatment didn’t smell and didn’t burn or make her scalp itch. When the process was finished she told me her hair smelled like “tropical citrus.”

The steps to the Brazilian Blowout are quite simple (but you’d never know what they were if you never had one):

• The stylists shampooed Dzi’s hair with the Brazilian Blowout Anti-Residue shampoo three times to help balance the pH of her hair and open the cuticles to prepare for the treatment.
• The treatment solution, which is measured by the capful, was applied with a hair color brush in small sections then combed through several times. (Only 1.5 capfuls were needed to do Dzi’s whole head!)
• Dzi was blown dry with an ionizing hair dryer and a natural bristle brush while the treatment solution was still applied to her hair, then flat-ironed with a 400-degree iron.
• The stylists rinsed Dzi’s hair for 2 minutes then applied the Brazilian Blowout Hair Masque with Acai for 1-2 minutes. Her hair was rinsed again after the masque application.
• The stylists then applied the Brazilian Blowout Hair Serum with Acai.
• Dzi received a second blowout, and voila! She was good to go. (No flat iron required!)

Her hair had great body, was smooth, silky, super-shiny and virtually frizz-free! The stylists at Brazilian Blowout sent Dzi on her way with the Brazilian Blowout Shampoo and Conditioner with Acai to make the blowout last longer.

The product line that Brazilian Blowout retails is completely sulfate-free and includes shampoo, conditioner, serum and a hair masque. In select salons that offer the Brazilian Blowout treatment, the products retail anywhere from $34-$40 each. In addition, all of the products contain SPF to help protect those precious locks from the sun!

The Brazilian Blowout itself will cost you a little bit more, but I can tell you, based on Dzi’s results, it appears to be worth every penny!  Stay tuned!  In a couple of weeks I’ll be sure to let you know how Dzi’s hair is holding up!!

To find more information on the Brazilian Blowout and how to find a salon that offers this treatment near your hometown, please visit their website.

Erika B. is a college student living, working and playing in the concrete jungle of NYC! She is extremely passionate about fashion, beauty, style and music. Follow her on Twitter @ErikasAPrincess or read about her NYC adventures on her blog Shoes, Shirts and Other Sh!t.

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the upper right hand corner labeled "Disclosure".

The shimmery apricot flush on the apples of her cheeks, which was created withTMG Fave NARS The Multiple color stick, added the perfect whisper of color. “With luminous skin and neutral-glossed lips, I was able to really focus on her beautiful almond-shaped eyes,” said her makeup artist, Vera Steimberg.

Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl, she is a Beauty Expert, Social Media enthusiast, Project Manager, Web 2.0 cheerleader and she is Always Online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the upper right hand corner labeled "Disclosure".