How-to: Fall Eye Makeup

Fall Eye Makeup

I can't get enough of purple

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup tips article See the reasons why I'm digging purple eye makeup this season and the products I'm using to get this look. See makeup

Are you Obsessive Compulsive with your Cosmetics?

OCC, otherwise known as Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is a new discovery I made at The Makeup Show in NYC back in May. They carry a great assortment of cosmetics, from an airbrush kit for professionals, to eye pigments and lip colors. One thing that really jumped out at me was their variety of their eye-shadows colors or their Loose Colour Pigments. These three shades are the Loose Colour Concentrates in Ginger, Nori & Ginger (don't you love the sushi theme here?) which debuted this summer. How gorgeous!!

I had the opportunity to try a few of their popular products to review- their Lip Tar (lip glosses), Nail top coat in Flatline, and Eye Loose Colour Concentrate in Wasabi. I'm definitely going to have to check out them out- they're local- NYC! :)



The Lip Tar is a moisturizing lip gloss but can you say BRIGHT? This beautiful coral color is perfect to grab attention and when I say they're pigmented- it's no joke. The color you see is just as shown in the picture. They're smooth on your lips- made of castor and hemp seed oils as well as peppermint oil.

The Flatline top coat is a milky white color that looks like it should make your nails glow-in-the-dark. However, it doesn't- Flatline will just make them ultra-matte. If you have a sparkly glittery polish and just want to mattify the color, this top coat will be perfect. I normally don't use top coats but this one is keeper. A thin coat is all I needed and it works great to extend the life of my nail polish.

The Wasabi eye colour is neon-green BRIGHT! I've never seen wasabi that bright before, hehe! This is a fun pigment to wear for a special party and it's also really pigmented. There are tons of other colors to choose from.. check it out here!

(Disclaimer: I received this product at the MUS to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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California Baby supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

If you're a mother, know of any expecting mothers, then you should recommend California Baby to them! They have personal care products geared towards babies, kids and sensitive adults. Their natural skincare products are not only made of organic ingredients that are safe and gentle for your skin- they also feel good on your skin. My California Baby favorite is their Everyday Lotion!

October is coming soon and if you didn't already know, it's also Breast cancer Awareness month. California Baby is supporting this cause by donating a portion of its proceeds from their "I Love You" line to the California Breast Cancer Research Program. The "I Love You" skincare line is all-natural & organic like the rest of their products, and is especially aromatherapeutic. It's meant for mothers and anyone else who wants to relieve stress/tension, when they use the Bubble Bath, Massage Oil and Spritzer.

I Love You Bubble Bath review...
I was sent the I Love You Bubble Bath to try and so far I am liking this scent! I don't really take baths so I use this more as a body wash. A quarter sized amount dallop on a sponge is more than enough to create a good lather. It's very calming and I recommend this after a long day of work. :) It contains ylang ylang and sweet orange to give you the zen you need to relax and have a good night's rest. Since it is all natural, the bubble bath does not over-dry your skin with synthetic fragrances/ingredients.

Right now- you can save 10% off the entire line of I Love You products on californiababy.com/i-love-you.html with the code: SUPPORTTHEFIGHT2010
P.S. The Bunny Tote is SO CUTE.. check it out!

(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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NEST fragrances - Pumpkin Chai & PROJECT ART collection

Fall is officially here! The cool, crisp Autumn air and the leaves changing colour are my favorite parts of September. Unfortunately it's been a pretty warm month, however it doesn't mean I can't enjoy the changing of the seasons within my home.

(Available at Neiman Marcus and fine retail stores near you, $32, USD)

Recently I learned about the brand- NEST fragrances- which was founded by Laura Slatkin. (You may recognize Slatkin & Co. in Bath & Body Works stores near you.) NEST fragrances is celebrating Autumn with its Pumpkin Chai Candle, especially made with a blend of wild pumpkin, cinnamon, spicy Masala chai and ginger scents.

Even without burning the candle, you can smell its rich aroma! This special edition candle can last up to 50 hours of consecutive burn time. My favorite part of the candle is its packaging. Even after the candle is finished, I can reuse its container. :)
In edition to the Pumpkin Chai Candle..

The collection in Orange Kumquat.

NEST fragrances has created a new collection called PROJECT ART- a fabulous selection of candles, soaps, hand lotions, and reed diffusers for your home. Easily accessible at your local Hallmark or BedBath& Beyond stores, these products bring luxury, quality and a wonderful scent right into your home.

There are so many great scents, 12 in total, including your fall favorites- Cinnamon Spice, Apple, Pumpkin as well as floral & citrus scents. I was sent the hand soap in Juliette Rose which has a subtle potpourri scent. I don't normally go for the floral ones- but I am really liking this. It contains granular beads that's used to exfoliate while you wash. It's formula is non-drying at all. :)

I also tried the Orange Kumquat hand lotion and this smells ABSOLUTELY YUMMY! If I could, I would eat the bottle. It smells like a juicy can of kumquats (?) although I never had those before, but it's like tons and tons of oranges all squished into one bottle. This lotion has been keeping my hand (and legs) moisturized and super soft all week. Your house guests will love this when they come over!

The Pumpkin candle from the PROJECT ART collection. I cannot wait to try the new Holiday fragrances- Holiday & Peppermint Twist. Stay tuned to learn about them!

Follow me or subscribe. :)

(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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Clinique Bonus Time - Fall 2010 - It's here!

It's almost October and I'm already wondering- what is the new Clinique Bonus gift this season? I haven't heard of any news yet about the Fall Clinique Bonus gift yet... but last year I didn't hear anything until mid-October. I have been getting these for the past few years and I really think I have ran out of things I need from Clinique. With a purchase of $21.50 at Macy's or other department stores, you can get a 6-8 piece bonus set including a cosmetics case, lipstick, eyeshadow, lotion, etc. Subscribe or Follow me to get the latest news!

***********UPDATE*****************

It's October and it's finally here!! You get to choose between the Nudes or Violets lipstick. This 7 piece set gets you two cosmetic cases, mascara, moisturizng lotion and eye colour compact and the All About Eyes Serum depuffing eye massage. (Which I was thinking of getting anyway!)

Will you be getting this??

Previous Clinique Bonus Time:
Spring 2010: http://igknowidea.blogspot.com/2010/03/clinique-bonus-at-macys-spring-2010.html
Fall 2009: http://igknowidea.blogspot.com/2009/10/clinique-bonus-at-macys-in-october.html
Spring 2009: http://igknowidea.blogspot.com/2009/04/clinique-bonus-at-macys-now-until-april.html



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Women's Health 2010 Are You Game? In New York City

On Saturday September 18, Women's Health magazine's Are You Game? event took place on Hudson Pier 46 in NYC (again!) Last year I had a blast and this year I expected nothing less. :) Of course, I had a great time and even saw two friends there too.

How did this compare to last year's?

There were a few changes in terms of its format...
- Pricing: It was FREE last year and this year they charged $10 per person. It was free for College students though, so glad that Women's Health is supporting college kids!

- Exercise Classes: Similar to the SELF workout in the Park event, classes were first come first serve b/c they gave out wrist bands. They also had two stages- a mat workout & a main stage workout for anyone to join. Last year- you just had to wait in line.. so this was a plus!

- Makeovers: This year's tent had several lines and a variety of beauty makeovers including manicures, dry hair styling, lip gloss touch-ups and make up touch-ups. Last year, it was just make-up.
- Fun/Games: Last year there was a bungy jumping thing and this year they had a mechanical bull & simulated kayak ride.

- Freebies: This year they gave free yoga mats to the first 1,300 participants and tote bags. Last year, they gave away a different item for each exercise class.

Instead of taking an exercise class, I spent time engaging with the sponsors and learning what they had to offer. My favorite was learning how to swing a golf club from a Pro.


Can't wait for next year's event!




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Support Breast Cancer Awareness Research with Foot Petals, Lindsay Phillips & Lolita

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and almost everything pink-ribboned that is sold during the month is probably supporting Breast Cancer Research! (Check your product/retailer for details!)

Here are a few items that I wanted to share..

Foot Petals - One of my feet must-haves are its Tip Toes. How excited was I to find out they created these Heart-shaped Tip Toes in pink! They are as cushion-y as the regular ones I have (see my review on the Foot Petals products from last year) but just a bit brighter.

Foot Petals will be donating 10% of sales from the Rose Heart Tip Toes and Rose Heart Dots Tip Toes to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure; global leader of the worldwide fight against breast cancer.

Who else will be donating?


Lolita carries unique products in their stores and they have a new collection of BCA products. They will be donating 10% of the proceeds to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, as well. The wine glass, sundae bowl and purse hanger are my three fave items from their Pink Ribbon collection.

The above shoes and scarf are especially made to support Breast Cancer Awareness by Lindsay Phillips. The Ida Breast Cancer Switch Flop ($37) has a unique fuschia ruffle strap and a gold base. These switch flops are very cool b/c you can switch the top straps so it looks like you're wearing a new flip flop every time! An easy switch to update your look! The Belleview Scarf ($25) is colorful enough to brighten your mood and wardrobe. It also makes a great gift for a friend, mom, granny, etc. 25% of the purchase price will be donated to Young Survival Coalition and The Mammography Voucher Program at Morton Plant Mease Hospital.


Learn more about Breast Cancer Research Foundation at: http://www.bcrfcure.org/

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How-to: Skin Care Guide for Women with Zero Time

A Skin Care Guide for Women with Zero Time

Use these quick, easy tricks for your AM and PM routine

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care tips article If you have no time for a lengthy skin care routine, then this is the guide for you. Experts share simple skin care tips for the busy woman. Read guide

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Living Proof Full Shampoo & Conditioner Review

Last month, I went to a session to learn more about the Living Proof haircare products- specifically their Full Shampoo & Conditioner & Full Root Lifting Spray. If you haven't heard of Living Proof before, you may heard of No Frizz products. The "Full" line is designed for fine, limp hair which I unfortunately have.. One of my biggest hair issues is having no volume.. and also having too much frizz! (Make that two issues!) What I love about this line is that the shampoo & conditioner duo uses a sulfate-free formula to clean the dirt, oil and any residue to protect your hair and nourish it back to life without weighing it down.

My thoughts?
The scent is pretty good- nothing citrus-y or floral so don't expect any of that jazz. You don't have to use a lot of the product each time- a nickel size of each is more than enough since the shampoo lathers really well and my hair feels so smooth after conditioning. Even though the products aren't meant to remove frizz, I feel like my flyaways seem less noticeable after using this.

Root Lifting Spray & Thickening Cream- After your wash, the Living Proof Full haircare line includes the spray and cream which will make your hair go the distance and give it its oomph! When I'm in a rush the spray is all I use- about a few pumps is enough. For the extra volume, I use the the Full Thickening Cream with its new technological Poly Beta Amino Ester-1 formula. I recommend curling your hair too or at least giving your hair some waves which gives instant boost.

Overall, I am excited that Living Proof has come out with this new line! Moderately priced from $14- $24, if you use these products wisely, each bottle can last a long time. (Remember a nickel sized amount is all you need!) Next time you're at Sephora, be sure to pick up one of their products!

(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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How-to: Refresh and Relax - Tips To Take Care of You!

Refreshing and Relaxing Tips

Quick ways to take care of your body and hands

This is a TotalBeauty.com health & beauty article Stop and give yourself some love with these expert tips from massage therapists: Laura Meyers from Talisker Spa at Tuhaye and Randi Sharp from the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. See tricks

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September Update

I am baaaack! Sorry I have been MIA most of this summer but I am back and ready for the FALL season to begin. Blame it on my recent vacation to Italy or the crazy tornado that hit NY, but I am seriously excited for the Holidays already..

I have so many things to share with you that I have been saving until now, including Fashion's Night Out (some pictures), Yogalicious Cosmetics events last week and the Women's Health Are You Game? event this past weekend. Oh, and tons of great product reviews that I am sure you will enjoy!

Don't forget to enter my Conair Pro Infiniti giveaway contest here: http://igknowidea.blogspot.com/2010/09/win-infiniti-pro-conair-hair-dryer.html Giveaway has been extended to Oct. 15, 2010!

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Top Hair Model Search in NYC- Sept. 15

Celebrity Hairstylist Tara Smith will be at NYC's Duane Reade in Union Square to find her "Top hair model" for her haircare products. If you think you've got great hair and the 'tude to go with it, be sure to check it out!

Can't make the casting call? Enter online now:http://tarasmith.com/casting.asp

Tara Smith's "Top Model" will receive the following:
•$500 cash
•$500 in product from Envite.com
•$200 in Tara Smith Organic and Natural Hair Care


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WIN an Infiniti Pro Conair Hair Dryer!

NY Fashion Week is so close I can just smell the fab new clothes waiting to be strut down the aisles! And if you're in the NYC area & lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the designers or the models after the show, I want you to pay attention to their HAIR! Last Fall I was backstage at Christian Siriano's show and although the makeup was fabulous, the hair-dos were just as impressive. You know that this summer has been quite humid, and you need something powerful to tame your mane.

For the past 2 weeks now, I have been using the new Infiniti Pro by Conair™ 1875-Watt Salon-Performance AC Motor Styling Tool, which puts all my other hairdryers I have ever used to shame. This light-weight hairdryer uses an alternating current motor which makes the noise that only salon hair dryers ever seem to make. It also dries my hair a lot quicker than my other Conair hairdyer I picked up at Walmart last year. What I like most about this is that I feel like I'm getting my hair done at a salon at a fraction of the cost, with a similar powerful tool. Also the sleek curvy handling makes it easier to hold!

Features of the Infiniti Pro Conair Hair Dryer include 3 heat settings (Hot, Warm, Cool) and 2 Speeds (High, Low). There's also a "COOL" setting which is PERFECT for the hot, humid days when you need anything but more hot hair to dry your hair. Also great for setting curls!

Enter this giveaway to win your very own Infiniti Pro Conair Hair Dryer by leaving a comment below, telling me why YOU need a new hair dryer! (Limited to US residents only. (1) Prize provided by Conair's PR agency.)

Ends: 10/15/2010 12 MIDNIGHT EST.
****** Contest is now over*****
Congrats to....... Entry #2 Timbo!

Can't wait? Get yours today at your local store or at http://www.conairdryer.com/, for an average retail price of $38.99. The other Conair hairdryer I bought at Walmart was about $30 and didn't have all the settings like this one. Great deal!

Try Before you Buy in NYC! Stop by Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall to get a free demo/blow-out/curl! Details at: http://www.conairbeautypatrol.com/



(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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Best Tools for the Best Hair

The Best Tools for the Best Hair

Make your hair look like a hairstylist by did it by picking up these tools

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care article Pro stylists are very particular about which blow dryers, brushes, flat irons, etc. they use. Check out this roundup of the hairstyling tools they recommend, so that you can get your best hair -- ever. See tools

Fall 2010 Beauty Guide

Fall Beauty Guide

Look polished in a pinch by following these fresh hair and makeup tricks

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article Makeup artist Sue Devitt and celeb hairstylist George Papanikolas show us how to create fall's hottest beauty trends -- in mere minutes. See tricks

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