Um...Gross

No he didn't just diss MKO!

After Mary-Kate's David Letterman appearance last week, The Hills Spencer Pratt is speaking out about her comments toward his bad temper on the soccer field while they were in high school together.



The reality villian had this to say:

"I don't really get why she'd use my name to get press for her little indie film that no one's going to see...She should probably focus more on not getting dressed in the dark than on me...I know I've made it in Hollywood when a famous troll is talking about me on Letterman...I forgive her, though. She's had to go through life as the less cute twin, which must be tough."

- Erin Dustin

Declare Your Independence!

July 4th is almost here! That means it's time to celebrate with fireworks and BBQs. But don't forget to put your best face forward!

Patriotism has never looked so beauty-full. This Fourth of July, Sephora is pledging its allegiance to America by offering the greatest beauty essentials for the greatest country! Whether it is a red lipstick that you desire, a white liner, or a blue nail polish that strikes your fancy, Sephora has it all.

Celebrate this Fourth of July with these patriotic picks:
  • Sephora Brand Atomic Volume Mascara ($16) – Declare freedom from smudging with this mega-volume, conditioning mascara.
  • Sephora Brand Flashy Waterproof Liner ($8) – Forget the fireworks –light up your eyes with one of these shimmering, metallic liners. And don't be afraid to try a white eyeliner! Read my older entry here about white liners.
  • Kat Von D for Sephora Painted Love Lipstick ($18) – The rocket’s red glare won’t be able to compete with these smoldering shades! These colors are very pretty and have crazy names. I am partial to Lolita.
  • Sephora Brand Nail Patch ($10) – These stick-on nail patches offer the perfect manicure with zero drying time. I can't wait to try these! They currently only have 4 shades, but I still want to give these a test run.
  • Sephora Brand Bubble Bath ($16) – In Guava Passion, Coconut Crème, or Riviera Blue, this sparkling bubble bath is a glamorous way to relax after the festivities. I have Riviera Blue body cream and I adore it. Yummy!
Have a beautiful and safe 4th on Friday!

Where is Lydia?

I've been AWOL from blogging the past few days because, well....I needed a bit of a break from all things techy, including my beloved laptop. But fear not, I have PLENTY of blog topics planned out for the coming days, starting tomorrow.

So, tune back in and you'll learn all about:
  • Getting ready for July 4th with red, white, and blue help from Sephora
  • Mascara primer (what is it and why do you need it?)
  • A new nail polish system that will make your nails polished and beautiful without the dreaded drying time
  • Make-it-yourself mineral makeup
  • An innovative tool for applying mineral makeup without the mess
  • Shear Genius updates (get the winning look!)
  • My favorite sunblocks for summer
  • Fun, new lipstick
  • My "desert island" makeup picks
  • And much, much more!
As always, if you have a topic you'd like me to cover or a product you want me to check out, email me at asklydia@hotmail.com. See you tomorrow!

Shear Genius Back Tonight!

The second installment of Shear Genius is set to begin tonight on Bravo.

Despite my better judgment, I actually liked the first season of this show. A reality contest show about hair stylists vying for the bogus title of "sheer genius" sounds agonizingly boring and very lame, but it's actually a fun ride. Who knew?

Here's more info about Shear Genius and their sponsor, Nexxus.

For the second season, Nexxus is back as the Hair Care sponsor of the show. Tune in for tips and how-to’s, stylish hairdos and all of the latest looks created with Nexxus salon proven and genius approved products.

“Our salon heritage makes the partnership with a reality show that celebrates the professional community such a natural fit so we’re thrilled to be back for a second season,” said Gina Lazaro, senior director of marketing for Nexxus. “And, this season we’re expanding our program integrations to engage the hair-involved women who tune in each week.”

Hosted by Golden Globe nominated actress, designer and entrepreneur Jaclyn Smith, Shear Genius offers a behind-the-scenes look at the competitive and creative world of high-end hairstyling. Famed celebrity hairstylist Kim Vo and Allure West Coast Editor Kelly Atterton join the series this season as lead judges, and accomplished stylist Rene Fris returns as the competitors' mentor.

Like last season, the country’s most talented hairstylists will go head-to-head in weekly creative challenges, all vying for $100,000 in seed money provided by Nexxus, an apprenticeship with the hair care company and a chance to style hair for an Allure magazine feature.

Watch each week as the contestants will cut, curl and create magic in the Shear Genius Nexxus Salon. As part of the exciting second season, Nexxus has created several interactive elements designed to heighten viewers participation with the show.

Head to Nexxus.com after each show to get insider tips and tools on how to create your own genius hair. Log on for insider news, weekly recaps and commentary, step-by-step tips on how to get the winning look from Nexxus celebrity stylist Roy Teeluck and even read Roy’s personal, weekly blog. Roy will appear as a guest judge on the Nexxus Challenge episode airing on Wednesday, July 16.

Estee Lauder Mania

The beauty blog world is abuzz with the new Estee Lauder perfume, Sensuous.

So what's all the fuss? I'm not the world's biggest fan of perfume (I'd rather spend my money on lipstick!), but Sensuous has been designed to "evoke the warmest, most feminine side of a woman. Her softness. Her confidence and grace. Her strength." (Don't you just love how advertising companies spin things?!).

Sensuous is a woody-amber fragrance that combines florals (jasmine, lily, magnolia, and ylang), amber, citrus (mandarin orange), woods, black pepper, and honey scents. Sounds divine!

If you're ready for a new perfume, consider Sensuous. It's available in a perfume spray, body lotion, shower cream, even a body powder! And for a limited time, you can get a free sample with any purchase from Estee Lauder.

Celebrate your sensuous side with this fragrance.

"Never Be Afraid of Color"

That's the quote from nail color giant, Essie. It seems that this summer, Essie and OPI want you to have super bright nails with lots of color.

If you're tired of traditional nail colors in reds, pinks, and nudes, here are some yummy summer colors that will brighten up your fingers and toes:

OPI: Mod About Brights Collection
  • Dating a Royal: a deep blue hue
  • Brights Power: a happy orange
  • Green-wich Village: a fresh pea green
  • The "It" Color: a classic yellow that is ultra bright
  • That's Hot! Pink: bubble gum pink on acid
  • Mod-ern Girl: a fun coral
Essie: The Neon Collection
  • Shorty Pants: an intense yellow
  • Short Shorts: a super hot pink
  • Bermuda Shorts: a yummy, bright purple
  • Mini Shorts: a highly pigmented colary organy red
Brighten up your summer with one of these fun colors. My three picks? Essie's Bermuda Shorts, OPI's Mod-ern Girl, OPI's Dating a Royal. What's your fave?

Pretty Cheap!

I'm tired of hearing about the economy. Living on the West Coast, gas costs about $4.40 a gallon. Food costs are up. Energy costs are up. Hell, even the cost of popcorn is up.

Even though I don't like thinking about it or admitting to it, the rise in basic expenses has me pinching pennies whenever possible: I haven't had a hair cut or color since February and I am cutting back on the number of times I get a pedicure. If it's not an essential, I am thinking twice before making a purchase.

However, we still need to be beautiful during these tough economic times! If you're short on cash but want a little glam in your life, you can STILL head over to Sephora. I know, trips to Sephora are often a costly indulgence. But if you're smart and frugal, you can walk out of everyone's favorite cosmetic store with some fun beauty products and without buyer's remorse.

Here are some top picks for goodies $5 and under from Sephora:
  • Sephora Safari Clear Makeup Bag, $5: Tired of digging for your eyeliner? Try this clear cosmetic bag and keep all your essentials right where you can see them. This is a nice sized bag that will hold plenty of your faves!
  • Tweezerman FileMate, $5: Tweezerman makes amazing products! These nail files have three things going for them: 1) they have Tweezerman quality, 2) they are exceptionally cute, and 3) they only cost $5. Score!
  • Sephora Nail Polish, $2-$4: Forget purchasing pricey accessories--spice up any summer outfit with one of Sephora's 60 colors! The color selection will delight you, and the small size bottles make a lot of sense. I love these!
  • Bare Escentuals On the Spot, $5: For less than a gallon of gas you can snag these swabs that make eye makeup removal a cinch!
  • Sephora Jumbo Eye Pencil, $5: This is the perfect product for getting a smudgy, sexy, summer look. And for $5? You'll be pretty and smart with this purchase!
Even if you're feeling economic blues, grab up a new Lincoln and head to Sephora for a quick and cheap pick-me-up! Think of it as economic stimulus on a very small scale.

JL Spears Welcomes Maddie

The stork has arrived, Jamie Lynn Spears is a mother! She gave birth to a little girl, Maddie Briann just this morning, weighing in at 7 lbs., 11 ounces. The whole family, including Britney and dad Jamie, were by her side in Mississippi to be with the new mom and her fiance Casey Aldridge.

- Erin Dustin

Beauty Product of the Week: Salon Glaze Clear Shine Rinse

What is it? Frederic Fekkai's Salon Glaze Clear Shine Rinse "is a clear shine rinse inspired by professional salon glazing services. The rinse-off treatment binds shine, recharges color, and adds silkiness to the hair. This non-chemical formula contains a unique blend of conditioning and lightweight silicones that coat the cuticle to shine and condition the hair shaft. With its lightweight formula, Salon Glaze won't weigh your hair down like traditional shine serums. It works on all hair colors and types, and both non-colored and color-treated hair." Available at Sephora for $28.00

What did you think? I got a free sample of this product and was anxious to give it a try. I followed the directions and tried this out three times. The first time, I felt like my hair was a bit softer and more manageable than usual. But was there more shine? No. At least not that I noticed. I asked one of my co-workers if she thought my hair was shinier and she said no. Not the response I was hoping to get.

Disappointed, I tried the product two more times. I didn't notice any more shine. For $28.00, a salon glaze shine product should produce more shimmer. I should have people ask me what I've done differently. My hair should look dramatically better. After three test runs, I never got the results I was after or would have expected from a "prestige" hair product like this. Thank god for samples!

The final verdict? Save your money. Seriously. You'll thank me for this advice! Of course, if you've tried this product and LOVED it, please leave me a comment and let me know.

Spa Week!

As I mentioned in my last post, I have been exceedingly busy at work lately. I had to deal with all the logistics of an 800+ person meeting on Monday. That required a ton of work and put me in a lose-lose situation. No matter how much work I did or how organized I was, it was impossible to please everyone. Even though the meeting was a success and everything ran smoothly (thanks to my efforts, I must say), I have yet to hear a "thank you" from my boss. Ah, I live to serve.

Anyway, the point of my complaining is that I need a break. And thankfully, Spa Week is here. If you ever needed an excuse to splurge on yourself and enjoy some much needed pampering, this is the event for you!

Here are three promos from Spa Week:

STEALS & Deals
What: Delectable Spa Discounts for the Cost Conscious Consumer. Indulge in a Body Glow, Spray Tan, Brazilian Wax or Mani-Pedi Combo at one of our favorite spas to ensure you look your best when you hit the beach.
Where: 64 days spas across the country are offering fun summer discounts and packages
When: The full month of June
How: Check out the deals here and book directly through the spa
Why: The summer is here and with Spa Week’s June Steals & Deals you can be confident baring all. With prices this great, you’ll have enough money left over to splurge on a new pair of shades.

JUNE Travel Sweepstake
What: Win a free trip (Value $2,830)! Escape with a friend for 4 Days and 3 Nights in the Four Diamond-rated luxury suite at the Green Valley Spa. Spa Week brings you the luxurious fitness getaway to start off your summer right!
Where: The Green Valley Spa set in Utah’s scenic backcountry
How: It’s quick and easy, just visit this site and enter your e-mail and two friends to win.
Why: Slim Down, Shape Up and GET FIT quick. Green Valley Spa will have you looking fabulous on the beach in just 4 days! Get your tummy taught with all the Yoga and Pilates classes you can handle, and get bikini ready with your very own personal trainer and healthy cooking classes.

WELLNESS Getaways
What: Book a vacation or just get away for a few days with the special Spa Week discount at Bedford Springs, a AAA 4-Diamond resort famous for its Springs Eternal Spa. Rates start at $298 per person with free $100 spa credit. Just visit this site to check out the details.
Where: Bedford Springs Resort – Bedford, Pennsylvania
Why: The dog days of summer have officially begun, and you’re stuck in front of a computer. Wouldn’t it be nice to get away for a while?

I have so much comp time built up at work. I should totally cash in all those days and escape from my busy work schedule to one of these fabulous resorts! If you're like me and need some ME time, these promos may fit the bill.

So Much To Do, So Little Time

If I still lived in Vermont, I'd say that I am "wicked" busy at the moment. Work is demanding more of my time than I would like, so I am unable to post here at Kiss and Makeup for the next few days. It will be Wednesday at the earliest before I get back on track. So until then, feel free to reread some of my older posts. You can always email me if you have any beauty questions or topics you want me to explore.

Stay beautiful!

And Speaking Of The Olsens...

HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY MARY-KATE AND ASHLEY!

I hear the two fashionistas have been spotted in Tennessee, in town for the Bonaroo music festival in Manchester.

Can you believe that it's been over 21 years since they first made their debut on Full House? Crazy I must say!

- Erin Dustin

July Issue Time!

If you haven't noticed by now that I have a slight obsession with the Olsen twins, well then, I do, but more importantly I know that MKO graces the July cover of Elle. Check it out, the photos are really fab. of her!

Photo Credit: Elle, July 2008

- Erin Dustin

Izzie Out Of Emmy Running

Due to the lack of a great storyline for her character in this past season of Grey's Anatomy, Katherine Heigl feels she should not be included in the choosing of Emmy nominees. The blossoming actress won last year for best supporting actress.

She says, "I did not feel that I was given the material this season to warrant an Emmy nomination and in an effort to maintain the integrity of the academy organization, I withdrew my name from contention."

Oh Iz, always putting others before yourself. I hope this doesn't hurt you at all though within Greys, it's a kinda sorta subtle slap in the face to the writing staff.

- Erin Dustin

Sleeping Beauty

It seems like the more stress I have at work, the more I just want to crawl into bed and get some sleep. Of course, busy times at work mean sacrificing sleep and having to catch up on much needed shut-eye on the weekends.

Since I am a multi-tasker, I always want to get as many things done at once as possible. Well...Sephora is here to make sure I get the most from my slumber all summer, transforming it into BEAUTY sleep with these products:

We're all so busy these days, but putting some of these products to work for you when your sleeping is a quick, easy way to make sure you put your best face forward every morning.

The Battle Of Brad's Girls

Watch out October 24! Two of the biggest Hollywood gals are hitting the big screen on the SAME day. And they both happen to have a little something in common.

Mr. Brad Pitt.

Brad's current leading lady, Angelina Jolie stars in Changeling while Brad's ex-flame Jennifer Aniston plays in the romantic comedy He's Just Not That Into You.

May the best lady win.

- Erin Dustin

Quote Of The Day

"I don't consider myself sexy...I'm kind of a nervous person in general. I'm socially awkward. I'm not tall and sensuous. I usually wear sweats everywhere I go. Oh, and I burp a lot." - Carrie Underwood tells all in the July issue of Cosmo.

Photo Credit: Cosmopolitan, July 2008

- Erin Dustin

Be A Summer Beauty Expert, Part 2

As I mentioned yesterday, the June edition of Women's Health magazine is chock-full of hints on how to become a summer beauty expert this season. Here are some more hints from the mag:

Beating the Sun Head-to-Toe
  • Scalp: Anyone who knows the agony of a fried hair part will appreciate the nongreasy Shiseido Sun Protection Stick Foundation SPF 35. Swipe the sheer protection anywhere you tend to neglect. $24, macys.com
  • Lips: Since lips don't contain much melanin, they're super-vulnerable to sun damage. That's why we love Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15. It's like Ray-Bans for your mouth.$14, clinique.com
  • Chest: The coolest solution to a soggy bra: a thin layer of DriOff gel. It'll stop sweat so those puppies stay high and dry. $23 for two 1.32 oz tubes, hillderm.com
  • Legs: When the sun and wind suck your skin dry, replenish it with Olay Body Quench Mousse, a moisturizer in foam form packed with hydrating glycerin and antioxidant-rich green tea. $8 for 7.1 oz, drugstore.com
  • Face: No more makeup cakeup! The Body Shop Flawless Skin Protecting Foundation has a nearly invisible cream-to-powder formula plus the benefit of SPF 25. $25, thebodyshop.com
  • Shoulders: Looking a little pink? We won't say "I told you so" (even though we sort of just did). Kiss My Face After Sun Aloe Soother contains cooling aloe gel to stop the sting. $6 for 4 oz, kissmyface.com
  • Feet: The downside to spending a day in flip-flops: the grime that gets on your soles. Wipe away the nastiness with Earth Therapeutics Clean + Cool Foot Wipes. $6 for 15 wipes, earththerapeutics.com
  • Heels: Make sure strappy sandals don't rub your feet the wrong way: Dr. Scholl's for Her Miracle Shield balm prevents friction that causes blisters. $6, drugstore.com
One more tip from Women's Health: If you're trying to figure out the perfect swimsuit for your body, visit their bikini and swimsuit finder by clicking here.

And Baby Makes Two

Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott now have the perfect little family with one of each, a boy and a girl. The happy couple welcomed little Stella Doreen McDermott on Monday in L.A. Congrats!

- Erin Dustin

Be A Summer Beauty Expert, Part 1

With summer right around the corner, we have to take extra steps to protect our skin and hair to stay looking fresh and fabulous throughout the whole season! The June issue of Women’s Health, on newsstands now, gives you tips and products to keep you protected and looking great head-to-toe and helps you decode the labels on the bottles you use every day. Pick up your own copy of Women's Health, or keep reading this blog entry for great consumer information. With the help of Women's Health, we'll all be summer beauty experts in no time!

Label-Conscious: Make sense of the fine print on your sunscreen tube
  • Chemical Sunscreens-Ingredients like benzophenones, salicylates, snd cinnamates form a protective film to absorb UV rays before they penetrate the skin’s surface.
  • Physical Sunscreens-These work by reflecting the sun’s UV rays. Look for zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Photoaging-Skin damage caused by sun exposure—like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and the leathery texture seen on folks playing shuffleboard in Boca Raton.
  • SPF (Sun Protection Factor)-The number that tells you how much longer a sunscreen will keep you from burning than no protection at all. Say you normally turn pink after 1 0 minutes without sun block. SPF 15 would shield you 15 times as long as that—or for 150 minutes—before you start to burn.
  • UVA-Ultraviolet rays that penetrate deep into the skin and cause photoaging and skin cancer.
  • UVB-Rays that affect the outer layer of skin. Shorter than UVAs, they’re responsible for sunburns and contribute to skin cancer. Star Rating-A new sunscreen-labeling system the FDA has in the works. Stars on labels will indicate the level (1 = lowest, 4 = highest) of UVA protection offered.
  • Water-resistant-Sunscreen whose SPF remains effective after 40 minutes of immersion. “Very water- resistant” sunscreens remain effective after 80 minutes in water
  • Waterproof-No sunscreen is waterpoof; the FDA has suggested removing this term from labels.
Decoding your shampoo label
  • Water: Usually the first item on a shampoo label, water is the base that keeps the other ingredients flowing. It accounts for up to 80 percent of what's in the bottle.
  • Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate/Ammonium Laureth Sulfate/Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: These surfactants--basically, a fancy word for detergents--are the muscles that do all the cleaning.
  • Cocamide DEA, MEA, or TEA/Cocamidopropyl Betaine: These milder foaming detergents are added to create suds. But they also moisturize and thicken the formula so the shampoo is easier to pour.
  • Sodium Citrate: This buffering agent keeps the shampoo at the proper pH level (slightly acidic) as you wash. OK, now in plain English: SC allows dirt and oil to wash off and helps cuticles (the overlapping scales on each strand) lie flat so hair looks smooth and shiny.
  • Glycol Distearate/Stearate: These waxes are kind of like hunky Swedish masseurs: primarily there for look and feel. They're what give the formula a pearly sheen and allow it to flow easily from the bottle.
  • Polyquaternium/Quaternium :These softening compounds--also found in some fabric softeners--thicken shampoos and condition hair.
  • Dimethicone/Cyclomethicone: Silicone oils that coat and smooth down the cuticles to add thickness, reduce static, and provide shine. Oh, yeah: They also make comb-outs easier. If you have coarse, curly, or damaged hair, make sure your shampoo contains one of these conditioning ingredients.
  • Panthenol: A form of vitamin B, this hard-working humectant (that's a substance that helps hair attract and retain moisture) works inside and out: It penetrates the hair cuticle to plump it up and coats it for added shine.
  • Cetyl/Oleyl/Stearyl Alcohol: Seeing the word alcohol may set off an alarm (Drying! Bad!). Not to worry: These are hydrating alcohols that attach themselves to the outside of the hair shaft and act as lubricants. Result: Combs effortlessly glide through hair.
  • Nut Oils/Shea Butter: These are super-rich natural moisturizers found in hydrating shampoos that coat cuticles so water stays locked inside.
  • Ascorbic Acid/Citric Acid: Natural acids derived from vitamin C that smooth cuticles and add shine.
  • Octyl Salicylate/PABA: Sunscreens added to protect your scalp and hair from nasty, chaos-causing UV rays--so your color lasts longer (yay!).
Myth vs. Fact: Experts spill the dirty little secrets behind the most common shampoo “truths” "You need lather to know it's really working."

  • MYTH: The more foam a shampoo produces, the cleaner your hair's getting, right? Not exactly. You may love working up a good head on your head, but those suds are mostly created for psychological effect (Oooh, it's cleaning!). Foaming occurs when surfactant molecules in the shampoo mix with air and create tons of tiny bubbles. Ideally, your head should have only enough lather to lubricate the hair and scalp, so a quarter-size blob of shampoo will usually do the trick.
  • MYTH: You should use a clarifying formula to get rid of buildup. PARTLY FACT Unless you're using heavy-duty styling products, like pomade, mousse, or gel, regular shampooing prevents styling-product residue from collecting on your hair. If you do need a clarifier, don't use it more than once a week. These detergent-heavy cleansers, which do such a great job of removing buildup, will also do a great job of damaging the hair cuticle.
  • MYTH: Washing every day can be bad for your hair. MOSTLY MYTH "Daily washing is safe and healthy," says Mort Westman, the cosmetics chemist. If you have oily hair, it's fine to suds up every day--but even oily types should use a gentle formula (translation: one with moisturizing ingredients, like silicones, shea butter, or panthenol). People with coarse or dry hair might want to be more conservative and wash every other day, says L'Oréal's Youssef. No matter what kind of hair you have, as long as you stay away from harsh formulas that strip natural oils and treat your strands with conditioner, regular shampooing won't do any harm.
  • MYTH: For best results, follow with a conditioner. FACT No, this isn't a scam to sell you two products. Chemists can pack only so many ingredients into each bottle. And a shampoo can't clean properly and deposit enough conditioner to moisturize your locks. Using a separate conditioner will coat strands with ingredients that hydrate and protect. BTW: If your hair's super-oily, apply the thick stuff only from the ears to the ends.
  • MYTH: After a while, your hair gets used to your shampoo. That's why you need to switch to a new brand occasionally. MYTH Honestly, where do people come up with this stuff? Let cosmetics chemist Westman set the record straight: "Hair is dead, period. So it can't 'get used to' anything. It's just your perception of how your hair responds to a new formula." So if you love your brand, there's no reason to switch.

Feed Your Skin

So many of us are concerned with the products we are both putting IN our bodies and ON our bodies. While we may be eating organic, it is sometimes difficult to find decent skin care products that live up to our high standards.

Here's a new brand of products worth trying out: HydraMe. HydraMe makes many products for both men and women that are vegan, not tested on animals, and do not contain any artificial fragrances or ingredients. Take a look at what they have to offer:

FOR EVERYONE
  • HydraMe Skin Nutrition, $19.95: This skin cream offers "excellent tissue absorption, allows skin to breathe, and is free of ingredients like glycerin, silicone, or petro-chemicals that block the skin's respiratory functions." Made of natural emollients and 10 organic botanicals, this moisturizing cream will make your skin feel great. Plus the scent of this product, like all the HydraMe products, is very neutral and light--it won't leave you feeling overly perfumed.
  • HydraMe Feel Clean Body Wash, $14.95: Made of skin softening and moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, sweet almond, hempseed, and jojoba, this luxurious body wash will leave you clean, restored, rejuvenated, and hydrated!
  • HydraMe Lipz, $4.79: Designed specifically for the unique skin on your lips, this restores dry, cracked lips with anti-inflammatory ingredients. Your lips will be soft and smoothed with this organic lip balm!
FOR MEN--JUST IN TIME FOR FATHER'S DAY!
  • HydraMen Shave Gel, $16.95: This is a clear gel, so it makes it easy for men to see what they're shaving! Containing 12 organic botanical ingredients, this shave gel reduces razor nicks and leaves skin feeling smooth, soft, and whisker-free!
  • HydraMen After Shave Balm, $16.95: This is a multi-purpose, post-shave moisturizer and hydrator. If the man in your life has a beard, this balm will reduce itching and flaking around the chin. For all men, this balm will reduce dry, scaly skin without a greasy feel.
For more information on HydraMe products, click here.

Congrats Goes Out To The Warrens!

Jessica Alba and hubby Cash Warren are parents to a baby girl! The two welcomed the little one, Honor Marie Warren, on Saturday June 7 in L.A. Congrats!

- Erin Dustin

J.K. To Harvard

"We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already." - Author J.K. Rowling's words of wisdom to Harvard grads this past Thursday.

- Erin Dustin

Father's Day at Sephora

Father's Day is next Sunday. I don't know about you, but my father is impossible to buy for since he pretty much has everything he could ever want or need and he's not into the stereotypical dad things (like BBQ-ing, golfing, or watching sports). To make matters worse for me, my dad isn't really a "metrosexual" kind of guy, so getting him fun personal care products are out of the question.

However, if YOUR father or the father of your children likes to be pampered, head over to Sephora to check out some of these great father's day gift ideas:
See? Sephora isn't just for women! Men love being pampered, so show your love with one of these gifts for dear old dad.

Shout Out To Us Weekly!


Check out this amazing spread in the upcoming issue of US Weekly. Looks like this took a lot of work and is very appealing to the eyes. Props!

Photo Credit: US Weekly, June 16, 2008

- Erin Dustin

Opposites Attract (I Mean, Look At Their Shirts)

Blake Lively and Penn Badgley hit the streets of NYC again to do a little shopping and moseying. (How come I never see them around?!) Also along for the day was Blake's cutie of a dog Penny. Although I can't get my Monday fix of Gossip Girl, these two lovebirds are keeping the chemistry alive for the summer. Thanks guys!

- Erin Dustin

You Can't Always Get What You Want

This is going to be a different kind of post. Instead of telling you about products or giving you tips on makeup application, I am going to talk about what I want from a beauty product.

As your friendly, neighborhood beauty blogger, I try A LOT of products, some good, some not so good. However, if I had a magic wand and could get what I want out from products, here's what I'd ask for. Consider this a (probably incomplete) beauty wish list. Be sure to add your thoughts by leaving a comment!

In no particular order, I want...
  1. All my beauty products to be made of organic, natural, non-toxic ingredients that are good for my skin and the environment
  2. None of my products to be tested on animals
  3. No excess packaging of any kind
  4. Anti-aging products that actually DO what they say they're going to do
  5. An easy, foolproof way to figure out exactly which skincare/anti-aging product is right for me
  6. A body cream that provides: smooth, silky skin, firming ingredients, gradual tanning ingredients, hair growth-reducing ingredients, and SPF 30 (or higher) all in one, pleasant smelling cream
  7. Foundation that doesn't slip...ever
  8. Some easy, pain-free, inexpensive, permanent way to remove unwanted hair
  9. Lip color that lasts for a long time, provides just the right amount of color, and just the right amount of shine
  10. Nail polish that is easy to apply in one coat that will not chip off or stain my natural nails
  11. Hair color that won't hurt my hair and that lasts a long time
  12. Salon services that will make me look amazing without costing a fortune
  13. Self-cleaning makeup brushes
  14. SALES on high end makeup products...or just a price reduction in general
  15. Some way of finding the perfect lipstick, perfume, eye shadow, etc. for me without having to go through the expensive trial and error process
There you have it. As I said, this is not a complete list, and I'm sure you have thoughts on this. If so, please leave a comment!

Who Wears Short Shorts?

The warm weather is finally here and that means it's time for flirty skirts, practical capris, and comfy shorts. All of these require smooth, hair-free legs. Shaving your legs is a necessity in the warmer days...and though we all do it, we're not all doing it RIGHT. Here are some tips for beautiful, naked legs, courtesy of Cosmopolitan.

1. Soften Your Skin

Scrub up. For smooth stems, wash with a gentle exfoliating body scrub. Look for one that has moisturizing oils to prevent dryness and flaking.

Banish bumps. Get rid of any small red bumps on your thighs with a daily dose of Lac-Hydrin cream, says Jeannette Graf, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center. Its lactic acids dissolve prickly patches fast. Get one with 2.5 to 3 percent formulas over the counter and stronger ones by prescription.

Reduce jiggle. Coat your legs with a firming body lotion (it'll call this out on the package). These formulas contain ingredients like caffeine and seaweed extract that temporarily tighten the skin.

2. Go for Bare

Upgrade your razor. The best way to shave, says Cindy Barshop, founder of Completely Bare Spas in New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, is with a four-blade razor. "It cuts hairs in a single pass so you don't have to drag the blade over your skin repeatedly."

Keep it steamy. Most of us grab the razor in the shower and get right to work. "But it's better to save shaving for last," says Dr. Graf. "The steam softens the hair, so removal is much easier." For the best technique, experts say to hold skin taut and shave in the opposite direction of hair growth. When tackling sensitive areas, like the bikini line, go with the grain to avoid ingrowns, advises Dr. Graf.

Lather with the right stuff. Shaving creams with lubricating ingredients, like silicone, oil, and cellulosic gum, can help ward off annoying redness and irritation since they soften the hair and allow the razor to glide right over your skin, says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetics chemist in Fairfield, New Jersey. Scan product labels to find these smoothers.

Wax with less wincing. If you have the patience and the pain threshold, consider waxing your legs. "You're uprooting the hair from the follicle, as opposed to shaving it off at the surface, so it keeps you bare for a few weeks rather than just a few days," says Ann Marie Cilmi, director of education and development for Bliss. (Note: Ripping off an entire stretch of hair is pure torture. Try working on small sections at a time with precoated strips)

Treat ingrowns. Despite your best efforts, ingrowns might still happen — especially if you have coarse, curly hair. Don't pick at them; just massage the area with a cotton ball soaked in a glycolic and salicylic-acid face cleanser. "This sloughs the skin's top layer, opening the follicle so the hair can pass through," says Dr. Graf.


3. Add Some Shimmer

Enhance your base.
If your legs are crypt-keeper pale, warm them up with a gradual self-tanner. "Ingredients in the cream react with the skin's amino acids to produce natural-looking brown pigments," says Dr. Graf. Your tone should peak in five to seven days; afterward, apply the lotion every other day to maintain your gleam.

Get a quick glow. If you want a tanned look this second, your best bet is a bronzing oil that you can swipe on before going out at night. The effects only stick around until your next shower though. For something with more staying power, try a mousse or towelette with sunless tanner: Both stain the legs a beachy, golden tint, and the color lasts about a week. You can choose from multiple hues to match your skin tone, and the products are easier to apply evenly than sprays, which can streak all over the place, says Jim Hammer, a cosmetics chemist in Easton, Massachusetts.

Put on the gloves. Before sweeping yourself with a towelette or mousse, pull on Latex rubber gloves. "That way, your hands won't soak up the color molecules meant for your legs," says Barshop. Just make sure your stems are not damp or greasy from any lotion, which can block the self-tanner from absorbing fully.

Use broad strokes. Spread the product from the tops of your ankles to just below your knees, with uniform swipes in all directions. Next, focus on your thighs, using a mirror to keep your backside in sight. For knees, dilute the tanner with moisturizer to ensure the dry skin there doesn't turn too dark. "You don't want to look like you're wearing knee pads," warns Barshop. Also, skip spots where the sun don't shine. "A tanned heel or sole is a dead giveaway," says Susie Hatton of Chocolate Sun, a sunless salon in Santa Monica, California.

Erase any streaks. If you end up with a few orange smudges, don't panic. "A quick shower should fade them away," says Joanne Gair, a makeup artist and celeb body painter. "If not, add a cup of milk to the bath," says Hatton. "The lactic acids should take down the color." If ankles are your only problem, buff away marks with the fine side of an emery board or lighten them up with a bit of cream bleach left on for two to three minutes, says Dr. Graf.

4. Get a Flawless Finish

Outsmart dimples.
There's no magic cure for cellulite, but derms agree that lotions with caffeinated ingredients (like coffee, guarana, and tea) can boost circulation and reduce puckering temporarily. Another idea: Take a natural-bristle dry body brush and, starting at your ankles, rub upward, says Chantal Sanders, director of spa and boutique development for Clarins. This stimulates lymphatic drainage, which may ease puffiness. (You can also lay off the salt.)

5. Make Your Toes Pretty

Trim and file.
Cut toenails straight across, and file away sharp corners, being careful not to round the edges, which can "cause the nail to grow into the surrounding skin," warns Dr. Graf.

Prime the skin. Buff away any calluses and rough spots with a pumice stone, then apply a smoothing foot scrub, suggests Julie Serquinia, owner of Paint Shop Beverly Hills nail salon.

Soak it up. Push back your cuticles with a damp washcloth and rub in moisturizer and cuticle oil, letting them sink in for a minute or two. Wipe off any greasy residue that is left behind.

Paint it on. Apply a base coat and two layers of polish. The hottest spring shades bright, punchy colors like hot pink and purple.

And the Designer Of The Year Goes To...

Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein for Womenswear Designer.

Tom Ford for Menswear.

Tory Burch for Accessory Design.

Yet another glamorous NYC event went down last night. The New York Public Library held the annual CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Awards, (basically the Oscars of fashion) and well, as you can see the fashionistas were out. From MJ and Posh, classic icon Ralph Lauren and designer Michael Kors, to AFO and Hilary Duff, there really never is a dull moment in the Big Apple.

I thought that this pic was kinda funny, look how much taller model Karolina Kurkova is compared to Ashley Olsen! She may be on the shorter side, but what an impact she makes! More power to us! (obvs. I'm a bit on the short side as well)

Jason Lewis is popping up everywhere these days, but believe me, I don't mind!

- Erin Dustin

Tales of the Tail

I am a klutz when it comes to styling my hair, so I typically wear it down. However, ponytails are one of the cleanest, most classic looks. They can be dressy and elegant and they can be casual and sloppy, but they are always comfortable and easy to pull off. Plus, with your hair pulled back away from your face, your bone structure and skin is on display and they can make you look beautiful.

Here are some tips for creating the perfect, elegant pony:
  • Thicken up. When your hair is slightly damp, apply a dollop of thickening cream to your locks. This will make your hair easier to work with and the extra fullness will make your pony healthy and shiny looking.
  • Dry your hair with your blow dryer. If your hair is curly or wavy, straighten it out with a natural bristle brush (like a boar bristle brush). This will make your hair healthy and super shimmery.
  • Tie your hair back. Use a solid colored elastic without a metal clasp for a clean look. Consider using a solid black elastic, or a light brown one. Do not use a scrunchy or brightly colored elastic because you'll end up looking silly if you're over the age of 18!
  • Position is everything! Your pony should be about two inches above the nape of your neck. If you go too high you'll look like a cheerleader. If it's too low, it will look sloppy and like you just woke up! To keep flyaways in place, use a tiny bit of spray to keep everything down.
  • Push your bangs over. If you have bangs, brush them to the side for a more interesting, romantic, and classic look.
  • Dress it up at night. Add some shine to your pony with a bit of silicone-based serum. Also, try wrapping a piece of hair around your elastic and securing it with a bobby pin for a more finished look.

Kelsey Grammer Suffers Heart Attack

Actor Kelsey Grammer suffered a minor heart attack this past weekend in Hawaii while paddle boarding with his wife. The Frasier star was taken to the hospital and is said to be doing fine and "resting comfortably." He will hopefully be released sometime this week. Get well!

- Erin Dustin

Oscar Winner Arrested

Last night proved eventful for actress Tatum O'Neal as well. She was arrested in NYC for buying crack cocaine. Charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, the alleged drug dealer was also arrested. Both were taken in for booking and O'Neal posted bail Monday afternoon. The actress reportedly told the officers, "You know who I am, right?" as well as telling them that she was "researching a part - I'm doing this for a part as a junkie," asking them to "just forget about this."

- Erin Dustin

Happy Birthday Dana Carvey

Can you believe Mr. Dana Carvey is 53?! Just last night, he, along with Mike Myers, reprised his role as Garth from Wayne's World at the MTV Movie Awards.

- Erin Dustin

The Night Of The Golden Popcorn

Last night at Universal City, the MTV Movie Awards were a happenin'. As celebs graced the gold carpet, it was really all about those who took home the golden bucket of popcorn. Funnyman Mike Myers hosted the soiree while big winners included Johnny Depp, who took home awards for both Pirates and Sweeney Todd, Juno's Ellen Page for Best Female Performance, Hairspray's Link Larkin (Zac Efron) for Breakout Star, Will Smith for Best Male Performance in I am Legend, Iron Man for Best Summer Movie So Far and Transformers for the Best Movie. With hot performances from Coldplay and the Pussycat Dolls, the stars came out for a much-talked about awards show.

SJP channeled her inner Carrie Bradshaw with an amazing dress, jewels, ankle-high boots and Stanford, Lindsay Lohan made a glamorous appearance in purple, (she even had a Marilyn moment on the carpet!) Rihanna and "good friend" Chris Brown (after his dance off with Myers) sat very close to each other throughout the whole show, The Hills are apparently still alive, the Best Kiss awardees Briana Evigan and Robert Hoffman definitely proved that they deserved the prize, Adam Sandler sang his own tribute after earning the Generation Award and Megan Fox gave the best plug for the sequel to Transformers. Overall, a very entertaining evening!


- Erin Dustin

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