All About The Pretty

Brightening Up My Day

Oh I love Bobbi, let me count the ways.  As much as I write about Bobbi Brown and my deep love for her products, it is with great sadness that I have to admit I'm not impressed by ANY of this brightening stuff.  The Brightener Cream is ugh! and that's not even a word.  Yes, I have the book.  Yes, I understand the chapter on the instant face lift without pain.  But this brightening cream.  What?  Who's eyes should it brighten?  My problem with it is not the product, my problem is calling this product, DARK.  Dark on who's planet?  The dark was so light on me that I looked like a deer caught in the headlights.  Even under concealer I had light rings under my eyes.  This is not one for the dark-skinned beauties and I'm okay with that, but I think the dark should just be called peach because that's the color it really is.  Sometimes I like to lighten the inner corners of my eyes and for that I will stick to my Urban Decay Glide On Eye Pencil Honey. 

So what's brightening up my day?  My new lip balm.  I ordered Clinique's Superbalm Lip Treatment in Raspberry Tint.  It smells yummy and I wanted a lip balm in stick/tube for summer.  I know I'm not alone in leaving a Rosebud Salve in the car only to find it has melted all over my seat.  I pre-ordered the Clinique's Allure Editor's Kit that Tia raved about.  I purchased this illuminating bronzer, but I can't pick it up until next week so I don't have a name or a picture.  It's new for summer though.

Beauty News: 

• I finally have some hard concrete evidence that the Calvin Klein ck Beauty Line will be available in the U.S. in September.  There will be 200 products including brushes and nail polish.  It will be available at Macy's. 
• BeneFit has a new collection called Love Your Look which has more color products than most of the items in their current line. 
• Korres, the Greek body and face product line will soon roll out its cosmetic line in the U.S.  Finally.  They will be opening a store in NY in June and the products will only be available there.  I'm sure my cousin will remember how I went crazy in Greece last year over the line.  Cassy thank you for all your patience in all those pharmacies. 

Have a great weekend and may the lip gloss be with you.

Girls Night In

Ladies, remember if you have time today stop in Macy's Metro Center for Girl's Night In.  Of course, I don't need anything, but I need to look at one particular item to finalize my opinion and write a review.  I will keep you posted.

A New York State of Mind

Ladies, I'm heading up to NY for a day trip on Saturday.  I don't know if I have time to hit all the Big B's - Bergdorf, Bendels and Barneys, since I plan to hang out in Brooklyn with some friends for a few hours.  I have to go to BG to get my Lisa Hoffman Packettes, but I might not have time for the others.  I know I will stop in Carol's Daughter.  I was told that I have to get to the Fort Greene area.  Does anyone have any spots that would peak my interest?  I'm taking suggestions.  I've been to the area a few times, but want to know if anything new has opened.  You can post them in the comments section or send me an email.  Thanks a bunch.

Girls Just Wanna. . .Buy More Beauty

If you live in the DC area and are available Thursday, March 29, Macy's Metro Center is having a Girls Night In from 11am - 7pm.  Each makeup counter will have a special promotion going on and there will be a few goodies with your purchase.  At the current time, Clinique has a gift-with-purchase, as well as, Lancome and Estee Lauder.  The Bobbi Brown counter will be offering tips on Bobbi's Ten-Step Beauty Guide. 

If you are into fragrances, Macy's is currently carrying Hillary Duff's With Love. Everyone knows my addiction to this scent.  I tried to explain to a friend that I wasn't bathing in this scent, but if you hit each pulse point everyday, that's at least 8 places, so it goes quickly, or at least this is what I am telling myself.  Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean is finally available, so I have to add that to the rotation.  It's hard to capture a vacation.  Really, how can you capture an ocean in a bottle?  This makes me look back at my vacation pictures from last year.  It also makes me want to hit the yoga mat more to really get my body summer ready.  Mediterranean and Tommy Bahama Sets Sail gets it right, because the new Creed gets it all wrong.  I normally like Creed, but this smelled way too sweet to walk around wearing.  All wrong.  Since mother's day is coming up, this is a great time to start thinking of what I'm getting mom and Aunt Peepsie. 

If you are there look for me.  I won't be hard to find.  I'm the girl with all the lip glosses in her hand. 

That Loving Feeling

I had to watch Top Gun last night.  I don't know why.  I had to see Maverick, aka Tom Cruise.  I remember being a young girl and wanting to be Kelly McGillis in a bomber jacket, a restaurant with a jukebox and a cute soldier singing to me "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" with his best friend Goose behind him adding harmony vocals.  I fell in love with Tom Cruise from this movie, although I'm mixed on my feelings for him right now, I use that "lovin feeling" for products.  I'm getting that loving feeling from these products right now:

1. C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Lip Shine.  Anyone flavor will do.
2. Maryam's Soap Nook Whipped Shea Butter.  Maryam always has my skin feenin' for this butter.  I am thankful to God that this woman had a child, because my skin would be lacking her genius.
3. Trish McEvoy Booster Serum.  I had been wanting to try this for a while.  After running out of my other serum, I decided to give TM a try.  I love how smooth my moisturizer goes on after this, because I know every little boost helps. 
4. Flirt Cosmetics Squeeze Me Super Shiny Lipgloss in Nectar Fizz.  This gold color adds new dimension to a nude lip.  Apply to the center for that Kevyn Aucoin 3 dimensional lip.  The Radical Raspberry is a great pink for all skin tones.  One of my coworkers is fair with light blond hair and it looks good on her too.  I can't wait to see what Vanessa will be coming up with in August.
5. Tommy Bahama Sets Sail Perfume.  This floral is getting me ready for summer.

Mama Dear was a midwife by trade.  Yes, she helped bring life into the world.  There was a baby always being born at her house because the birthing room was in the home.  It's funny, because she was always "done" when she delivered a baby.  I mean makeup to the nines and nails always painted underneath her rubber gloves.  She constantly kept her hands in water.  I wish Gloves in a Bottle had been created then.  This moisturizer shields, but it's not greasy.  I leave it in my kitchen when I'm cooking because it doesn't cause my knife to jump out of my hand and slice me. 

Yesterday was Mama Dear's birthday, so instead of moping, like I really wanted to do, I honored her memory with beautiful red nails courtesy of Essie's Fishnet Stockings, caramel chews, a great meal and a glass of champagne with knowing she was the best grandmother there could ever be.  I am who I am because of her.  I love and miss her so much.  Thanks for always giving me a "loving feeling toward beauty." 

To my Georgetown Hoyas, congrats on your win.

May the lipgloss be with you.

I'm So Excited

About.com has listed All About the Pretty as one of the top beauty blogs on the Internet.  Looks like the start of a great week.

Chick Lit for the Young Beauty Junkies

I love H&M.  I love living in a city where there is an H&M.  My friend Jennifer calls it "Hhmm," when she's speaking of H&M and I love that.  I picked this up from Hhmm. Have you been to Hhmm lately?  I spent my lunch with Madonna.  Figuratively, that is.  I had to have those sunglasses that she has been sporting in the ads for her collection.  I'm a sunglass person, but refuse to buy high end ones.  The most I normally pay is less than $20.  They really aren't my thing.  I use them to protect my eyes, but I always manage to find great ones at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Target.  But this time, I was glad to drop down my $35 for hers.  Plus, I just placed a new order at Amazon.com.  Why? 

I had to order copies of Tia Williams' The It Chicks.  The It Chicks is the latest in chick lit targeted to teen girls.  If you have ever talked to a teenager and feel you don't know what is coming out of there mouth, this is the book for you.  Tia, my niece Jermany, and Jordan (Tanya's sweetness) are the only reason I fill my Tivo with episodes of the The Hills.  Jermany and I will stay on the phone talking music, videos, teen shows, books and products.  She is constantly asking me to "move home Aunt Ju-Ju!  Please."  She really helps me maintain my hand in the teen culture.  My brother Jay is dating this really nice woman, who has a daughter I want to kidnap.  Just kidding D.  I love this child, maybe because she reminds me of me at six.  Obsessed with lip gloss and books.  I have to stop myself from spoiling her, which my brother admits I'm doing a bad job.  Every little girl needs an Aunt Ju-Ju.  She can't read this book now, but I will make sure she borrows my copy when she's a teen.  I know being a teenager in this generation is much harder, than growing in the 80s when MTV only showed videos.  Everything now is faster, bolder, louder, and greater.  I don't think my mother could have survived if there was a Libby Lu when I grew up.

So, I'm asking all my readers to support my beauty fairy godmother's new book.  She recently posted on the characters of the book, so here's the link.  I love me some Tia.  She is sweet, funny, nice, and oh so pretty.  At least this will tide me over until Part 2 of The Accidental Diva comes out.  So, since I'm bumping Like This, to Kelly Rowland's new single, here's to the teenager in all us. 

Frankly Scarlett, I Give a Damn

This is the way to truly get a red lip right.  Yes, it may be photo shopped to no man's land, but the cover is such of a bygone era of elegance and glamour I had to tip my lip gloss brush in Vogue's honor.  I've liked Scarlett Johansson since she was a young girl since acting opposite the exquisite Kristin Scott Thomas in the Horse Whisperer and my friend Leslie made me listen to the soundtrack featuring Allison Moorer's A Soft Place to Fall from Houston to Dallas on a road trip.  This is a cover to say let's get GORGEOUS.

Many women find a red lip hard, the key is find a red that works for you and not anyone else.  I'm still using my Behnaz Red from last season, but you have to apply red lipstick with a brush.  It has to be precise.  You can't be all let me turn up the tube and slap that on.  You will look like a bad version of Joan Crawford in Mommy Dearest.  My favorite lip brush is by Sonia Kashuk for Target.  It's the white one with the cap.  I love that you can't accidentally push it up in your makeup and it's the perfect size for a small bag.  I still have the one that's light blue, from her first brush collection from Target.

If this is what forty looks like, sign me up.  HB always makes me want to workout.  She looks healthy.  I love the fact that she knows what beauty works for her and sticks to it.  Her skin and makeup are always very natural, very pretty.

Whoa!  Don't hurt 'em Ms. Berry.

Beauty News:   ELLiN LAVAR Textures are being nationally distributed by CVS.  I went in for a prescription and came out with buy one, get one half off.  The price point is great.  I picked up the Nourish Oil Drops and Reconstruct Masque.  Since tonight is mask night, I thought I would try something new. 

Pretty + Vibe

My new entry for VibeVixen.com is up.  Ready to Get Skin-sational.

Givhan Gives a Glimpse of Fall

I attended a lecture by the witty and wonderful fashion writer Robin Givhan at the Corcoran last night.   Robin has been the fashion editor for the Washington Post for over a decade.  She was the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism for Fashion Writing in 2006.  If you haven't read her piece of Condi Rice and those boots, well get to reading now.  She will be receiving the Eugenia Sheppard Award for Fashion Journalism at this year's CFDA.  In other words she is the real deal and "me loves me some Robin." 

I anxiously await and read with endless devotion, adoration and anticipation her review on the fashion express train each season.  She presents fashion in a real voice, which includes honest opinions and appreciation for the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.  Her writing is at times so funny I catch myself howling with laughter.  When she started her lecture last night she stated that she asked someone to help give her the top fall fashion trends for 2007, so she wouldn't be "caught like a deer in the headlights" when that question came up. 

According to Robin, and her fashion consultant, this is what is in for Fall 2007.    Here's her collaboration of the top ten trends:  (10) metallic; (9) texture; (8) a belted coat; (7) suit (a matchy matchy skirt/pant/jacket combo that can be broken up); (6) a dress; (5) bomber jacket or athletic inspired coat; (4) hat; (3) substantial sweater; (2) satchel or in RG words "an overpriced handbag" and (1) tights (because there will be no bare legs for fall).

But, don't take my word for it, read all the entries for Fall 2007 here. 

Hollaback Girl's "L" Word

If you're eagerly anticipating and "working so hard every day and now we get to lay back" waiting on Gwen Stefani's new fragrance named simply "L," it's about to make it's sweet escape.  The L stands for Love.  Nordstrom is getting the first six-week run starting in July.  The new scent has top notes of water hyacinth, white freesia, pear, and violet leaves; a heart of jasmine petals, rose, lily of the valley and a dry down of frangipani blossom according to WWD.  The line consists of an eaux de parfum in two sizes ($55 and $75); body lotion ($32), shower gel ($30), and a solid perfume compact ($42).  I have a trial in July so this may be my luxurious reward to myself.

Sick, but Pretty

What happens when you get a tired, exhausted, and sick beauty junkie who trolls the aisles at Target until she has to run home, take medicine and rest.  A tired, exhausted, and sick beauty junkie who has to tell of the latest and greatest finds at Target.  I keep reading and seeing where Target is stepping up it's beauty game.  It was not until I realized that they are actually putting a Boots Beauty Adviser in the aisles.  Yes, ladies, a beauty adviser.  I had read that Boots was expanding, but to see a live and in living color person paid to extoll the virtues of Boots, I was shocked.  I met this really nice guy named Justin, yes a man, when I told him I couldn't find my Boots Olive Balm.  They had completely changed the aisle and it contained five different Boots product lines and new items from different lines. 

I added two new travel bags, because I am going to reorganize my travel supplies if it kills me.  I feel you can never have enough travel body washes, shampoos, conditioners and all that stuff, but deep down I need to streamline.  I plan to do that next weekend on a trip to NY.  I'm hitting BG to get some of the new skincare by Lisa Hoffman.  Why? Because she created the line because of her extensive travels and wanted skincare that was streamlined.  Sounds like my kind of lady.  I have to try her Seven Day Skincare Packettes when I hit Miami.  I have small packs everywhere that are only good for one use, not day and night.  I have plastic bags busting with every free travel size known to beauty.

As the time dragged on and I felt increasingly worse I realized it was high time to attack the aisles and head home.  I had to get a new "everyday" lotion and decided to switch up a bit.  I tend to get in a rut, especially with the same lotion.  I bought a Keri Lotion with Shea Butter, which this morning seemed to be working very well.  This is the first time I am buying a new everyday lotion in probably ten years.  I'm proud of myself for expanding my lotion horizons.

I also picked up every scent of the Dove Cream Oil Body Wash.  When I was home last week Tanya, had this.  Yummy.  One squeeze on my puff and voila, it was on my mental list of things to buy.    Next was the Dove Skinvitalizer.  I had seen the ads and just had to try it.  One side is to exfoliate and the other is for a gentle cleansing.  ADVICE.  The exfoliation side is not the best side to use after a mask or when you are feeling like crap.  I realized that I had the pad on the wrong side, I applied the gentle side and had a thorough Sunday cleaning.  I applied my Elemis Lavender Repair Mask and today beautiful hydrated skin.  It's either that or the beautimous Coppering Eyeshadow from MAC that was a gift from Tanya.  Thank you lady.

Tonight, although I'm feeling like crap, I still plan to hear Robin Givhan discuss Fall Fashions at the Corcoran.  I love that museum.  Sick, but pretty.  That is my motto for today.

Simply Elle-mental My Dear

One of the definitions of elemental is "of, relating to, or being the basic or essential constituent of something."  So, as I picked up the April issue of Elle Magazine I immediately turned to page 214 for The Beauty Genius Awards.  Elle selected 24 of the nation's best in beauty, skin and hair.  Elle's Beauty Genius Awards goes to those artists who provide women with the elements to be beautiful. 

Here are a few of my highlights, but get your own issue for the list.

The "oh I wish I could sit in your makeup chair once in my life," Francesca Tolot featured as the Colorful Personality.  Why is she so wonderful?  Did you see Beyonce's makeup in Dreamgirls during the disco phase.  Glitter, glamorous, and gorgeous.  I would love to carry Francesca's makeup brushes around just so I could see her technique. 

Ted Gibson featured as The Long Shot.  If I ever decided to truly grow my hair out, this is the man who has to style it at least once in my life.  I'm planning to grow the top of my hair to flat iron this summer and I will be finally be able to use one of his hair sheets.  Plus, sometimes you just have to add a little funk to your style. 

Tina Alster, the The Laser Artist.  I have always said I plan to age gracefully and avoid any type of needle, scalpel, pick or prod to my face.  But, if I ever, and that's a big ever, decide that I want a laser treatment done.  She's going to be the first one I call.  I still believe in "Black don't crack," but if I ever want to mend a crook, Dr. Alster's going to be my girl. 

Have a great and pretty reading weekend. 

Glamour + the Pretty

I'm so excited, because my post Hand-ling with Care from last week was just featured on Glamour.com. 

Beauty in the Midst of the Madness

March Madness officially starts today and in celebration I'm listing my choices for a beauty bracket.  I like to think of Beauty Week as the preamble to March Madness.  Each year I create my "beauty bracket" of what I need to replenish for spring and what's new on the beauty scene. 

My tournament started with a full line of Beach by Bobbi Brown.  This includes, fragrance, body oil, body lotion, sunscreen body spray, sandbar, shimmer body powder and scrub.  My cousin Cassy and I will be hitting Miami in May so it's only fitting that I will be bringing Beach to the beach.  Next it was Kevin Aucoin Beauty Sensual Skin Enhancer in SX15, Nars Exclusive Body Glow Set and Kiehl's Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream.  I looked at the YSL Lip Twins and I definitely want them, but I have to purge my lipgloss bowls before I can get them.  I picked up some things for Cassy's birthday next month, but I can't list them now. 

The next line of the bracket is e.l.f. Cosmetics.  I'm becoming addicted to any lipgloss by e.l.f.  Why?  Well for $1 I can pass them to my nieces, the colors are very pretty, and they smell divine.  Iced Latte is my current favorite.  I know my niece "borrowed without asking" my Iced Latte because I can't find it anywhere.  I'm also addicted to their Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara.  It a dual-sided clear eyelash gel and brow gel.  I fill in my brows with shadow and add the gloss.  Perfection and it holds.  I then coat my lashes with the gel before applying mascara.   

The "Championship" products would have to be lashes.  Lashes are my thing and for a long time, I refused to use a mascara with a plastic wand.  Monet and Lianne, kept encouraging me to come over to the dark and plastic side. I finally gave in.  I have been using the MaxFactor Volume Couture mascara and JPC loves it.  I apply 2-3 coats depending on how "flash in the lash" I want to be.  Then I use Sephora's Lash Comb which seems like a medieval torture device at first until you learn to really handle it.  Be very careful because you can really take an eye out. 

The beauty madness doesn't end, it only gets prettier.  Have a great day.

NY Fashion in the Lone Star State

I love going home.  I really love Houston, except for one problem that I have.  Driving.  I don't drive until the weekends here, but Houston is huge.  It's big and spread out, so you have to drive everywhere.  The only saving grace was the rental car.  I rented a Crossfire which is a cute little two-seater sports car, so at least I had speed and function.  It really helped when I arrived on Thursday, but my luggage didn't, so I had to run to downtown to pick up something, then back to the airport for my luggage, which had to arrive on the next flight to Houston.  Next it was the complete other side of town to get my eyebrows threaded by Sonnie at Genesis Day Spa, then to the center of Houston for a manicure by Mary.  Whoa.  By the time I made it to Tanya's house, I was in full road rage mode.  I had to take a deep breath, inhale my Whataburger hamburger.  Why can't they have those out here?  Next, change clothes, let Tanya do my eye makeup and then head to Fashion Week Live. 

The FWL was truly like a NY show.  They put this huge white tent in front of a beautiful waterfall.  You walked in and there were champagne hors d'oeuvre, basically the whole nine yards.  And just like most NY fashion shows.  It started late.  9:30 pm to be exact.  I was running on fumes since I had been up since 3:30 to get to Houston.  All that was water under the bridge, once I saw Ms. Naomi Campbell herself sashay down that runway.  Peter Som was the guest fashion designer who came to promote the event. 

Sounds like a whirlwind and this was just Thursday.  I'll post on my beauty finds in Houston later.

I'm Baaack!

Ladies, I'm back.  Exhausted, but back.  I will post later, in detail, about my trip, but I wanted to let everyone in on some new Beauty News.  Thanks for all the well wishes for me and the blog on our first birthday yesterday.

• Tricia Sawyer will introduce signature pieces from her new line on QVC - April 22.
• Prescriptives is launching a Super Line Preventer Xtreme.  For fans of the original this seems like the next beauty step.
• Katherine Heigl (Izzy from Grey's Anatomy) is the new face of Nautica's next women's fragrance.
• Sarah Jessica Parker is starting a clothing line called Bitten.  I don't have any information other than this, but I will keep everyone updated.  This is one celebrity line I know I will buy.

Have a great day. 

Bonne Anniversaire

Today is the "first birthday" of the blog.  I can't believe it's been one year already.  Funny how times flies when you are having fun and talking about beauty, lipgloss, life, love and products.  If you have recently discovered me, here's the link to my very first post.  I hope I can continue to inspire, encourage, uplift, relax, relate, and laugh into your lives.  Thanks to my readers for making this year, one of the best of my life.  It's right up there with my first visit to Paris.  I've enjoyed the ride.  Please continue to read, comment, and enjoy life to the fullest.  Remember, we can only live once, but if we live it right, once is enough.  MWAH!!!

May the lipgloss be with you.

Weekend Beauty Warrior

I'm having a wonderful time visiting family and friends.  The Fashion Week Live event was BANANAs and I will post about that when I get home on Tuesday.  Of course, I have been having so much fun, despite the road rage I'm having because I have forgotten how big Houston is.  I've spent more time in a car the past two days than in the past 6 months.  At least the weather is holding up and the sunroof is open and the windows are down.  I've had Tex-Mex twice and about 4 margaritas. 

I visited the wonderful Ms. Juanita today at Neimans and I will tell everyone about my purchases next week.  Not too much lipgloss, but some old faithfuls and another round of perfume to add to the wardrobe.  I picked up some Kevyn Aucoin Enhancer that I hadn't tried before.  I saw the Proenza Schouler lipstick up close and personal in the sample. Definitely not for my skin color.  I have been wearing the Behnaz Red, but I don't think the PS lipstick is as compromable.  On my hand it looked as if I decided to apply Pepto Bismal as makeup.  The consistency felt nice, but the coloring was just off.  Being the product explorer that I am, I knew I had to research it, but the consumer in me knew it was a color created for a different skin tone.  This just won't work for me. I think it would look good on someone with light hair and fair, but I think you will have to really work it, mix, and match.  Maybe, and that's a big maybe, it might work.

I left NM and headed to Target to see if I could find some of Proenza's collection that wasn't available back home.  I purchased the silk navy dress back in DC and can't wait to wear it, but I was looking for the cardigan that was sold out.  Two Targets later and nothing, zilch, zero.  I was doing my "daily" internet reads and realized that Lucky Magazine is giving away five Proenza Schuler outfits.  If you weren't lucky to get a piece of this collection, check out Lucky Magainze for details on how to enter and win - entry starts Tuesday, March 13.

May your weekend be filled with laughter and lipgloss. Mom is coming in tomorrow and we will be hitting Marshalls and TJ Maxx.  I know TJ has been carrying Ahava products, so I hope I can score some them.  Also, thanks for voting for the Organic Beauty Bar.  I will let everyone know the results when I find out.

P.S.  If there are a few misspelled words, sorry, my wireless pop-up blocker is blocking the spell check or it could be the strawberry margaritas :)

A Bar Made for Beauty

I'm calling all my beauty junkies.  My girl Dana Greaves has been chosen as a finalist for the ideaWins Ultimate Challenge.  What does she need all the beauty junkies to do is vote.  Dana has created a vision called the Organic Beauty Bar, it's like a smoothie bar, but for your skin.  Here's a link to her video presentation.  Please watch, listen and vote.  The winner will receive space in NY, plus seed money to get their dreams off to a great start.  Dana's concept is wonderful.  Please let's vote and support her beauty cause.  Voting ends March 10.   

There's No Place Like Home

There's no place like home, except for Paris, but that's a different post.  I'm so excited about tomorrow that I could barely sleep last night.  I'm going home to Houston.  Yes, I'm getting to see all my family and friends.  The true excitement is getting to eat all the food I so desperately miss.  I miss the wonderful Tex-Mex chicken enchiladas at Chuy's and I definitely miss the margaritas.  Frozen, straight out of a machine and $5.  I know we have Rosa Mexicana here, but $9 for a frozen drink is just too much, too much.  I can't wait to experience the 70 degree temps either. 

I will be attending the Fashion Week Live in Houston, hitting up Neimans for my beauty week purchases waiting for me with Ms. Juanita, visiting the Glam Squad (hair, eyebrows, nails, masseuse, and makeup).  I'm praying that Tanya will have energy to beat my face for the event, but we will see.  I know she's had a busy week so I don't want to push.  I will just raid her two trunks full of makeup.  Yes, two full trunks.  Think fishing trunks that people use to keep bait and all that crap.  Yes, that's what she has.  It's like beauty candyland.

I was on the phone with Lianne the other day and we were discussing my insane obsession with the scent of vanilla.  Mom is obsessed with gardenia.  I'm always searching for the right vanilla, not to sweet, but just right for my "olfactory" senses.  I own at least 15 bottles of vanilla perfume from the Body Shop, Fragonard, L'Artisan, Comptoir Sud Pacifique, Bath & Body Works, Lavanila, Serge Lutens, and many more.  I'm trying to branch out to other scents, so my first will be the Bali Orchid from Victoria Secret Beauty Exotic Nectars.  I want to try the scent mist.  I know that VSB has revamped their makeup and they started carrying various lines like Lola, Global Goddess, Jing Jang, Scott Barnes, Vincent Longo and Tarte. 

Beauty News: 

• My main girl Bobbi Brown will make her debut this Saturday on QVC.  I hate I'm going to miss it, so I will Tivo it and watch when I get back. 
• Jennifer Hudson has been tapped by Avon to be the new face of the Imari fragrance.
• Rumor has it that Alexander McQueen has teamed up with MAC to produce a limited edition makeup collection that he used in his Paris show last week.

Au revoir and may the lip gloss be with you.

Beauty and the Move

I moved into my new place this weekend and it's interesting to see what new things you find when you move.  I've discovered that I don't have to keep every hardback of James Patterson's Alex Cross series, so I will donate those. This leaves room for the new Amazon order I placed this morning.  I realize I must keep every recipe that has been ripped out of magazines, because who knows when I am going to make Gruyere Cheese Popovers from an old cooking magazine.  Although I've only made them once and the magazine is dated 2002.  So I resolve to organize my recipes.  It's easier to put off organizing my makeup, especially when one of my friend's informed me that I own more products than should be legally allowed.  One of my movers asked me, "do you really wear all that makeup."  I replied, "yes."  "Well you don't look like you need it, what are you 25."  The grin on my face was HUGE.  I told him my real age and he went "well you need to keep doing what you are doing."  I told him it's the skincare.  A recent friend told me I was "well preserved" last week at lunch.  Thanks Loch, I love that statement.   

The move was going well until they moved the dresser.  "Julia, I think you may want to take a look at this."  What did they find.  There were three bottles of perfume that I had fallen behind the dresser, five lip glosses and two sets of chandelier earrings.  I was so happy, it was like I had just went shopping.  There was my vanilla travel size scents from Sephora, a travel size Trish McEvoy Blackberry Vanilla #9 fragrance, and an ENTIRE bottle of Bulgari Jasmine.  How did that get back there?  There was also a Becca Lip Gloss in Caipirinha, two Bobbi Brown lip glosses, 1 Chanel and 2 Wet 'n Wild.  I had to laugh, especially when I had not one, but two bags of fragrances.  I take the Estee Lauder belief that women should have a wardrobe of fragrances literally. 

Now, the only thing better than finding lost products is acquiring new products.  So, on yesterday, between running back to the old place, to get stuff, I made a quick stop to pick up "I need new makeup to bless my new place."  I didn't have to get far in Macys.  There it was.  The Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Eye/Face Kit in Warm.  I normally go to EA, just for my 8-Hour Cream, but this palette made me stop.  The 3 eyeshadow colors look great and I love this blush.  I tested the Cool and that one could work for me as well.  I'm taking this to Houston with me this week.  I also got a whiff on their new Mediterranean perfume.  Luscious.  So next time you bypass Elizabeth Arden in the store, back up and see what they have.  You might leave with a new beauty favorite and an old faithful, just like I did. 

Beauty News

Here's the latest in Beauty News.

• John Galliano will release a signature scent in Fall 2008.
• Makeup Artist Dick Page has been named Artistic Director for Color of Shiseido.  I know this will help boost their makeup line and take the company to another level.
• Boucheron Parfums will introduce Miss Boucheron next month.  I love Boucheron and get wait to get my hands on this.
• Vannessa Minnillo is the 2007 guest creator of Flirt Cosmetics, which is available at Kohl's.
• Target will start featuring Lumene products, which are currently available at CVS.

Hand-ling With Care

Heather, DAWLING, I take my title with pride and a makeup bag full of lipgloss.  I have the same problem.  I work as a legal assistant and the paper that passes through my manicured fingertips everyday is crazy.  Not too mention how the smallest paper cuts hurt the worse.  I understand your dilemma. 

So, I give to you my choices for hand cream that's soothe, heal, and are just delicious. 

1. Neutrogena Norwegian Formal Hand Cream.  For under $5 this stuff is great.  I have used it and you can sometimes find samples before you take the plunge to buy. 
2. Burt's Bees Shea Butter Hand Repair Creme.  I picked up these super small .56 oz tubes at CVS.  They were 2 for $5 and they are next to my keyboard.
3. Creative Nail Design Solar Balm.  Yes, this is meant for your cuticles, but I like to apply a small amount to the paper cut to stop bleeding and then put a band-aid on.  It's wonderful.  It's also less messier than the oil and carries well in your makeup bag. 
4. Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (smallest size is $12.50).  This is thick and will get you through paper cuts and hand washing.  Kiehl's Unusually Rich, but Not Greasy Hand Cream with SPF 10 for $15.50.  If you want a hand cream, with SPF, which is great in the summer because remember hands age too.
5. L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream.  The large is $25 and the small is $10.  I can remember when the large was $15 and that means I'm really dating myself.  I like to think of this hand cream as the "Manolo" of hand creams.  The consistency is thick and the scent is not overpowering.  Sephora carries the small tubes near the register if you can't make it to the store. 

On to lipgloss:

TINte Cosmetics is makeup created with the past in mind.  The creator, Stacy Provines, decided to make a creamy lip color with shea butter, but to make it retro she used sliding tins.  The Flavored Lip Color in Blackberry Jam looks so good on me that I had to call mom and tell her that I finally found a lipgloss she would like.  My mother doesn't love lipglosses, they are just okay.  She says that the color leaves to soon and "doesn't stain her lips."    I can't wait to let her try this next week when I'm home.  This will be perfect for women who don't like shimmer and want something easy.  I can remember when lipglosses came in these tins.  It makes me remember when I begged Pops for  just "one more gloss, I promise I won't tell mom" and watching him give in to the baby of the family and his only daughter.  I had that man wrapped around my finger.  I can remember sliding the tin back and forth just to peak at the gloss.  So, here I was this morning sliding and dabbing with my new gloss.  I thank Stacy for thinking of all the "girls" in every woman.  The tag line "tested on boys, not animals" is priceless.  Just don't take my word for it.  Ms. Tia at Shake Your Beauty is addicted to the Root Beer flavor.  So get the some TINte.

Love, life and lipgloss.