Anastasia Brow Studio: Perfection All Over the Country

It is obvious at this point that I have an Anastasia obsession. I am obsessed with her personally for a number of reasons (her penchant for perfection, desire to help women of all financial means feel beautiful, and well I think she may be part goddess.) But on a beauty note, how else can you spend $30 and highlight every beautiful facial feature and contour to the extent that you surprise even yourself in the mirror?



I was in D.C. for a brief visit recently and found myself at the retail Taj Mahal otherwise known as Tyson's Corner. I raved about my experience at the Nordstroms in North Carolina so I wanted to test out another studio. I am, not surprisingly, equally pleased with the studio in Tyson's.

Every technician at Nordstrom's Anastasia Studios across the country (see a full listing of participating Nordies here) has been trained by Anastasia herself or one of her senior staff members. In fact the wax will go cold for months waiting for the next Anastasia-trained brow magician to arrive. Most businesses I assume would carry on but Anastasia demands perfection and this is why I love her brow studios which bring stellar brow shapes to women across America. In checking out these old before and after pics I realized how thick and full my brows have gotten since faithfully using the Anastasia Brow Kits. More on that soon!

Product Rave: Benefit Bad Gal Blue Mascara

I didn't think blue mascara was an option, seeing as how 1989 is already over. And even though I read the Benefit catalogue faithfully every time it arrives, I somehow never saw this bad in a totally good way mascara. So the other day when I was in Sephora going all Veruka Salt on the benefit part of the playground, I surprised myself when I started salivating over one of the largest tubes of mascara I had ever seen.
Like Veruka in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory I have a penchant for big shiny things and, especially at Sephora, I want it all. So I splurged a little and picked up the baddest, bluest, mascara and I haven't used my carbon black stand by since. (I still love the Carbon Black, I'm just on break for some summer fun.)

Thank goodness pigment science has advanced since the last time I thought of blue mascara as an option. This is an incredibly rich indigo blue that leaves lashes soft all day long. It highlights blue and green eyes and lightens up the entire eye area. Also with normal application it is in no way 80s obvious that the mascara is blue. However if you want to play a little and increase the blue-violent tint you can easily use the goopy blob and the end of the stick to plop on pigment and then smooth it out with the brush. It is fun for summer and looks gorgeous on. Enjoy!

iQ Derma Restore Eyes: Totally Worth It!

I thought at 27 years old a restorative eye cream was jumping the gun a little, but after only a few weeks of daily application I look younger, my eyes look brighter, and there is no trace of the crows feet that were treading their way into my skin. Honestly I am kind of amazed at the results. I have been testing a few eye creams since April. Although they all showed prodigious results iQ Derma's Restore Eyes is the only one that feels like plastic surgery in a bottle. In fact upon application it feels only slightly less adhesive than Elmer's glue. Also, I have very sensitive eyes. Mostly if I leave an eye cream on over night somehow it gets into my actual eye ball which then turns red and puffy. Not very professional looking or attractive. Perhaps because of it's adhesive like texture, restore eyes has never done anything but night by night decrease the crows feet and steadily increase the elasticity of the skin around my eyes. They look luminous. I'm not much on self adoration but last night before I went to bed I actually looked at myself in the mirror and thought, huh, I am kind of beautiful. Also, I don't really have a dark circle problem underneath my eyes but at this point if iQ derma says it erases dark circles I believe them. Before I tried Restore Eyes I thought anyone would be insane to pay $85.00 for an eye cream but now I am readjusting the food budget to make room for this product. Also it's much cheaper, less painful, and I'd venture to say better looking than the equivalent plastic surgery.

Total Beauty Web Tour!


Are you ready for a Warm Chill? Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy™ is raving about the latest limited edition collection from MAC Cosmetics. Here she gives us a fabulous makeup
tutorial featuring the cool blue hues from MAC's Cool Heat.

Who is the THEVI Woman? Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog introduces you to the new line of cosmetics for the NEW ethnic woman.



Does the T3 Plump Heat-Seeking Liquid Hair Plumper give Makeup Bag hair like Serena Van der Woodsen?


Alison of the Advice Sisters Guide To Life, Success & Happiness Blog visits with Redken's color consultant, David Stanko at the Angelo David Salon in New York, and answers the question: Are In-Salon Treatments Really Worth it?


Viva Woman compares compact, mineral and loose powder foundation and finds out which
is better based on coverage, skin type, formulation, convenience and affordability.


The Muse saws open her Urban Decay Potion Primer and finds out how to make the most of it!


Meredith at Daily Dose of Coffee finally checks out MAC's Tendertones and thinks that it's a product worth keeping in your makeup bag.


Beauty's Spot is tangled up in shades of orange this summer as Nars Lip Lacquer in Capucine has stolen her heart.


Beauty Anonymous reviews Corioliss Pro Black Flat Iron!


Tink at Casual Lavish provides a step by step Beach Waves hair tutorial.


Get your summer groove on with some fun waves and have fun!! Monique at Beauty Girl Musings has discovered a new, more grown-up scent that she adores!

Top 10 Celebrity Hair Stylists Hair Tips by Talking Makeup.


The girls over at Beauty in Real Life got a chance to interview celebrity makeup artist Fatima Olive, click here to read her fabulous makeup tips.


Come join The Life of a Ladybug's no!no! giveaway! All you have to do is enter your name and e-mail address and you have a chance to win a brand new no!no! hair removal device!

Jeanne at Periodic Style is dealing with a self-tanning mishap...


Summer heat doing a number on your skin? Beauty411 shares how the new June
Jacobs Cooling and Soothing Masque
can help you beat the heat and improve your skin!


Makeup Junkie shares a new Makeup Obsession and it's not lip gloss!


Beauty Tyrant is virtually poreless now, thanks to her Pore-fect Idealist. Find out how this product makes it to her Holy Grail!


The Beauty of Life is giving away over $100 in Lisa Hoffman products! Click here to enter!

Laura Mercier totally digs my summer lip color

So remember how I totally fell in love with NARS Lip Laquer in Capucine? Apparently Laura Mercier has also fallen for the sunset look on the lips. Both the NARS Miami Sunset collection and Laura Mercier are built around the colors of a summer sunset and it is such a beautiful summer look. Honestly I'd love to try and describe it to you but Laura did a great job and I have a movie night to attend to where I will be watching Freaky Friday. So I'll let her explain the look below.

L'Heure Magique: The magic hour. When the light begins to gently fade and the world becomes surreal. Capture your "magic hour" with the soft, yet feminine hues of silver-blues, heather and hints of pink and peach that reflect the sun's retreat amidst a smoky sky using the three new limited edition Eye Colour Trios.
Get This Look.
View the entire L'Heure Magique Collection now.
Hurry! Complimentary standard ground shipping now through Sunday, June 29th at 11:59 PM CST. Offer available on lauramercier.com only.

Beauty Reflection: Eminence Pink Grapefruit Clarifying Masque

Back in April I told you about one of the best face masques ever made - Eminence Organics Pink Grapefruit Clarifying Masque. Tonight as I lay on my couch with chunks of organic pink grapefruit spread like buoys on the light pink colored, clay sea washing over my face it took everything I had to not blog while masked. So I began to think about my blog and here is what I came up with.

Because I am obsessed with spa treatments and the products that allow me to bring them home I began this blog. I want nothing more than to bring you the best of what I find and possibly some insight along the way that makes being a woman slightly easier and more enjoyable. In the name of bringing beauty and reprieve to my absolutely amazing, over-achieving readers I have smuggled my little Nikon camera into appointments for nostril waxing (sorry too vain to share), pedicures, eyebrow waxing, blow outs, haircuts, energy healing sessions, fashion shows, the best boutiques in LA, um - I even video taped Anastasia - ANASTASIA - rather than chat it up with her so I could record for posterity her bewitching brow makeover. (On the other hand, I'm kind of a wallflower anyhow so it's nice to have a camera to stand behind.)
My point is, I am obsessed with blogging. So tonight after a week of family drama, man drama, professional life drama, I put on this beautiful, organic, effective, masque and thought 'Two minutes on the couch. Two minutes of nothing but absolute, sweet-smelling, lovely perfection.' I can't buy the perfect man, the perfect family, or the perfect job but I can buy the perfect beauty product and this my friends is it. But there I sat during pure relaxation time and all I could think was I have to tell them about this. Other women have to try this. (Seriously you have not tried a face masque until you have tried the Eminence Pink Grapefruit Clarifying Masque. You can purchase it here.) My conclusion is this: I am grateful to be beauty blog obsessed. I bring you the best spa, product, organics, and travel that I can find in my ravenous search for reprieve and renewal. And if that means ten minutes of writing for every two minutes of reprieve so be it. And if you made it this far, through the dense thicket of my reflective banter, thanks for reading. Ok onto...eye creams...

Alert! Nordie's pre-sale starts today! Chanel, Dior, Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown Exclusives on Sale!


Where can you get MAC, Chanel, Juicy Couture, NARS, Kiehl’s, Laura Mercier, Marc Jacobs, Dior, Bobbi Brown and Philosophy on sale? Nordstroms of course. Or on your couch while visiting Nordstrom.com.


On July 18th through August 3rd, shoppers nationwide will rise with the sun and rush to their nearest Nordstrom. This ritual signifies the beginning of the two week period where the limited supply of coveted Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusive items become available. So, what is the best way to guarantee a successful shopping mission? The answer is easy: PRE-ORDER!



Beginning June 23rd, Nordstrom is pre-selling your favorite exclusives both in stores and online at Nordstrom.com, allowing consumers to reserve these limited-edition offerings from their favorite brands. On July 18th the race to the cosmetic department will begin, as devoted beauty junkies can seize the opportunity to get a hold of these unique items.


Murad Blog: Jeff is Blogging!


This post is totally for my Total Beauty girls but for everyone else - the Murad Skincare blog has been redesigned and the posts seem to be rolling in much more frequently.


Anyhow ladies...Jeff is blogging. I think I was the only one on the beauty tour who was not smitten, but I have to say his blogging may change that. He in fact seems like a very intelligent nice guy.

Nars Lip Lacquer in Capucine: It was love at first sight.

In my obsessive hunt to bring you the best of all things Spa. Product. Organics. and Travel. I often find myself scouring the internets. Lately lots of this scouring has focused on Sephora's blog as one of their writers is as obsessed as I am with Benefit Cosmetics. When I came across this photo of the Nars online exclusive limited edition Miami Sun Set I fell into the orange colored lip lacquer the second I laid eyes on it. The Capucine is the same exact color of my summer nail obsession (L'Oreal Coral Blaze 411). Rather than order the set online, I went straight to Sephora and purchased the lip lacquer. Let me tell you it's true what they say about love at first sight. I never knew lip color until I met Capucine. Although it appears bold and punky in the jar it looks as beautiful as a southern summer sunset when applied. In fact I can't exactly identify it as orange on my lips. Rather its looks like some deeply fascinating yet blurry dot on the windows color matrix, and it brightens all of my features, and compliments my skin tone all at the same time. Surprisingly, this summer my beauty love life is tangled up in orange and although unexpected it's a stunning evolution nonetheless.

Dream Vacations from Intrepid Express

Intrepid Express has some newly designed dream vacations designed to get you relaxed and beautiful from the inside out. Having fully researched their Balinese Yoga Vacation I am going to go sit by the pool and imagine that I'm back at my Balinese Ibu's house where I'd eat breakfast by the pool every morning. Sigh......


Brazil - Island Fitness Retreat

The Island Fitness Retreat is a unique fitness vacation on the island paradise of Ilha Grande, just off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With yoga, meditation and massage therapies and outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling, and nutritional and healthy calorie-controlled meals prepared by the on-site nutritionist, the Island Fitness Retreat will invigorate and revitalize! We'll help you elevate your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being whilst you enjoy being fit and healthy in the company of other like-minded and adventurous individuals. The program is designed to detox your body and de-stress your mind.more trip info...

Bali Bootcamp
Bali Bootcamp experience offers you a great opportunity to work on your fitness whilst sharing a taste of Bali life and culture. With Bootcamp instructors that pride themselves on helping recruits to enjoy each session and to achieve great results. Enjoy clean mountain air, lush soothing garden settings and the warmth of genuine Balinese hospitality in this intensive six days. Designed to improve your fitness whilst in the company of other motivated guests in a very supportive and comfortable environment, the Bootcamp combines a variety of cardiovascular and strength workouts for abilities and fitness levels.
more trip info...

Japan Fitness Vacation

Here's a trip to get your heart racing! The Japan Fitness Vacation provides an opportunity to focus your attention on a multitude of physical activities whilst learning about Japanese culture and life. In an action-packed 8 days you'll try karate and aikido, sea kayaking and rafting, mountain biking and a highlight of any active trip to Japan, you'll experience the exultation of ascending Mt Fuji for views at sunrise. You will also learn about the sumo culture and take guided practice in zazen meditation aimed to bring about a calm body and mind to enable you to gain insight. Shiatsu massages feel all the better after a physical work-out and there will be opportunities to indulge during our trip. The fitness, martial arts and massage experts will assist and support you through this fast-paced and active trip. They will also provide valuable insight into Japanese culture and history and you will come away from this trip, not only feeling fitter and healthier but with skills and learning's to take home and apply in every day life. Welcome to the dynamic and ever changing land of the rising sun more trip info...

Byron Bay - Surf Yoga Retreat

A yoga and surf experience unlike any other. Relax, unwind, re-connect, eat well, be pampered, have huge amounts of fun, connect within, get inspired, deepen or develop your personal yoga practice and surfing journey in the stunning surrounds of world famous Byron Bay, Australia. more trip info...





Kenya - Yoga and Meditation Retreat

On the Kenyan coast, you wake to the sounds of the waves and a mesmerizing display of orange, pink and red as the sun rises over the Indian ocean. This retreat aims to provide every guest with their own personal pathway to peace through sunrise yoga, ayurvedic massage, mediation and simply re-learning the art of relaxation. more trip info...





Thailand - Yoga and Meditation Retreat

The day begins with a yoga class in our yoga sala overlooking the fringing reef of the Andaman Sea. Following a gourmet breakfast, simply relax, hang out on the beach or snorkel and dive some of Asia's best coral reefs. Hike the interior of the island or take a trip to the mainland and wander round the Thai markets before returning for our afternoon yoga session as the sun sets.
more trip info...



Malta - Yoga and Meditation Retreat

Gozo, a tiny island belonging to Malta, is one of the last unspoiled spots in the Mediterranean and offers a perfect setting for the retreat. As well as yoga twice a day, there are stunning walks, a huge range of UNESCO world heritage historical sites to explore, local markets, fishing villages and beautiful swimming beaches. more trip info...


Beauty Blogosphere Bouquet

Just because I love you.....

I am dying to get my hands on the new NARS exclusive set at Sephora. The Lip Lacquer in Capucine is to dye for and would look amazing with my summer tan.

The Sephora girls totally get my benefit obsession!

I am not going to Paris. Sad I know but three of my favorite beauty bloggers are so it's kind of ok.

Someday I am totally going to replicate this stretch mark cream experiment by the lovelies at Total Beauty

According to WWD Men's fragrance is about to get huge and Posh and Becks are like totally aloud to play with the big kids now.

Fashion Week goes to summer camp: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim Collection, Miami July 18-21

Is Michelle Obama making a funny with her White House Black Market dress on the view? Either way I vote for her. Nice dress. Nice Make up. Nice statement.

Spa Magazine releases their 2008 International Spa Guide.

When Marta and I were sitting around the Nicholai show at LA Fashion Week with her, I had no idea how important Kelly Cutrone was. Oops.

Beauty's School: Bobbi Brown Living Beauty


My twenties, and the physiological changes that came with them, caught me completely by surprise. Stretch marks, random black hairs on my face (WTF?!), and weight gain...and all I could think was, "Why did no one tell me?" I am determined not to be caught off guard again by my 30 and 40s. So I am reading the fourth book by the legendary cosmetics guru, Bobbi Brown's Living Beauty. Someone once told me that intelligence is learning from my mistakes, but wisdom is learning from other people's mistakes. In this book, targeted to women in their thirties, forties and fifties, "Bobbi offers readers specific surgery-free solutions for looking better - showing how skincare, makeup, nutrition, fitness, and style can solve so many of the issues women complain about." The author says," Women want to look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident." Amen. Pool reading for June is covered.

Total Beauty Web Tour!

Meredith at Daily Dose of Coffee attempts to stop the ravages of time on her face with L'Oreal's Skin Genesis line. Find out how it works and what she thinks.

Viva Woman invites you to check out her updated tips on sunscreen protection and application this summer.

Advice Sister Alison at The Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success and Happiness Blog discovers a luxe, multi-tasking face treatment by Chanel :a luxe, multi-tasking face treatment by Chanel called HYDRAMAX + ACTIVE TEINTE Active Moisture Tinted Lotion SPF 15. It's truly a Skin Saving Wonder and it's Advice Sisters Product of the Week!

Tink at Casual Lavish explores the nail polish watercoloring technique.

The Muse reviews Bourjois Paris Hi-Tech Rouge before it even hits US shores!

If you never try anything else Beauty's Spot recommends (which would be incredibly foolish) you must try this Honey Heel Balm by Farmhouse Fresh. It will change your feet!


Beauty Anonymous thinks Anna Sui Fall 2008 Makeup Collection is adorable!



Summer skin got you down? Beauty411 reviews a new product from REN that will jumpstart your skin and leave it looking like you just had a facial!

Beauty in Real Life has great summer makeup tips from a celebrity makeup artist.

Jeanne at Periodic Style wants to get buff this summer...

Talking Makeup: How To Give Your Skin A Natural Glow by Celebrity Nutritionist Oz Garcia.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings shares a new product to help control those fly-aways!

The Jet Set Girls try out L'Oreal's latest self tanner.

Joy from the Makeup Junkie dishes on her night out with Cover Girl!

Discover which skincare line is loved by celebrity moms andA Mom in Red High Heels alike!

Toya from The Life of A Ladybug proves brown girls can and should wear orange in her Electro FOTD!

The Beauty's Spot Widget

I know I know in the year 2008 everyone and their whippet has a blog. So I've made Beauty's Spot exportable. Check out my right hand column to view the new Beauty's Spot Widget and add it to your blog, facebook, twitter, or whatever tickles your virtual pickle.

Calling all Local 'Beauty's': Sale at Monkee's!


Honey Heel Glaze by Farmhouse Fresh: New Product for the Beauty's Spot Top Shelf.

Honey Heel Glaze by Farmhouse Fresh is the best thing I have ever put on my feet. I just crawled across the floor on my hands and knees to tell you about it. Some products do what they are supposed to do. Some are excellent in constitution and effectiveness. Others make my heart feel cozy. This one little honey filled jar houses all three trademarks of an outstanding product.

I was reorganizing the beauty closet, not intending to try anything new tonight, when I happened upon this lovely little country preservative jar filled with a honey-based foot glaze. I opened the original box to find an adorable little application brush (read, no sticky hands) and the delicious smell of fresh frothy chai. I applied the non-greasy, cinnamon-and-clove-scented glaze (it's not unlike something my good friend Emily might use to coat a piece of fish) and then fell out on my bathroom floor for a full four minutes of pure enjoyment and deep relaxing breaths. My feet happily absorbed the copious amounts of moisture and rubbed up against each other like eager new lovers. 'Oh yes,' I thought to myself, 'this whole beauty obsession started with my uncanny ability to turn my bathroom into a day spaahhhhhhh - no I must not pass out on the bathroom floor!' Then I knew I had to tell you right away hence the crawling to my laptop on my hand and knees. So worth it. This is so going on the Beauty's Spot Top Shelf.

Bliss Sale!


Adorable clothes and products on sale!

Kiehl's Summer Book Exchange

I have always thought of Kiehl's as the definition of hip. My cousin in Montclair New Jersey (who happens to be one of the hippest people ever) used their moisturizers. She was this very hip indie film maker who bailed on the biz and proceeded to raise two of the most beautiful little artistic children. And she did it all while looking gorg and swearing by Kiehl's. Now Kiehl's is not only providing reasonably priced excellent skincare they are also providing the summer reads of all their hip beach-going clientele for free...



This summer, Kiehl’s Since 1851 helps its customers stock up on more than just sun care—we’re going to keep them stocked in summer beach reads!

From June 24 through Labor Day, customers can visit their nearest Kiehl’s freestanding store, drop off a well-read favorite and pick up a new title. Customers who purchase a Kiehl’s sun preparation will also receive a Limited Edition “Safer Fun in the Sun” bookmark, to further remind them of the importance of sun protection.

At Kiehl’s, we hold firm in the knowledge that the regular use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a vital aspect of any daily skincare regimen and the key to healthy, protected skin. We strongly recommend the consistent use of sunscreens for the face, eye area and body on a daily basis throughout the year, even on cloudy, seemingly “sunless” days. Because summer days are the longest of the year, and there’s greater interest on outdoor activities, it’s even more important that the face and body be fully protected.

Please visit Kiehls.com to see our full range of sun-protection formulas for men, women and children (http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/sun/index.aspx), particularly the following formulas:


UV Protective Everyday Facial Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream SPF 15 uses Mexoryl SX to offer the face broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection from the sun.

UV Protective Suncare Sunscreen Cream For Face and Body SPF 20 also uses Mexoryl SX for broad-spectrum protection; water-resistant after 40 minutes of water activity.

Vital Sun Protection offers very waterproof formulas with specific products for children’s sensitive skin.

Ultra Facial Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 features lightweight color coverage with SPF protection, perfect for every day.

Facial Fuel SPF 15-daily SPF protection, formulated with men in mind.
Lip Balm SPF 15-available clear, and in tinted formulas.

And, if you MUST wear a tan:

Sun-Free Self Tanning Formula-lightweight formula dries in 1 hour. (Still wear your sunscreen!)

Murad Soothing Skin and Lip Therapy: Heaven on Earth

Apparently BHA is the wonder-ingredient in many Murad products. It would never occur to me to put a glycolic into a lip balm. Luckily it did occur to Dr. Murad. I can not explain with words how much pleasure I get from coating my lips in this gooey liquid but I imagine (if ice cream could feel) it's similar to the absolute exuberant joy the soft serve at Dairy Queen feels right after it gets dipped in the liquid chocolate. Gooey, smooth, dewy, velvety, full lovely lips. Thank you Dr. Murad. The healing properties of the BHA, Lanolin, and Vitamin E in this lip and skin therapy are noticeable in only a few days. Also, my sample size is no larger than half of my pinkie finger, has lasted two weeks, and is only half empty. I will happily shell out the $14 for the full size when this sample runs out.

Total Beauty Web Tour!

Meredith at Daily Dose of Coffee gets a makeover and checks out the new Stila summer collection eye shadow palette.

Fifty-Cent Head reviews the 2008 Readers' Choice Awards in two posts, because there are so many (and so much to say!): Part One and ingredients in mineral makeup that can cause irritation to your face.

Who couldn't use a little stress relief? Beauty411 raves about Johnson's Melt Away Stress line; check it out and enter the contest to win a free assortment of Melt Away Stress products!

Beauty Anonymous loves Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer for lips!

Talking Makeup loves Smooth Indulgence Concealer by Dermablend.

Alison (aka. "Advice Sister Alison") of The Advice Sisters de-mystifies beauty product labels.

Kitiya from Mischo Beauty invites you to enter her “Mischo Beauty Johnson & Johnson Melt Away Stress Giveway!”

The Beauty of Life welcomes in the dog days of summer with an assortment of cocktail-inspired beauty products!

Bare Escentuals' Warm Radiance has passed muster with Toya of "The Life of A Ladybug!" Come check this out and the rest of her "Bronzers for Brown Girls" series!

Hair Therapy continues for Monique at Beauty Girl Musings!

Jeanne from Periodic Style is back from her Vegas vacation and wonders what to do with her winnings...

Beauty in Real Life has the scoop on the soon-to-be-released, fab new colors for CoverGirl Eye Enhancers.

Joy from Makeup Junkie is wondering if < href="http://make-upjunkie.blogspot.com/2008/06/beauty-review-week-1-no-no-no-no.html">no! no! is A No-No? Check out Week 1 of her review!

Henna from Canadian Beauty found a gloss that really lasts - find out which one she's using!

Laurie at Beauty's Spot sacrifices her perfect tan to bring you the skinny on L'Oreal Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self Tanning Mist.

OMG! Aveda Founder Launches First USDA Organic Shampoo and Conditioner in the USA


Intelligent Nutrients will be the first USDA certified organic hair care line in the United States! Check out this article from WWD. (Note the Aveda founder is launching this line from his organic farm in Wisconsin. Go Badgers!


Whole Foods Podcast: Natural Sun Burn Treatment and First Aid

Remember when I told you how jazzed I was about Whole Body (Whole Foods Beauty Department) starting their own blog!? Now they are bringing us podcasts via their blog. This one talks about natural relief for summer skin care and first aid. Sure we all know to use aloe for sunburn but let's face it burns are getting worse and aloe leaves something to be desired. Listen to their newest podcast to learn how lavender oil, St. Johns Wort, and others can take the bite out of your burn. This podcast also talks about all kinds of natural first aid solutions for summer first aid. Listen the whole podcast from the Whole Foods blog.


Tattoo Potion: I have a girl crush/product recommendation for Angelina Jolie

I have a girl-crush on Angelina Jolie. And not just her newest Santa Angelina incarnation. Gone in 60 seconds actually made me question my sexuality for a moment. Anyhow I don't have any tattoos of my own but I thought maybe if I recommend these new tattoo care products to her she could test them out and let Beauty's Spot readers know how they are. Oh wait she is busy with breading, Brad, and bouillabaisse. Since 1 in 4 people in the United States have tattoos why don't one of you tattooed hotties try out this new line dedicated to tattoo maintenance, aftercare, and longevity and get back to me? Also, the Tattoo Potion Website is SO worth the click it takes to get there.


Guest Blog from Intrepid Travel's Chotie Moloney

I have been dying for a Spa vacation lately. The past month has been an emotional roller coaster and I can picture nothing better than soaking myself in thermal mineral water that has been percolating below the earth's surface for a few hundred years. In fact the one phrase that has been running through my mind this week has been "SPA: Salud Per Aqua" So when Chotie's Japanese Onsen article arrived in my inbox I immediately got permission from Intrepid Travel to share it with you, my lovely, presumably overworked Beauty's Spot readers so we can all have a little virtual hadaka no tsukiai.

In Japan there is a centuries-old tradition that washes away the worries of your world and leaves you feeling completely relaxed. If you follow local etiquette your experience will be very soothing, but as Intrepid's Chotie Moloney explains, if you don't do your homework, bathing in a Japanese onsen could leave you in hot water...


In Hot Water In Japan

"Bathing in Japan is a unique experience. The popular onsen is a public bath filled with water from a natural hot spring and these indoor or outdoor facilities are scattered all over the country. Japanese people have bathed in mineral-rich hot springs for centuries, aspousing the health benefits of this national pastime.

Here are some steps to ensure etiquette is respected and bath time is enjoyed by all, but before we start, make sure you take notice of the signage to be sure if it's single or mixed-gender bathing!...

1. Bring a small towel to use as a wash cloth (yes, this is only a bit longer than your average face cloth), as well as a bath towel with you. Most onsen have free soaps and shampoos, but bring some just in case.

2. Undress yourself at the Datsuijyo (changing room). Leave your bath towel with your clothes here in the lockers or baskets provided. Embrace the naked you (swim suits are not allowed) and taking only the small towel, enter the Yokujyo (bathroom).

3. Tattoos are often associated with the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia). If you have tattoos, prepare to cover them up as a tattooed person is sometimes not allowed in public baths in Japan. And you want to blend in as much as possible.

4. Wash yourself at the Araiba. Sit on the small chairs (kindergarten size) and thoroughly wash from head to toe. The small towel is to scrub your body with soap. You must be clean and soap free to enter an onsen.

5. Walk into the bath and relax. Don't put the small towel into the water, this is placed on the head. At a constant 37 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit), you soak for about 15-20 minutes (if you can stand the heat), then have a quick rinse with cold water and back in for more. The average Japanese bather spends up to an hour at an onsen.

6. Before you leave, take a shower again. You are so relaxed by this stage, be careful not to fall off your pint sized washing chair!

7. Wipe your body with the small towel before returning to Datsuijyo.

8. Back in the Datsuijyo wipe yourself well with your bath towel. Put your clothes on and depart.

You are guaranteed a good night's slumber. The expression "hadaka no tsukiai" or in English "the naked relationship" is used in Japan to express a sense of deep friendship. If you take a bath with someone, that means you are already friends. It certainly helps to break down hierarchy at work, a great way to unwind from a stressful day and a fantastic social gathering for friends and family.There was an onsen in Kyoto not far from our Intrepid ryokan where the Datsuijyo and Yokujyo are located one floor apart; so you all enter the elevator in your birthday suit, with only a small towel for comfort. I didn't quite work up the nerve to visit that one!"
To win a Spa Vacation all your own check out Total Beauty's Summer Sweepstakes!

Benefit Cosmetics Gets Hip, Launches B Spot.

Benefit is one of my favorite cosmetic companies for SO many reasons. Now they are speaking directly to me and launching a perfume called B Spot. Coincidentally, it is based on some of my favorite scents. Take their quiz to figure out the location of your B Spot. Enjoy!

Michael Gallagher Owns Magazine History

If you love magazines, fashion, or photography you MUST watch this video!

The Jet Set Girls tagged me!

Beauty Bloggers are so fun! Thanks to the Jet Set Girls for tagging me. I will Tag Tammy at A Mom in Red High Heels, Marta at Talking Makeup, and Jolie Nadine.

1. What were you doing ten years ago?
I was babysitting the daughter of the guy who wrote Blazing Saddles, transferring his address book to a strange new device called a "PDA", calling the whole thing a "senior project", and biding my time before going to college.

2. What are five things on your to-do list today?
a) do my dishes
b) call Anna back
c) bravely attempt day two of self-tanning spray
d) open the mysterious package from Killingworth CT
e) finish reading the new Oprah Magazine

3. Snacks you enjoy?
Greek Yogurt, Almonds, Carrots, Chocolate

4. Places you've lived: Oh dear God do you want the whole list? Here it goes:
Perryman MD, Fallston MD, Towson MD, Baltimore MD, Durango CO, Providence RI, Madison WI, Grand Marais MN, East Java Indonesia, Bali Indonesia, Allston MA, Ft. Lauderdale FL, Montclair NJ, Manhattan NY, Chapel Hill, NC

5. What are 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire?
a) Pay off all debt belonging to me and my mother and set up a trust/college fund for my 6 year old sister
b) start a micro-finance program for women in Southeast Asia to create and run their own spa/salons.
c) write a book or two
d) buy several houses around the world (France, Bali, San Francisco, Hong Kong, D.C)
e) go effing shopping

6. People you want to know more about?
My future husband, specifically his exact location is at this moment.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist - Day Three


Day one went well. Parts of day two went well. The parts that stuck, anyhow. See, I thought I was dry after standing around my apartment for thirty minutes, blogging and waiting for my newly applied coat of L'Oreal's Self Tanning Mist to dry. When I woke up the next morning and hesitantly looked in the mirror with one eye open I expected to look like an oompa-loompa. I was pleasantly surprised by my new bronze skin color. I was unpleasantly surprised that I also resembled a zebra or someone with a skin pigmentation disease. 3/4 of the backside of my arms and back were erased of self tanner while the top quarter was now nicely bronzed. I suppose I slept on my back and the tanner wasn't dry enough before I went to bed. I am happy to report however that I like the color even more today that I did on day two. The next time I have 45 minutes to stand around my apartment naked and not touch anything I will re-apply and report back. Seriously though I do recommend keep a can of this around for weekends when pooltime isn't an option or when you would like some extra coverage for your shy parts.

Summer Spa Sweepstakes!



Click Here

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist - Day One

I'm feeling very California at the moment. Paris Hilton just shuffled onto my ipod and I'm standing around my apartment naked waiting for my self-tanner to dry. I am a self-tanning virgin and I've been staring down bottles of L'Oreal Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self- Tanning Mist for weeks, hoping to some how suddenly become comfortable with the idea of possibly turning myself orange. The name is a mouthful but what L'Oreal is trying to say is that unlike other tanners this one sprays on just like the professional spray-on tans. It does in fact spray on perfectly. No clumping. Just a perfectly fine, evenly distributed mist. In fact it sprays just like hairspray (unfortunately it kind of smells like hair spray too).



What I love about this product so far is that it easily reaches those those places I'm not too keen on angling into full view of the sun to get an even tan. So my inner thighs and the part of my bum that isn't covered by my suit are finally getting the attention they deserve. Also the spray is easily focused to one specific area so it's useful for correcting tan lines from multiple bikinis. I'm supposed to apply it on the daily until my skin is the color I desire. I'll keep you posted on how the color turns out.

Beauty Blogosphere Bouquet

Spektra Beauty News is the authority on makeup application in my opinion. She finally reveals how to do the perfect summery bronze eye.

My friend Erika at Makeup Bag introduces us to Toluene and Formaldehyde free nail polish pens on display at Target!

Tammy at A Mom in Red High Heels writes another extremely informative piece on the re-vamping of Target's makeup aisle and by all accounts it is going to be the best new grown up girls playground in town.

The girls from Lucky Magazine's blog are in love with a hair product made from bone marrow. Read and come up with your own horror inspiring superlatives. I have too many to write down.

Sephora's very own bloggers, otherwise known as the women behind the curtain and the metaphorical wizards of makeup Oz reveal this weeks hottest launches.

I haven't been lucky enough to try Stella McCartney's eco-friendly skincare line yet but her website sure is purty.

I had the chance to meet Michelle from One Chic Mama recently and she is so Fab!

I love this slideshow from the BBC news on the work and legacy of YSL.

I'm also developing a minor obsession with Carla Bruni, France's first lady, but I don't know what to say about her look at the Funeral. (Probably she was ,you know, grieving and not going for a look.) Claudia Schiffer on the other hand leaves me with one clear word: stun-a. And yes I'm going to the less attractive after-life place for judging the attire of mourning funeral attendees.

Steeping Beauty is the best Latina Style beauty blog around. (She is also just adorable and very very sweet.) Get the skinny from her on how to win a trip to Australia with Jurlique!

Excluse Beauty's Spot Contest Winners: Swag Bag Madness

The winners are:

1) Hil'esha (110 clicks/dollars to Healthy Child Healthy World)

2) Jude (22 clicks/dollars to Healthy Child Healthy World)

3) Jessica (10 clicks/dollars to Healthy Child Healthy World)

Also, I know there were many more of you who did an absurd amount of clicking and didn't report them. Many thanks to you as well!
Hil'esha will be getting a beautiful swag bag, the contents of which can be seen below. Jude and Jessica will be getting smaller but still beautiful bags o' swag. Thanks to everyone for all of your support. Check back and let me know if you won any prizes from Total Beauty.com. You can also check out their new contest for instant beauty money prizes and a grand prize spa vacation!

Bliss for Father's Day

Doing some Father's Day shopping this weekend? (Or feeling like you should be?) Make it easy on yourself. Let Bliss wrap and deliver. Here are some of my favs but don't forget to check out all of the manly gifts from Bliss!







Total Beauty Web Tour!

Tink at Casual Lavish reviews Burt's Bees Avocado Butter pre-shampoo treatment. Does this give her hair the shine she wants? Check out the review to find out.

The Beauty of Life bares it all with Bobbi Brown's new Yogi Bare Lip Balm!

Talking Makeup's Marta Walsh interviews IMAN
for Beauty Interviews!

Beauty Anonymous invites you to Peach-a-Boo! from OPI.

Laurie at Beauty's Spot has started a new feature detailing her personal product all-stars.

Alison, (aka. "Advice Sister Alison" ) shares five fast, easy and fabulous ways to brighten your smile without products or dentist's bills on the Advice Sisters Guide to Happiness Blog

The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are having such an amazing giveaway...your lips will thank you if you win!

Toya of The Life of A Ladybug introduces you to Laura Mercier's Bronzing Duo in Pink Bronze , another in her "Bronzers for Brown Girls" series!

Kitiya from Mischo Beauty invites you to enter her SPINLASH giveaway!


Monique at Beauty Girl Musings lets you know all about her new favorite hydrating product.

A Mom in Red High Heels embraces her curly-girl side! Discover which product leaves her hair soft and full!

Here's Hoping...Featuring Spas of France


Thanks to all of you beautiful readers for your efforts to send me to Paris. Until Total Beauty announces the big winners lets explore and dream shall we? Check out the Spas of France website. It is so dreamy. I hope whoever wins has the most fabulous time in Paris and I can't wait to see if any Beauty's Spot readers won the grand prizes!

Miracle Cleanser: Murad Age Reform's AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

I returned home from Total Beauty's LA Beauty Tour loaded down with product. I became a bit overzealous in my attempt to test and sample so much glorious product all at once. My face revolted. Two of the largest zits this side of fifteen erupted. Oh Jesus. Did I have a bad reaction to one product or some combination of the twenty? I almost lost my mind. Too much product and no where to start.

Luckily, my dear friend Tammy shipped the Murad product I accidentally left behind with her stash and it saved the day, or in this case, the face. I read the words "exfoliating cleanser" on the first bottle I ravenously broke out of the package and I began to use the cleanser night and day. The zits were zapped in two days and a week or so later my skin feels brighter and smoother than it has in years. I'm guessing the speedy results are the reason allure featured this cleanser in their Bride Magazine. I had to figure out how this product produced results so fast and in the process of investigating I gathered some excellent information on Glycolic Acid. Here is the expert lowdown on the AHA in this phenomenal cleanser which despite its powers of zit-zapping is actually intended as an anti-aging product.

"Glycolic Acid is an AHA. AHAs are a family of acidic exfoliants derived from fruit and milk sugars. Glycolic Acid (produced from sugar cane) is the most effective AHA for lifting away dead surface cells. What's more, once inside the cell walls of the new skin layer, it can trigger the formation of collagen to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and resolve other flaws." (Melissa A. Murad Skincare Specialist)

OMG this is a miracle cleanser! For more expert advice and information check out Dr. Murad's blog. For all those who swoon for Jason Murad, he contributes and - warning- it makes him more attractive.

Beauty Therapy: L'Oreal Coral Blaze # 411


I mentioned yesterday that this has not been the best week. The good news for me however is that I have never met a problem a beauty product or treatment couldn't ameliorate. I am not going to pretend that L'Oreal's Coral Blaze (#411) is going to appease the feelings I am currently walking through. But I guarantee it is going to make the walking better, reminding me that aesthetic pleasure can allow for a mirthful flight of the senses at any time. (and really that's why I passionately love the beauty and spa industry anyhow).


I lost a dear friend this week. The kind who always makes you smile. He was one of those rare straight men who loved labels and product. On Saturday I was hurriedly rushing to primp for dinner, go buy pies from the market, and haul my little, low-emissions vehicle out to the country for a steak and seafood feast. I hate to be late but for some reason, unknown to me at the time, I had insisted on painting my own nails. I have not done this since I was 10. (Manicurists are professional. I have am not.) But I had been dying to test the new L'Oreal Coral Blaze from their flagship store at the Beverly Center in LA. (I can not find it anywhere else, hence the picture and lack of links.) The second I spotted it I thought "That's it! That is the coral I have been searching for". I have regretted every single mani-pedi where I chose coral in the last 6 years because something about the color was always a bit off. But this season with all of the popping new neon polishes I thought coral may have finally found its compliment. And it has. This is the best coral I have ever seen. Who knew all coral needed was 80's brightness to make it purely perfect in every way?

When I arrived at dinner proudly bearing not one but two pies and the hippest nails this side of the Mississippi I got the bad news. I somehow managed to not fumble the pie but the rest of the night was lost on me. Kismet, however, had not completely lost me . This polish is so perfect, bright, and cheery, that inspite of myself, every time I have looked down this week in a vain attempt to keep it together, my nails have made me smile in pure happiness. This polish is honestly not like any other color I have ever seen. No matter what I am going through in life, I am so thankful that as a beauty product junkie aesthetic pleasure can infuse my whole body with elementary joy at any time.