Heart Your Hair-Boyfriend. Say "No" to Diversion

Yesterday I learned that if I'd like to ride the mechanical bull in Downtown Durham I need to have my shirt tails tucked in. Today I learned what "Diversion" is to the beauty-set. I'm learning a lot these days.

"Diversion – the sale of professional haircare products in unauthorized non-salon retailers including drugstores and online retailers." It's about time we girls had our own dictionary, no?Here are the Top Five Reasons to Buy Professional Haircare Products ONLY in Salons:

-Products cost up to 15% less in salons than at unauthorized retailers.

-Products are only guaranteed to be 100% authentic when purchased at salons – products sold at unauthorized retailers can actually be contaminated or even counterfeit.

-Salons carry the most up-to-date product and newest formulations, unlike unauthorized retailers who usually have much older stock.

-Your stylist is an expert and can give you the best advice on the right products for your hair type and condition.

-Support your hairdresser and salon! Every beauty girl needs a good hair-boyfriend. Cause a stylist isn't a service provider. Your stylist should be, like a boyfriend, carefully selected. Lucky girl that I am I have three. Daniel in LA, Ted in New York, and Angus in North Carolina. (Don't get to jealous, my surplus in high quality hair-boyfriends is matched only by a serious shortage in quality actual boyfriends.) The woman in the video below was actually caught by her hair-boyfriend buying product at an unauthorized dealer.

To help educate both consumers and hairdressers on Diversion, Biolage is launching an interactive website called StayTrueNow.com which will increase awareness for the brand’s anti-diversion strategy in the salon community and among consumers, and explain why it is so important to purchase salon products only in authorized outlets including salons and professional stores.

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Organic Product RAVE: Tammy Fender Cleansing Milk

Serums are big right now. I have a herd of them on the top shelf of my etagere begging for my attention. Honestly, they confuse me. So does their popularity. At a time when women are pairing down their beauty budgets, why push serums? Most importantly with cleansers like Tammy Fender's Lavender & Fo-ti Formula No. c-129 cleansing milk on the, why buy anything else at all?

Tammy claims to address one’s physical, emotional and spiritual well being through her highly attentive formulas which combine certified organic, traditional European ingredients as well as Chinese herbs and even some colloidal silver for good measure. Her stance on beauty is rooted in the ancient philosophy of Yin and Yang, the foundations of holistic medicine, whereby Yin pertains to the structure of the cells and Yang relates to the body’s "chi" energy. Sounds like a bunch of new age make-believe, no? NO.

This cleanser is changing my life. I want to savor every drop but to spoil myself I just lathered everything from my belly button up with this gentle milk and let the Clarisonic Body Brush go to town. I feel like a new woman and at the end of this week, that's saying a lot. Also, add a dab to the end of a q-tip and moisten. Even the metallic flecks of Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess Eye Pencil (which usually hold onto to my eyelids for dear life defeating average makeup removers) can't hold on. Tammy Fender has done with one cleanser what most, serums, makeup removers, toners, and masques can't accomplish individually. No wonder The Breakers finally got ahold of her. Enjoy!

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Tammy Fender Holistic Facial Now at The Breakers!

Recognized as one of the top five hotel/resort spas in North America, the legendary Spa at The Breakers now adds Tammy Fender's Signature Holistic Facial to its spectacular spa menu. Available as a 50 or 80 minute treatment, Tammy's facial features her 100% organic, custom-blended products. And her products are to die for. Her Cleansing Milk Lavender & Fo-TiFormula No. C-129 is currently changing my life, or at least my skin. (Seriously, don't face summer without it.) When guests receive the facial, they can enjoy complimentary fitness classes and access to The Breakers Mediterranean-style Beach Club, including five oceanfront pools, and its amenities for the day.

WHAT IT COSTS: 50-minute treatment, $175; 80-minute treatment, $310; treatment plus reflexology, additional $115

WHERE TO FIND IT: The Spa at The Breakers, One South County Road, Palm Beach, Florida 33480. (561)653-6656

TAMMY'S PRODUCTS: TammyFender.com

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Support Oceana with a Limited Edition "World Oceans Day" Crème de la Mer

In honor of La Mer’s sea heritage and continued support of Oceana, the world’s leading international ocean advocacy organization, La Mer proudly announces a limited-edition “World Oceans Day” Crème, with 100% of net proceeds going to Oceana. With 2009 marking the first official, U.N.-designated World Oceans Day (June 8th ) this limited edition Crème de la Mer will be sold in May and June at Saks Fifth Avenue and lamer.com.

Ocean conservation has always been extremely important to La Mer. By responsibly harvesting only the top section of the sea kelp that reaches the ocean’s surface, La Mer is able to help sustainably maintain the underwater sea kelp forest ecosystem and protect this marine plant for future generations. Thanks La Mer!

The Pine Salt Scrub at Pinehurst

A dear friend of mine said to me last week, "You seem so happy and relaxed!" Only momentarily stumped as to the cause of this elation, he followed this declaration with a quick, "When was the last time you went to Pinehurst?" I laughed and confessed it had been only two days earlier.

When it's big decision time I believe there is a historical precedent for retreating to a quiet, peaceful place so that one might better hear the inner voice. Why not carry out said retreat at a spa where they regularly ask "Would you care for a complimentary smoothie?" and "Can I turn the jets on for you?"

In this particular case the decision was school or fantastic (completely unforeseen) job offer. Seeing as the universe had afforded me such abundant choices I decided to afford myself the The Pine Salt Scrub, a forty dollar price increase over my usual Bath Escape.

This full body exfoliation uses the highest quality pine salts to slough off the outermost epidermis. After a quick rinse, your lovely spa attendant soothes every last inch of you with a rich sweetly scented moisturizer. If you didn't take my advice after the Vichy Shower at Bliss, please afford the luxury of having another adult bath you in this completely fantastic spa ritual. The scent of Pinehurst's signature treatment is crisp and refreshing, like pine needles on the forest floor freshly fragrant from a spring rain. Delicious. After being reduced to a non-verbal blob I decided I was down with the abundance idea and went for the job. Enjoy!

Estee Lauder's New Pure White Linen Pink Coral

Launching in June, Pure White Linen Pink Coral is Estee's take on summers at the beach.

Top Notes: A gentle mist of Chinese Berry and Pink Peppercorns combined with juicy
Apple Blossom, Waterfruits and Clear Aldehydes, a sparkling crisp wetness and a dreamy bright
floralcy.

Mid Notes: A perfect floral fusion that lingers with the pure innocence of Jasmine, Camellia
Flower and a perfect accent of Honeysuckle. A blushing bouquet of Sweet Pea, Cherry
Blossom, and Pink Peony follows closely behind, evokes the tender serenity of the ocean at
daybreak.

Bottom Notes: A peaceful whisper of creamy Sandalwood, sheer Vanilla and a caressing touch of Heliotrope. Enjoy!

The Winner is.....

Mary! Congratulations to Rebecca who commented to win the beautiful Tolani scarf! She says she has never won anything before and I'm glad to know Beauty's SPOT will be putting Tolani scarves on the streets of LA!

Clarisonic's Dr. Robb Donates $200K to Revlon

Clarisonic does more than reduce pore size, blackheads and keep our skin looking youthful and bright. I know, you say "How could Clarisonic do more for me than that?" But Dr. Rob just keeps on supporting women's beauty and health! His ingenuous Clarisonic donated $200,000 to the fight against breast cancer during the 16th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women in Los Angeles this past Saturday, May 9th. Dr. Robb, co-founder of Clarisonic, was on hand to present the check on stage in front of over 50,000 participants. He could be seen walking the red carpet with Marcia Cross and Jordana Brewster, chatting backstage with Miley Cyrus, mom Tish and Carrie Ann Inaba and running the race with the likes of Beau Garrett! Thanks Dr. Rob. If you haven't gotten yours yet don't forget to make use of the new body brush as well! Enjoy!

An End to the "When Will Stila be Back?" Dramz!

Thank God Stila is back. Please I beg you, keep the old formulas!

Dr. Zong’s Tips for a Healthy Home Spa Experience

Dr. Zong just sent us these most fabulous and practical pedicure tips. After a year (yes a full 365 days) with consistently colored nails, I have finally let my fingernails breath and they are so thankful. I'll consider giving the same relief to my toes...in the fall. A Southern girl simply can not have bare toes in the Summa'. Let's see what else we can learn from Dr. Zong, Manhattan's foot guru.

• Bacteria can flourish in dark, wet places, such as a bathroom medicine cabinet. Be sure to sanitize your nail clippers by soaking them in boiling water and wiping them down with rubbing alcohol every few weeks
  
• Say NO to self-surgery! Anything that hurts, such as removing deep-set ingrown toenails, will cause more damage than good. If you have a painful nail, see a doctor right away


• Check expiration dates for beauty products like scrubs, lotions, or soaks. Open containers that sit around for a long time unused can collect bacteria and easily infect cuts in your feet – including blisters
  
• Use simple Epsom salt and warm water to relieve and revive tired feet. It often has similar properties as fancy spa soaks but can cost several dollars less at a drug store
  
• Give your toes time to breath. Nails are their healthiest when they are exposed to air and water. When changing nail polish colors, check nails to make sure they are not discolored – this is a classic sign of toenail fungus and can go unnoticed if nails are always painted

Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo

When Oscar Blandi launched Pronto Dry Shampoo and Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray, we knew it would become a cult-favorite. Even a year after the debut, it remains the number one selling hair product at Sephora nationwide. The girls at Allure also gave it their seal of approval and today it saved my hair-life. Simply distribute a bit of the dry powder evenly in your palm and apply to greasy or over styled areas for a clean slate. It's genus, trust me. Enjoy!

Anne Hathaway's New Lancome Commercial

Direct from the Magnifique girls at Lancome, arrives the sweetly scented details on Ms. Hathaway's latest Lancome commercial. The new commercial was filmed in March at New York ’s most buzzed about nightclub – The Box. The ad reveals a sexy, confident and dynamic Magnifique woman (Anne!). She looks absolutely enchanting in the opening sequence! The Lancome Ambassador was styled by fashion maven Rachel Zoe and worked one-on-one with a choreographer for a week prior to the shoot where more than 100 extras packed the set for the production. You can see the full video at Lancome.com

Balinese Beauty Booty

I've got Bali on the brain lately and my beauty products seem to be falling in line accordingly. Though I have no trips planned for the immediate future Em and I are tossing about ideas of a Balinese Birthday celebration for the big 3-0. (Still way more than a year away.) In the meantime let's all take a sensory flight from reality and immerse ourselves in the beautiful bounty of Balinese beauty booty.

Mistral Eau de Parfum Balinese Vanilla

Delivered from France in a classic glass atomizer this bewitching and harmonious, Mistral Eau de Parfum captures treasured scents in their purest form. Highly coveted botanicals, exotic woods and spices, rare flowers, and essences of ripe fruits contribute the many notes of their fine fragrances. The Balinese Vanilla perfume is a powerful, alluring fragrance inspired by the serenely scented spice markets of Indonesia. Blended from geranium, amber, exotic woods and irresistible patchouli, this perfume envelops you in an Eau of all that is Eastern. Enjoy!

Bali Breeze Rejuvenating Shower Cream by H2o Plus

H20 Plus’ newest, limited-edition body collection, Bali Breeze includes a four-piece line with a juicy mango and creamy coconut blend combined with marine botanicals for island inspired hydration. This creamy coconut shower gel took me directly back to the days of outdoor showers, and machete carved coconut drinks after long trips aboard the Balinese boats of my youth. (I'm a lucky f!#*er.) Check out the full Bali Breeze collection here. The sugar scrub and moisture gloss are also to die.

Bali Lime Papaya Candle by Pacifica

Brooke, Pacifica's in-house perfumer says, "The tropical air in Bali is heady, humid and laced with exotic, indescribable and beautiful scents. In this blend I have tried to capture some of the mystery, sensuality and spirit of Bali"of her Bali Lime Papaya creation. Pacifica's candles create the watermark for indulgent, heavenly toxin-free scents. Read more on the full line of Bali Lime Papaya products by Pacifica.

Comment to Win This Tolani Silk Scarf!

Girls, on Thursday I went to Nordie's to buy shoes and was held against my will by the summer-weight scarves in the accessories department. Arriving daily in a fabulous variety of textures, colors, and cuts these neck nuzzlers left me physically incapable of moving past their perimeter of pashminas, sunglasses, and belts. I paid my own ransom in the form of the two most fabulous pieces of fabric to ever be laid around my neck. I returned home, only slightly more intoxicated than a newly degreed college co-ed. But my shopping-high was short-lived. I had in fact gone to the store for shoes and no matter how chic the scarves, not even Stella McCartney could turn them into a suitable pair of shoes. I returned the scarves, and the results of the highly successful shoe seeking trip ended up on A Mom in Red High Heels. (These things happen with beauty bloggers on speed dial.)

Still, I was determined to find scarves equally as lovely to replace the ill-fated ones of the unfortunate accessories department hostage refugee situation. This quest led me directly to the ultra-hip Chickdowntown.com. Featuring in-the-know designs from coast to coast, Chickdowntown.com houses brilliant scarves by Tolani. In fact I love this purple morning glory scarf so much that Chichdowntown.com and I are going to give it to one of you! Pair it with any of these looks from Siwy Denim for the ultimate in summer-chic.

How to Win: Leave a comment on this post by Friday May 15 at 5 PM EST and return on Saturday to view the announcement containing the winner's name.

The Booty: The dramatic over-sized scarf adds the final, fashionable finishing touch to any ensemble, a riotous mix of swirling abstract florals and stripes in rich jewel tones. Brilliant style in bold 27” x 72” size. 100% Silk. Purple/turquoise/raspberry/multi.

Value: $99.00

Juara's First Commercial!

Juara is one of my top brands because it combines my two biggest passions in life, beauty and Indonesia. The exotic ingredients (the spice islands!) and ancient beauty secrets (Jamu!) available to Indonesian CEO Metta Murdaya surpass those of even the finest, most well established European brands. Though the brand is relatively new it is already available at exclusive beauty outposts like Bendel's and Bliss. You can read up on my love for all things Juara here. In the mean time, let's enjoy the brand's very first commercial!

Gossip Girl in The Beauty Department

Spotted! Jessica Szohr of Gossip Girl sampling fragrances from Michael Kors and DKNY at Bloomingdale’s in Los Angeles. By our guess Jessica is trying out DKNY Be Delicious EDP Spray and Island Michael Kors Bermuda EDP Spray. Deets below!

DKNY Be Delicious EDP Spray (1.7 Fl. Oz. / $55.00)
A modern feast for the senses. Served in a sleek metal and glass apple bottle, this juicy fragrance combines the scent of apple with a sophisticated blend of exotic flowers and sensual woods. Like the city that inspired it, DKNY Be Delicious celebrates individuality with refreshing spirit.

Island Michael Kors Bermuda EDP Spray (1.7 Fl. Oz. / $62.00)
An enchanting, colorful floral infused with vibrant freesia, native hibiscus, pink peony, jasmine sambac and the aura of driftwood paired with warm cedarwood. Together they capture the essence of this dreamy pink sand paradise. Enchanting. Colorful. Alluring.

photo credit: Wire Image

Anne Hathaway's Magnifique Makeup at The Costume Institute Gala

As the face of the brand's Magnifique perfume we'd expect Hathaway to look stunning in her Lancome-created look. (Though we're really not thrilled with what's going on below the knees.)

Celebrity makeup artist Leslie Lopez gave Hathaway her ultra-glamorous, ultra-dramatic look, with smokey eyes as the focal point. Leslie swept Lancôme Color Design Eyeshadow in Statuesque over the entire eyelid, dabbed Color Design Eyeshadow in Daylight on the brow bone and finished with several coats of Lancôme L'Extreme Mascara in Black. Anne’s sheer, neutral colored lipstick--Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Couture Suede—was the perfect finishing touch. Check out more of Anne's pretty partnership with Lancome below.

Kate Walsh in BeingTrue at the 2009 GLAAD Awards

Kate Walsh looked stunning at the 2009 GLAAD awards with a fresh peach palette created by Makeup Artist, Elaine Offers. To compliment Kate’s slick back hair, Elaine’s goal was to add a pop color to enhance Kate’s natural beauty while creating a memorable look. This meant “a very chic, springtime evening look built around strong eyes with healthy glowing cheeks, and a soft glossy lip.”

Elaine selected a peach palette to give her skin an overall warmth with a punch of seasonal freshness. To create dimension and luminosity Elaine stuck to a range of burnt-pinks and tangerine-bronzes, prepping her skin with a selection of BeingTRUE antioxidants and calming anti-inflammatory products to ensure keeping the makeup in place and to smooth out her canvas. Elaine began by layering BeingTRUE Powder Blush in Peony over BeingTRUE Cream Blush in Peach. Before Kate hit the red carpet, Elaine applied BeingTRUE Sheer Lip Shine in Dreaming to give her lips a smooth, fresh color to compliment the peachy palette. These glosses have a delightful minty essence, and a slight plumping effect to make her pout stand out.

Organically Happy Mother's Day

Remember when I first declared Jurlique one of my favorite brands? (I still blush thinking of my conference call with their CEO Eli!) With the highest quality ingredients harvested from their own biodynamic farms Jurlique makes the perfect gift for Mother's day. Since our mothers did in fact give up their vanity, alcohol, and sole ownership of their bodies for nine months to birth us, it's only appropriate to gift her with healthy, nourishing, beauty-inducing thank yous. Surprise mom with an assortment of Jurlique’s bestsellers in this beautifully packaged gift box. The special Mother’s Day set includes the Herbal Recovery Gel, Rosewater Balancing Mist, Daily Exfoliating Cream and Moisture Replenishing Day Cream. Enjoy!

Exhilarating from Prescriptives

Though most of us can't pull off eyeshadow the color of star fruit the color pallet on this face is stunning. With step by step instructions for both warm and cool skin types and promotional sweepstakes offering the entire tropical fruit colored collection, this Calyx fragrance - inspired collection is growing on me. My favorite item is the guava-flavored, limited edition lip gloss, pictured below. (I know I have a lip gloss problem!) Try Mango for warm, Pink Grapefruit for cool, and guava for neutral.

Lancome's Pink Lady: Alex is a Girl.

Celebrity makeup artist Oslyn Holder worked with supermodel Alek Wek. First, Oslyn lined the upper lash line with Le Stylo Waterproof in Noir and blended Color Design Eyeshadow in Statuesque and Backstage Pass on the eyelid. To make Alek’s eyes pop, she applied several coats of Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara in Deep Black. Next, Oslyn added some color to the cheeks using Color Design Cream Blush in Chic Cassis. She finished the look with Color Fever Gloss in Intense to create a beautiful, deep burgundy pout.

Lancome Primps Naturally Pretty Michelle Alves

I can't yet confirm who the pretty face is on Michelle's arm, what with the "Brazilians and their baby-daddy dramz" as of late, but I can tell you about Michelle'e pretty face. (UPdate it's Jesus Luz?!?)

Celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin did supermodel Michelle Alves’ pretty, natural makeup. He accentuated the eyes with Lancôme Color Design Eyeshadow Quad in Haute Sunset, a palette of neutral, peachy and beige shades. To create definition, he lined the eyes with Lancôme Le Crayon Khôl in Noir and added a few coats of Lancôme Ôscillation Mascara in Black. A dusting of Lancôme Blush Subtil in Miel Glace was applied to the apples of the cheek. Daniel used Color Design Lipstick in Love It and Color Fever Gloss in Rose Jolie to create a high-shine, pink pout.

Chanel No 5 Short Film

Girls, it's better than I expected. Watch here!

Audrey Tautou is Chanel No. 5

Though Audrey Tautou made her debut as Coco Chanel to French-speaking audiences in Coco Avant Chanel during the movie's French premiere on April 22 Americans will have to settle for the May 5 debut of her new No. 5 commercial. There is no stateside release date for Coco Avant Chanel yet (though I've been anticipating it for over a year!) I'd consider a trip to Paris to watch the film but I'd have to learn french on the way over. Until then we'll have to settle for this behind the scenes of the new No 5 commercial, debuting on Chanel.com in three short days (May 5, but of course!) You can also indulge your Coco-minded fantasies in this, the best article ever written about the history of the No 5 campaign.