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Monday, May 31, 2010

Father's Day Gifts from Surf-Vival & C.O. Bigelow

Father's Day is coming up on Sunday, June 20, but you still have time to get your Dad something special. Every year for me, it's the usual clothes, leather wallet, some electronic or tool that he was eyeing, but this year I have a few different options I'd like to share.


For your Outdoor-sy Dad who loves to hike, bike, and do everything outside, including surf if you're lucky enough to be near the water, then you'll want him to be safe from the sun!

The Surf-Vival Kit from Smart Girls Who Surf includes everything your dad will need to protect himself from UV rays- SPF 30 Sunblock, SPF 32 Face Stick, Soap for Surfers Glycerin Soap and an SPF 15 Lip Balm. What is so special about Surf-Vival products is that they're chemical-free and paraben-free as well as created in biodegradeable packaging so it's safe to use in the water.

Review of Pure Glycerin Soap- This light green soap is gentle for your skin as well as moisturizing. It's hypo-allergenic and veggie based. I liked that the soft Cucumber scent was not overbearing but rather pleasant. Definitely a great soap to use whether you're on the go, for travel when you're at a public pool, etc. This was tested by surfers too!

Review of Organic SPF32 Face Stick- This is one of my summer's must have! It contains 8% Titanium Dioxide to give you the sun protection you need with agility to carry this around on-the-go so you can reapply as necessary. It's also water-resistant! It comes out out really white but at least you'll know where you applied it.





For your Sophisticated dad who likes to look spiffy and clean, the C.O. Bigelow Barber Collection has 4 different scents that will suit him!

Elixir White- Modern, Bright and Refined. (not shown)
Elixir Blue- Refreshing, Adventurous and Clean.
Elixir Black- Confident, Exotic and Rich.
Elixir Red- Sexy, Warm and Smooth.

In each Elixir Collection, you can choose from the following- a Cologne ($19.50 USD), Hair and Body Wash ($10.00 USD), Deodorizing Body Spray ($10.00 USD), After-Shave Moisture Lotion ($10.00 USD) and Ultra-Light Body Lotion ($10.00 USD).

I used to buy C.O. Bigelow lip balms, available at Bath & Body Works- great variety of products to choose for yourself while you're shopping.. :)

Review of No. 1581 Elixir Black Cologne- This cologne has blends of exotic agar wood and tonka bean with undertones of amber, musk and vanilla, if you can imagine what that smells like. Basically, this cologne screams confidence and sexy!! This is the perfect gift to make him feel like a million bucks! It comes in a sleek black, glass bottle that sprays the cologne. It's 2.5 fl. oz is the perfect size for travel and on the bathroom counter.

(Check out www.ilovebigelow.com for more great products!)

pilsner glass
For your Sporty Dad who loves to play and watch his favorite games on TV, whether it be basketball, football, golf etc, this Pilsner Glass is perfect for him. He can enjoy his beer or cold beverage in this glassware. The two shown here are the Game Lolita Pilsner Glass and the 19th Hole Lolita Pilsner Glass. (Available at www.thelolitastore.com, $25 USD each) There are also other options on this site that will make great gifts for yourself and your girlfriends including cute cosmetic bags, aprons and candles!


(Disclaimer: I received only products reviewed from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)
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Mario Badescu- Cleansers and Moisturizers

Mario Badescu is one of the first non-drugstore skincare line that I have ever tried. The first product I used was their Buffer Lotion for my acne. I believe their little bottle lasted me years- I threw it out after 4-5 years?! I also tried their masks, honey moisturizer and a few more. Check out my previous Mario Badescu reviews from last year.

Recently saw them again at The Makeup Show in NYC and fell in love with their new products. All the ones I have tried earlier are, in my mind, Classic Mario Badescu products. A few new products I was able to test that I haven't used were the Citrus Body Cleanser and the AHA & Ceramide Cleanser.

Review of Classic products (have used this for the past 5 years):

Seaweed Cleansing Lotion- This is my go-to toner and even cleanser when I don't have a lot of time for my combination and extra sensitive skin. It leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed without stinging! It contains seaweed and aloe extracts for your sensitive skin as well as mild witch hazel to clean your pores. This is great for the summer when you feel extra greasy. :) (8 oz., $15 USD) (Read more reviews.)


Review of New Mario Badescu products:


Citrus Body Cleanser- As you may already know, anything Citrus already has a thumbs up from me so I'm naturally biased. It has a great pleasant smell and it is not as gel-like as I thought it would be. It's more like liquid soap, but I am amazed this body cleanser foamed very well. I used my loofah with this to exfoliate and it worked nicely. (8 oz., $10 USD) (Read more reviews.)

AHA & Ceramide Moisturizer- This moisturizer is meant to be worn during the summer. Why? although it doesn't contain SPF (which I strongly recommend) this is an oil-free, gentle moisturized that is meant to reduce sun damage and wrinkles. It contains Alpha Hydroxy to rejuvenate your skin! (2 oz., $20 USD) (Read more reviews.)


(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Sunday, May 30, 2010

Suddenly Darling- Free $25 Giftcard


After many months of hard work, I finally got my first Suddenly Darling prize! I accumulated 10,000 Darling Points to "purchase" a $25 GC to Starbucks. :) I go to Starbucks at least once a week for my afternoon Zen and having this will definitely help out with my frequent trips.

Want to get your own gift card- either Starbucks, Forever 21, and more?

Become a Suddenly Darling and check out their site for more details!

You basically have various ways of earning "Darling Points" such as logging in daily, voting polls, leaving comments, etc., (different ways of being an active Darling member)! So don't wait, join now!

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Friday, May 28, 2010

Get rid of Cold Sores with LIP CLEAR Lysine+


If you're suffering from a cold sore (painful blisters that form right outside the mouth or even on your lips), you want to find relief fast! I used to get allergic reactions to using to what I have narrowed down as chemical ingredients in SPF lip products. My entire lips would swell up and it was a not pretty sight. However allergic reactions could have been controlled, but unfortunately, cold sores occur because one may catch the virus unknowingly.


What triggers cold sores? Sunlight, arginine rich foods, fever, illness, stress, food allergies and hormonal changes.

How do you know if you have a cold sores? When you feel a painful blister forming around your mouth area, and it's causing you major discomfort, including itchiness and pain.

Solution? Treat and heal your cold sores that are formed because of HSV1 (Herpes Simplex Virus 1) quickly with LIP CLEAR Lysine + Cold Sore Treatment, all natural product. It uses active zinc oxide, lysine (an essential amino acid) and other natural ingredients to help get rid of them as quickly as 3-4 days. It's also clear so people can't tell you're wearing this to help soothe and relieve any itchiness and burning.

For more info, check out www.lipclear.com !



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Thursday, May 27, 2010

How-to: Get Office-Friendly Hairstyles

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9 Office-Friendly Hairstyles

Look put-together for work by copying these stars' styles


9 Office-Friendly Hairstyles

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article

The best part about these hairstyles? They can be done in minutes.

See hairstyles


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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Three Custom Color Specialists Debuts the Getaway Collection

Three Custom Color Specialists, a cosmetic company that exhibited at The Makeup Show in NY, offers custom blended makeup for all skin tones, debuts their reformulated lipsticks in their Getaway Collection. This collection includes 5 gorgeous colours- (from left to right) Majorca, Bora Bora, St. Tropez, Santorini, and Copacabana.



This new formula is created to be more moisturizing with good-for-you ingredients such as Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil and Jojoba Oil, so your lips will be soft all summer long!


Review: My favorite lipshades are the Copacabana which has gold shimmer and Santorini with silver shimmers. (These shimmers are great for reflection under the bright summer sun.) Overall, the shades are extremely pigmented and lasted a long time. I enjoyed the fact that these colors were so bright, colorful to really brighten your mood.


This doesn't come out until June, 2010 but I was able to test these and wear these gorgeous shades. Many company's summer collections seem to lean towards being on a tropical island destination- makes me want to book a flight there ASAP!

Check Three Custom Color Specialists online @ www.threecustom.com

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)
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How-to: Get Sex & The City Hair Styles with Remington

In addition to the Shimmer in the City NYC event with Physicians Formula, this Thursday, May 27 is the day that Sex & The City 2 debuts in theaters!

Not only do these gals have great fashion, style and shoes, their hair is also amazing! Want to get their look with Remington hair tools?



Get BIG CURLS like Carrie Bradshaw with the Remington Colossal Curl Setters to get these jumbo curls for your hair.
Get beach-wavy curls like Samantha with the Wet 2 Straight iron! The iron has curved plates to get this look and can be used for wet hair!
To get Charlotte's Park Avenue waves, you'll need Remington's 3-in-1 Styler to get pristine curls for elegance. It also comes with a beach-wave attachment (not shown.)
Get polished, sleek hair like Miranda with the Frizz Therapy Iron. Don't forget to use heat protectant spray!




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Monday, May 24, 2010

Physicians Formula- Shimmer in the City event on May 27


Attention all New York City beauties! This Thursday May 27, Physicians Formula will be at specific hotspots in NYC to give out coupons, freebies, info on their Bronzer products. They're teaming up with Z-100 (a popular radio station in NYC) and Cupcake Truck (free cupcakes?) while they hand out free coupons to redeem at local Duane Reader stores valid in NYC stores.

Follow them on Twitter @PFCosmetics for exact locations!!

Locations:
8-10AM @ Penn Station - This could be anywhere surround the 33/34th Street area!
12-ish @ Times Square - During lunch time
2:30-3:30pm @ Flat Iron District
4-5 PM @ Herald Square (close to penn station again)


Enter my Celebrate Summer giveaway, now!


Bonus- The weather forecast for this Thursday is supposed to be HOT- so bring it on bronzers!

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Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Makeup Show in NYC- Insider Look!

Exactly one week ago was the Makeup Show in New York! It was my first trade event that I attended as press and I'm so grateful for the opportunity! That weekend, I learned so much about the makeup industry from exhibitors and makeup artist speakers and demos, and gained exposure to many different makeup brands I have not heard of. I definitely enjoyed my first time at The Makeup Show and I'm looking forward to attending next year's!

Who attended? Some brands that I already adore include L'Oreal, Mario Badescu, and Korres. It was great to meet new ones such as Naked Cosmetics, Eve Pearl, Three Custom Color Specialists, Mai Couture and so many more!

Stay tuned for more product reviews on specific brands at The Makeup Show!


If you weren't able to attend or have never gone, here is your insider look!








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Friday, May 21, 2010

Summer Stock-Up Beauty Event with Beauty.com and AtHisBest.com


Be a part of this Summer's Largest Giveaway with Beauty.com & AtHisBest.com in New York City. Today was Day One of Two of Summer Stock-Up so there's still time to get your hands on over 75,000 beauty samples given away to beauties, such as yourself.

The decal on this van was put on this morning, according to one of the guys who worked there. Pretty!!


Details of the event:

Friday, May 21st: 8:00am – 7:00pm; 59th Street and Fifth Avenue
Peter Thomas Roth; Stila; Borghese; Zeno; BareMinerals; Caudalie; tarte; Origins; Anthony Logistics; Somme Institute; Too Faced; Korres

Saturday, May 22nd: 10:00am – 6:00pm; 13th Street and Ninth Avenue
Jane Iredale; Somme Institute; Mission; BareMinerals; Darphin; Origins; Korres; Urban Decay; Pop Beauty
summer stock up beauty.com



Beauty brands such as KorresUSA, Stila and Urban Decay were on-site to give beauty tips and touch-ups. Each person who went through the Summer Stock-up area got a mini-goody bag with samples from the huge sample bin!





My fave part of the evening was learning about the 5-Step regimen with MDT5 created by Somme Institute. I even talked to the President who gave me helpful insights on my personal skincare routine! Can't wait to try out their products.
Follow them on Twitter @sommeinstitute


While waiting in line to get your goody bag, you can get touch-ups by Laura Gellar. Get bronzed and beautified!
laura gellar new york


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How-to: Get Salon Perfect Hair

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Want Salon Perfect Hair? Get It Here

Follow these expert tricks to getting healthy, shiny hair -- without stepping foot into a salon


Want Salon Perfect Hair? Get It Here

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article

You don't have to drop $60 on a blow out to get bouncy, commercial-worthy hair. All you need are a few hard working products and a little know-how.

See tips



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Thursday, May 20, 2010

NYC Sheckys Girls Days Out @ the Hamptons - July 10, 2010

Spend a Girls Days Out with Sheckys in the Hamptons this summer. Tickets are only $20 and you'll get to spend a day with your fave girls while sipping drinks, shopping for new clothes and checking our great apparel and accessories from plenty of specialized vendors. Don't miss out on all the fun!



Date: Sat., July 10th, 2010
Time: 1pm-6pm
Place: Southampton Historical Museum
17 Meeting House Ln. (Main St. & Jobs Lane)
Price: General Admission + Goodie Bag = $20 (for a limited time only!) Otherwise, it's $30

Can't make it to the Hamptons? Go to the NYC Girls Night Out instead!


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How-to: Perfect Your Job Interview Style

TotalBeauty.com
Perfect Your Job Interview Style

Want to beat out the competition? Follow these tips


Perfect Your Job Interview Style

This is a TotalBeauty.com beauty tips article

The job market is tough, we don't need to tell you that. What we can tell you is how to look perfectly put-together when you go in for that interview. Follow these guidelines and you're sure to win them over.

See tips





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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

"Celebrate Summer" Giveaway with Softlips and Certain Dri


CONTEST IS NOW OVER. STAY TUNED FOR MORE!

Summer is coming very soon and in order to prepare I am hosting a giveaway of two of summer essentials- lip balms and deodorant! I was recently contacted by Softlip's and Certain Dri's PR who are generously sponsoring this giveaway to my readers. In addition to giving away products from their Softlips PURE 100% natural line, they will also be giving away Certain Dri, an anti-perspirant, which is a must-have for the summer heat!

Stay tuned for my reviews on these products. So far, I am def. liking the multiple flavors of Softlips and Certain Dri's effectiveness!


To enter the giveaway, you must:

1) Be a follower of my blog. It's easy!

2) Be a resident of the U.S. or at least have a mailing address in the US AND agree to have your address given to the PR agency. (They will mail the products directly to you.)

3) Leave me a comment letting me know what you are looking forward to most during the summer.

4) Remember to come back on Monday, June 21 when I announce my giveaway winner who will win the Softlips PURE 100% natural line and a Certain Dri!!

Deadline to Enter: June 20, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST (Day before the First day of summer!)


(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers. This giveaway is sponsored, as well.)

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Friday, May 14, 2010

The Makeup Show in New York May 16-17, 2010


Beauty & All That will be providing detailed coverage of The Makeup Show this weekend, May 16-17, 2010. Stay tuned next week to get your insider view of the best industry shows! :)

Follow me so you won't miss another post!




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Thursday, May 13, 2010

How-to: Skin Care For All Ages

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Skin Care for Your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s

The secret to beautiful skin is using a regimen of products that addresses the issues you're facing


Skin Care for Your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s

This is a TotalBeauty.com anti-aging skin care article

With tons of products containing ingredients like antioxidants, retinoids, peptides, acids, etc., it's easy to think that you need to use them all -- right now. But that's not always the case. Follow this guide to discovering the skin care regimen that will help you fight aging without overdoing it.

See regimens


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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

SELF Workout in the Park- Recap 2010

This year is the third time I have participated in New York City's SELF Workout in the Park. Located at Central Park, this workout event brought women from all over the city to do one thing- workout! Similar to previous year's setup, there were booths around the main stage, and three areas- Quiet Zone for yoga/pilates/mat instructions, Main Stage for the large group workout, and the Rebound Zone- for Urban and Resistance Rebounding (aka. workout on a trampoline!)

Check out the 2009 SELF Workout in the Park recap here to compare.

Enjoy the pictures! Some of the booth sponsors worth mentioning are:
- SOYJOY- tons of Blueberry SOYJOY bars were sampled by the crowd
- Garnier Nutrisse- with makeup & hair consultations, and a Prize Wheel giveaway. You could either win a hair product or something special- like a Yoga Mat (Which I won!)
-Aerie F.I.T.- workout tanks, shorts, pants, etc. were on sale! Most were $20-$30- a great discount of their normal prices.
-SILK- gave away lots of SILK soy chocolate milk- yum!
-iVillage- giving away resistance bands- exclusive workout on their website! (have to check that out soon!)
-Asics- gave out hair-ties in a ball!

This is the main stage. A class hasn't started yet, but people are reserving their spots in front!

This is either the Sexy Stretch class or Masala Bhangra- either way, it was packed!

Look how crowded it was! There were hundreds of people!

People checking out the booths.. this was before it got really crowded and there were actually open space.


One of the best workouts, I have ever tried is Urban Rebounding. Thinking of getting a mini trampoline for this summer.. what do you think?

The Quiet Zone.. ommmm. :)




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Monday, May 10, 2010

Face Shop Black Head Pore Strips


In dire need of a facial, I used the next closest thing to getting rid of blackheads- the Face Shop's blackhead pore strips. These strips are similar to Biore's pore strips and they're simple to use. The only thing that makes this unique is that it contains charcoal and aloe (at least that is what the picture tells me.)

Since it contains traces of charcoal, I believe, it had a strong smell. Not the most pleasant, but it was bearable. The aloe was gentle enough for my skin.

Overall, I found this comparable to Biore's pore strips. The same amount of dirt, grime, blackheads were taken as the previous one I have used.




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Sunday, May 09, 2010

How-to: Get Softer Skin and Silkier Hair

TotalBeauty.com
Guide to Softer Skin and Silkier Hair

Get skin and hair tips galore on how to be your most touchable self


Guide to Softer Skin and Silkier Hair

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care article

After following these tips, he'll want to put his hands all over your body and run his fingers through your hair.

Get tips



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