Carissa's Bridal Makeup Must-Haves: Day 3

Carissa, writer and editor of Hooked On Beauty and professional makeup artist shares the following tip for your big day. This one is an "eye do":

Andrea Modlash #53 is the one thing all my girls have in common. It seems to fit every eye shape and looks so natural even the grooms can't tell.

To learn more about Carissa and her services, visit coloradoweddingmakeup.com.

PS - Don't forget to enter the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket giveaway!

People's Most Beautiful People 2008

People's 100 Most Beautiful People 2008 issue will be on newsstands starting Friday, May 2nd...but here's a sneak peek at who the mag thinks got the pretty genes. Making this year's list are (among others):

*Salma Hayek
*Mary J. Blige
*Rumer Willis (huh?)
*Sarah Silverman (pretty? yes. most beautiful? idk.)
*Christina Applegate
*Eva Longoria & Tony Parker (b/c it's impossible to separate them.)
*Isla Fisher
*Amanda Beard (uh, no.)
*Cast of Gossip Girl
*Julianne Moore
*Jason Taylor
*Vanessa Hudgens
*Taylor Swift
*Zoe Saldana (I've loved her ever since Center Stage.)
*Jessica Alba & Cash Warren (surely, their baby will be beautiful.)
*Carrie Underwood

At the head of the pack is Kate Hudson , who graces the issue's cover. Her best time for looking good, she tells the magazine, comes "at the end of the night, when everything's soaked in and I'm still up. I like the leftover makeup in the morning. You've got to wash your face but there's always the leftover eye makeup, I love that."

What do you think about this list?

Clarisonic Recall

Do you have a Clarisonic Skin Care Brush purchased prior to July 2007?

Clarisonic is voluntarily recalling Clarisonic handles and chargers in response to product safety concerns. The issue is limited to the product's internal components, not to its effect on the skin. In some instances, the Clarisonic handle or charger can overheat, with the potential for injury or even catching fire. While there are no reports of serious injury or property damage, and the reported incidence rate has been less than 1 in 10,000, they are choosing to act with caution. If you believe you have a problem Clarisonic handle or charger, please do not use it. Unplug the charger, and leave the handle in the charger.

Clarisonic will replace your Clarisonic handle and charger at no cost to you.

To find out if your Clarisonic is affected, click here.

Don't Forget to Enter!

In honor of my 500th blog entry here at Kiss and Makeup, I am giving away a set of ecoTOOLs makeup brushes. Click here to enter. A winner will be selected at random on May 2nd.

Good luck!

What's The Scoop?

I love nail polish. But to be honest – I don’t wear it all that often because I’m too lazy/busy to do them myself or to go get them done. So nine times out of ten, you’ll see me with bare nails.

Because I sport nekkid nails so often, one of my pet peeves is gunk under my fingernails. Anytime I’m playing the waiting game or trying to kill time, I find myself picking at my nails – making sure they’re not embarrassing me.

I used to think that orange sticks were great, but you really don’t know what you’re missing until you’ve tried the Sephora Brand Nail Scoop Cleaner. It’s got this miniature scoop on the one end that really gets under nails and removes every little bit of debris. Quickly and easily. It’s one of those beauty implements that makes you think, “What did I ever do without this in my life?”

$14 at Sephora

Make-up Trend: Violet Eyes

Celina Jaitley electrified the runway with her bright purple eye makeup. Instead of going for a full-blown smoky eye, the actress toned it down by accentuating just the lids of her eyes.

Keeping makeup light near the inner-eye area brightens your face. Line eyes with a shimmery lavender pencil. Then use a thin eye shadow brush to dab deep violet shadow along the outer half of your upper lid (upper and lower), focusing powder on your outter v, and then flick it for a cat-eye like effect

Rec: Estee Lauder Pure Color eye shadow in Amethyst

DSW Is Now Online!

I just wanted to share that you can now shop DSW online!

Now, back to the beauty...

Carissa's Bridal Makeup Must-Haves: Day 2

Carissa, writer and editor of Hooked On Beauty and professional makeup artist has this tip for brides-to-be:

Perfect skin is essential, and Kett Cosmetics' Hydro Foundation is what I use to achieve the skin we all wish we had. It's designed for HDTV, so the close up shots won't reveal anything you don't want it to.

To learn more about Carissa and her services, visit coloradoweddingmakeup.com.

PS - Don't forget to enter the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket giveaway!

A Spoiled Pretty Wedding

It's Bridal Beauty Week at Spoiled Pretty, so it's only fair that I share some pics with you of my own nuptials last June. You might also notice that pink and green was my color palette. If anything, I'm consistent.

My makeup artist, Jackie, was the best! If you're the Philadelphia area and looking for a professional makeup artist for your wedding or special event, let me know and I will be happy to pass along her contact info.

Enjoy the show!

PS - Don't forget to enter the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket giveaway!

Get The Leona Lewis Look

Every morning, while I get ready for work, I tune to the Weather Channel – to figure out what I’m going to wear, and how I’m going to wear my hair (no need fussing with it if rain or humidity is going to render it limp or frizzy). Then I flip to VH1 for some background noise. Recently, without fail, just as I’m about to head out the door, Leona Lewis appears on my screen to serenade me with her hit, "Bleeding Love." The last few days, I have switched from being mesmerized by her voice to being totally obsessed with her makeup.


I’ve performed one exhaustive search after another trying to find out which products she used for the video, but turned up empty-handed. I did manage to track down her makeup artist’s website.

Jane Bradley has more than 15 years of experience under her makeup tool-belt, and her work with Leona Lewis has put her career on the fast track.

Her website’s blog doesn’t divulge the products used in the "Bleeding Love" video, but it does offer some of Jane’s techniques and favorite products.

For Leona’s February 2008 Harper’s Bazaar shoot, Jane used shades of black and brown on the eyes and kept everything else skin toned – even the lips. This look worked well with all the rather theatrical clothes that Alison Edmond (fashion director Harper's Bazaar) had chosen. This look draws all the attention to the eyes which looks very seductive. Jane opted for a nude shade lipstick instead of a gloss to make it look more editorial and recommends shades by MAC in High Tea and Nars lip shades in Belle du Jour and Dolce Vita. If your natural lip colour is quite strong try rubbing in a little foundation or concealer before the lipstick. Jane also discovered a great lip pencil recently by ModelCo in Erase which may also help neutralise very pink lips.

In complete contrast, the shoot for You Magazine was another story altogether. This time the clothes were very feminine and girly with lots of long hippy inspired prints and flowing fabrics (summer’s going to be divine!) Jane and Leona decided to go for simple yet dramatic flirty eyes; no clever shading or strong eye shadow here, just lots of individual false lashes applied both to the top and bottom eyelids to give the freshest dreamiest eyes ever. Leona’s favourite colour, pink, was used to gently add colour to the cheeks using Daniel Sandler’s Watercolour blush in Icing. Lips were enhanced using lip balm and a slick of Bobbi Brown lipstick in Pale Pink.

Here are some of Jane’s beloved beauty products:

*Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage concealer compact
*Laura Mercier Secret Brightener (use it under the eyes before foundation then followed by the concealer; it has an iridescent hue which bounces light off the dark area giving extra help for really stubborn eye bags)
*Products from The Organic Pharmacy
*Products from the Stella McCartney Care organic skincare line

Jane also has an instructional DVD called Lips to Lashes, in which she shows how to apply make-up correctly, dispels myths and reveals tricks she uses on celebrities and models. To check out a clip, click here.

Look Younger With Allure

I read way too many beauty and fashion magazines. Honestly, after awhile, they all seem to blend together and I can't tell if I'm reading Allure or Glamour! However, while thumbing through Allure the other day, I noticed that they have a section on their website that gives registered users daily tips on ways to make yourself look younger.

Registration is a snap and is totally free. Just go here to get yourself connected. Don't feel like signing up but still want the tips? Well...it's a good thing you came to my blog! Here are all of Allure's tips on how you can look younger in just 30 days (if you want more details, head over to Allure's site):

1. Get an extra hour of sleep. God, who couldn't use that? Sleep is such a luxury!
2. Wear at least an SPF 15 sunscreen daily.
   
3. Drink more water.
4. Brighten your skin with your cleanser. Check out Olay's products--they have a lot of budget-friendly multi-tasking cleansers on the market.
5. Start using an antioxidant on your face in the morning. Check for a moisturizer or skin care product that contains antioxidants to get moisture and anti-aging all in one step.
6. Exercise! It does wonders for your skin, your muscles, etc. Hell, just look at Madonna. She's getting up there and still looks amazing!
   
7. Use retinols at night to fight wrinkles. Retinols don't do well when they're exposed to the sun, so a night cream containing retinols makes a lot of sense.
8. Make your skin look better with foundation. Using foundation is an art-form for some, a disaster for others. If you do it right it will even you out and make your skin look great.
9. Fight under eye circles with concealer. A good eye cream can't hurt either!
10. Keep your skin hydrated.
11. Warm up your face with blush.
12. Cover your gray hairs. While you're at it, update your hair style!
13. Pump up your lips. No need to go under the knife--just try Lip Venom or some other lip plumper. A little color on your lips will help make you look more youthful as well.
14. Try an at-home treatment. A peel or at-home microderm kit will relax you and make your skin look great!
15. Brighten your eyes. Try a blue mascara to make your eyes look bigger and brighter.
16. Lighten any dark spots. Try a concealer or see a dermatologist. Dark spots are often a sign of sun damage and can really add the years to your skin.
17. Get more quality sleep. Heck, I'm just happy to get 7 hours a night! Consider a new mattress or at least a mattress cover and new pillows if you wake up stiff and sore each morning.
18. Depuff your eyes. Cucumber slices are popular because they're cool and help bring down the puff. Again, a good eye cream or gel is great tool to add to your age-busting arsenal.
19. Add highlights to give your hair depth.
20. Work on your eyebrows. Put down those tweezers and let a pro shape your brows for you!
21. Don't forget to protect your neck. Be sure to wash it and moisturize it daily. Whatever goes on your face should also go on your neck!
22. Get rid of crows feet. If botox isn't your thing, try an eye cream that firms and lifts.
23. Whiten your teeth!
24. Exfoliate the skin on your body.
25. Work on giving your hair more volume. A good cut will help, as will a decent blow out.
26. Get rid of redness. There are a lot of creams on the market that help tone down the red in your face or body. They work! If you have a skin issue causing the redness, see your dermatologist.
27. Give your hair a break and a treatment. Hydrate it with a mask or scalp treatment to undo some of the damage from too many treatments, too much heat, etc.
28. Eat more fruits and veggies!
29. Give yourself an at-home facial or go see a professional.
30. Paint your nails and make sure your hands look good.

Here's a bonus tip from yours truly:
31. Have more sex! I read somewhere that women who have sex and orgasms regularly are seen by others as being more youthful. It gets your blood flowing, makes you feel good, and honestly? What could it hurt?!?

It's Catching On...

So, I just visited the Stila Cosmetics website, and I couldn't believe my eyes...


Stila wants you to SPOIL your mom PRETTY this Mother's Day. It's like wildfire, baby...

Carissa's Bridal Makeup Must-Haves: Day 1

I’m a cosmetics connoisseur. That much is obvious. But I’m no makeup artist. So when I started planning for Bridal Beauty Week, I decided I needed to consult with a professional.

My girl Carissa, writer and editor of Hooked On Beauty, is a professional makeup artist who specializes in weddings. Over her twelve-year career, she’s developed an arsenal of products that are essential for creating that perfect bridal look.

Every day this week, Carissa will share one of her bridal makeup must-haves. Without further ado, here is her first pick.

Carissa says:

Talking, kissing, eating and drinking all contribute to the early death of the lipstick. I always reinforce lips by using Stila's Lip Rouge in Moue, a felt-tipped magic marker for your lips to provide long-wearing color hours after the gloss is gone.

To learn more about Carissa and her services, visit coloradoweddingmakeup.com.

PS - Don't forget to enter the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket giveaway!

A Bounty of Body Lotions!

I don't know about you, but now that Winter is winding down and Spring is (slowly) coming, I need to take better care of my skin. I have plenty of rough patches and areas of dry, flaky skin. Not a good look for the coming months! To help get my skin back into shape, I've been trying out a bunch of different moisturizers.

Here are my thoughts:

NIVEA BODY NATURAL TONE
What it's supposed to do: "Enriched with naturally derived eventone complex and UVA/UVB sun-protection, it gradually evens out skin tone and helps prevent future discolorations while keeping skin soft and moisturized."
Cost/availability: about $7; available at drugstores
Thoughts: It goes on easily and absorbs quickly into my skin. It feels cool and light and has helped even out my skin tone a bit. However, I don't like the way this product smells. There's nothing offensive about it's scent...it just has a generic drugstore scent to it that keeps me from using it as much as I should.
Grade: B
SEPHORA BODY BUTTER IN RIVERA BLUE
What it's supposed to do: "This thick, luxurious moisturizer rejuvenates skin with natural shea butter and beeswax, which softens skin and prevents against moisture loss."
Cost/availability: $16 at Sephora
Thoughts: This product has a very strong, distinctive scent. I personally love the way it smells--it has a clean citrus/lavender/sandalwood scent that I really like. It comes in a big tub that you stick your hand in to get the product out--not the best design, but ok...whatever. It makes my skin feel good and smell good, but if you take away the scent, you have just an average product.
Grade: B-

OLAY BODY QUENCH MOUSSE ACTIVE HYDRATION
What it's supposed to do: "...gives you three dimensions of hydration: sheer coverage - glides easily and evenly onto skin, instant absorption - penetrates quickly beneath skin's surface, lasting hydration - continuously moisturizes throughout the day."
Cost/availability: about $7 at drugstores
Thoughts: I'm a klutz when it comes to using mousse. I can never gauge how much is enough and how much is too much. This is true of hair mousse, and it's true of this mousse-style body lotion. That said, this product feels nice and cool when it goes on. It smells a little like watermelon (which I don't particularly like). I think it takes too long for this product to dry, resulting in tacky feeling skin.
Grade: B-

CLEAN LOGIC REFRESH BODY LOTION IN REFRESH WITH NOPAL
What it's supposed to do: "Nopal plants are indigenous to Mexico and have been used for centuries to cure an array of ailments. Most notably, Nopal is known for its deep healing and anti-inflammatory properties with antioxidants that can help neutralize the harmful effects daily activities and stress can have on the skin. Nopal can even help to prevent wrinkles, balance skin tone and moisturize to keep skin looking youthful."
Cost/availability: just under $13; available at cleanlogicbodycare.com
Thoughts: This lotion doesn't have parabens or other nasty ingredients. It's spearmint scent is strong coming out of the tube, but doesn't linger--probably a good thing. I like the way this product feels--it goes on easily and feels light. I would like to keep this in the fridge so that it goes on really cool for the summer.
Grade: A

KIEHL'S CREME DE CORPS LIGHTWEIGHT BODY LOTION
What it's supposed to do: "This light-weight body lotion, a lighter version of our classic Creme de Corps body cream, moisturizes skin and leaves it soft and smooth all day long. Our "Creme de Corps Light" is ideal for normal or dry skin and is formulated with unique, skin-soothing ingredients derived from nature - Jojoba Butter, Olive Fruit Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil. The formula helps protect against damaging free radicals and further helps skin to maintain its natural moisture balance and prevents moisture loss. Absorbs quickly and instantly soothes and conditions skin for a lovely, silky feel with "dress-and-go" convenience."
Cost/availability: $21.50 at Kiehl's stores or online
Thoughts: I love this one! It's light but it really leaves my skin hydrated. Because it has almost no scent, I can use this right out of the shower and not worry about how it's scent is going to interact with my perfume (if I wear perfume!). This is a very simple product, but sometimes simple is good.
Grade: A

What's your favorite body lotion? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Make-up Trend: Enhanced Cupid's Bow

Nothing says "Kiss me!" like a pair of full lips. When you have a perfectly accented cupid's bow, your sizzling pucker does the flirting for you. So enhance your lips, like Katrina Kaif did.

Use a flesh-toned lip pencil, draw a "V" in the dip of your upper lip, then rim the rest of your lip line. Next, highlight the inside of the "V" using a brightening pencil. Apply gloss and prepare to kiss and tell.

Rec: Benefit Cosmetics Cupid's Bow Lip Shaper

Bridal Beauty Week - And A Giveaway!!!

It’s nearly impossible for me to keep a secret. It’s not that I’m a gossip. I just like to share. Anyway, I’ve had something special up my sleeve for weeks now. The time has come to reveal the surprise, and I’m so excited and relieved – because I thought I would literally burst. Drumroll, please...

Today is the official launch of Bridal Beauty Week at Spoiled Pretty! All week long, we’re lifting the veil on bridal beauty. In addition to the usual product reviews and beauty commentary - the site will feature bridal makeup trends, professional advice, application how-to’s, and celebrity beauty inspirations.

And to kick off this special engagement, Spoiled Pretty is hosting a grand giveaway! One lucky bride-to-be will win the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket, filled with the following treats:


BLUE TUX SHOES
Metal Clutch in Silver: This gorgeous metal mesh is the perfect purse for your big day. Bonus - it’s lined in blue satin!


BOBBI BROWN
Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner and Eye Liner Brush: This innovative eyeliner offers the precision of liquid liner and the ease of a gel-based formula. Color is long-wearing and water-resistant. The Eyeliner Brush is perfectly shaped to create a precise and even line.


CLINIQUE
Touch of Bronze Moisturizing Body Lotion: This daily body moisturizer with a touch of self-tanner provides an allover, faux glow. Just smooth on this mistake-proof formula to gradually build or maintain even color.


DR. SAGER'S HOMEOTHERAPEUTICS
Original OUCHY! Boo-Boo Gel: Accidents happen. But this product will make sure you’re picture perfect for your big day by discouraging discoloration, reducing inflammation, and speeding the healing process.


DR. SCHOLL'S FOR HER
Beauty Stone, Dual Action Swedish File, Foot Butter, Miracle Shield, Professional Pumice Stone & Nail Brush, Pumice Foot Scrub and Rub Relief Strips: These products will prep and beautify your tootsies. Take care of your feet – they will, after all, be walking you down the aisle.


ESSIE
The Bridal Collection: Get your left ring finger (and the other nine) ready for their close-up. You’ll fall in love with this set of six polishes - in cloud nine, tie the knot, happily ever after, blushing bride, true love, and no-pre nup.


FOOT PETALS
Stiletto Stylist Bridal Kit: Brides have plenty of things to stress about on their wedding day - aching feet shouldn’t be one of them. For a worry- and wobble-free walk down the aisle, no bride should be without this kit. All six sole solutions are designed to stay hidden in even the strappiest, most delicate shoes for maximum comfort from the aisle to the honeymoon.


HOURGLASS COSMETICS
Calligraphy Liquid Liner in Cognac and Trace Lip Liner in Bare: The refined felt-tip precision eyeliner is waterproof to prevent streaks or smears. The double-ended lip liner (liner on one end, lip brush on the other) has a remarkably smooth, long-wearing formula to transform and enhance lips.


JANE IREDALE:
Eye Glosses in Peach and Lilac: Smooth and luscious, these long-lasting, weightless shadows deliver true, rich shades that won’t crease or smear. They’re made without synthetic dyes, fillers or chemical preservatives, making the formula safe and non-irritating to the eyes.


JAQUA
Buttercream Frosting Guilt-Free Treats, Exfoliating Body Polish, Body Mist, and Lip Gloss Ring: Now you can enjoy some sweet treats before the big day, without gaining a pound. These deliciously scented bath and body products are delights are for all those times we can resist the cake, but not the frosting!


KIEHL'S
Travel Essentials Kit: This superbly luxurious set provides a complete bath and after-bath experience suitable for any destination…perfect for the honeymoon! The kit contains Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream, Creme de Corps, Amino Acid Shampoo, and Hair Conditioner and Grooming Aid “Formula 133.”


LA CHICA CHIC
The Sophie Bag: This gorgeous patent purse, with ornate handles, is a work of art. It is a must-have for the honeymoon!


LANCOME
Hypnose Waterproof Mascara and L'Extreme Waterproof Mascara: Hypnose Mascara volmizes up to 6 times for ultra-resistant lashes with 16 hours of wear. L’Extreme Mascara’s Fibrestretch formula contains supple fibers that extend lashes to the extreme.


NAILTIQUES
Avocado Foot Crème, Cushioned Sponge Files, Nail Moisturizer, and Oil Therapy: Don't make the mistake of painting over unhealthy nails. On your big day, your nails will take center stage - so get them in shape with these fabulous products. Nailtiques is an innovator in the nail care industry, and is dedicated to the development and maintenance of healthy, natural nails.


OJON
Rare Harvest Tunu Elastik Hair Tamer and Tunu Elastik Flexible Finishing Hairspray: Tunu Elastik Hair Tamer is wild-crafted to help seal the hair cuticle, working to keep tresses smooth and sleek. Tunu Elastik Flexible Finishing Hairspray combines two ancient native traditions creating a unique hairspray that adds brushable bounce and a soft, flake-free hold.


PERFECT DETAILS
Saucy Girl Body Shimmer and Embroidered Organza Garter: The Body Shimmer is a moisturising cream with a touch of glitter, so skin is left soft and smooth with a little bit of sparkle. And every bride needs a garter; this one is accented with clear sequins and finished with a silk bow and a rhinestone.


PRESCRIPTIVES
Instant Gratification Skin Renewing Peel: Get instant gratification for tired, lackluster skin with this all-in-one dermabrasion-peel treatment that improves clarity, renews tone and immediately uncovers a smoother, more radiant complexion!


SECRET
Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant: This deodorant/anti-perspirant has prescription-strength wetness and odor protection, without a prescription. So your wedding day will be no-sweat!


SEPHORA
Croc Pop Up Brush Set: Featuring top quality Sephora Brand brushes, this set also has an ingenious mechanism - simply pull gently up on the circle at the top and your brushes are revealed. Keep it open on a vanity for easy access, or close it for storage or travel.


STEPHANIE JOHNSON
Rio Collection (DARLENE Deluxe Brush Case, JENNY Train Case, MARLO Mini Make-Up Case, MARTHA Ultimate Briefcase, ML Traveler, and TRAVEL PACK Luggage Tag & Passport Holder): I love Stephanie Johnson cosmetic bags. Last year, I purchased them for myself and my bridesmaids – and now I want to share the wealth with one lucky bride-to-be. This set features a daring red and blue floral print that calls to mind the colorful costumes and revelry of Carnival.


TARTE
Blushing Bride Cheek Stain in Blushing Bride and Double-Ended Lip Gloss in Jake and Samantha: This water-based push up gel stick was awarded “best blush” by InStyle, Cosmo & Self Magazines. Just dab it on and go – it lasts all day. Swipe the raspberry/cotton candy lip gloss on your pout, and get ready for your happily ever after, like Jake and Samantha (from Sixteen Candles).


THREE CUSTOM COLOR SPECIALISTS
Marry Me Collection and Mini-Pressed Translucent Powder: Co-Founder and Creative Director Trae Bodge created the Marry Me Collection for her own nuptials. Now the set - which includes lip/cheek stain, lip gloss, and lip liner – is available to customers. The Translucent Powder will guarantee you stay shine-free throughout the festivities.


VEET
In-Shower Hair Removal Cream: This product offers a quick, clean and effective hair removal process that happens in only three minutes while you are in the shower! It contains special water-resistant ingredients and an added moisturizer for both normal and dry skin.


VERA WANG
Flower Princess Eau de Parfum: I wore the original Princess on my wedding day. Now, one lucky reader will wear Flower Princess, Ms. Wang’s new limited-edition fragrance. Flower Princess enchants with a light and feminine sparkling floral scent that captures the essence of beauty.

I know you can’t put a price on looking beautiful on your big day. But the Ultimate Bridal Beauty Basket is valued at more than $1,400…it’s enough to make a bride-to-be blush!

In addition, one soon-to-be wedding belle from the Philadelphia area will win a gift certificate for a facial, compliments of the award-winning Giovanni & Pileggi Salon!

To be eligible, your wedding date must transpire between now and December 31, 2008. To enter, send an email to spoiledprettybrides@gmail.com - and be sure to include some proof of your bride-to-be status. You can include a link to your bio on theknot.com, attach a scanned copy of your wedding invitation, send me a link to your registry, or whatever creative way you can think of to verify your wedding date.

Be sure to include your full name in the email, and the subject line should read "Bridal Beauty Basket Giveaway.” The contest ends at 12am EST on Sunday, May 4th. Winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, May 5th, I’ll announce the winners’ names. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. residents only.

Good luck!

Are You A Winner? Don't GUESS...Find Out!

Last Monday, I announced our GUESS Giveaway. And now, it’s time to reveal the winners.

Congrats to Zoe R. Barker, Venice Campbell, Kia Darby, Paige Erickson, and Karin Young. Each of these ladies will receive a 3.4 oz bottle of GUESS by Marciano Eau de Parfum.

I hope that you all enjoy this sweet, sexy fragrance as much as I do.

Thanks to GUESS by Marciano for sponsoring this giveaway! And thanks to everyone who entered.

Conscious Consumer

So you're concerned about what ingredients are going into your cosmetics. You're also worried about animal testing, the over-use of packaging materials, and other environmental issues. But you still want to look good and take care of your skin. And you don't want to break the bank buying beauty products. What should you do?

Here are a few hints to be a more enlightened consumer:

1. Look for products that are botanical, biodegradable, and renewable. Cargo sells lipsticks that come in biodegradable boxes that have wildflower seeds in them. You get lipstick plus packaging that can sprout new life. If you can't afford Cargo's products, look for cosmetics that don't have a lot of extra packaging. The less plastic and cardboard, the better.
   
2. Be a vegetarian beauty consumer. Sure, you may like to eat a bloody steak every now and then, but try looking for products made from plant-derived ingredients. You'll have to trust the packaging, but look for vegan beauty products since they're less likely to be filled with parabens and other nasty chemicals. Plus they'll be less likely to have had as much of a negative environmental impact than mass-produced, chemical-laden products.
3. Look for companies that give back to a cause. This is becoming a more popular trend. A lot of companies are donating a part of their profit to an environmental or health cause. Sometimes it's just the proceeds from particular products that go to a cause, but the way I see it, you're planning on buy mascara anyway...why not buy a mascara that will make your lashes look great while helping save the Earth or find a cure for cancer?
4. Educate yourself. If you want to know if your beauty products are tested on animals, check out PETA's consumer guide. Not sure about what ingredients you should avoid? Go to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website. There are so many sites filled with consumer info--it just takes a few minutes of googling to become more enlightened.
5. Talk back. If your favorite cosmetic company uses too much packaging or tests on animals, write them a letter expressing your concern. These companies are in business to make money, and they need to hear back from their customers. The more they hear from us, the more they may take change seriously.

What are your tips for being an eco-friendly beauty consumer. Leave a comment and let me know. Don't forget to enter to win a set of ecoTOOL makeup brushes. Click here for more info!

Me Gloss You Long Time

I don’t typically gravitate towards long-lasting beauty products. I can appreciate that cosmetics companies are trying to give consumers more bang for their buck. But I’m fickle. I change my mind all of the time, and I don’t like my makeup overstaying its welcome. This is usually the case. But I’ll make an exception for Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15.

As you can see from my amateur swatches below, this product puts the gloss in lipgloss. Check out how it reflects the light!

Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 promises 8 hours of shine – and while I would say 8 hours is a stretch, it’s not too far off. Yesterday, while riding the bus to work, I swiped some on my lips. My mouth was still super-shiny come mid-afternoon. My only criticism is that the taste leaves a bit to be desired. I’m the kind of girl who loves a gloss with some flava – and this one tastes kinda clinical. Sorta old school, if that makes any sense. I think it’s the sunscreen. Otherwise, I have no complaints.

I predict that these lipglosses will become my summer staples. Philadelphia humidity has a tendency to melt everything off of my face. So it's nice to know these babies will stay put.


From left to right: Bonfire, Sunset, and Tenderheart.