Obsession Du Jour: Blue Nailpolish 7.30.10

My new nail polish obsession with a tan is a bright deep marine blue.
Why is sephora sold out of this color? I might have to run on my lunch break to pick it up!

Sephora: http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P189203&categoryId=C17369&shouldPaginate=true

Look at how vibrant it is:

Picture from: http://lessathedressah.blogspot.com

What color are you craving on your nails right now?

News Du Jour: Are you a beauty Hoarder? 7.29.10

I gather that if you are like me, and I am sure you all are since you are reading a beauty blog, that you are obsessed with makeup. Do you have drawers and drawers filled with makeup? I do!

I found this article in the LAtimes and had to post it here to share it with you all. It is long but it is worth the read! What do you guys think? Are we all beauty hoarders? Are you addicted to cosmetics?

"Are there multiple shampoos in your shower caddy? Old face creams gathering dust in your cabinet? Have you been accused of having a bathroom that looks like a Sephora store? Most important, does any of this make you a "cosmoholic"? Yes, there is such a thing as "too much," and it's a fine line between the mildly messy makeup lover and someone psychologically addicted to beauty products.

Organizing pro Linda Koopersmith, author of "The Beverly Hills Organizer's Home Organizing Bible: A Pro's Answers to Your Organizing Prayers," has tackled bathroom and cosmetic organizing projects for more than 20 years and run into some serious hoarders. "I had a client who was a self-professed 'cosmoholic,'" Koopersmith says. "She filled over 40 tubs with cosmetics and stored them even though their shelf life has long passed. I actually moved her cosmetics out of a storage unit that she paid $260 a month for over five years and put them in garage cabinets. She refused to let any of it go. … She literally spent herself out of her fortune. Literally bankrupted herself."

Hoarding is the acquisition of and inability to discard items even if they're worthless, hazardous or unsanitary. Dr. Renae Reinardy, who founded the Lakeside Center for Behavioral Change in Minnesota, says that hoarding beauty products can be fed by several different disorders and that people with this issue usually hoard all beauty products — make-up, shampoos, creams — regardless of type.

"The million-dollar question is 'What is the function of the hoarding behavior?' because that's going to determine what kind of help people need," Reinardy says. "I would look to see what's fueling the fire to buy those cosmetics." Psychological conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder, compulsive acquisition/spending, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety or depression can all be part of the problem, she says. A therapist has to do a full diagnostic interview to determine the root of the dysfunction.

"I had a client who spent $10,000 on face cream trying to minimize her pores," Reinardy says. "When we're so desperate to look a certain way, and when we rely on that for our well being, people will do whatever they need to do, especially if there's body dysmorphic disorder. Finances and space issues go out of the window if we put all of our happiness on whatever feature that we're trying to chase after."

When it comes to compulsive acquisition and spending, Reinardy says that what constitutes crossing the line is different for each individual. In essence, it's about spending beyond your means. "It can be about a $10,000 purchase or a $150 purchase of perfume," she says. "If you're saying, 'I was just out shopping and I love Macy's and this was on sale so I bought it,' that's going to look more like compulsive acquisition."

If cosmetics hoarding is related to obsessive-compulsive disorder or depression, there is likely to be hoarding in other areas of the person's life too. "I look at my cosmetic drawer, and do I have more cosmetics than I use? Creams that I can't let go of? Absolutely," Reinardy says. "The difference is when you're not able to use the space in your home that it was meant for. So if my entire bathroom is full of cosmetic products so that I can't use the shower, sink or toilet anymore, it's a sign that it's out of hand."

Dorothy Breininger, founder of Delphi Center for Organization and a producer of the A&E television show "Hoarders," says that most people who handle cosmetics responsibly will clean them out once a year for sanitary reasons. "Cleansers and moisturizers tend to have fatty acids in them so they go rancid in about six months, so that's the reason we want to change those out, and mascara is just a breeding ground for bacteria, so that's usually a three-month turnaround," Breininger says.

But in her line of work, she frequently sees cosmetics hoarders who ignore all that. Sometimes the cosmetics represent a time of life the woman doesn't want to let go of. "We all turn to cosmetics to change our appearance and give us the feeling of being more beautiful .…Young gals who are 16, 17 buy a lot of makeup because they're experimenting," she says. "But a lot of these women that I'm working with have loads and loads of makeup from when they once were in the theater or leaving the house for work and doing a particular job and now they're not, for example. So they're kind of holding on to cosmetics thinking that they can go back to that life or re-create it again."

There can be a dark side to being a beauty junkie, and if getting your fix is no longer pretty but rather pretty out of hand, find a therapist to help."

Original article can be found here: http://www.latimes.com/features/image/la-ig-beauty-cosmoholic-20100725,0,7217100.story

I am not going to lie, this scared me, I am going to clean out my makeup drawers right now!

x

Obsessiong Du Jour: Christy Turlington 7.27.10

Something really revs my engines about Christy Turlington. She is such a classic beauty and one of my favorite true Super Models. She epitomizes a Super Model in my book.



Check her out on the cover of Vogue Italy. She looks like a 60's sex kitten. I am digging the makeup! I always love the look of mod makeup, the cat eye and mauve nude lip. However, Christy Turlington has the ultimate bone structure.

I really want to know what color lipstick she is wearing on the cover! It is fab!

I actually saw her walking her child to school in the West Village recently and she looked as gorgeous as ever in her PJ's.


Who is your favorite supermodel?
x

Obsession Du Jour: Caudalie Beauty Elixir 7.26.10

Let me set the stage for you, 110 degrees, 90% Humidity and smelly.

That was New York City for the past week. Unbearable basically. There was a massive heat wave and let me tell you something, it was wreaking havoc on my beauty regimen. Fortunately, my skin has been in tip top condition because I could not wear a stitch of makeup as it was SO hot I literally didn't want anything on my face. All I have been using is lip balm, a swipe of mascara and my secret weapon of choice, Caudalie Beauty Elixir.



How I love thee! It saved my life this week. How so?

First of all, it is very cooling and refreshing, it is in a spritzer bottle so at that time of day when I am so overheated a good spritz of this and I instantly feel better. It also smells amazing. It is smells reminiscent of an herbal scent, something lavender-y and minty. Additionally, when sprays it leaves a glow. No shimmer, no sparkle, just a glow from hydration. My favorite part about it, it is completely paraben and synthetic chemical free! This product is described as part toner, part serum mist of essential oils. Sign me up!

I picked mine up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, but you can pick it up at Sephora for $16. It even has their seal of natural approval. Win Win!

This is a staple in my bag for those hot summer days!

Stay Cool!
x

MIA du Jour 7.22.10

Hi Guys,

I know! I know! I have been very bad with my blog postings. things have been very busy in Dara Land...I am in the middle of looking for a new apartment and crazy busy with work.

However, I have so many great posts coming up so I hope you will forgive me :)

For now, you can check out some of my new videos @ http://www.youtube.com/user/BelleDuJourNYC

I will be on Long Island for the weekend soaking up some sun and hanging in the pool with the family.

Hope you all are staying cool and speak to you soon about lots of fun new makeup and beauty!

xx

MAC Du Jour 7.16.10

Did anyone else see this article from NYMAG.com?

http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2010/07/rodartes_mac_line_sparks_contr.html

"Rodarte's Mexico- Inspired MAC line sparks controversy.

Rodarte's MAC collection, which launches on September 15, is inspired by Mexico's colors and culture, and the products are named accordingly. For example, one pink blush is called Quinceañera, while a sheer white lipstick is called Ghost Town. However, the frosty pink nail polish called Juarez isn't sitting well with blogger the Frisky, who finds it "tasteless":

Why’s it tasteless? Juarez is an impoverished Mexican factory town notorious for the number of women between the ages of 12 and 22 who have been raped and murdered with little or no response from police.

Most of the young women are employees at the border town’s factories, called maquiladoras, and disappeared on the way to or from work. Activists have been applying constant pressure on Mexican police, who have shown little response to properly investigating the murders, allegedly because the victims are poor women. The crime channel TruTV even called Juarez a “serial killers’ playground”! And it’s not like the Juarez murders are some big secret: Jennifer Lopez even starred in a film,“Bordertown,” playing a reporter who writes about the rapes and murders.

However, plenty of blogs haven't made this same connection politicizing the nail polish, and are just plain excited about the line. We've reached out to MAC for a comment and will update when that comes through.

MAC/Rodarte Makeup Collaboration Names Nail Polish After Impoverished, Murdered Women[Frisky]"

Personally, I love the Mulleavy sisters, I love Rodarte but I do not like the naming products after human misery and suffering.

What do you guys think? Check out the collection on Temptalia here: http://www.temptalia.com/mac-for-rodarte-collection-for-fall-2010#more-23843

x

Lancome Du Jour 7.15.2010

Lancome Fall 10 looks gorgeous. THe name of the collection is French Coquettes. LOVE IT!

My favorite thing from the collection is the Ombre Magnetique's... aka sparkle pots! That black one will be MINE!

Will you be checking this collection out?

x

Obsession Du Jour: Retinol Eye Mask 7.14.10

Hi All, So I am here to bring you an HG product, a product sent from the gods. Yes, Yes, I know sounds dramatic, but I am not not lying here, it is THAT good.

What is it? They are retinol eye masks, specifically Shiseido's Benefiance Pure Retinol Instant Treatment Eye Mask. Basically, what they are are little strips that are cut to fit your eye area soaked in a retinol liquid treatment.


What are they supposed to do? I bet you are thinking, what are those wierdo little banana shaped white papers supposed to do? Well let me tell you somthing, they work MAGIC! They refine fine lines, moisturize, de puff and brighten. A tall order huh?

From the Sephora website:
Benefiance Pure Retinol Instant Treatment Eye Mask

What it is:
A concentrated under-eye treatment sheet mask for all skin types.

What it is formulated to do:
Developed with Shiseido exclusive Pure Liquid Retinol Delivery System, this complex is designed to visibly improve fine lines, crow's feet, and uneven texture, in just 15 minutes.

What else you need to know:
It can also be used around the lips for exceptional smoothing benefits.

Do they work? HECK YES!

I have used them twice now, and I saw an immediate difference after one use. They for sure moisturize the under eye area which i always need. I also have dark circles that need lightening, which is did slightly the first time, and a bit more the second. Lastly, I woke up this morning with PUFFY bags from lack of sleep and... ahem... alcohol. I slapped these babies on @ 7:45am and at 8:00 my eyes were completely de-puffed. I swear! No lie...the under eye area actually looks radiant. This is a huge feat for me.

All in all this FOR SURE is a product I will re-purchase and be sure to have on hand.
They cost $60 for 12 individually packaged masks. I got mine @ sephora, but you can wait for a friends and family sale if you feel they are too expensive. However, they are 100% worth it and for 12 individual treatments it is actually not that expensive, only $5 per treatment!

The packaging is fab! It is great that they are individually packaged because a lot of retinol treatments come in glass bottles which actually breaks down the complex. This happens when light hits is. See packaging below.


Retinol is a great anti-aging product!

And just for some shits and giggles, me with the eye masks on this morning!


Will you try these out?
x

OBSESSED! 7.12.10

had to post again today...

i loveee these...

Inspiration Du Jour 7.12.10

we all need some monday inspiration...





x

Obsession Du Jour 7.8.10

I have a new hair care obsession and its from an unlikely brand. Well...not SO unlikely but its a brand that I am usually not every woo-ed by. Kiehls.

Kiehls is a good brand, I just never have fallen in love with anything from there, until now. I have tried many products that I like and would buy again, but nothing that gets the Obsession Du Jour status.

Let me introduce you to my new hair care obsession, Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo and Sunflower Deep Recovery Masque Pak.

OH MY GOD, YUM!

First of all, the smell is over the top AMAZING. It smells like a fresh peach, I dont even know, it is so amazing. I know I am ranting but it is THAT good. Okay, to the important things, it is sulfate free, paraben free and silicone free. It has apricot oils and sunflower oils.

"Formulated without parabens, our sulfate-free shampoo and masque pak helps to effectively protect color-treated hair by gently cleansing hair without stripping its color. Infused with nutrient-enriched conditioning oils of Sunflower—known to contain powerful levels of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids – combined with Apricot, a fortifying blend of Vitamin B3, B5, and B6, and a UV-protective filter, our color-preserving shampoo conditions and moisturizes dry hair for long-lasting color in between salon visits. Utilizing a silicone-free formula which doesn’t weigh hair down, hair maintains its vibrancy with a smoother, more natural look and feel."

Apricot Kernel Oil is extracted from apricots and has a very high Vitamin E content. Sunflower Oil has Phospholipids and high concentrations of Ceramides that protect and heal dry or damaged skin and hair.

Sign me up. I have been using it and my hair feels clean, soft, moisturized and shiny. It also smells like heaven to boot!

I highly recommend this. I purchased mine and Blue Mercury but You can purchase here @ Kiehls

Let me know if you have tried this!

x

Stereo Rose Du Jour 7.6.10

Hi Ladies, I am back!

Everyone hurry right now and order the infamous Stereo Rose on the MAC website. It is up but will be gone before you know it!

Let me know if you all get it!

x

UPDATE: Its not 10:34 am and it is SOLD OUT. Dont wait to get it, go to your stores to pick up if you need it. It only lasted 2 hours online. Wow!