2011 BREAST CANCER AWARENESS BEAUTY

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) month and many beauty brands have created special BCA branded products to support breast cancer research. So why not support a worthy cause while scoring some new pink themed beauty products?  And most of these beauty items are Limited Edition so there's even more incentive to start shopping. Here are my top picks:

Stila - Positive and Pretty Palette  ($14)
Specially created for Breast Cancer Awareness month, this palette will leave you looking and feeling beautiful from the inside out. Palette includes:
- 4 eye shadow shades ("Gift", "Passion", "Positive" & "Beauty")
- Cheek color ("Pretty")
- Bronzer/Highlighter ("Empower")
A portion of the proceeds from this Limited Edition pink-themed palette will go to breast cancer research and the betterment of women living with cancer.

Estee Lauder - Evelyn Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection  ($24)
This set features a Limited Edition Pure Color Lipstick in "Wildly Pink", plus a pink croc-embossed clutch. Estée Lauder will donate 20% of the suggested retail price of its Pink Ribbon Collection to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

Jane Iredale -  Roses & Lollipops Lip Duo ($30)
A lip duo featuring two new universally flattering lip shades in a keychain locket featuring a pink Swarovski crystal. The locket contains two of Jane Iredale's best-selling products: PureMoist™ Lip Colour ("Roses") – a pigment-rich, creamy lipstick that hydrates with jojoba and grape seed extract; and PureGloss™ for Lips (in "Lollipops") – a sheer, petroleum-free gloss made with green tea leaf extract.
Jane Iredale donates 100% of profits from the sale of this product to Living Beyond Breast Cancer which empowers all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life.

Bobbi Brown - Pink Ribbon Collection  ($44)
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bobbi has created the Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Collection. The set features "Pink" Lip Color and "Bellini" High Shimmer Lip Gloss, which can be worn individually or layered together. With each purchase, $10 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to preventing breast cancer by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

Sonia Kashuk - Breast Cancer Awareness Proudly Pink Brush Set ($14.99)
Be beautiful inside and out with this set of professional quality makeup brushes with clean white handles, chic silver trim and plush pink bristles. Housed in a structured silver and pink-lined makeup case, this signature set includes a Powder/Blusher Brush, Crease Brush, Synthetic Foundation/Concealer Brush, Small Eyeshadow Brush and Bent Eyeliner Brush.  A donation of 15% per purchase will be made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

 CND - Pink Wishes Colour & Effects Duo  ($20)
The CND Pink Wishes Duo helps you continue the fight against breast cancer and show your support of breast cancer survivors. This Limited Edition nail polish set features Pink Wishes Colour, a cotton-candy pink which layers beautifully with Pink Wishes Effect that has a sweet, pale pink pearlescent sheen.

Boots - No7 Intensive Moisture Face Mask  ($19.99)
An intensively quenching treat for softer, smoother skin. With caring vitamins A, C and E, plus invigorating apple extract to brighten your skin. This deliciously soft, lightly whipped gel-cream will leave your skin feeling softer, plumper and looking more youthful.  Boots is donating $2 from every sale of this mask to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $25,000, now and during the month of October.

Elemis - Think Pink Beauty Collection  ($55)
The renowned British spa and skincare brand has packaged three of their most popular products (Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust cream; Pro-Collagen Marine Cream; and Skin Nourishing Shower Cream) into a super cute pink beauty case. Spoil yourself for a good cause.  A portion of every kit sold will be donated to Breast Cancer Care with the company promising to pledge at least $16,000 to breast cancer research this year.


To learn more about Breast Cancer and the search for the cure , visit the following websites:
www.NationalBreastCancer.org
www.komen.org
www.bcrfcure.org
www.findacure.org

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK: Neutral Eye Palettes

Neutral eye shadows have been around for ages. They are the 'vanilla ice cream' of the makeup world - good but sometimes a little boring. But recently this beauty staple has gotten a new lease on life.  This trend started with Urban Decay's launch of the wildly popular "Naked" Palette which lead to an explosion of eye shadow collections in a neutral range of shades.  Here's my top picks of neutral eye shadow palettes that reflect a variety of price points. Happy shopping my lovelies!

 

Bobbie Brown -  "Sand Tortoiseshell" Eye Palette ($60)
The Tortoiseshell eye palette in "Sand" is for lighter skin tones, with light to dark shadows in flattering warm neutrals. This eye shadow collection let's you go from soft to smoky in no time flat. The eight shadows in this palette are designed to be layered - there’s no blending required. Start with the lightest shade, then layer the darker shades until you get the desired intensity.
* This eye palette is also available in "Bronze Tortoiseshell"  for medium to darker skintones.

Urban Decay  - "Naked" Palette  ($48)
Everybody wants to look good NAKED! Far from a group of boring beige shadows, the Naked Palette's long, lean, seductive case is packed with twelve gorgeous neutrals, including five NEW shades. This palette contains a range of textures: everything from glitter to shimmer to matte. Also included in palette is  the Good Karma eye shadow brush and a travel-size eyeshadow Primer Potion.

Stila - "Natural Eye Shadow" Palette ($39)
A beautiful palette consisting of Stila's award-winning Eye Shadows in wearable, neutral shades for every skintone that can be worn wet or dry and a limited-edition Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner. It also contains an eight-page lookbook with detailed how-to tips and tricks.

NYX - "Nude on Nude" Pallete ($25)
This set contains a classic medley of 20 neutral eye shadows and 10 vibrant lip colors that work for every skin tone and every occasion. What more could a girl ask for?

SLEEK Make-UP - "Storm" i-Divine Palette ($10)
The Storm i-Divine palette is comprised of 12 strong and rich shades perfect for accentuating the eyes and creating natural looks.

E.L.F. - "Essential Beauty School" 32-Piece Eyeshadow Palette ($5)
This 32-color Professional Eyeshadow Palette is the all-you-need eyeshadow assortment, perfect for on-the-go beauty! With endless colors & textures to choose from, this professional eyeshadow palette lets you create your own personal look whenever you wish, wherever you are. 



* Note - the first eye shadow palette featured in this article is Kat Von Dee's True Romance eye shadow palette in "Saint". This product is yet to be released on Sephora.com.

2010 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR GIRLS!

Find the perfect Holiday gift for all the lovely ladies in your life! Assembled below are my top picks of cosmetic and skincare products in cyber space and the real world. Happy shopping!!!!

Lancôme - Holiday Color Design Palette: Eyes & Cheeks in "Jeweled Purple"  $39.50
Get your most glamorous look for the holidays with a sultry mix of six sparkling eye shadows and an opulent blush. Indulge in a limited-edition compact adorned with holiday inspired jewels.
Includes:
    - Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Smooth Hold in "Sparkle", "Jeweled", "Matte Purple", "Purple Haze", "Purple Passion" and "Amethyst Tryst"
    - Blush Subtil Powder Blush in "Shimmer Violet Sunrise"
* For Holiday's free shipping on any order online at www.lancome.com - no promo code necessary.

 Sleek MakeUP - Sparkle i-Divine Eye Shadow Palette (Limited Edition)  $10
Sparkle your way through the festive season with deep dazzling festive shades.  A must have for the party season, you'll be spoilt for choice with this palette of 12 glitter-laced velvety-smooth eye shadows.

SMASHBOX - "The Gold List" Gift Set  ($108 value) $49
A five-piece, travel-ready kit that helps you achieve a camera-ready, golden glow.
This set contains:
- Fusion Soft Lights in "Baked Starburst"
- Photo Finish Luminzing Foundation Primer
- O-Gloss Gold
- Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
- gold metallic cosmetic case

OPI for SEPHORA - Eighteen Piece Mini Nail Colour Set  ($81 Value) $48.00
A perfect gift, this Sephora by OPI set includes 18 shades  of mini nail colors that range from essential to edgy. Colors Included:
A True Romantic, Techno Girl, Access 24/7, Ms. Can't Be Wrong, What A Broad, Just A Little Dangerous, Cab Fare, Caliente Coral, Special Request, High Maintenance, Sample Sale, I'm With Brad, Leaf Him At The Altar, Mermaid To Order, Opening Night, Already Famous, Dating The Drummer, and Never Enough Shoes

 

NARS - "D. Lovely Lip Gloss Coffret" $49
An essential collection of four NARS mini Duo Lip Glosses.
Includes: "Misbehave/All Night Long", "Pillow Talk/Sandpiper", "Orgasm/Chihuahua" and "Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses" 
* For limited time all Gifts ship FREE online!

Bobbi Brown - "Pink & Gold" Lip Palette  (Limited Edition)  $45.00
The ultimate holiday lip palette, this collection of fresh pinks, deep roses and a beautiful golden nude can be
mixed and layered for a custom look.
Colors included:
"Roseberry", "Kir", "Pretty Pink", "Sunset Nude", "Italian Rose" and "Brownie" Lip Color.

KORRES - "Sugar Plums" Color Collection  ($41.00 value)  $29.50
A Limited Edition selection of Korres best-selling plum color products in a beautiful, giftable box.
The Collection contains:
"Plum" Cherry Oil Lipgloss, "Plum" Lip Butter and Cheek Tint and "Plum" Sunflower & Evening Primrose Eyeshadow 

* Enter code "FORYOU" and get a free "Cherry Lip Kisses" collection and FREE ground shipping on orders $40 or more.

PHILOSOPY - "Home For The Holidays" Crème Brulée gift set  (Reg.$25)  $18
A gift of sweet treats to make you feel at home. Spoil yourself with the pure decadence of crème brulée
multitasking shower gel, body lotion and lip shine.
 * Free shipping on all orders - no minimum thru 11/28 using code: holidayship.

KIEHLS - Creme de Corps Collection ($79 value) $59
Kiehls cherished Creme de Corps products, famous for it's rich in all-day hydration, makes it ideal for pampering dry skin.  Set includes:
Creme de Corps cream (8.4 oz.),
Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish (6.8 oz.)
Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream (2.5oz.)
Lip Balm #1 (.5 oz.)
Ultra Facial Cream deluxe (.25 oz.)
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate packette (.17 oz.)

*Friends & Family discount of 20% off all orders and FREE ground shipping on orders of $30 & up. Use Code: FAMILY10 (valid 11/26 - 11/30)


And finally....the ultimate gift for any makeup obsessed woman in your life.

MAKE UP FOR EVER - Rock For Ever Dany's Essentials ($597 Value) $299
A rock 'n' roll-inspired makeup case piled high with 29 product favorites handpicked by Dany Sanz, MAKE UP FOR EVER's Creator and Artistic Director.
This set contains:
For Complexion:  HD Elixir; HD Microperfecting Primer; HD Microfinish Powder; Mist & Fix; HD Kabuki Brush
For Eyes:  Smoky Lash, Aqua Smoky Lash;  Aqua Eyes in shades Mat Black 0L (black), Pearly Brown 2L (golden brown sheen), Iridescent Navy Blue 3L (navy blue sheen), and Purple 11L (metallic purple); Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow; Aqua Cream in shades 13 Warm Beige (champagne shimmer) and 15 Taupe (taupe brown shimmer); Eye Shadow in shades Iridescent Yellow Beige 126 (tan beige shimmer) and Iridescent Brown Black 139 (brown black shimmer); Diamond Shadow Diamond Purple 309 (dark purple with silver shimmer); Star Powder in shades Copper 922 (true copper shimmer) and White/Orange 940 (iridescent white pearl peach);  Faux Lash in 21 Floriane and 115 Erin; Travel Sens'Eyes; Double Pencil Sharpener
For Lips:  Rouge Artist Intense in shades 1 (matte flesh), 36 (satin fuchsia), and 43 Moulin Rouge (satin vibrant red); Aqua Cream 5 Peach (peachy pink with gold flecks); Aqua Lip in Nude Beige 1C (light neutral beige) and Red 8C (true red)

SPRING 2010 BEAUTY TRENDS

 

Spring officially starts today so I've created a list of the top beauty trends for spring/summer 2010 from the Runway shows!  

 

1)  Agent Orange - Various shades of orange (coral, tangerine, and peach) were seen on lips and cheeks. It's a universal color that looks great on everyone! 

Show: Chris Benz and Chanel

Get the Look:
Lancôme - L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick in “Chris & Tell”  $29
This advanced lip color provides 6-hour care with continuous moisture and protective Vitamin E. Features plumping polymer and non-feathering color to define and reshape lips.

Bobbi Brown - Cabana Corals Collection: Pot Rouge For Lips And Cheeks  –  [Try  “Cabo Coral” (a pink nectar) and “Calypso Coral” (a bright coral) ] $22

Award-winning, cream-based product can be used on both lips and cheeks.

Bobbi Brown - Cabana Corals Collection: Nectar Shimmer Brick Compact  $38
This shimmering, brush-on powder creates a soft, coral glow. Works well with neutral and peach blush shades. 

2) Pastel Paradise - The '80s trend has moved to makeup, with a palette of icy blues, purples, and other sorbet shadows for spring.

Show: Versace

Get the Look:

Tokidoki – Cromatico Eyeshadow Palette – "Diamante"(purple) $25
A limited-edition eyeshadow palette that allows you to explore both your criminally cute and irresistibly edgy sides.

Yves Saint Laurent  – Ombres Quadrilumières 4 Colour Harmony for Eyes – #3 Absinthe Green $54

Beauty and technology combine in Ombres Quadrilumieres to glide on the skin like the softest caress, pampering and beautifying eyelids with velvety mattness, luminosity, exceptional hold, and comfort.

  

Shu Uemura – Egerie Eye Shimmer Duo – “Starry Violet” $42

Duo color eye shadow set that includes a shimmering creamy liquid and a hyper sparkling glitter powder.

 

 3) Glowing Goddess – Luminous, glowing skin was all the rage for spring.
Show: Thakoon

Get the Look:
NARS - Orgasm Illuminator - (peachy pink with golden shimmer) $29
A complexion enhancer that makes skin look instantly refreshed, radiant, and glowing.

Smashbox – Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion [3 shades: “Diffuse” (pearl), “Glow” (bronze) and “Flash” (peach)]. $24
It's all in the lighting ... luminize your face by blending this oil-free lotion into your foundation.

ILLAMASQUA – Illuminator [5 shades: "Fondle" (peachy pink), "Glimmer" (golden tan), "Halycon" (ivory pearl), "Odyssey" (white pearl), and "Poised" (pale pink)] $18

A muliti-purpose illuminator that goes on wet, but dries quickly leaving a high-shine, reflective finish that lasts all night.

4) Pink Power – A wide spectrum of pinks were seen on lips from baby doll petal pink to icy cool rose or full on fuchsia.

Show: Zac Posen

Get the Look:
Lancôme - Color Fever Lipstick Roses Collection  $25
Color Fever Roses is a sensual new Color Fever collection that transforms your lips with shades that capture the actual color of rose petals.

Chanel – Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour – “Rose Comete” ($30)
A modern interpretation of classic creme lip colour that features a Hydratendre complex to help soften, soothe and condition lips - even boosting their ability to hold in moisture - for a plumper, smoother and healthier-looking appearance.

Stila – Long Wear Lip Color [Try "Coquette" (pink mauve), "Exhilarating" (bright hot pink), "Flushed" (cool pink) and "Intriguing" (fuchsia)] $20
A lipstick and lip gloss all in one that boasts extended wear while keeping lips feeling soft and smooth - never dry.

* Photo credit for Lancome pics: Lancôme press release.  All other Fashion Show Images courtesy of www.style.com

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS BEAUTY

October is Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) month and beauty companies have created special products, many  branded with the pink ribbon to support breast cancer research.  Listed below are a few of the BCA beauty products currently available this month:

Smashbox -Photo Finish Lipstick to Benefit Susan G. Komen For The Cure  ($22)
This limited-edition lipstick in their best-selling babydoll pink shade is a beautiful way to give back. Part of the proceeds benefit the Los Angeles County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, to help raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards, and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world. Limited-edition sleeve inspired by the Fashion for the Cure® benefit, which will feature the Diane von Furstenberg Cruise/Pre-Spring Collection 2009/2010.

Estee Lauder - Elizabeth Hurley Lip Design Collection ($22)
Estee Lauder Lip Design Collection - Lipstick, gloss and pencil and your purchase helps charity.
Elizabeth Hurley hand-picked the shades for this exclusive set:
    * Pure Color Lipstick in Elizabeth Pink
    * High Gloss in Pink Lady
    * Artist's Lip Pencil in Pink Writer
    * Pink Case with Mirror
The Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign is the largest corporate sponsor of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation to find a cure in our lifetime.

Three Custom Color - Be Bright Pink Lip Gloss ($23.50)
An exclusive shade created to support Bright Pink, a national non-profit organization that provides education and support to young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. 20% of sales generated by the purchase of Be Bright Pink Lip Gloss will be donated to support Bright Pink’s mission. To learn more about this amazing charity, log on to www.bebrightpink.org.

Bobbi Brown - Pink Ribbon Collection ($40)
A beautiful limited-edition lip set featuring Blush Pink Creamy Lip Color and Pink Crystal Glitter Lip Balm, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. With your purchase of Bobbi's Pink Ribbon Collection, you are contributing to Bobbi Brown's donation of $35,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, whose mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime.  Every order on BobbiBrown.com will include a Pink Ribbon, made from recycled materials. 
* This item ships free all month on the Bobbi Brown website as "Thank you" for your support.

OPI - "Pink Of Hearts" Nail Lacquer for Breast Cancer Awareness  ($8.50)
Show your support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with "Pink of Hearts", the official OPI Nail Lacquer created exclusively to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Rethink Breast Cancer in their promise to end breast cancer forever. OPI will make a donation of $25,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, as well as a $5000 donation to Rethink Breast Cancer in Canada. A pretty, empowering light pink, "Pink of Hearts" is a shade every woman will be proud to wear because it represents the power of caring, the power of women supporting each other, and the power of pink.

Essie - "Yes We Can Pink!" Nail Polish  ($8)
Wear pink this October...on your fingers and toes in an effort to raise breast cancer awareness. To join in the fight against the powerful disease, Essie Cosmetics has created "Yes We Can, Pink!", a new nail color, for which a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women affected by the disease.

Philosophy - "She Colors My Day" - Charity Bubble Bath benefiting the Women's Cancer Research Fund   ($20)
Inspired by the artwork of her daughter, Philosophy founder Cristina Carlino co-created a unique bath product to celebrate the bond between mothers and daughters and help give back to a very worthwhile cause. "She Colors My Day" generates high-foaming bubbles, lightly tints your bath green and helps soothe and moisturize skin. 100% of Philosophy's net proceeds from the sale of "She Colors My Day" will be donated to the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund to support the early detection of women's cancers. Available exclusively on www.philosophy.com.

**** To learn more about Breast Cancer and the search for the cure, please check out the following websites:
www.NationalBreastCancer.org
www.findacure.org

www.bcrfcure.org

 ww5.komen.org