Giving Back, Beautifully

Let's face facts: we all probably spend a little too much on beauty products.  One way to make beauty expenses a little more palatable is when you're buying something from a company that gives back...that donates a portion of their proceeds to charity to help out real people.

I've been eyeing RapidLash for a while now.  I feel like my eye lashes are not even (the lashes on my left are much less full and not as long as those on my right...weird!) and I would love to try out their product to see if it actually works. I want to use this product for purely selfish, superficial reasons.

But women suffering from breast cancer often battle hair regrowth challenges during and after the course of treatment. Eyelash and eyebrow renewal serums like RapidLash give women a boost of confidence by helping to restore natural, fuller-looking lashes and brows. Women of any age can benefit from RapidLash, but especially those who experience hair loss.

RapidLash claims to get stellar results by delivering essential proteins, vitamins, moisturizing and rejuvenating ingredients that replenish and strengthen the structure of lashes and brows, while adding shine and elasticity. It is safe and effective, and the brand supports the fight against breast cancer by donating 5% of company profits between Susan B. Komen and The American Cancer Society all year long.

Now that I know RapidLash is giving back to women who really need it, I feel better about spending the $49.95 to try it out.  Does corporate philanthropy ever impact your beauty decisions? Would you feel better about your latest lipstick purchase if the company you bought it from gave money to a cause you care about?  Or does this not impact you at all?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

I'll try the RapidLash and will report back my findings soon!

The Benefits of Facebook

My husband does not have, and does not want to have, a facebook account.  I can't say I blame him, really.  Facebook is one of those things you have to use because everyone else uses it.  If you want to stay connected with your friends (and family!), the best way is through Facebook.  Want to see what your former high school friends look like?  Check Facebook.  It's as ubiquitous as it is annoying. Facebook makes me miss the old days when we didn't post status updates to the world, but instead made time to have actual conversations, write actual letters, or at very least, send emails to people we cared about.

I digress.

One thing Facebook is increasingly good for is getting the low down on deals, giveaways, and news from your favorite stores, brands, etc.  If you're going to shop, you should first check Facebook for a coupon or exclusive offer.

If you're currently in the market for some killer skin care and anti-aging products, Dermelect Cosmeceuticals (www.dermelect.com) is dishing out free tubes of its best-selling Pore Revolution and T-Zone Mattifier to loyal Facebook fans with any purchase from www.dermelect.com.

To redeem the deal, just “like” the Dermelect Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/MyDermelect) and find the discount code posted under “Fan Only Offer.” Enter the code at checkout and the product will be added to your order free of charge! This is a limited time offer, so get shopping (and liking!).

Sephora, the Land of Happiness!

When I was a kid growing up in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD, we had this amazing store called the Cosmetic Center.  They sold everything--drugstore brands, higher end products, etc. and their stores were well designed and fun to go to.  I moved away from MD when I graduated from High School (and I haven't been back since), so I have no clue if the Cosmetic Center is still around.  I do know that Sephora is my grown-up beauty playground, and I always love wandering around checking out new and not-so new products.

I needed some retail therapy this weekend, so I headed to Sephora and came out with some kick-ass finds (more on that in coming posts).  Right now, I'm focusing more on my skin and trying out new products.  Here are a handful of skin care products from Sephora that will help improve your skin as summer bakes along.  Check out these three products worth taking a closer look at:

Sephora Collection Sugar Body Scrub ($18): During the summer it is common for dead skin cells to build up. To prevent the resulting dry, flaky skin, exfoliate daily with a nourishing body scrub like the this budget-friendly scrub. This brown sugar-based body scrub offers miraculous results, leaving skin ultra-smooth and silky-soft. Formulated with Vitamin E, Grapeseed and Apricot Kernel Oil, this rich, emollient blend nourishes skin while also regenerating and revitalizing skin’s texture.

bosica Pore Purifying Black Strips ($15): High temperatures and humidity encourage dirt and oil build-up, resulting in blackheads and large pores, especially around the nasal area. Make sure to consistently prevent pores from clogging by using an adhesive strips. This full-contact delivery system instantly applies charcoal powder to rid skin of impurities and leave pores ultra clean.

Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads ($18-$32): Now that skin is purified, it is easy to achieve a glowing complexion. Opt for a self-tanner that provides a radiant, sun-kissed glow year-round, without exposure to the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays. Formulated with Vitamin D, Alpha-and beta hydroxy acids, this treatment exfoliates skin while offering a streak-free glow. The perfect way to maintain a healthy complexion.

August Free Beauty Events

It's August! Time for us to start thinking about back-to-school, back to "normal life" routines.  What a great time to also start thinking about new beauty products/

If you're looking for free beauty events near you--chances to learn about products and get some new beauty knowledge--head over to www.freebeautyevents.com.  The site will point you in the right direction.

For example, this month on the 4th, a Rite Aid in York, PA is having their 360 Wellness Grand Opening Event where demonstrators will be performing free polish changes with Revlon’s new Scented Nail Enamel and Wet n Wild Megalast Nail Polish. The Ulta Mustela Event this month and September will give customers a chance to try out Mustela Hydra Bebe Body Lotion, Ultimate Hydration, and Facial Cleansing Cloths.

On www.freebeautyevents.com you can enter your zip code to find out what makeover, gift with purchase, spa open houses and sampling events are happening near your home. In addition to listing in-store makeovers, Freebeautyevents.com also features a blog on product reviews (http://www.freebeautyevents.com/beauty-blog) and a monthly contest (http://www.freebeautyevents.com/contest).

For the month of July 2011, they will be giving away 10 prizes. Each prize will consist of Got2b Guardian Angel Finish Flat Iron Balm, Creme of Nature Argan Oil Replenishing Sheen Spray, and Creme of Nature Argan Oil Gloss & Shine Mist. The Contest runs from 8/1/2011 to 8/31/2011, winners will be chosen on 9/5/2011 and notified by 9/15/2011.

Meet the Brand: La Bella Donna

Fun fact: while the term Bella Donna is Italian for "Beautiful Lady," it is also a plant...a member of the deadly nightshade.  Years and years ago, drops were made from the belladonna plant that were used by women to dilate their pupils.  Apparently, dilated pupils used to be considered attractive, so women would use the drops to look their best.  The only problem? Belladonna can cause minor visual distortions, inability to focus on near objects, and increased heart rate. Prolonged usage was reputed to cause blindness.

Fear not...belladonna is no longer used for cosmetic purposes and is not in anything from the brand I'm introducing you to today: La Bella Donna.  Just wanted to share my fun facts with you (I was a history major, so give me a break!) and remind you about how far we come with the use of potentially harmful beauty products.

Ok...back to the original point of this post: La Bella Donna Cosmetics!  I received a lovely box filled with products to try out.  La Bella Donna makes "mineral makeup that is truly good for your skin."  Their products include loose mineral foundation, liquid mineral foundation, highlighting creme colors (in moonlight and candlelight), bronzers, concealers, mineral eye shadows, and even mineral makeup for men(!). Their products are all natural, and their mission is to "bridge the gap between wellness and sophisticated beauty."  Their foundations contain non-chemical SPF20 and are free of dyes, oils, talc, alcohol and other chemicals.

My favorite product I've tried is their face compact called Vision of Mineral Lights Compact Colours ($45).  Here's how they describe this product: "Quads of compressed mineral bronzing colours give your skin an après sun-kissed glow. Naturale-created for those with a more fair complexion and may also be used as eyeshadows. Bronze- utilizes both the skin’s naturally occurring tanning undertones of gold and red. Both colours options are a beauty makeup kit must-have."

I love that this quad of color can be used in so many different ways: as a bronzer, an eyeshadow, etc. You could throw this compact in your bag and be set for the day...nice!

The La Bella Donna products I've tried have been of good quality and have been easy to use.  They're a bit spendy, so they're not for everyone.  If you have the budget for it, you may want to check this brand out!

Oooh! New Site to Lust After

I love finding new beauty products and new beauty sites. If you're reading my blog, I know you share this love. Well, here's something awesome: Birchbox!

Named as a top beauty site in 2010, Birchbox is a fun and unique way for consumers to sample and buy high-end beauty products. For $10 a month members receive a monthly box containing curated, oversized deluxe samples from brands like NARS, Cargo, Benefit, Deborah Lippman and Stila. Additionally, the Birchbox editorial team creates exclusive and educational content, including videos, articles and how-tos, to help customers get the most out of their products. Birchbox is a unique platform, offering subscribers the opportunity to purchase full-size versions of the products they love.


But wait!!! There's more!

Birchbox and Cynthia Rowley are launching a Limited Edition box called “Tip to Toe Treats,” which will be available for a short time only on Birchbox.com beginning July 11nd for $38 (including shipping). The box is a collection of giant trial sizes and some full-sized products that will refresh summer skin and nails, from Dead Sea bath salts to the perfect on-the-go nail file. It will also include custom-designed Cynthia Rowley nail stickers for high design and easy application. It’s the ideal summertime gift — for friends, family, hostesses, or just yourself.

Contents:

• 
  
• Cynthia Rowley custom designed Nail Strips by Incoco
• AHAVA Placid Bath Salts in Green Apple
• AHAVA Dead Sea Mud
• Lather Bamboo Lemongrass Body Scrub
• Lather AHA Hand Crème with Evening Primrose
• Tweezerman Zip File

Check it out!

Must Read for All You Beauty Girls!

I was wandering around Barnes and Noble recently (something I often do since my husband and I tend to be bookish) and found a must-read magazine for all you beauty lovers: the July 2011 issue of ConsumerReports ShopSmart magazine.  This issue features the best beauty deals out there (hint: they found an online site that beats even Wal-Mart on price!), tips for being a better shopper, and other consumer info for the beauty fan.

Pick up this magazine and throw it in your beach bag--it's chock full of great tips that will keep you looking beautiful while keeping your hard earned cash in your pocket.

Lustful Looking...

I'm smack in the middle of an expensive summer. Among other things, I'm having a boat-load of dental work done right now...and dental work is spendy.  Add to that the fact that my computer crapped out and needed to be replaced yesterday.  Thanks to all of this, my beauty budget has been slashed.  That doesn't mean I can't window (or web!) shop.

Here are three items that I've been lusting after lately:

Tokyomilk Cosmetic Bags, $14 each.  These aren't ultra expensive, but I love the way they look!  My fave is the sea-inspired Oceanic Dream bag.  They're so cute and the little butterfly detail rocks.

Balsamo Italian Argan Oil Balm, $13.50.  Again, not an ultra-expensive item.  This is one I really want to try.  I love taking boring, every day products and pumping up the volume a bit.  That's just what these artisan-made balms do...and they come in unique and tempting scents like black currant, honeysuckle, and rose hip.  Plus they look cute.  Love it!

Tarte for True Blood Limited Edition Palettes, $52.  True Blood is one of my summer guilty pleasures.  It's a campy, over-the-top show and it's so addictive.  This palette is inspired by the show and includes 17 eye shadows, an eyeliner (I adore Tarte's eyeliners!), mascara, and an eye primer. Perfect for your inner vamp!

Prep for Valentine's With Help from Ricky's NYC!

I live on the West Coast, so I don't have the ability to shop at awesome places like CVS or Ricky's NYC. But for those of you who can, be sure to swing by Ricky's to check out these products.  Ricky's NYC wants to help you get ready for Valentine's Day (which is just around the corner...eek!) with the items listed below.

Get date ready with Mattese Elite lipstick ($10) in Provocative, Porn Star or Blow, rich,seductive colors that will entice.

Pump up the volume with an Amika Pink Cheetah Hair Dryer ($160), leaving locks looking sexy and full.

Set the mood with Earthly Body Massage Candles ($13.99), which melt down to a silky,
massage oil that moisturizes skin. With names like “Naked in the Woods” and “Dreamsicle,” they’re sure to lead to a night to remember.

I have to ask: do you have any big plans for Valentine's Day?  Me?  I'm working late and so is my hubby.  How romantic.  Leave me a comment and let me know what you're doing!

Get BOOTiful...and Get Savings!

I've been clipping coupons like a crazy woman lately.  I guess after the holidays, money feels tight and I don't want to spend more than I have to.  Sound familiar?  If you're looking for good deals, here's a coupon from Boots.  Take it to your nearest Target and pick up something good.  They have lots of kick-ass products to select from!

It’s time to get BOOTiful! Beauty brand Boots is offering a free Target coupon good for $3 off any one product in the award-winning Boots No7 Protect & Perfect range.Simply “like” Boots Beauty USA on Facebook and click on the “OFFERS” tab to receive a free printable coupon valid at Target stores, or a promo code to use online at Target.com. Included in the line is Boots No7 Protect & Protect Intense Beauty Serum, winner for Best Anti-Aging Serum in Good Housekeeping’s first-ever Anti-Aging Awards for its outstanding ability to fight deep lines and wrinkles. When first introduced to the U.S. this serum flew off shelves selling one every 8 seconds at Target, and continues to be one of its best-selling skincare items today!

Here's a link to get the coupon:  http://www.facebook.com/BootsBeautyUSA?v=app_172948136074239&ref=ts

Now...get over to Target and get stimulate that economy!

Santa's Favorite elf

For awhile I foolish shied away from elf products.  I don't know why--I thought that beauty products that cheap would be about as good as Wet 'N Wild products that I played with in my youth.  How stupid of me!  I have since tried many elf products and I'm a convert!  Their beauty products are perfect!  And they're the perfect price.

This holiday season, elf is out with all sorts of great gift packages.  You can pick up something for all the glamour girls on your list without dropping a ton of money...and best of all, you can get elf products at one of my favorite places: Target!

Here are a few great gift sets you'll see from elf this year:

Holiday Mini-Palette
I just love this!  For $15, you get a limited-edition glistening makeup collection for eyes, lips and face includes "must have" makeup essentials including 9 powder eyeshadows, 1 cream eyeshadow, 1 blush, 1 bronzer, 10 lip gloss shades, 1 brow powder, 1 eye liner, 1 dual ended eyeshadow applicator and brush, 1 face brush, and 1 lip brush. The small, sleek design fits just about anywhere and offers ultimate portability for putting on your pretty!

Holiday Studio Brush Set
This limited-edition, ultra-luxe makeup brush collection includes 11 professional brushes designed to create and perfect any makeup look. Inspired by sparkling jewels of the season, these little gems are essential to the beauty queen who loves ultimate glitz and glam with a dash of fun. Sold in a reusable, waterproof case the collection includes: Eyeshadow "C" Brush, Complexion Brush, Small Angled Brush, Small Smudge Brush, Fan Brush, Powder Brush, Angled Foundation Brush, Concealer Brush, Small Precision Brush, Blush Brush and Contouring Brush.

Holiday Nail Polish
These five festive colors add instant pizzazz to every party manicure and pedicure or make a super stocking stuffer! The color-lock formula and chip resistant shield delivers long-lasting nail color with high shine. Shades include: Metal Madness, Party Purple, Golden Goddess, Twinkle and Glitter Glam. $1 each.

Holiday Eyeshadow Palettes
These all-you’ll-ever-need professional eyeshadow assortments are available in three sleek sizes for any makeup look. Create a dark and smoky eye, a fresh and bright aura, or a totally fun and funky look with endless color options and textures to select from. Each palette comes with an eyeshadow applicator for easy on the go touch-ups. 100 Piece Eyeshadow Palette, $10; 32 Piece Eyeshadow Palette, $5; 6 Piece Eye Shadow Palette, $3.

Holiday Gifting from NARS

NARS rocks. Their products are always top-notch and whenever I use them, I feel like I am treating myself to something special. If you're looking for something extra special for your friends, family...or for yourself, check out what NARS is offering up this holiday season:

Heading straight into the holiday season, NARS has the perfect sets to please any palette.

Frosted cheeks, glossy lips and high-shine nails in go-anywhere sizes are available as part of the below sets exclusively at narscosmetics.com.

Sweet Disposition Set

A set of three mini Multiples perfect for eyes, cheeks and lips. Essential for a holiday glow, the cult-favorite and iconic Multiple is ideal for creating shimmering accents and dynamic highlights for all skin tones in a creamy formula that blends effortlessly.

Shades:

• Luxor – Iridescent Pink
• Malibu – Pinkish Brown
• Orgasm – Peachy Pink With Shimmer

Price: $40

Crazy Heart Set
A quintet of medium-sized lip glosses to take you through winter from a rosy-glow workday to a sophisticated nighttime celebration. Bold enough to be worn alone but compact enough to be carried together.

Shades:

• Easy Lover – Ultra Sheer Hot Pink
• Babe – Sheer Orange Red
• Orgasm – Sheer Warm Pink With Golden Shimmer
• Turkish Delight – Pink Sorbet
• Misbehave – Sheer Cherry Red With Gold Shimmer

Price: $50

Precious Mini Nail Set
A set of four miniature-sized, high-shine and shimmering polishes in a mix of modern shades for the true beauty maven.

Shades:

• Purple Rain – Gothic Purple
• Versailles – Champagne Gold
• Jungle Red – Bright Red
• Orgasm – Peachy Pink With Shimmer

Price: $30

Big Box Beauty!

To round out the week, I'm going to start posting holiday gift giving ideas.  Know of a great beauty deal or have a favorite beauty gift to give?  Leave me a comment!

I love Sephora.  They have everything a girl could want, and now they've gone and made holiday shopping a snap. 

Celebrate the season with these new Sephora Limited Edition Sephora Beauty In A Box sets, seven limited edition kits in all. This selection of Sephora Beauty In A Box sets include the most coveted products from Sephora Collection, NARS, Urban Decay, Make Up For Ever, Laura Mercier, Josie Maran, Peter Thomas Roth, and step-by-step instructions to achieve unique look.

• Sephora Collection Sparkle Til Dawn ($77 value), $36: shine throughout the holiday season with this all inclusive kit.  One box contains all the shadows, liners, and glitter products you need along with an illustrated tutorial to create a dazzling look for the holidays or everyday.
• Laura Mercier Classic Eye Kit ($103 value), $42: featuring all the products, shades, tools, and techniques you need to achieve Laura's Classic Eye, plus a step-by-step tutorial.  This exclusive offering is complete with Laura's favorite picks so wearing a classic eye with an effortless application process is accessible to everyone.
• NARS Junkie ($121 value), $69: this one features all of Sephora's latest obsessions from NARS.  Signature shades can be layered to create an endless array of combinations and features instructions on how to achieve three distinct looks: "Bronzed Glow, Sparkling Eye," "Romantic and Radiant," and "A Sophisticated Smoldering Eye."
• Josie Maran Orglamic Revolution ($98 value), $52: this comes complete with Josie Maran product fixations that create the perfect smoky eye paired with a timeless nude lip.  This set of must-haves also includes a step-by-step how-to guide to achieve an au-natural glamorous look for any occasion.
• Peter Thomas Roth Eyes to Die for Kit ($202 value), $75: includes the ultimate products to five anyone a complete eye makeover.  This one kit includes the top-selling Lashes To Die For treatment, a mini Lashes To Die For mascara, the Un-Wrinkle Eye and Un-Wrinkle Conceal and Brighten products for bright, open, and beautiful eyes.
• Make Up For Ever Gold Icon ($103 value), $65: includes Metal Powder and Diamond Powder in Gold, a glimmering beige for your lips, a black Kohl eyeliner with gold flecks, and Smoky Lash mascara.  With a tutorial included, achieving a bold, gold look has never been so easy!
• Urban Decay Beauty in a Box ($91 value), $39 this box includes Sin Primer Potion to keep shadows in place and 24/7 Eye Pencils in Graffiti and Oil Slick.  You'll also find smoldering glitters including the elusive Luminous Loose Eyeshadow.  Urban Decay Rocks along with punchy blue and green glitter liners.  You won't want to leave the house without these favorites that will keep you rocking all night long!

Get to Know: Kiss My Face

I've long thought of Kiss My Face as being a crunchy, hippie personal care company.  After all, it was founded by two vegetarians who were on a mission to find healthy body care products.  Kiss My Face is committed to using natural, organic ingredients to create their cruelty-free products.  Because I've dismissed Kiss My Face as a sort of hippie-dippy company, I never really tried their products.

Silly me!  Kiss My Face has some really good products...and their eco-friendly, cruelty free stance is a huge plus.  Be on the lookout for their new line of skin care products in the start of the new year (available in January at Whole Foods).  Their Potent and Pure Organic Face Care line is worth a look.  It includes:

• Clean for a Day, $15: a creamy face cleaner that is soap-free and non-drying.  
• Startup, $15: an exfoliating cleanser that contains natural fruit alpha hydroxy acids for gentle exfoliation.
• Brightening Day Creme, $23: a cream that includes SPF to help protect from the sun's damaging rays.
• Night Creme, $23: a cream that provides extra moisturizing power along with detoxificaiton.
• Underage, $21: a "mega-moist" blend of organic botanicals and vitamins that will smooth lines and nourish skin.

Kiss My Face is a great brand to get to know if you're concerned about organic ingredients, animal testing, etc.  Their new skin care line will leave your face looking good and your conscious clean!  Check it out at Whole Foods in January.

It Starts

Thanksgiving is just a few days away, which means we're heading into the hectic go-go pace of the holiday season.  It seems like the rush to buy starts earlier every year.  Here in the Seattle area, not one but TWO radio stations switched over to all-Christmas music right after Halloween.  Geesh!  It's a bit much!

This week I am going to be a busy girl, but I'm focusing my attention on Thanksgiving.  Many of you (especially those of you who don't have to prepare the Thanksgiving dinner) might be using the abbreviated work week to get a jump on your holiday gift shopping.  Thanksgiving is now more the eve of Black Friday than a day of celebration.  And that's ok.

I'm too focused on cooking Thanksgiving dinner for my family to get up super early (or not going to bed at all!) to get in the Black Friday crowds.  I've done Black Friday shopping a few times in my life--years ago before it became such a big damn deal.  If any of you are planning an early-AM shopping spree on Friday, here are a few tips for surviving in one piece.  I've offered these tips before, so if you have anything new to add to the mix, you know what to do:  Leave a comment!

Black Friday Shoppers look a lot like zombies.

Get plenty of rest. All that tryptophan and alcohol you consume on Thanksgiving may make you sleepy. If you're planning on getting up super early to shop, adjust your bedtime so you get as many hours of good, solid rest as possible. You might also want to lighten up on how much you're eating today. No one wants to shop with a food hangover!

• Dress comfortably. I always find malls and shops a bit over heated, so I often leave my coat in my car and dress in layers. Comfortable shoes are a must! If you need to try anything on (not that you'd be buying a gift for yourself tomorrow!) try to limit the amount of makeup you have on--no one wants to buy clothes marked up with other people's lipstick or foundation!
• Leave your purse at home. Yikes! I know how hard this one is, but when you're buying tons of stuff and you have to carry a lot of bags, the last thing you need is to lug around a purse full of junk as well. Try to limit yourself to the essentials: your credit card(s), ID, cash, keys, and maybe a lip gloss. If you're smart, you can fit all this in your pockets, making the purse unnecessary. Remember: Black Friday is about deal hunting, not looking beautiful.
• Plan your attack. Make a list before you leave with all the gifts you need to buy, how much you want to spend, and what stores you want to go to. Check for online deals prior to your shopping trip, especially if you are in the market for a particular item.  Knowing who has the best prices will save you time and money.  Planning will keep you focused, keep you from overspending, and will make sure you don't forget someone. Plus, you can skip stores you don't need to go to to avoid mindless buying.
• Be careful. Make sure you know where all your stuff is and be sure to keep receipts. Also, stash your purchases in the trunk of your car so they are not visible to any annoying car prowlers. Don't leave stuff scattered all over your car--you'll just be inviting someone to rip you off, and there's nothing fun about that. One more thing: keep your receipts with you at all times. If someone breaks into your car and steals your stuff, you might need those receipts to deal with insurance, the police, and your creditors.
• Be nice and have a little patience. Before you start screaming about a line or start to vent on a salesperson, stop and breath. A little kindness goes a long way--think of it as good karma. Besides, Santa is watching after all and you don't want to be on the Naughty List.

To all my readers in the US (or ex-pat Americans elsewhere): Happy Thanksgiving.  Before you get into the Christmas hype, take some time this week to enjoy the ones you're with, to give thanks for what you have (and what you don't have!), and to stuff yourself silly on Thanksgiving dinner!

I'll be back next week with beauty news, but for now, I'm taking a little (much needed) break.

Tool Time: BrushLab Black Label Hair Brush

One of the more expensive beauty products out there is this:

A Mason Pearson nylon and boar bristle brush.  A brush like this could set you back $100 or more easily.

But!  You can save yourself some big-time cash while getting a kick ass brush.  Check out this:

A Black Label hair brush from BrushLab.  Like the Mason Pearson, the Black Label brushes feature a single nylon quill surrounded by tufts of natural boar bristles.  Brushes like this smooth out the hair making it ready for styling and finishing.  The nylon controls the shape and style of the hair while the boar bristles add shine and a polished finish. 

I received two Black Label brushes to try out...and I LOVE them!  They feel good on your scalp when you brush and they really do make your hair look and feel smoother...more finished. 

The Black Label brushes from BrushLab are a great alternative to the Mason Pearson brushes.  Better yet, the Black Labels will set you back about $20.  These would make a great gift for one of your fashionable friends!

Check out the Black Label brushes at www.brushlove.com or at your local Ulta.

Get Shopping!

I've been doing a lot of coupon clipping lately, but now I have coupon for you!  CLICK HERE to get a $2 coupon to use on Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Beauty Serum at Target (coupon expires 11/14). 

No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Beauty Serum has been tested like no other cosmetic anti aging product in an independent 12 month trial. The findings clearly show that it has genuine, long term anti aging benefits. 70% of the volunteers using the product showed a marked improvement in the appearance of photo-aged skin after 12 months of use. This study is the latest step on Boots journey to provide further compelling proof of the performance of its products. It costs $22.95 ($20.95 with your coupon!) at Target or target.com.

I Know It's Early, But...

Halloween hasn't even come yet, but already I'm getting info about holiday collections, stocking stuffer ideas, etc.  I know, I know...it's too early for this!  But check out the holiday collection that Nars just released--I'm sure it will have you looking forward to December!

The mood for the NARS Holiday 2010 Collection is audaciously bold. Just as in the Fall 2010 campaign, François Nars once again explores the many facets of his versatile muse Daphne Guinness. Her smoldering, cobalt-rimmed eyes, platinum hair and peach-glazed cheeks are captured not once, but in multiple kaleidoscopic images. According to François, “when you have Daphne Guinness for a campaign model, you just let her be who she is. Daphne fits the brand so well – she has such a modern approach to fashion and beauty.” Available now at www.narscosmetics.com, the highlights, including the very first NARS Trio Eyeshadow, are below:

• OKINAWA TRIO EYESHADOW, $45 - The first trio eyeshadow for the brand is a striking triad of black onyx, silver and cobalt blue
• ETRUSQUE SINGLE EYESHADOW, $23 - An antique gold hue reminiscent of Etruscan cast bronze art
• MELUSINE DUO EYESHADOW, $32 - An ultra-modern union of rich purple orchid and silver-spun lilac
• SEX APPEAL BLUSH, $26 - A soft peach blush, perfect for foolproof contouring
• PETIT MONSTRE LIPSTICK, $24 - A luxurious berry pigment with a satin finish
• LITTLE DARLING LIPSTICK, $24 - A classic, nude beige with a sheer finish
• DOWNTOWN LIP GLOSS, $24 – A metallic-pink lavender lip gloss that vibrates with party-perfect iridescence
• BOUGAINVILLE LIP GLOSS, $24 - A sensual pomegranate lip gloss that appears deep in pigment but sheer on the lips
• POKERFACE NAIL POLISH, $16 – A vibrant, magnetic, purple orchid
• BAD INFLUENCE NAIL POLISH, $16 - A smoky taupe nail polish that is a unique yet universal hue

Attention NARS Fans!

Here's some exciting news: Nars is opening their very first flagship store! Here's the (brief) press release:

16 years after François Nars launched NARS Cosmetics, we are excited to announce the location of the brand’s first flagship boutique!

Located at 413 Bleecker Street, in New York City’s West Village, the store will open Spring 2011 and will feature exclusive items to the location. Stay tuned, more information to come...

Looks cute, no?  One more reason to go shopping in NYC!

A Few More for the Cure

Phew--what a week!  I don't know about you, but I am ready for the weekend to start.

To round up my second week of Breast Cancer Awareness Month info and products, here's a rundown of a few more products that are donating to BCA.

The following brands have pledged a portion of their proceeds with one goal in mind – to support breast cancer research and awareness. Take a moment to add some pink to your beauty routine and send a little love to your friends and family with a gift that gives back.

Go Straight While Giving Back
Keratin Complex “Think Pink” Flat Iron is a digitally controlled, high temperature flat iron is perfect for a gift with meaning. Keratin Complex partnered with Florida-based “Think Pink Rocks” organization to promote education pertaining to breast cancer awareness, treatment and testing. This adorable flat iron also comes with a convenient heat pouch so you can get great hair on-the-go!

• Price: $199
• Availability: www.KeratinComplex.com

Blushing for BCA
Celebrity makeup artist and NYC “Brow King”, Ramy, a cancer survivor himself, is showing his support with charitable contributions from the Shiksa Face Gloss – a vibrant, pink shade that delivers perfect and portable flawless color for eyes, cheeks and lips!

With the purchase of every Shiksa Face Gloss you too can look beautiful for a cause and reflect Ramy’s mantra of “minimum makeup, maximum impact” with 25% of proceeds during the month of October going directly to the “Young Survival Coalition” – the premier international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer.

• Price: $18.50
• Availability: www.Ramy.com

Look Good, Feel Better
Give cancer the kiss off with the pink Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System! Feel even better about your daily beauty routine by snagging the ultimate in deeply cleansed, brighter skin—with every purchase of this fashionable Mia, Clarisonic will donate $4 (and $5 for every pink Classic Pro or Plus) to Look Good…Feel Better, a national public service program dedicated to helping women offset appearance-related changes from cancer treatment (60% of women who participate in Look Good…Feel Better have breast cancer).

• Price: $149
• Availability: www.Nordstrom.com

Tweeze For The Cure
To commemorate their commitment to the fight against Breast Cancer, Tweezerman introduces the new 2010 limited edition Slant® Tweezer – Precision in Pink. A cotton candy-pink background, adorned with the iconic BCA pink ribbon logo, is spangled with little flashy silver specks design. One dollar from the sale of each limited edition Precision in Pink will go to CancerCare as well as other Breast Cancer Awareness charities throughout the country.

• Price: $20
• Availability: www.Tweezerman.com

Blot For the Cure
Shine doesn’t stand a chance against boscia Rose Blotting Linens! Perfectly formulated to blot away excess oil, unwanted shine and perspiration without disturbing makeup, these conveniently sized linens are also infused with rose essence to soothe skin and uplift the psyche. What’s more— boscia donates 10% of sales of Rose Blotting Linens to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation (www.dslrf.org) to support breast cancer research.

• Price: $10
• Availability: www.Sephora.com

Get Glowing and HelpNoodle and Boo’s beautiful Love Light Candle is the perfect way to give back. Give Love, Give Light, Give Help to those in need. 50% off proceeds will go to Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the month of October.

• Price: $24
• Availability: www.NoodleandBoo.com

Sip PINK For the CureTalkingRain, brewers of fresh, fruity, all-natural alternatives to plain old water and sugar-saturated sodas, invite you to sip “PINK” for the cure and help the fight against breast cancer. In the spirit of TalkingRain’s never ending mission to develop functional, healthy, innovative beverages, .25 cents per case of PINK™ sales will go to support various national and local breast cancer research, screening, education and awareness programs.

• Price: $.69 or 2 for a $1.00
• Availability: www.TalkingRain.com

Bubbling Over with Love
Glowology’s beautiful and soothing Bubbling Exfoliant is a luxurious way to smooth your skin while sending love to breast cancer research. 50% of the sale of each product will go directly the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

• Price: $12
• Availability: www.GlowologySkincare.com