Epicuren SPF 15: Lip Balm Heaven

My truly fabulous cousin gifted me this lovely tube of Epicuren Lip Balm upon my arrival in Colorado. Adorable, fabulous looking, and birthed at the Spa at Vail Mountain Lodge- I adored it instantly. With Tea Tree Oil and a cornucopia of other protective plant based ingredients protecting them from the wind and sun - my lips are truly the happiest they have ever been. Enjoy!

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Baume Ultra Riche Yeux from L'Occitane

That's "rich in Shea butter" for those of you who can't speak french. Oh wait I can't speak french either but along with the $32.00 you pay for this heavenly eye cream you'll also get the free french lesson included in each line of the packaging which is printed En Frances and English.

Minor point but my major point is this - L'Occitane's Ultra Rich Eye Balm is .5 ounces of heaven. I have always been sucker for eye treatments but this little jar of French heaven has convinced me that if I were forced to pick only one type of beauty product for the rest of my life it would be an eye product.

This is truly a balm delivering copious amounts of moisture with no irritation. Its thick cream spreads easily and seemingly flattens out the wrinkles around the eye instantly. As with most high quality products a very little bit goes a very long way. J'adore. Enjoy!

Full disclosure: this product was provided for free to me as an editorial sample by a PR company representing L'Occitane.

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Headed West for Winter Skiing? What to Wear.

I'm headed West for Christmas and though my location shall remain nameless (I vow two weeks of low-tech mountain time) I will clue you in on the deets of my favorite finds for winter weather. Sadly, I abandoned my small town alma mater Townsend Bertram and Co for zappos.com as I'm completely strapped for time.

These water-resistant Sorel Snow Angels have the traction to trek up any mountain and a cozy fleece lining. For $85.00 you really can't ask for much more. The Oakley (they make more than sporty sunglasses) Sister Pant is a low-waisted wide leg ski pant for only $100. I got hooked on the inviible thigh vents and the D-ring fastened to the waist line. Yes, I will be using that for my lift ticket.

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Travel with Jurlique: Carry-on Love Balm

There is no way the TSA will even contemplate confiscating this .5 oz tin of perfection. Jurlique's Love Balm instantly soothes rough dry patches. In an unwittingly brilliant move I put this in my makeup bag while packing for yesterday's flight. Midflight with my knees forcibly smashed into the seats in front of me I somehow yogini-ed my way towards the dry patches on both ankles and my right love handle with gobs of this Love Balm smeared over my index finger and it was instant (organic) relief. It's Beauty's SPOT travel must from now on. Enjoy!

Full Disclosure: Jurlique sent this to me for free months and months ago.

Posie Tint by Benefit: Product Rave from Sarah Tattoo

Another review from one of my favorite, fierce females - Sarah Tattoo.

Benefit has wowed me once again, touting both the titles of all natural and incredibly user friendly. As you take in the bottle it seems a bit intimidating, appearing as though the contents are either neon pink or nail polish. It *is* packaged just like a bottle of nail polish, and upon opening one discovers a tiny brush applicator! What appears to be a shocking shade of bright pink Poppy actually goes on sheer, weightless, and majorly natural. I have to admit that my expectations were low as I'm multi-cultural and usually blushers in shades of daring pink simply just don't work with my skin tone, but I'm happy to report that this added just the right pop of color to the apples of my cheeks, and is layer-able for whatever your little heart desires. Available in Posietint (poppy pink), and Benetint (rose). Enjoy!

Full Disclosure: some PR company or another gave this to me for free sometime last year. I can't remember who. I then gave it to Sarah for free along with a bag of other goodies from the beauty closet.

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Best ChapStick for Frigid Weather and Sore Lips

Yesterday my lips gave in and developed their own bright red liner. Not the lovely liner that comes from the perfect application of my most favorite Estee Lauder lip pencil, but the irritated flaky mess that arrives annually at the very same moment when the thermometer drops below 35. Luckily for me the beauty closet was packed with and handful of True Shimmer Chapsticks. I adore them!

The Botanical Berry and Blended Fruit Sherbet are my favs. My girlfriend is over at the moment I stopped doing my makeup twice to make her smell them. Full disclosure: Chap Stick (or their PR company - I can't remember which) sent me these. But at a few dollars a pop, everyone can afford this beauty. The website is also super fun. Enjoy!

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Mother Nature Fetes Opening of The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe

One wonders how The Ritz-Carlton could charm mother nature into a perfectly timed winter storm complete with a remarkable 30 inches descending on the peaks of Northern California to fete the location's grand opening. If you have been charmed, as I have, by one of the R-C's 71 illustrious properties - you know the answer is, easily. Mother Nature and mortal lovers of beauty and refinement alike adore the Ritz-Carlton.

Following five years of design, construction and development phases, The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe opened mid-mountain in Northstar-at-Tahoe resort this week. “This is truly a first of its kind experience for North Lake Tahoe” said Allen Highfield, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton resort. “It has been incredibly exciting to see the final details fall into place, the training of the Ladies and Gentlemen and their enthusiasm to welcome our first guests.” The Ritz-Carlton has created over 350 jobs this year in Northern California, providing highly respected hospitality jobs and excellent training.

Simon F. Cooper, President and Chief Operating Officer for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. personally joined Allen Highfield for the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon and the welcoming of the first guest. “Lake Tahoe has always been a destination known for its pristine natural beauty and skiing, now it will also be known as home to a world-class resort,” said Cooper. “The arrival of our brand and the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe further enhances the guest‘s service experience at Northstar-at-Tahoe.”

The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe is the first new-build resort development in the Lake Tahoe area in decades. Anticipated to be the premier Northern California contemporary mountain retreat, the $300 million project, situated mid-mountain in the Northstar-at-Tahoe ski area will feature ski-in, ski-out access with mountain concierge services.

The Highlands Spa is a 17,000 square foot spa and fitness center with treatments and therapies themed around water and the woods. The new Highlands Gondola also opens today and will connect guests between the nearby Village-at-Northstar and The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe resort. Perched slope-side within a 15 minute drive of both Lake Tahoe and the historic town of Truckee, the year-round destination includes 170 guest rooms, 23 private Ritz-Carlton Residences and 25 Ritz-Carlton Destination Club residences. Sign. Me. Up. Enjoy!

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Calling it! Metallic Bag Trend With Michael Kors and Carlos Falchi

L'Oreal gave me this divine Carlos Falchi Shopping Tote back in September and though I was originally lackluster about its bluster I have grown to A-dore it! Not only is the cheery floral lining divine but the internal organization and magnetic closure are sturdy and well designed. I also happened to catch Tia Williams sporting it and was instantly in love. Check out more of the dreamy vision that is Carlos Falchi hand bags.

Now Michael Kors and Lucky Magazine have teamed up on this equally shinny, also divine bag. Though I have no personal experience with the bag, it's beauty is stunning. I'm feeling a trend coming on....

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Oh How I've Missed You! Dior Shadow, Liz Earle & Kiehl's!

November being the shittiest month of the latter part of my twenties, I haven't had much to say. I like this to be a place of beauty and between the completely unattractive behavior that's been decking the halls of my workplace and nearly every ex-boyfriend becoming engaged or knocking someone (else) up I've been entirely at loss for anything beautiful to say. Onward - to the most beautiful thing I've said all month: Thank God November is over.

Onto December, month of light, love, and all things most beautiful. Here for your complete and utter sensory pleasure are the little treats I can't live without during this season of Mirth and Merriment.

Dior Shadow Brow Styler: Every chic city gal needs this. A little length in your brow adds Audrey-like glamour to any day or evening look and this brilliantly bright little pencil from Dior is to die for. Allure Mag sent it to me and I agree with them.... You must!

Liz Earle SuperSkin Bust Treatment: If your girls get dry and dull in the winter a little lovin from Liz Earle will perk them right up. Liz sent me this glorious gift for Christmas and I'm totally smitten. The package claims this luxe, earthy cream will "plump, smooth, and firm skin around the bust decolletage" and after a full month of faithful use, I have to agree. Enjoy! (Check out all the Liz Earle products I CAN NOT live without - totally a Beauty's SPOT top five brand!)

Kiehl's Imperial Body Balm: The lovely ladies at Kiehls gave me this new body balm back in September so when that oddly terse patch of skin appeared on my tummy (as it does annually when the thermometer drops below 50) I knew just where to go. Russians know cold and this balm is based on Russian herbal remedies. So amazing. The only thing that will literally squelch that sleep disturbing, itchy winter skin. You MUST!


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The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style + North Carolina

A few weeks back Lucky Magazine welcomed Beauty's SPOT as one of only 100 Alpha Shoppers. We are highly honored to be part of such an elite group. As a welcome gift the gals at Lucky sent this adorable book, The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style. Each look (American Classic, Gamine, bohemian, etc) is accompanied by a shopping guide with various stores that support each style. North Carolina being the land of boat shoes and straight men who regularly wear pastel colored pants it wasn't completely shocking to see a boutique with locations in Raleigh and Wilmington supporting the Shopping Guide to the American Classic look. What was shocking was that there wasn't' a boat shoe in sight on Beanie + Cecil's website. With brands like Tibi and Catherine Maldrino (and a solid denim collection) I'll have to make a point to stop by. Have you girls been there? Thoughts?

Beauty Bargain Award: BeautyFix

I've been getting my beauty fix ever since I first stumbled upon Rainbow Green Clay in Whole Foods when I was 15. I've been getting BeautyFix for about a year now and I can safely say both fixes have changed my life. Beautyfix has introduced me to several ingenious products that no woman should go without. I'll list them below, not necassarily in order of OMG-I-can't-live-without factor:

DERMAdoctor KP Duty: The sweet scent of this scrub is deceptive as it's tactically speaking, it's a tough love provided by this chemical and physical exfoliant. Backne and winter skin are a thing of the past dear friends.

Canyon Ranch Protect UVA/UVB SPF 30 Moisturizer: As airy as the southwestern desert where it was created, this fantastically light SPF 30 will protect and soothe.

This cleanser smells like desatine which gives me flash backs to diaper rash and make me want to puke. So you know I must LOVE the effect it has on my face which to date is: quicker healing of blemishes, smaller blackheads, and smother younger looking skin. It's called "perfect" for a reason.

Lisa Hoffman Spa Shower Body Oil

iQDerma Firmaceuticals Firming Body Gel


Sign up for Beautyfix to get 7-10 products quarterly for only $49.99 a quarter. Amazing!

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I'm Dating Jo Malone

Our first date was the stuff of classic films. After meeting through a mutual acquaintance, I agreed to attend his event on Fashion's Night Out back in September. After walking a half-Manhattan sized route because every reccesionista had splurged on a cab to transform into a fashionista for New York's Chic-est night out, I finally reached the upper east side event. Greeted with scents too delicious to even fathom, unless you are in the presence of the brilliant Jo Malone himself, Jo proceed to make me a personalized bouquet.

If you don't know by now, I'll let you in on a little secret. Jo is in fact a brand. Sadly it's true that while a man has never made me a personalized bouquet, a brand has. Come to think of it beauty brands do lots of things for me that men, to date, have not. This, I suppose, is why I'm a 28 year old beauty blogger and not a housewife.

Tonight on what may have been one of this year's worst days I finally broke out my "worst day ever" stash. I have now slathered myself from head to toe in Jo's orange blossom body creme and am happily avoiding all thoughts of today be reliving my one night with Jo back in September. The scent instantly lifted my bad mood and delivered thoughts of cheerier times like returning to my hotel room in times square with the most beautiful bouquet I'd ever seen.

I'm hoping he'll show up for Christmas with this, the most beautiful Candle set I've ever seen.

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One Night in Proximity: The Greenest Hotel In America

Last month I had the extravagant pleasure of spending one night at America's only LEED Platinum Certified Hotel, The Proximity in Greensboro, North Carolina. I was a bit surprised to find it, to date, to be the nicest hotel I have ever patronized. Perhaps it was the eco-friendliness or the sublime design of everything from the locally made furniture to the most amazing bathroom door (think barn door meets Restoration Hardware) that charmed me. Though It could have also been the checkered cab or the Greenway. One night at The Proximity and I felt like a new woman. Emerging triumphantly into the world after the most restful sleep I have ever known, I did in fact have the best weekend of 2009.

Happily the French extravagance that wafted into my room (love a hotel room with windows that open) from Print Work's Bistro in the form of Carla Bruni's classic tunes was balanced by my neighbors, Da Swag City Tour, who apparently like to rest their bling in eco-friendly haunts just as much a Greensboro Orchestra going set who were also in town for a special concert. Apparently, everyone is going green and doing so together in the lobby of The Proximity. Enjoy!

My Room!


Da Swag's room?


Check out this video which was taken before their certification was approved.



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The First Ritz-Carlton Reserve Opens December 22 at Phulay Bay in Krabi, Southern Thailand

Having been born and raised in the Baltimore -D.C. area, I only truly realized the power of the Ritz Carlton brand when my visit to their Georgetown Boutique location powerfully altered the way I perceived my home town and provided me with a new creative center. Now, as a former ex-pat (East Java and Bali) and Southeast Asia Studies major, the new "Reserve" line of Ritz Carlton Locations is very much having the same effect on the way I see Southeast Asia.

On December 22, 2009 (a mere 8 days before my birthday) The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company will open the doors to the first of it's "Reserve" properties in Phulay Bay in Krabi, Southern Thailand.

The world’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Phulay Bay will embody the attributes, philosophy and unique style and design of the Reserve brand extension. Appealing to affluent and discerning travellers seeking more from their leisure time, Ritz-Carlton Reserve will offer exquisite resorts in secluded and naturally beautiful locations around the world.

Set on the shores of the Andaman Sea , Phulay Bay is a hideaway 54-villa and pavilion boutique hotel with unspoilt views of the towering limestone karsts which make up the beautiful landscape of this part of southern Thailand. Coupled with sandy beaches, a coastline flecked with more than 200 islands, surrounded by a national forest with rugged rock formations and hidden waterfalls, Phulay Bay is a natural wonder.

“Ritz-Carlton Reserve will feature signature, one-of-a-kind boutique resorts positioned in unique settings, each with a distinctive personality and sense of place reflecting its history and culture,” said Simon F. Cooper, president. “A refuge from the expected, Reserve is for travellers seeking to discover a singular location and peerless resort that will offer guests’ exotic, hand-selected ‘hideaway’ destinations in a relaxed, casually elegant atmosphere. Phulay Bay in Thailand is a natural choice for the first Reserve,” said Cooper.

The essence of Phulay Bay will be about enlivening the senses. Guests will subtly and gently have their senses enriched and stimulated with the resort’s own scent, signature drink, beautiful and stunning scenery both inside the suites and in the environment of the resort, as well as by the sounds of traditional Thai music coupled with the gentle lapping of the sea on the shores of Phulay Bay . This will be coupled with the environment of tactile natural Thai silk soft furnishings and coverings to help guest’s truly relax in this unique and special environment.

Nestled on the shore of the Andaman Sea , the exclusive resort is the vision of in-demand Thai architect Lek Bunnag and features modern styling and architecture with accents of Thai culture and design to create a harmonious synergy of luxury and tradition to compliment its secluded location. Bunnag draws strongly from Thai traditions and cultural heritage to create an environment where relaxation and enjoyment are the bedrock of guests' experience.

The architecture, landscape, interiors and accessories fuse to create a marriage of style and design that is completely in keeping with and tied to the natural environment of the location. Oversized beds, pillows, chairs, baths and doorways create a sense of comfort and welcoming that sets guests at ease.

The use of traditional Lanna art forms both in architectural structure and design, as well as paintings and artworks on the walls and doors of the villas, further create a contemporary setting extracted from the area's deep cultural traditions.

“When styling and designing Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, we were very conscious of the abundant natural beauty surrounding us which is what makes people fall in love with Thailand,” explained Estelita Sebeto, the resort’s General Manager. “We want guests to enjoy and discover the extraordinary diversity and beauty in this part of the country in a setting of relaxation and rejuvenation. So we have worked with nature to maintain a setting that evokes the very best of the natural environment of the hotel and sourced local and sustainable materials in its construction and styling. We see the resort as an ambassador for the local environment and for the tradition of the land here in Phulay Bay.”

With an emphasis on bespoke experiences, guests can ‘design’ their visit to suit their needs and desires. A light BBQ lunch in your favourite area of the resort? A meditation class with local monks? Elephant trekking to a remote picnic spot? A sea plane tour of region’s dramatic scenery? No problem. The resort will tailor-make your visit to make it a truly unique visit.

Upon arrival guests will immediately know they are somewhere special and unique. High aubergine walls and ‘hedges’ made from indigenous trees create a sense of wonder from the outside and a great sense of peace and stillness once on the inside. Guests enter the resort over a stepping-stone walkway that leads them to a wooden Thai pavilion situated on an island surrounded by thousands of gently flickering candles.

The ESPA at Phulay Bay promises to be a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation with stepping stones meandering through the spa leading to decked walkways and relaxation terraces surrounded by vegetation and reflection ponds that perfectly capture the unique character of Phulay Bay . The Spa itself comprises three traditional Thai pavilions set over two levels offering 11 treatment rooms including single and couples massage rooms and two VIP treatment suites.

The opening rates for Phulay Bay , A Ritz-Carlton Reserve are as follows: Resort Pavilion THB19,550; Ocean Pavilion THB21,250; Beach Villa THB 27,200; Reserve Villa THB44,200 and Royal Beach Villa THB68,000. All rates are subject to 18.7% service charges and taxes. Enjoy!

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Ultimate Red by Estée Lauder

I'm fairly most 28 year women don't shower, brush their teeth, tuck themselves into bed for a good night's sleep - then pop out of bed because the new Estee Lauder Limited Edition Lip Gloss is calling their name. That, I suppose, is why I'm a beauty blogger and why, at 11:30 p.m, I'm pajamas from the neck down and Christmas Ball from the neck up.

Estee's new Ultimate Red collection launches on the cusp of this, the most sensuous of seasons and the entire collection is to die for. Though, being a lip gloss fanatic, these thick, smooth, perfectly-tinted twin tubes of red and glistening gold are really a more bountifully beautiful gift than a girl can calmly handle. They are a-MAY-zing and are guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. Enjoy!

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You're Invited to Origins for a FREE Caffeine Fix!

Almost one more week to go until we “fall back” to Standard Time! Although we gain an hour, this seasonal time change impacts our bodies and daily routines. To help you make this transition as smoothly as possible, Origins has partnered with illy caffé to provide an energizing pick-me-up!

Origins invites you to stop by the below Origins retail stores, where you can receive FREE illy espresso, a FREE sample of Origins GinZing™ Refreshing eye cream, a FREE “Eye-Opening” Mini-Facial, a FREE Makeup Application and a FREE Origins and illy gift bag!

If you aren't in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boca Raton and Dallas you can still take advantage of this brilliant beauty & bean brotherhood by entering the Wake Up & Win Sweepstakes from November 2nd until November 30th.

New York Stores:
Flatiron: 175 Fifth Avenue
Soho: 402 West Broadway
Upper West Side: 2327 Broadway
Grand Central: 62 Grand Central Terminal

Los Angeles Store: South Coast Plaza: 3333 Bristol Street

San Francisco Stores:
Embarcadero Center: One Embarcadero Center
San Francisco Centre: 865 Market Street

Boca Raton Store: Town Center at Boca Raton: 6000 Glades Road

Dallas Store: Southlake Town Square: 1426 Civic Place

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The Same Questions I Ask Everyone....With Juara Skincare's Yoshiko Roth

Yoshiko loves her job. In August while very pregnant, she took a train from New York to D.C. so that she might present Juara's newest launches to the area's hottest beauty bloggers. Skincare seems to be more than the domain where she performs her adept entrepreneurship. Juara is, indeed (especially when that deed is getting on a train while pregnant) her calling.

As Juara's Co-founder she is the nose behind the brand's cult favorite Tiare Jasmine Rollerball Perfume Oil and personally tests and optimizes each new product released by the much buzzed about botanical brand. After her co-founder, Metta Murdaya, revealed the Indonesian geniousity behind their brand in our inaugural "The Same Questions..." we couldn't wait to reveal the equally brilliant Japanese half of this Indonesian skincare powerhouse.

What is your first memory of beauty products?
Believe it or not, my first memory of beauty products is that of toners. I would watch my mother and my Japanese relatives spending the biggest chunk of their daily skincare routine patting a toner-soaked cotton pad on their skin. I was completely mesmerized by that meticulous ritual.

At what age did you start wearing makeup?
At age 15. I bought my first red lipstick and even face powder!

If you could apply only one product for the next month what would it be?
It’s now getting colder and drier in New York City, so I would have to opt for a good, hydrating moisturizer with natural antioxidants. I like our Sweet Black Tea & Rice Facial Moisturizer because even though it’s very hydrating, it’s not heavy and absorbs very quickly. And it’s a great base for make-up.

If you could give one product to all women in the world what would it be?
Our Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner. It’s my secret weapon for healthy, radiant skin, man or woman. When we developed this product, I had the Japanese-style toners in mind and my mother and aunts who so meticulously applied toner to their skin. To them, these hydrating toners are key to achieving skin that’s brimming with water and vitality… like a fresh peach!

If you could ban one harmful ingredient from all beauty products what would it be?

Phthalates. They are truly toxic.

What is your favorite skincare ingredient?
Hyaluronic Acid. It pretty much makes every single product work better and it makes your skin look better.

What is the last product you created?
Our Sweet Black Tea & Ginger Mattefying Moisturizer. It combines the natural anti-aging properties of Fermented Sweet Black Tea (a.k.a. Kombucha) with the oil-control and purifying benefits of Ginger and Cinnamon. Plus it contains hyaluronic acid for oil-free hydration. It’s great for anybody who is interested in age-prevention but has oily skin or break-out prone skin.

Who is the business woman you most admire?
Anita Roddick. A true revolutionary and visionary who changed the face of the cosmetics industry. I saw her speak once at NYU. She had an amazing presence.

Whose beauty do you most admire?
All women that age gracefully and embrace how life, experience, age changes them, physically and mentally.

What was your best Spa experience?
I LOVE going to Japanese onsen (hot spring resorts). Once my parents took me to an Onsen by Lake Suwa, about 2 hours from Tokyo. It was in the middle of winter, super cold and we would bathe in these amazingly relaxing naturally hot springs outside with view of the lake. It was divine.

Besides your own, what is your favorite brand?
Eau Thermale Avene. I used to be the product manager for Avene before I started JUARA. I always thought the products are excellent, especially the thermal spring water, but when I travelled to France to visit the Avene Hydrotherapy Center, I realized how much tradition, wisdom and integrity was behind the products, the brand, the whole company.

Read more on why Beauty's SPOT can't live without Juara Skincare...

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Healthy Hair = Hot Hair: EO

In March of '08 when I walked into my very first celeb stylist appointment (where they invited me to come rather than me begging for their next available in like 2012) the shampoo girl was floored at the vibrant health of my hair. "I've only used EO's organic shampoo for two years," I truthfully told her. Little was I to know, that was the last sulfate-free breath these locks would take for 18 months. In the name of beauty editor duty I happily began testing all kinds of delightful, effective (but not organic) shampoo. Sometime last year my little neighborhood Whole Foods stopped carrying my EO conditioner, thus extinguishing any final attempts at organic hair care.

Meantime, my locks have been unruly and (except for when I visit my new hair boyfriend Neven) unsightly. Alas, my hair nightmare is over. EO has (finally!) redesigned and relaunched their entire look and my hair is building its way back to optimal organic health. After two paraben-free shampoos - no frizz, just happy healthy curls. Even my most oblivious male office mates today inquired "Are you going somewhere after work? You look different." EO. Love.

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Shu Uemura Pressed Powder: Love.

I fear these pressed powders may be discontinued as I can't find them ANY where on the Shu Uemura site. After I picking up this artfully done "n m ai" shade of blue pressed powder while at the L'Oreal Headquarters gift shop I fell fast for the easy silvery shade. If you're as in love as I am try their "n me blue 650" on for size. Love.

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Lisa Hoffman Body Oil - Fifi Worthy Fragrance

My dear friends and two of D.C.'s hottest beauty bloggers (@aatp and @themakeupgirl) help select what goes in your BeautyFix. (If you don't know beauty fix - this may be a good time to educate yourself.) These beauty geniuses make sure you only get the finest product and their selection process has reached the height of perfection with their latest installment which introduced me to a number of my new favorites - the most mind-blowing of which is Mrs. Dustin Hoffman's Body Oil.

Lisa Hoffman's Spa Shower Body Oil is scented with Lisa's FiFI Fragrance of the Year Finalist, Japanese Agarwood (notes of Bergamot, Spiced Ginger Accord, and Warm Amber.) I currently have it lathered all over my body and I'm not sure if I've ever known such intensely relaxing olfactory pleasure. This featherweight, non-greasy body oil consists of natural ingredients harvested from the rain forests in a sustainable manner. Ingredients usually reserved for the carved wooden shelves of crunchy, hippie homes such as sesame seed oil, Brazil nut seed oil, rice bran oil, acai pulp oil, oak and tree moss extract combine to create healthy, radiant, intensely happy skin. Worth every penny. Enjoy!

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Chanel Noirs Obscurs Fashion Week Collection by Sarah Tattoo

It's no secret that I wait with baited breath the Chanel makeup palettes and looks created by the house specifically for their runway collections, but for the last few months I've been like a little girl before Christmas morning. When I saw the previews for the new limited edition fashion week Noirs Obscurs collection, I couldn't believe my luck!

Not only is it a luxe, ultra high quality (of course!) array of products, but it's a limited capsule collection that suits both the current fashion climes and my tastes all at the very same (fashionable) moment!

Noirs Obscurs was created to accompany the Fall/Winter Haute Couture collection, and once again, Chanel absolutely killed it on the runway. The pairing of Fall and Winter tones in rich, multi-faceted fabrics and textures are mirrored perfectly by the makeup. The Quadra Eyeshadow features deep mahogany, intense green, dark violet, and midnight blue, all in a lustrous, highly pigmented form. Chanel introduces Noirs Obscur as "Ultra-modern makeup shades – edgy, yet elegant iterations of the colour black – for eyes, lips and fingertips.", and, true to form, it seems they've managed to re-invent the color black.

Included in the colorway is a red-tinged black eye defining kohl pencil in a shade named Demoniac. The collection also offers two mascara options: Multi Dimensional Mascara, promising volume, length, curl and lash separation in a shade called Extreme Black, and an Intense Volume and Curling Mascara, also in the Extreme Black.

Perhaps the most exciting pieces of the collection are 3 limited shades of both lipsticks and nail polish. The lipstick is, of course, the traditional Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour we know and love in Chanel; long wearing, smooth, with a lovely lustrous finish. Maniac is a deep, vampy red, Hysteria is a rich, blue based plum (just on point and in tune with the blackberry lip trends flooding all the runway shows-think Givenchy and Anna Sui), and Obscure is a darker, much earthier red with a lusty quality. (For the lip-gloss types, we are adoring the Furious lip gloss - a shade of luminescent brassy reddish brown.)

The impeccable trio of nail color matches up with the lips beautifully, in Diabolic-deep, rich, red, Forbidden-a mahogany, and Vendetta-that dark violet shade I'm loving so much this season. Ladies, this is a super Limited collection. Expect to be disappointed if you wait too long. Edgy, risky, yet altogether feminine and classic. Chanel absolutely stuns us again. Enjoy!

You can also check out the collection on the models at the A-MAY-zing Chanel Cruise 2009/10 show.

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Chanel, Chanel, Chanel - By Sarah Tattoo

My dear friend Sarah (formally known as Sarah Tattoo) has agreed to help me out with some product reviews. Woman after my own heart, she went straight for the Chanel. Girls, Welcome Sarah!

Chanel's new Foaming Mousse Cleanser and Anti-Pollution Rinse Off is showcased as a convenient solution to tired, dull skin in our sometimes overwhelmingly polluted environments. It's a thick, soft mousse that instantly made me smile. It felt luxurious and rich, and the closest comparison I can make is to shaving cream! It IS lightly perfumed, which if you're sensitive to this (like I am!) can be a bit of a turn off. My skin felt and looked incredibly clean, however, even squeakily so. Enjoy!

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Autumnal Skincare with June Jacobs

Last fall I fell for June Jacobs' Brightening Moisturizer. This fall the woman has bottled the essence of Autumn in the name of seasonally festive, paraben-free skincare. These two masks are a pumpkin patch hay ride and hot thanksgiving turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce for your skin. Deets below. Enjoy! June Jacobs Perfect Pumpkin Peeling Enzyme Masque

This deliciously spicy, skin purifying pumpkin enzyme masque is a natural, gentle enzyme “peel” designed for home use. Gently digests and exfoliates dead skin cells and impurities as it delivers pumpkin’s botanical repair benefits into the skin. Leaves the skin cleansed, detoxified and silky smooth. Age-fighting anti-oxidants and vitamin A protect and silken the skin. Roughness retreats and dryness disappears.

June Jacobs Cranberry Pomegranate Moisture Masque



This nourishing cream masque rehydrates and plumps tired cells with proven moisture builders which hydrate, contour and plump the skin. Pomegranate extract provides age-defying ellagic acid, known for anti-oxidant energy, soothing and rejuvenating powers, and unique protective effects on the skin. The synergistic action of powerful anti-oxidants, soothing botanicals and high performance hydrators leave the skin luminous, supple and revitalized.

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Breast-Friendly Pink Products from EO

Supporting breast cancer research with our purchases in October is beneficial but only if those products aren't potentially giving us breast cancer in the process, no? I've decided this year to only support pink products that are not packed with carcinogens. No more than 10 percent of breast cancers are genetic, and science points to toxic chemicals and radiation as factors in the sharp rise of breast cancer incidence. Luckily we have the option of companies like EO producing healthier alternatives.

So this October, when I buy my usual EO products at Whole Foods, I'll make sure and add one or two of their lovely pink label products to my basket. Check out more on their full range of pink products and enjoy!

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The Ritz-Carlton's New Eco-conscious Charlotte Location

After falling head over heals for their Georgetown location, I've become completely distracted with the current directions of The Ritz Carlton. Today they've headed south and green with the launch of their newest location, designed to achieve LEED® Gold certification, in the heart of Charlotte’s thriving uptown district (corporate home to the likes of Bank of America, Wachovia, and likely the highest number of Bank SVPs per capita in the U.S.)
The sleekly contemporary, environmentally-friendly hotel features 146 technologically-advanced guest rooms, a 13,000 square-foot penthouse Wellness Center with Aqua Lounge and saline-treated swimming pool, a street-side BLT Steak restaurant, and more than 12,000 square-feet of meeting space utilizing recycled aluminum conference tables, on-property purified and bottled water, and green meetings as a standard. The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in the Carolinas, the 73rd Ritz-Carlton property worldwide, and the first domestic new Ritz-Carlton hotel to be unveiled in 2009. The Lobby Lounge offers sustainable organic cuisine; signature martinis, cocktails, wines, coffees and flavored iced teas; complimentary wireless Internet access; and boarding pass kiosk. Is there anything they haven't thought of?

A green roof vegetated with 18,000 plants insulating the building, slowing rain runoff and cooling the air through evaporation of water from leaves Select employee uniforms made of fabric derived from regenerated plastic bottles An in-house water purification and container system that will divert 73,000 plastic bottles from landfills, save more than 104 barrels of oil, eliminate nearly 49 tons of CO2 emissions and save almost 605,000,000 BTUs of electricity each year A state-of-the-art air transfer system which circulates outside air into guest rooms at 60 cubic-feet per minute A hotel Bike Valet, featuring 150 bicycle parking spaces, complimentary Trek Bikes for hotel guests to use, and bicycle maintenance and safety training for hotel staff Complimentary parking for Hybrid vehicles Complimentary weekday morning guest transportation via Hybrid vehicle

Frequent-Traveler Conveniences The Nook -- complimentary private offices for guests, offering computers, printers, office supplies, teleconferencing, wireless Internet, and copy/fax access Travel Lite, eliminating the hassle of having to pack toiletry essentials in TSA-approved plastic bags for airline carry-on purposes. With Travel Lite, hotel guests may pre-select from a menu of nominally-priced daily grooming essentials to be delivered to the room upon check-in Desktop-on-Demand, the technology version of Room Service. Guests may have printers, disks, phone chargers, surge protectors, cables, keyboards and office supplies delivered to their rooms, which are already pre-outfitted with business essentials and electronic jack-packs Guests who stay a minimum of four nights per month may enjoy Luggage-Less Travel, checking in their clothing and personal items and leaving them at the hotel at the end of each stay. Their items will be held for them until their next arrival or, for an optional added charge, their clothing can be cleaned and preferred personal toiletries replenished
The Wellness Center Aqua Lounge with saline-treated swimming pool and whirlpool, plus floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the Charlotte skyline Four treatment rooms with private shower, floor-to-ceiling windows, Tempur-Pedic® memory foam mattresses and all-organic products Specialties: Green Your Body Eco-Treatment, Lunch-Break Re-Nourish experience, Drift to Sleep for the sleep-deprived, Techno-Stress Relief for computer and PDA overuse, facials, massages, skin treatments Fitness Center, movement studio, yoga/Pilates classes Dining
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