| Readers share their secrets to super-soft skin |
 Which is the ultimate fave? Clinique? Neutrogena? Bath & Body Works? |
| TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.7* |
 Why it's great: "I love the scent but I love the scrub too. ... You can use it wet or dry and it gives you a good bit of friction, which I prefer, and no suds. I use it dry before my bath and it really gets my circulation going." |
| TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.0* |
 Why it's great: "Unlike some other scrubs which are difficult to wash off, this one is not greasy and smells good." |
| TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1* |
 Why it's great: "I can use [it] every day, and it keeps skin clean and clear with a fresh scent." |
Monday, December 1, 2008
From Total Beauty: 18 Top-Rated Body Scrubs!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Crabtree & Evelyn Purifying Lotion
Hello girls! I hope you all had a beautiful Thanksgiving!!! I ate entirely too much food and I'm in desperate need to detox! So while on the topic of 'purifying' I recently tried a new lotion from Crabtree & Evelyn ($20) that purifies and clarifies the skin. It's part of their Aromatherapy Distillations line. It contains Peppermint oil, Cucumber, lemongrass, lime and Eucalyptus. So here's my review on it:
Pros: It doesn't contain parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, colorants or anything un-natural. Contains 100% pure essential oils, nice packaging, OK scent.
Cons: Leaves skin feeling rough and sticky, doesn't seem to moisturize or make me feel 'focused' or 'refreshed' as it claims, scent takes a lot of getting used to.
I was disappointed in this lotion because Crabtree & Evelyn are a very well known brand and are usually consistent in their quality but for many reasons I wasn't pleased with this particular product. The lotion left a residue on my skin, the scent is a little odd and it didn't live up to it's claims. Sorry guys...this one is not for me....
xoxo
Photo Credit: Crabtree & Evelyn
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hello gals! I will be taking the next few days off to spend with family and enjoy the holiday. I hope you all will be doing the same! Relax, enjoy and eats lots of food!!! I'll see ya back here!
Next week I'll have some great new reviews and posts such as:
.Evelyn & Crabtree Purifying Lotion
.Icon Hair Masque
.Dermalogica Skincare
.An interview with beauty & fashion photographer Amy Postle
Again have an amazing Thanksgiving! Stay lovely!
xoxo
I'm Thankful For Frizz-Free Hair!
It's that time of year again for holiday parties, pictures, traveling and family gatherings and no one I mean NO ONE wants to get stuck having a bad hair day. You just can't afford to loves! It's as if it's crucial that you look good at ALL times during these events which makes this season so stressful. But I've found a brilliant hair product that makes my hair frizz-free, smooth, silky and shiny no matter what chaos may be surrounding me. Are you at the edge of your seats yet???? Alright I'll spill! It's TRESemme's Anti-Frizz Secret Smoothing Creme! This $5 bottle of bliss is ALL you'll need to get awesome hair even when there's no time to style. Today for instance I washed my hair put a quarter sized amount of this on my hair and let it air dry. I have naturally wavy hair so with the help of this creme my hair is FULL of soft, frizz-free waves!
The texture is perfect, it's not sticky not too thick or too runny it's literally THE perfect texture it's nice and creamy with a subtle scent that make my hair smell so pretty! I'm really in love with this product because 1. it does what it claims to do and 2. it's crazy affordable!
And while we're discussing TRESemme did you know that ALL the hair products used on the shows "Lipstick Jungle" and "Stylista"are TRESemme? Well they are! AND I recently attended a launch party for their new Styleseeker website that has amazing Fashion Week and style videos from the fabulous Robert Verdi and celeb hairstylist Erin Anderson. The website has a community of beauty junkie's as well as tons of tips, videos, articles, gossip, info, reviews, shopping & fashion plus exclusive details and info on the hit show "Stylista"! I hope you check it out!
xoxo
Photo Credit: Drugstore.com
Newest Obsession: Hello Kitty & MAC!
"MAC has been mining pop culture since the brand was founded," said John Demsey, group president of the Estee Lauder Cos. Inc." This is a sexy and innocent fashion line, and a true MAC moment. In these times, everyone can use a little fun- and a little Kitty!" - WWD
I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for this collaboration! Me and my sister both have a profound love for Hello Kitty! I have tons of Hello Kitty stuff! Including my beloved water cooler, cup and humidifier! lol! Anywho MAC the MAKEUP GODS have joined forces with Hello Kitty to make an adorable and girly makeup line. It will be available online starting February 10th and then in stores February 12th. It is thought to be available for ONLY 8 WEEKS tops! So don't sit on this one girls! Prices will range from $90 for Sheer Mystery Powder encased in a Swarovski Crystal studded case to a more affordable $11 bottle of nail polish that will come in 3 shades. Other items include:
.Lipglass $14
.Lipstick $14
.Lip Conditioners $14.50
.Glitter Eyeliner $16.50
.Eye Shadow Palettes $38
.Pigments $19.50
.Powder $22
.Mascara $12
.Falsies $12
There will also be a couture line with more expensive items (Hence the $90 powder!) including plush dolls and key chains. I seriously cannot wait until line comes out! You know I'll be online debit card in hand ordering up tons of goodies on February 10th! Hope you'll join me!
xoxo
From Total Beauty: How To Steal Reese Witherspoon's Look!
| Recreate the hairstyles, updos and makeup looks seen on the "Four Christmases" star with these quick tips |
 It's tough to be jealous of Reese Witherspoon's classic beauty since she seems so darn nice. Since she's starring in the new flick "Four Christmases," we thought we'd glance back at some of her best looks and tell you how to do recreate the looks at home -- bonus! |
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Discount At Mario Badescu!
Mario Badescu Holiday Discount and Gift with Purchase
Mario Badescu is celebrating the holidays by offering 15% off of product purchases* on http://www.mariobadescu.com/ between December 1st and December 15th when you enter promocode BEAUTYBLOG at checkout.
In addition to the discount, anyone who purchases 2 or more products will receive a complimentary deluxe sample set which includes 3 assorted 2oz samples of best selling MB products and mirror tucked away into an MB signature cosmetic bag.
Mario Badescu is celebrating the holidays by offering 15% off of product purchases* on http://www.mariobadescu.com/ between December 1st and December 15th when you enter promocode BEAUTYBLOG at checkout.
In addition to the discount, anyone who purchases 2 or more products will receive a complimentary deluxe sample set which includes 3 assorted 2oz samples of best selling MB products and mirror tucked away into an MB signature cosmetic bag.
For over 40 years, Mario Badescu has been relied upon as a source for quality skin care. Once one of New York’s best kept secrets, the services and products offered by Mario Badescu are now world renowned. The brand’s enduring success and loyal following are the result of the late Mario Badescu’s timeless philosophy that skin care should be simple, gentle and effective. We continue our founder’s tradition by using fresh fruits, botanicals and other natural ingredients as the basis for our products and salon services.
*Sorry gift certificates do not apply.
From Total Beauty: Calorie Free Thanksgiving Beauty Treats!
| These recipe-inspired beauty products make doing hairstyles and makeup looks so much more delicious |
 Better on your lips than on your hips, we say! With pumpkin season in full force and turkey day just around corner, now's a great time to try these holiday dinner-inspired skin, makeup and hair products. Be forewarned: Many smell good enough to eat... but please don't. |
From Total Beauty: Are You Ready For Botox?
| Fillers, peels, lasers -- find out if one is right for you |
 Take this quiz to see what - if anything - you need to keep your skin looking great. |
Monday, November 24, 2008
Use Your 'Instincts' For DIY Haircolor With Clairol!
There's nothing I love more than making my hair look better, and I think I speak for all women when I say that! I love using masks' (BTW I found a great new one! More on that later!) shampoos & conditioners, treatments, styling products and best of all HAIR COLOR! I've never been a salon whore, ya know the types that are there every 3-6 weeks on the dot to fill in color, highlights, lowlights and everything in between. Don't get me wrong every 3-6 months I'm there for a haircut and if I have an event I'll get a blowout but the most fun I have is when I experiment with my hair on my own whether it be styling or color. I always learn new things and I have fun while I do it. So when my hair is in need of a color pick me up I turn to Clairol Natural Instincts. I've used different colors from them like Nutmeg and Hazelnut but I think I just found my perfect winter shade, Cinnamon Stick! It's a medium-light brown with hints of red. It's really warm and natural looking.
I probably should be bald by now because I've been known to dye my hair more than the average person but with Natural Instincts I don't have to worry about harmful chemicals and ammonia ruining my hair. Natural Instincts is LOADED with Antioxidants, Aloe and Vitamins C & E which actually help improve the health of your hair and protects it from drying out.
Once you color, hop in shower wash it all out and apply the great smelling conditioner that contains aloe and other moisturizers that make your hair smooth and silky without feeling weighed down. Once I use this color my hair is always super glossy, soft and manageable. A friend of mine was teasing me at work saying that I looked like a Kardashian sister because my hair looked so shiny and nice today. While I don't believe I look even CLOSE to being a Kardashian sister I can completely agree that my hair looks FAB and all it took was a $9 box of Natural Instincts and 30 minutes!
Have you tried Natural Instincts before? Do you do your own hair color? Let me know!
xoxo
Photo Credit: Drugstore.com
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Treat Your Feet To Foot Petals!
Recently I was introduced to an amazing company called Foot Petals. They were created by a woman named Tina Aldatz Norris whom like myself is a Southern Cali girl (Go San Diego!) Anywho as a teenager she was partaking in one of my fav SoCal activities, a bonfire, when she accidentally stepped on hot coals that were buried in the sand which unfortunately caused her to burn the bottoms of her feet. After that horrific event she was never able to wear shoes, more importantly stilettos, comfortably again.
Fast forward several years later when she was working for a company that eventually went under. When she realized that by being out of work she would finally have the time to start her own business which is how Foot Petals was born! Foot Petals make wearing heels for more than an hour extremely comfortable and easy. I admit once I got my job at the bank in NYC, for the first 3 months or so I was commuting from Long Island to the city (Which takes 2 trains and walking numerous blocks) wearing heels. "Trying to be cute" as my mom puts it. Then I started seeing woman wearing sneakers with their suits and dresses and started thinking "Hell why am I killing myself in heels? I'm going to be like everyone else and be comfortable!" So yes for the past year and a half I've been wearing my bulky and hideous MBT's to work which my boyfriend labeled "Bugs Bunny Sneakers" Haha...Good one hun :/ But now that I've found Foot Petals I've jumped back into my stiletto's and my feet have been feeling fabulous ever since! It's been a few weeks and I've noticed no foot, ankle or lower back pain. The Foot petals absorb odor, bacteria and shock. I have the "Stiletto Stylist Kit" ($45) which is a 12 piece kit that includes:
.Sole Stoppers (placed on bottom of shoe to prevent slipping)
.Tip Toes (placed inside shoes for balls of feet)
.Haute Heelz (placed inside at the heel of the foot)
.Killer Kushionz (An all-over foot cushion)
.Heavenly Heelz (which guards the back of your foot from rubbing against the shoe and creating blisters)
.Strappy Strips (to be placed on straps of sandals, heels etc. to prevent blistering)
All in all this little baby is all you need to be rocking heels effortlessly this winter and well into next summer! Enjoy gals! And check out the website here!
xoxo
Photo Credit: Foot Petals
Friday, November 21, 2008
From Total Beauty: Sexy Bond Girl Hairstyles!
| From "Quantum of Solace" to the days of Sean Connery, see the hair looks we love and how to steal 'em |
 So most people (er, guys) watch James Bond movies for the action, the cars and the gadgets. But we watch them to see how the Bond girls strategically seduce Mr. Bond with their beauty (hair and makeup looks to be specific). Which is why we rounded up the hottest hair looks from the many decades of Bond movies and, of course, the newest Bond flick. Read on to learn key tricks on getting these hairstyles at home. |
From Total Beauty: Shop The 2008 Beauty "It" List!
| Sponsored: This year's best gifts, at every price! |
 |
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Creative Nail Design's Winterberry Winter Collection
Recently I got the opportunity to try Creative Nail Designs (CND) Scentsations Winterberry Holiday Collection. Now before trying this collection I had never used any of their products so i didn't know what to expect but after using the scrub on my hands and some rough patches of skin like a moth to a flame I was HOOKED! This scrub smells so delicious it's perfect for the holidays and left my skin sooo smooth I was amazed! Then the moment I thought things couldn't get any better I tried the lotion and was blown away! The lotion was so creamy and decadent the Winterberry scent was still amazing and I was in love! My hands and rough patches were polished to perfection and the lotion moisturized them to a soft, silkiness. Plus the scent lingered long after it was applied which I was thrilled about. This is the perfect way to unwind and beautify yourself during the stressful holiday season.xoxo
Click here to locate a store or website to purchase this and many other fabulous products from CND!
Photo Credit: CND
From Total Beauty: Top-Rated Foundations!
| One of these 14 crowd pleasers from Revlon, Prescriptives, MAC and more could give your skin a flawless finish -- sans airbrush experts |
 We've heard complaints about foundation ranging from too heavy and drying to too light and oily, not to mention "too few shades" and "too expensive." So we made a list of the foundations that garnered praise from TotalBeauty.com members. |
Steve & Barry's Say Goodbye...
Unfortunately Steve & Barry's filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy late yesterday in Manhattan only 5 months after previously filing for bankruptcy. They were rescued the first time but this time no one is coming to their aid due to the current economic situation. I wonder now what will happen to all the celeb lines that they carry like Sarah Jessica Parker's "Bitten", Amanda Bynes' "Dear", Venus Williams' "Eleven", and Stephon Marbury's "Starbury". It's sad....another one bites the dust... :(
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
From Total Beauty: Perfect Picks! Holiday Gift Finder Quiz!
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Sponsored: Match everyone on your list with the perfect beauty gift (at every budget!)
With so many friends and family on your list this year, it's no wonder you're stumped on what to buy them. Hello! Beauty products always make perfect gifts. But in order to find the best product match for your mother, sister, friend (you get the idea), take this quiz. It'll even help you stay within your budget. Bonus!
Object Of My Affection <3
Ugh! Look what I spied with my made up eyes! Isn't it gorgeous? I was breathless as stood in the window of my neighborhood Sephora on Lexington ave. It could have been the 26 degree weather today that had me breathless but I think it was the: .71 eyeshadows
.13 cream eyeshadows
.5 blushes
.1 compact powder
.60 lip glosses
.1 lip liner
.1 eyeliner
.4 brushes
.3 sponge-tipped applicators
PHEW!!!
For the recession-friendly price of $48 all wrapped up in a glossy black case! This is NOT for the faint of heart I tell you! This is a bonafide MUST HAVE for makeup lovers! This is like a crack fix for a makeup junkie! This is the obsession for the obsessed! AND I NEED IT!!! I stood there ooo-ing and awww-ing over it in the window for a good long while before realizing 1. I look like a psycho and 2. I'm going to be late for work! But believe me when I say I will be making frequent trips to 'visit' it in the window at Sephora until I can 1. persuade my boyfriend to buy it for me or 2. butter him up so I can buy it myself and not have him give me a lecture on how, contrary to what I think, DON'T need it and how there's a difference between needing something and wanting it. Ugh! Can't you need and want something at the same time? I guess I'll never know! Until then, loves enjoy this picture and please wipe the drool from your mouth! Toodles!
xoxo
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
From Total Beauty: Best "As Seen On T.V." Hair Products!
| These hair shampoos, conditioners and styling products make late-night TV worth flipping for |
 There are so many hair loss products and hairstyle goods sold on TV, it's a wonder we don't do all our beauty shopping from the comforts of our own homes. Available through QVC, the Home Shopping Network and infomercials, these reliable products made our members happy they picked up their phones (or turned on their computers) and tried something new. |
Update Your Beauty Regimen For Winter!
Hey loves!
Now that the weather has cooled DRAMATICALLY (this morning in Long Island there was snow flurries!!!) your beauty regimen needs to step up a notch to compensate for harsh winds, cold temperatures and less moisture in the air. I don't know about you but for the past week or so we've turned on the heat in the house and I've been waking up in the morning with chapped lips and my face feeling dry and tight. Not a good feeling! So I've taken some time out of my busy 'Work Day Christmas Song Listening Marathon' to bring you some products that will keep you looking beautiful till Spring time!
First things first...Although the heat in your home feels soooo good on a chilly evening or morning it wreaks havoc on your skin's moisture level so besides drinking tons of water try using (My fav!) a Hello Kitty Cool Mist Humidifier ($40) Ain't she cute? She'll keep your skin moisturized all day and all night!
To make your skin even more touchable try using Soap & Glory Blueberry Thrill Body Butter ($15) I bought this back in September when Target did the 'Bullseye Bodegas' all around the city. Me and my sister booked it to the one on 6th ave. and I loaded up on this body butter! Not only does it smell divine but it has fruit acids in it that exfoliate skin. So all those winter dry skin cells get the boot!
Usually during the winter time when you head outdoors you bundle up but your face is usually the only part of your body exposed, leaving it to be ravaged by the elements. Try washing your face with Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser ($35) This antioxidant packed cleanser has EVERYTHING your skin needs to stay in tip-top shape. It contains Alpha Lipoic Acid and will help your skin's luminosity, hydration levels, elasticity, texture and firmness. The first time I used it my skin felt soft and moisturized BEFORE I had even applied lotion!
Then a few times a week treat your skin to Dermalogica's Intensive Moisture Masque ($38) It's a rich ultra-creamy masque that will restore lost moisture to your skin plus it helps stimulate circulation in your skin!
Now for soft, luscious, shiny and healthy hair you need to make sure your hair stays hydrated. Again even though you may wear a hat part of your hair is still (usually) exposed to the harsh winter weather and that alone can zap your hair of it's luminosity and moisture and we can't have that now, can we? NO we can't girls! So I suggest you do as I do and try using Icon's Drench Hair With Moisture Shampoo ($13) and Icon's Your Hair Feels Free Conditioner ($13) Both of these awesome products leave your hair tangle-free, soft, moisturized, shiny and best of all NOT weighed down! It's amazing to me how they can make your hair so well moisturized without adding tons of oily build-up residue. I heart them! :)
So now that your body is ridiculously soft, your face is luminous and so NOT dry and your hair is soft to the touch and has shine for days! We now move on to last but not least your hands and nails!
I just got turned onto THE best cuticle oil I've encountered in quite sometime. It's by the legendary OPI called Avoplex by OPI Cuticle Oil To Go ($8) It is so awesome for those moments when your going to meet someone or on your way somewhere and you notice your nails and cuticles are really dry and nasty looking. You just pop out this little baby, apply gentle pressure and the thick gel comes out onto the brush so you can brush it on where you need it and because it's thick and not watery it not only moisturizes better but is virtually spill proof. It contains:
.Avocado oil
.Sunflower oil
.Sesame oil
.Kukui oil
