Thursday, July 30, 2009

Obsession Du Jour 7.30.09


My obsession today is a multi purpose cheap as chips product. It is all natural. I use it in my hair and on my skin. It is Coconut Oil. The one I bought was from WholeFoods, you can order it online here. The one I use is unsweetened and organic so it does not have that saccharine coconutt-y smell, but a natural nutty, buttery, yummy smell. I love it. This has become a HG product for me.

Ways I use it:
  • Deep Conditioner, apply on dry hair, soak through put a shower cap on and blast it with heat and leave on for a few hours or overnight
  • Skin Moisturizer, legs and arms. I have not used on my face yet
  • Make Up remover. Fantastic!
  • Hair Product, to tame frizzies and condition ends. I use this every day on the ends and all over VERY lightly while styling.
Some background information on Coconut Oil
"Coconut oil is an edible oil that has been consumed in tropical places for thousands of years. Studies done on native diets high in coconut consumption show that these populations are generally in good health, and don't suffer as much from many of the modern diseases of western nations.

Coconut oil was once prevalent in western countries like the United States as well. With a long shelf life and a melting point of 76 degrees, it was a favorite in the baking industry. But a negative campaign against saturated fats in general, and the tropical oils in particular, led to most food manufacturers abandoning coconut oil in recent years in favor of hydrogenated polyunsaturated oils that come from the main cash crops in the US, particularly soy, and contain trans fatty acids. These polyunsaturated oils were not a big part of the diet of previous generations, so how has the health of Americans changed now that polyunsaturated oils are for the most part all one finds on supermarket shelves across the US? We encourage you to take an honest look at the research presented on this website, and consider the "other side" of the story, whether it be coconut oil, saturated fats, or the new vegetable oils!" CoconutOil.com


Have you tried out any natural beauty products lately?

Sephora Grand Opening Times Square

"Attention NYC-area Sephora fans: Sephora is opening a second Times Square shop at 42nd & 7th, and you're invited to the opening events this Friday, July 31! Come meet YouTube phenom Lauren Luke from 2 - 3, plus Cheetah Girls' lead singer Adrienne Bailon. This beauty-full day is so big, it's spilling into Father Duffy square between 46th & 47th, Broadway & 7th Ave from 9 to 5 (hint: Come watch our Sephora Pro Beauty Team members break the Guinness World record for most makeovers given!)" Sephora.com

Sounds fun...anyone going? I can pass on the guest appearances but I want to check out the store and the lines they are carrying. ALSO, Illamasqua will be launching. Stephy wanna go?

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Obsession Du Jour 7.28.09


I just realized I have never before reviewed my absolute must have favorite lip product.

 I originally found this product browsing through SPACENK in soho one day. It was in a fishbowl at the cash wrap, an attempt to coerce you to make an impulse buy at you point of sale andddd of course it worked on me...always does and I even know about these :)

Anyway, I always am immediately drawn to lip balms and especially ones that give you that milky nude look, which this does. This is a thick menthol like balm. The color is a milky white but on your lips looks like a milky baby pink, similar to EZ Baby tendertone. This is a product I have gone through a few times. I am about to run out again and I plan on buying another in London on Saturday. Another point is I love the packaging, it is simple and small, perfect for carrying around. It is very moisturizing and thick, it gives a cooling sensation as well but it not overwhelming and goes away shortly. I also love that it has SPF but no scent or taste of it in the balm. Also, another winning point is the length of wear, usually I am reaching for lip balm every 10 minutes because it wears right off after drinking water, talking or doing whatever it is. This lasts and lasts and lasts. I LOVE IT. 

I strongly urge you guys to try this baby out if you can find it. It is usually sold out online at SpaceNK and EveLom.com (I just found it at beauty.com with free shipping!). However, you will not be disappointed. The only drawback at being such a small pot, it is quite pricey at .2oz for $25.

Let me know if you guys decide to try it out.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Fragrance Du Jour 7.24.09


This is hysterical. Would any of you wear a Burger King FLAME fragrance?

VIB Du Jour 7.23.09

I woke up to a nice surprise the other day, an email from Sephora saying I have a new level of membership and an introductory 10% off (to be used on Illamasqua, obviously!). Anyway, then i scrolled down to see how I was already entered in this, anyone that spends over$350 a year at Sephora is automatically entered. Cool... a.k.a I spend way too much money on makeup.

Is anyone else in the I spend too much money on makeup club? Steph, I know you are!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Vogue Paris Du Jour 7.22.09

This is Fashion Gold.

Superstars Carine Roitfeld and Emmanuelle Alt created one of the biggest editorials of French Vogue's history, ‘ADN de la Mode.' Shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, all the "it models" are here and wearing the key pieces of every single high-end designer. Do not know how they pulled this one off...

The paris vogue team blows all other magazine teams away.



the rest is here .
Enjoy.

News Du Jour 7.22.09

I will keep this simple.

ILLAMASQUA NOW ON SEPHORA.COM.

What will you be getting? Please share. Personally, I can't wait to delve into the lipsticks, bronzers and highlighters.

Friday, July 17, 2009

REMINDER

Give-a-way is ending tomorrow, on the 18th! Get to it!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Blue Mercury Goodies Du Jour 7.16.09

This part of what I bought at Blue Mercury. NARS! I love NARS, this is my second blush of Desire. It is my absolute favorite blush. My first desire i bought in 9th grade. I JUST ran out. It is SO pigmented, you just need a tiny dab. It is HOT pink, but it is perfect. This is matte and warms you up instantly. The second thing I bought was also from NARS, it is called GOLDMEMBER, best name ever! I love Austin Powers so I had to have it just for the name, and of course I am obsessed with anything gold so this was calling my name! It is gorgeous, it is a shimmery creamy gold. A softer less metallic version of Illamasqua's liquid metal.



What is your favorite NARS item?

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

HOT LIPS du Jour 7.15.09

I am really feeling hot bright lips.
See MAC show orchid and MAC Vegas Volt. A hot fuchsia pink and a hot coral!




Perfect for LA...what do you think?

Obsession Du Jour 7.15.09

New obsession...a store. Blue Mercury. This is on Long Island near my home town. This store started in the DC area the SA told me. It is such a great diverse store. They have EVERYTHING related to beauty. It is amazing. I got some nice goodies by NARS and a few other things. I will show you in the upcoming posts.

What's your fave beauty store?

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Illamasqua Obsession Du Jour 7.14.09

I am sure a lot of you have been hearing about the new Powdered Metals from Illamasqua so I am not going to go into the background store again buttttttt... You are hearing about it for GOOD reason. This product is TO DIE FOR! I am just absolutely loving this range. The color I have is called Thalia, on me it is a pure rose gold. I just love it, it blows everything MAC msf I have right out of the water. It is highly metallic with NO glitter. Does it get any better than that? No way!

Amazing Packaging? check!
Good price point? Check!
A lot of product for your money? Check!
Amazing pay off? Check!
Shimmer without glitter? Check!





Released at Selfridges yesterday I believe, these will blow out like the liquid metals...hurry up!

MITSUWA 7.14.09

For anyone obsessed with asian skin care and cosmetics Mitsuwa is a must if you live in the tri-state area. It is in Edgewater, New Jersey. I was there on a meeting last week, and had lunch at my favorite place, Baumgarts! I bought some fun things to try out, Naris Up skincare which is great. I got a few masks and "packs", an aloe moisturizer, pore gels and a cute lip balm.


Look at this packaging! I just LOVE IT!

Have any of you been to a japanese market? What is your favorite product?

Monday, July 13, 2009

MAC Color Craft du Jour 7.13.09

So I gave in and went to MAC to see color craft. I was scared I would buy everything, thank god I did not! I loved the MSF's but the blushes were complete glitter bombs for me, and I love glitter, so that means they are SERIOUSLY glittery! Plus a lot of the blushes were similar to the MSF's and the past Grand Duo's collection.

What did I get?
  • Sunny By Nature MSF- Almost matte bronze, perfect sheer brown on me with a slight sheen. Wonderful on me, No glitter and no orange.
  • Porcelain Pink MSF- Love this, i compare it to like a pink solar white for the face. Mine is high shine but not glitter
  • Smooth Merge MSF- whoa, perfect berry shimmer for a blush.
  • Girlish Romp MES- This was a surprise I was planning on totally passing on this, but i LOVED this color wheel.
I wanted Color Crafted lipstick but it was SOLD OUT already at the Pro store. Maybe I will pick it up if I see it around...we'll see.
                                                                                            






What did you all pick up??

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Gone Fishin' Du Jour 7.12.09

Just wanted to remind you all know, I am in LA right now, on wednesday I will be heading to Palm Springs. I will not be able to answer emails or comments until the 18th. See you all soon!

PS- I have some scheduled posts that will be coming up so you wont all miss me too much ;)

Saturday, July 11, 2009

FINALLY! Give-A-Way 7.11.09

I have been collecting goodies for my blog give away for a while, okay for MONTHS. This is a very eclectic gathering of great products from a lot of different brands.  THis is a thank you to all my followers, you are great and I appreciate you!

My give-a-way is a bit unique and different. Just enter in the comments section was your best kept beauty secret is and you MUST be a follower, so if you are reading but not following this is a good time to sign up!  Its very Simple! You can enter as many times as you like. As you know I am leaving tomorrow for LA and Palm Springs so I will pick a winner when I return on the 18th! The winner will be chosen on the best beauty secret! Good Luck.

Included: Gosh On Stage Lip Jam, Scott Barnes gold glitter shadow, ELF Highlighter Powder and Creme Duo, MAC Zoomlash, Illamasqua Lipstick, Smashbox Primer and Lipgloss, Forever 21 bangles, Hot Topic Nailpolish, Revlon Pink Pout, Lush, Kaplan MD, Mario Badescu, Lancome , Nivea, OCC lip balm in Uber, and Embroylisse samples (My absolute HG moisturizer)!

Inspiration Du Jour 7.11.09

Friday, July 10, 2009

Battle of the Balms Du Jour 7.10.09

My two favorite Lip Treatments. How do they stack up?

Size Wise: Naked Honey Salve is much larger.
Scent Wise: By Terry is the winner here, I like the natural rose scent vs. the saccharine honeysuckle smell
Look Wise (on lips): BY TERRY! is the clear winner, baby pink lips? Hello!
Packaging Wise: By Terry wins this as well, gorgeous packaging
Effectiveness Wise: About even...They both hydrate really well. Naked Honey might take the lead here as the salve is multi-purpose, can be used on skin, lips, cuticles and dry spots/ rough patches.
Price Wise: Naked Honey wins this by a landslide. $18 vs $50, plus Naked Honey is much larger.
Availability Wise: By Terry. Mac Salve is Limited Edition, which means once its gone, its gone! I hate that.


As you can see they are both great products, the winner in my eyes is the By Terry Rose Baume. Two points that really take By terry ahead is the fact that it is permanent and will always be available and the look that it leaves on your lips!

Which would you pick?

Thursday, July 9, 2009

In's and Out's 7.9.09

IN'S
  • Being a Finalist in MizzWorthy's Myths and Legends Contest sponsored by Illamasqua and judged by Alex Box herself! See here.... What an honor in itself! Check me out.
  • Illamasqua coming to the STATES!! July 21st online at Sephora.com and July 30th at the Times Square store in NYC. I guess i will have to break my NO TIMES SQUARE EVER rule for Illamasqua. I can not wait to see the range in person! How exciting, now all us girls state side can revel in the most innovative makeup line to hit the streets!
  • My new bracelet that Steph bought me! How awesome is this?!?! So up my alley, she knows me almost too well. It's scary
  • New Illamasqua Powdered Metals in Thalia. Wow, what can I say about this besides WOW! This blows every highlighting powder and MAC MSF out of the water. This is a pure rose gold metallic powder. Best part about it? NO GLITTER! Just a high octane SHEEN! I will post pictures and a review soon!
  • Going to LA on Monday and Palm Springs on Wednesday. I cant wait to have some quality time with my Steph.
  • Mitsuwa in New Jersey, it is a Japanese market with the most amazing imports for skincare and makeup. I got a load of fun Japanese stuff that I will be sharing with you too. Also some GREAT green tea and cherry blossom tea's! You know me and my asian stuff...LOVE IT!
  • GREEN TEA!
  • My Trip to london, I need more advice from you guys on skin care and makeup. So for I got, Liz earle, Barry M, Gosh, Neal's Yard, Obvioulsy Illamasqua, Sleek, Eyeko, what else do I need to check out and where shall i go? Is there one place that has all of this? Superdrug? Boots? Help me london ladies!!!
  • KABIRI SALE when I am in London! I LOVEEEEEE Kabiri! Check it out here!
  • BLANK Denim...great price point and great fit. Fantastic!
  • Sushi, I am really jonesing for Sushi at my favorite resturant! Momoya.
OUTS
  • Being absolutley exhausted!
  • Leaving my camera on Long Island.
  • NOT having summer fridays! :(
  • Loads of work.
What's going on with you guys??

NYC Du Jour 7.9.09

Anyone around NYC should stop by the Alexander Wang sample sale.
Don't we all just LOVE Alexander Wang????? He is one of my favorite designer out there at an accessible, well around accessible, designers out there!


Find deep discounts at the Alexander Wang sample sale. The denim-and-black-leather motorcycle jacket is $745 (originally $1,495), and the fitted stretch-and-mesh combo dress is $395 (originally $795). Through 7/11. 83 Wooster St., nr. Spring St.; Th (2–8), F (9–8), S (10–7).

See you there!

Inspiration Du Jour 7.9.09

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

MizzWorthy's Myths and Legends Entry #2

This is my 2nd entry for MizzWorthy's Myths and Legends contest, it is inspired by HERA, the Greek goddess of marriage and childbirth. Her was sister and wife to Zeus. She was known to be a fierce, vengeful and extremely jealous god, especially of Zeus's lovers. She was represented by the cow the most motherly of all animals. She also picked the peacock as to not be thought of as unattractive. She left her calling card everywhere, a peacock feather.
"In Hellenistic imagery, Hera's wagon was pulled by peacocks, birds not known to Greeks before the conquests of Alexander. Alexander's tutor, Aristotle, refers to it as "the Persian bird." The peacock motif was revived in the Renaissance iconography that unified Hera and Juno, and which European painters focused on."

Here are some inspirational images:




And here is my interpretation of the Modern Day Hera...










I got to try out the new Powdered Metal by Illamasqua in Thalia for this look. It is all over my face. I LOVE IT. It imparts like a rose gold metallic sheen so perfect!

I wish I hadn't left my camera on Long Island over the weekend so I could have better and more clear pictures, the camera does not do this look justice and washes it out. Oh well!

What do you all think? Like my peacock capelet and homemade warrior headband?
Thanks MizzWorthy for hosting such a FUN contest!

FOTD Du Jour 7.8.09

Simple, MUFE creme and grey. MAC Liquidlast liner and Mascara. Simple!
MAC Pretty Please



Riley likes it!