Blogger Bliss

The N.Y. Times recently ran an article about a fairly remarkable shift in the way Fashion Bloggers are now being received...namely, with respect. (Bloggers Crash The Front Row). Not long ago, well known Bloggers were lucky to get press credentials and standing room only "seating" at the Fall and Spring fashion shows.

Now a 13 year old upstart, named Tavi Gevinson, is sitting front row with Ms. Wintour and her Vogue posse at coveted shows like Rodarte and Marc Jacobs. Come to think of it, this is not just fairly remarkable it is completely remarkable.

So what has changed??? In my view, the frequency and immediacy of how quickly we devour information from a gamut of sources. Magazines edicts are yesterday's news. Back in the day, I would look forward to receiving my monthly fashion and beauty magazines. They were the experts, who were privy to preview the latest. They would sort and sift and come up with pithy names for seasonal trends and dictate the do's and dont's, haves and have nots. Not anymore. We be infiltrating sacred turf. I used to look forward to seeing the Allure Editors Favorites, now I look forward to telling you mine.

Do I still read them??? Naturally...while I am having a manicure or a pedicure. Every magazine now has an online version of itself. I should do some research and see if their editorial staffs are now wearing two hats and creating "Blog" style stories.

Geez, don't they realize I'm available???

I still like to touch, feel and on occassion copy the looks that inspire from old fashioned print. J. Lo's clean yet smoldering coppery orbs, on the cover of January Allure caught my orbs. How was the look created and with what???

Apparently, I am on a Rimmel roll. J. Lo was wearing Rimmel London's newest eyeshadow offering, Color Rush Trio in Lynx, rimmed by Special Eyes Precision Eye Line Pencil in Black Magic, and I had to try it... so much for cutting and pasting. Step by step, I tried to recreate Scott Barnes makeup lesson onto my face and hoped for the best... I was delighted with the silky texture of the Trio and the way it glided on seamlessly. (For $5.17, I am marveling at the quality). I always use a light shadow on my lid and was surprised to see how different the effect was switching it up with the copper shade. Did I look like J. Lo??? Not exactly.

But to Allures credit, at least J. Lo did... and that's a whole other Blog.

Happy, Healthy New Year to all my readers!!! I love sharing my experiences with you and I appreciate you.

xox,
DD

Fringe Benefits and Deterrents

Oy!!! I goofed and I am hearing it from y'all big time. RevitaLash is NOT available at mass retailers for $49.99. What I was seeing out of the corner of my eye, (which frequently neglects glasses, except for night driving), was RapidLash.
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I found RevitaLash readily available on Amazon.com for an average of $69.99. RapidLash can also be found on Amazon for considerably less. I read many of the product reviews which were mostly positive. I checked in with one of my GlamourSquad buddies, Charu Sari of Butterfly Diary, who participated in a group trial of RapidLash with other Bloggers. She had a terrible reaction and had to discontinue use. She did however, whole heartily endorse neuLash, which is availble online and at Saks Fifth Avenue.

I first Blogged about neuLash in August, when I went to visit my Aunt Dee in the city. I squealed when she opened the door, remembering her days in Pucci mini dresses, pale lipstick and Twiggy lashes. Her lashes, after 4 weeks were insane! I was just in the beginning of my Latisse masochist phase, but made a mental note of neuLash, since she achieved great results with zero irritation.

One of my great joys on Holidays, is comparing notes with my equally beauty and youth obsessed cousin Karyn. Karyn is a top executive with a luxury retailer in N.Y. and always has her finger on the pulse of the best and latest offerings in the beauty and fashion world. Like two 6 year olds playing with our new Barbies, we sat in my Aunt Dee's foyer, with our 6 lb. makeup cases, comparing "must haves", (I have a list now stored in my Blackberry and which I will report on after purchasing...scouts honor). Most importantly, circling back, I couldn't take my eyes off her Bambi lashes, courtesy of you guessed it- neuLash!!!

Soooo, where do I stand??? It's a bit of a jumble. Latisse, clearly grew my lashes, but at a cost. RevitaLash is maintaining them nicely, but I can't verify they would have grown as long as my Latisse lashes. RapidLash is a less expensive, readily available alternative, which I have not used. NeuLash is expensive, ($150), but based on my DNA, grows piano shawl fringes with no redness, dryness, discomfort or a prescription.

If I had it all to do over again, I would start with neuLash. One thing to keep in mind, you must maintain your growth with some application a few times a week. Only you can decide if this works within your beauty budget.

Maybe by next Christmas, all these products will go the way of the flat screen T.V. and will be able to pick them up for a song...Here's hoping.

xox,
DD

Best and Worst OTC Facial Peels

I was just thinking about buying an at home peel kit, when I stumbled across these worthy TotalBeauty Bits on the exact topic!!! One of the things I appreciate most was reading about which products produced disappointing results as well as stellar ones and the results were surprising...

Good one TB!!!

At-Home Peels to Try -- and Ones to Avoid

TotalBeauty.com readers have tested a ton and are sharing which ones are worth the money

No time or cash to head to the spa for a facial? No worries, we found the best at-home products that will give you real results (we also found a few that didn't quite live up to their claims so you don't waste your money). Check them out and say hello to softer, clearer skin now! See peels

Worst: No. 4: Patricia Wexler M.D. Exfoliating Glyco Peel System, $60

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5

It burned readers' skin and "didn't do much" for acne either …

The Best: No. 10: DERMAdoctor Physical Chemistry Facial Microdermabrasion + Multiacid Chemical Peel, $75

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.9

It "brightens," "smooths" and makes skin look "clear and younger" after the first use …

No. 9: Kinara Red Carpet Facial Kit, $145

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1

This facial kit will give you "fabulous skin just like a celebrity for half the price …"

Want to see the rest of the list? Click here!

Weekly Reads from the GlamourSquad

Here's what my Glam Squad Gal Pal's were up to this week. In addition, here's a link to another Blog that I was included in. Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis queried a few of us TotalBeauty Bloggers, about which beauty extravaganza each of us would LOVE to receive this Holiday season...Here's a group that knows all about the good stuff too! Now I don't just want what I wanted, I want what they wanted!!!

http://www.queenofthequarterlifecrisis.com/6379811

The Beauty Alchemist gets smokin' with Cover Girl's New Smoky ShadowBlast

Adina of Krasey Beauty takes you to the future with a detailed review of the Chanel Spring 2010 collection.

Butterflydiary finds that acne can be cured at a touch with Zeno Hot Spot.

Clumps of Mascara find that water intake is beautiful!

The Product Pasha helps you find the perfect fragrant gift for the scent-snob in your life.

DivaDebbigives you Part One of her favorites for 2009.

Enjoy!!! Happy, Healthy Holidays to all!!!

xox,
DD

My Top Ten Beauty Faves for 2009 (Part 2)

Ready for round two? Just a couple of qualifiers: This list is not in any particular order. Despite, having tried dozens of terrific products this year, these made the cut, because they are in some way life altering and something that I will use indefinitely in the foreseeable future. This post is longer and more detailed than the last because I am spending the day in my jammies and have more time to devote to it.

6) Oraser- ZO Skin Health Daily Hand Repair- Daily Hand Repair is part of a trio of hand repair products produced by ZO Skin Health. Despite the wasting the SPF 20 while I sleep, the day version is richer and more emollient than the night, so I use this one twice a day. Packed with retinol, vitamins and anti-oxidants, this hand cream truly lifts away dark spots, plumps wrinkles, improves elasticity and softens cuticles. Nothing gives your age away faster than old looking hands. Worth every cent of the 6500 pennies it costs...and yes, I've contemplated using it on my face...many times. I'll keep you posted.

7) RevitaLash- It's hard to know exactly which came first, because I did use Latisse for a full four months, which did grow my eyelashes to permanent false lash proportions. Unfortunately, I endured severe irritation as well as garnet colored eyeballs in the process. I followed up with Revitalash, because like Cinderella's big night out, my new lashes were not permanent. My lashes with RevitaLash are full, soft, lush and if possible, LONGER, with zero irritation. It is also available on line and at mass retailers for $49.99, a fraction of Latisse's prescription only cost.

8) Christi Harris Brow Kit and Benefit Brows A-Go-Go - I wish I could pick one over the other but they both have their strong suits. Ever since I became obsessed with Juliana Margulies eyebrows on the Good Wife, I became aware of how much a well defined eyebrow and arch can enhance your looks. (sidebar to friends, if you think I am staring at your eyebrows when we're talking, I am). I recently Blogged about my experience with the Christi Harris Brow Planing System. It gives step by step instructions on how to achieve brows that suit your face, plus a "planing" tool, that removes hair without pain, irritation or redness. The other plus is the "diffusing" powder, which softens the overall look as a finisher. The kit is available on her website for $39.99. You will save a fortune on waxing and threading. What didn't work for me are the shades of the brow powder in this kit ...thus the necessity of Benefit's Brows A-Go-Go. In addition to the perfect shades to blend for natural looking brows, this kit also includes a liner, a mini tweezer (which I no longer need, thanks to my planer) and a pretty pearly pink shadow to make your arches pop, all for $38.00. Can you guys tawk??? I'd love to only have to lug one of these around.

9) Rimmel Natural Bronzer- Another cheap and cheerful winner from Rimmel London! I am a relative late comer to mineral make up, leaving me torn and guilty as several expensive liquid foundations languish, unfinished. I had a recent epiphany. Why use a lighter shade mineral foundation and finish it with bronzing powder in two steps. What if a mineral bronzer could multi-task for me??? I decided to try the lightest of the Rimmel Natural Bronzer collection, 027 Sun Dance. For $5.99 and a money back guarantee from my beloved CVS, I had nothing to lose. Do I love it??? Naturally. It made the list.

10) My Smokey Classics by Lauren Luke- Lauren Luke debuted her make up collection at Sephora this summer, to great fan fare, (mine too), I Blogged about her remarkable triumph from an unknown, to a You Tube star, to a recently named Women's Wear Daily Award winning make up sensation. I recently met Sam Dark, whose agency manages Lauren Luke's P.R. at a mutual friends party. Though I had been meaning to order one of Lauren Luke's Complete Makeup Palette's for Eyes, Cheeks and Lips, I had not gotten around to it yet. Sam offered to send me one to try and I already knew I liked "My Smokey Classics". I love when my stars align like this and we happily exchanged contacts. The kit is a winner! It is sleek, compact and generously includes two tones of eye shadow primer (Lauren is ALL about eyes, and she strongly believes in laying the proper foundation, 3 Eye Shadows, 2 Lip Colors, Eye Liner and a Blush. The colors are rich and sultry and make me feel glam and special when I use them at night. I do however, use the shadow primers every day (and will continue to use them for the rest of my life), because my eye makeup stays fresh and put all day long. At $38.00, this kit offers tremendous value and for more of Lauren's know how, visit her website or You Tube. I do!!!

So---there you have it. Unless of course something extraordinary crosses my path in the next 11 days. Lots of you have emailed me your faves too! Please share them with others by posting them as comments.

xox,
DD

My Top 10 Beauty Faves for 2009 (Part 1)

As much as I enjoy writing DivaDebbi it doesn't even pay the Verizon bill each month. Thus my "day job" as a Personal Shoppper guarantees that every December, I will be a wee nuts. In my next life, I will be my own client.

I was reflecting on my favorite Beauty discoveries of 2009 and thought it would make for a fun Blog. Since I am crunched for time, I will do this in two installments.

1) Rimmel London's Fix and Perfect Primer- This is what you wish your skin looked like, when you first crawl out of bed. The gel formula comes in one "universally flattering" shade of pinky-apricot. Smooth it on and your skin is instantly brighter, more even toned and will keep your makeup in place indefinitely. For $7.99, I find myself picking one up every time I am in CVS, in a hoarder's hysteria. One word...GENIUS.

2) ReVersital 3 in 1 MicrodermaStick- This three in one multi tasker does it all! Exfoliates, cleanses and moisturizes. I use it daily in the shower on my face, throat and decollete. (It is a bit gritty, so your really need more than just the tap to remove all of those hard working aluminum oxide crystals). I am all about the glow and I am convinced that using this product daily, is every bit as effective as having a professional treatment monthly. Well worth the $95.00, it lasts for months and cost less than a single microdermabrasion session. LOVE.

3) Loreal's Telescopic Explosion Mascara- An innovative breakthrough! The unique spiked ball applicator, truly lets you go where no mascara has gone before. (Sounds like a Dyson's vacuum). It finds lashes you didn't know existed and lengthens the ones you do have to gastronomic proportions and at $9.99, the price is right. I will buy this again and again. BRAVO.

4) Living Proof's No Frizz Styling Cream- Singularly, the best product I have ever used in my hair. It completely eliminates frizz, makes styling a breeze, leaves my hair thick and glossy for days, and repels dirt. The cost is $24.00 for four ounces, but you need less product than the size of a quarter, with each shampoo. This is the George Clooney of beauty products...it's in a class by itself.

5) Clairol's Shimmer Lights Shampoo- Like some fabulous old friendships I have rekindled on Facebook, Shimmer Lights is back in my life and I am wondering why I let so much time pass in between. Shimmer Lights keeps my highlights toned and fresh instead of brassy between visits. Even Christopher my colorist, noticed the change for the better. $12.99 at Beauty Supply Stores...Oh, and I checked you can become a Fan of Shimmer Lights on Facebook--who knew???

Stay tuned and if you have some of your own new faves, do share them...that way we can exchange gifts.

xox,
DD

Weekly Blogs from your GlamourSquad

Clumps of Mascara loves red lipstick and challenges you to wear your favorite red lippy during the holiday season.

DivaDebbi is in search of the lost (eyebrow) arch.

Butterflydiary gives you the Screen Siren Lipstick Guide and tips to achieve stars’ pouts.

Adina of Krasey Beauty has 3 Ecotools Overnight makeup bags to give away!

The Beauty Alchemist gets in the holiday spirit with the Annick Goutal Noel Candle

The Product Pasha lets out her inner holiday diva with a little help from Orly Femme Fatale.

Enjoy!!!

xox,

DD

The Skinny on The Skinny

Have you heard about The Skinny??? The Skinny is a fabulous new shopping website, much like The Gilt Group, Ideeli and Rue La La. While these sites primarily stick to fashion, they occasionally veer astray into skin care. The Skinny is 100% dedicated to bringing you only the freshest products at considerable discounts. Skin care, is there only focus.

I may be the only skin care junkie on the planet, who has not yet tried Lisa Hoffman's Vitamin A & C Serum.. When I received this personal email from The Skinny's Founder, Lauren Fornes, about an amazing opportunity to purchase it for myself at a hefty discount, I was thrilled! I immediately wrote back and asked if I might be able to share this offer with DivaDebbi readers and Lauren was thrilled! Please read below and do considering treating yourself, (this offer is valid through December 15th):

Here at The Skinny, we've noticed that lots of you are concerned about the effects of aging on your skin. I know it's the holiday and finances are tight, but I feel obligated to tell you that we have one of the best anti-aging treatments on the market for sale on The Skinny today.

It's Lisa Hoffman’s Vitamin A & C Serum. It's a truly amazing product with really impressive clinical results. It usually retails around $60, but we're featuring it for $28.50. Honestly, it's a great deal on a great product.

To make the deal even sweeter, here is a promo code you can use at checkout: ACS10. This will give you an additional 10% off your entire order The Skinny.

Just thought you may be looking for a little holiday pick-me-up! Feel free to pass along to friends. :)

Nice!!!. I think you will be thrilled...let me know-K?

xox,
DD

Blue Dryers

Do you recognize these??? Nope, they are not something I have tried for cellulite reduction and you haven't mistakenly logged onto Heloise's Helpful Hints...
They are Dryer Balls as seen on T.V..

I am the person marketers and store managers channel, when setting up all those irresistible tzchakes along the check out aisles. This how I happened upon a set of Dryer Balls, on a recent visit to Bed Bath & Beyond.

We had recently purchased a new energy efficient dryer. Personally, I have my doubts, since it now took 4 hours to dry a load of towels. Dryer Balls claim to cut down on drying time by a third and soften clothes as effectively as fabric softeners or those toxic dryer sheets. They also are indestructible and will no doubt endure into the next century. But, do they work???

Yes they do!!! In fact, they are remarkable!!! Certainly a better impulse purchase than my last one...The Ped Egg. In the meanwhile, if I decide to give them a romp on the back of my thighs and have any luck, I'll keep you posted. Y'all know how much I love a good multi-tasker.

xox,
DD

Weekly Reads from the GlamourSquad

Please help me welcome our newest GlamourSquad member, Blogger Adina who writes KraseyBeauty. LOVE her take on the world of beauty and fashion!!!

ThinkThruFashion gets lucky with Steve Madden's Scratch & Shop cards.

DivaDebbi tells you how to keep whiteness off your clothes and on your teeth.

Butterflydiary thinks this scent is just spritz perfect for the season!

The Beauty Alchemist does a Holiday Gift Guide.

Get a sneak peek, and meet the newest addition to the Zoya Nail Polish Spring 2010 Reverie line- Adina!

The Product Pasha talks to the folks at Bold PR and finds out why they love bloggers.

Enjoy!!!

xox,
DD

De Plane

Nope, not a tale about my recent trauma of having to stay in a seedy motel near an Atlanta airport because of missed connection, (hi to Vicki from Buffalo, my new friend and fellow flea bag survivor)! This is about eyebrow planing.

I recently received an email from one of my P.R. contacts, who had read my Blog about having my brows professionally shaped, in search of my long lost arch. She wanted to know if I might be interested in try the Christi Harris brow kit, that would teach me how, with practice, to do precision brows at home. Of course I would!!!

Christi Harris hails from Texas, where she was once a model and has made a career, out of teaching women how to look their best. Christi believes the one feature on our face that we have the power to change is our brows. She also believes that over tweezing, waxing and threading can result in damaged, sparse eyebrows.

The lynch pin of the Christi Harris Brow Kit, is a device that looks like a cross between a pocket knife and a box cutter. Christi developed this "planing" tool because she believes that it is a more effective shaper and does less damage to the roots. It's also quick and pain free to use. I love this little sucker!!! (Don't think for a second that I haven't successfully de-planed other areas...I will leave where to your imagination).

The kit also come with a brow filler gel, brow shadow, (in a range of three shades) and brow diffusing powder, and appropriate applicators. The diffusing powder is whisked on, as the last step, to soften the look. It does the job nicely, particularly if you start channeling Joan Crawford.

One of the interesting features, is a step by step explanation of how to measure exactly where your brows should start, arch and end. She also does not agree with other "experts", who claim the top of the brow should never be touched, in fact, she thinks its one of the keys to creating a perfect arch..

Am I now a brow expert??? Getting there!!! I am sure my skills will improve over time. The best part? One less beauty professional on my payroll.

One suggestion-- don't try to board a plane with your de-planer. That little sucker could shut down an airport and you might end up having to spend the night in a flea bag motel...Believe me. I'm still recovering.

xox,
DD

White Out White In

Love my Gal Pals! They are never shy to call, text or email, (often while perusing the aisles) for beauty product advice. Most recently, "can you recommend a deodorant that won't leave white residue on my clothes? I've tried everything"

Coincidentally, I received a sample of Dove's Clinical Protection and was about a week into using it. Clinical Protection, is an over the counter product that claims to be as effective as prescription strength products for wetness protection. The scent name, "original clean", sums it up nicely. It has a lovely, sheer texture and dries invisibly and TA-DAH has left nary a trace on clothes.

I looked for it at CVS, on a recent trip and was surprised to see the hefty $10.99 price. I don't have a wetness problem, but I do have a whiteness one. Will I be shelling out $10.99 when my sample runs out??? You bet. Susan B. this ones for you!

Speaking of whiteness, I was intrigued, when I saw Listerine Whitening Plus Restoring Fluoride Rinse. My dentist had prescribed a rinse to strengthen my teeth, but I soon learned that one of the possible side effects would be darkening them...uh I don't think so. This sounded like a more palatable alternative.

It is white, pleasantly foamy and formulated to freshen breath and restore enamel, when used twice daily. It certainly does a great job of keeping ahead of coffee, tea and wine stains. It would be also be lovely, if it is strengthening my teeth.

Fade in, fade out...two more beauty dilemmas solved.

xox,
DD

Holy Guacamole

Deeply embedded in my memory banks, along with Bonne Bell Face Gloss and Yardley Lipsticks, is a loop of I Love Lucy favorites, of which I could never tire.

Sure, there are classics, like the Vita-Veta-Vegemin and Chocolate Factory episodes, but there were others I found equally hilarious...remember when Ricky decides he is going bald??? Lucy conspires to snap him out of his depression by administering stinky, gooey, painful hair growing treatments, in their kitchen. Ingredients included plenty of olive oil, raw eggs and mustard, hand tossed, suctioned with a plunger and topped with a silk stocking. Lucy is sure he will never endure this torture again and Ricky demands she up the treatments to several times a week---and they say women are vain!

All of this came flooding back to me recently, after sampling Sponge skin care's Avocado Oil Face Treatment. I recently wrote about their Jasmine Aromatherapy mist, which I apply daily to set my makeup and again if I am refreshing it before touch-ups. The purity of this simple, organic, effective line of skin care from Greece intrigues me. I couldn't wait to try it before bed. I also loved the idea of using it around my eyes and on my neck and chest...despite all evidence to the contrary, I really do want to simplify my makeup and skincare regimens. Multi-taskers give me goose bumps (in a good way though).

Sponge, nicely sent me several samples. As you might surmise, it is a rich golden green and smell and feels rich, earthy and well oily, hence the flash back to the Ricardo's kitchen.

I am about two weeks in and still get used to the texture. Somehow, decades passed adolescence, it still feels counter-intuitive to massage oil onto my face. I think I have a pretty good idea about how Ricky felt...yet there is not a chance I won't finish them to the last drop. I am pretty sure it's working...

xox,
DD

Fill-Her Up (Part 2)

As promised, part 2 of my interview with Dr. Elizabeth Chabner- Thompson of The N.Y. Group for Plastic Surgery , on the newest advances in facial and body rejuvenation. In our first interview, we talked about Botox. This time, we are covering facial fillers. Don't forget!!! You will receive a 10% discount on your first procedure, when you mention DivaDebbi.

Here's the latest tips on how to safely take a dip in the fountain of youth:

DD: I have been seeing alot more print and T.V. adds about facial fillers. Are they catching on? What's all the excitement about?

ECT: Facial Fillers have grown tremendously in popularity for several reasons. First and foremost, it is literally instant gratification! When properly injected, women (and men), will see an immediate difference in their, "parentheses" or nasolabial folds. Properly placed volume restores a natural, youthfulness to the face. The results are immediate though I would not recommend doing any procedure the day of an event, just in case of swelling, redness, or an occasional bruise.

DD: So you literally leave your appointment looking younger than when you walked in??? Wow!!! No wonder its getting a lot of attention. How long does the Cinderella effect last?!

ECT: Generally about 6 months, roughly twice as long as Botox. Sometimes slightly longer. It's subtle but discernible change. It's definitely a patient pleaser.

DD:: I remember years ago, when bovine collagen was used, people had to be allergy tested before being injected. Is that still necessary?

ECT: Not with the newer types of fillers. They all have FDA approval and allergic reactions are very rare.

DD: I know there are different types of fillers. What are they and what are their "brand" names?

ECT: That is true, there are three types: Hyaluronic Acids, known as Restalyne and Juvederm, Calcium Hydroxyapatite, more commonly known as Radiesse and Hydrelle, a new filler that has been formulated with lidocaine . Your Dr. can guide you on which filler is most appropriate for your corrections, based on age, skin type and budgetary concerns.

DD: Lately, I've been noticing actresses with very flat, full faces.
Not pretty!!! What causes that?

ECT: I know exactly what you are referring to! It is caused from overfilling the face and probably too frequent injections. It's crucial to have an experienced Dr. performing these procedures and one who can judge when it will be too much of a good thing. We are also now getting really good results, using fillers on "smokers lines" or vertical creases above the upper lip.

DD: All and all, it sounds very effective and I can see the appeal.
Let's touch on the ouchies...pain and price!

ECT: Discomfort can be eased quite a bit by adding some lidociane to most solutions or by using Hydrelle. It's tolerable...my patients all think it is worth it, when I'm done! The price ranges from $500-$700 per syringe, depending on the type of filler and syringe used. Consultations are free and we often run promotions, where the second syringe is free. We will also save and store anything that you don't use for a future visit.

DD: Thanks so much for sharing your time with me and my readers. You know I think the world of your skills!

To schedule a consult or appointment with Dr. Chabner-Thompson, call the N.Y. Group for Plastic Surgery, in Tarrytown, N.Y. at 914-366-6139.

You deserve the best!!!

xox,
DD

Brava!!!!

Well, I am officially kvelling!!! The Obama's hosted their first official White House State Dinner, honoring the Prime Minister of India and his wife and Michelle hit it out of the park.

Dressed regally, in a flattering, strapless Naeem Khan pale gold chiffon gown, with an overlay of sterling silver sequins, chiffon stole, gold bangles, chandelier earrings and a modern, up swept chignon, MO looked every inch, the First Lady of the world. This is what I have been waiting for since the Inauguration (of Jack Kennedy). Wowza!!!

Though some press reports are making Indian designer Naeem Khan sound like an upstart, he is light years from that! Naeem has been creating gorgeous frocks for the International set for years and he and his stunning wife Ranjana, are fixtures in New York society.

I saw Naeem interviewed and he said he did not have contact directly with Michelle, but with her long time stylist Ikram Goldman.

Fingers crossed that the outpouring of accolades for this smashing, spot on State Dinner fashion debut, is just the beginning of their collaborations and the understated elegance that suits the First Lady like a glove.

xox,
DD

This Weeks Link Love from Your GlamourSquad

DivaDebbi finds the Holy Grail of Frizz fighters and her hair never looked better.

The Beauty Alchemist is giving away 3 sets of MISSION Skincare to giveaway

ThinkThruFashion styles a sequin top from the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection.

Krasey Beauty spotlights a gorgeous Makeup Designory eyeshadow palette perfect for gifting this holiday season.

The Product Pasha faces her retrograde ways and plans her very first online purchase.

Butterflydiary uses a Secret Weapon to fight frizz – and wins!

Enjoy!

xox,
DD

Beauty Duty

I am quick to throw my hat in the ring, whenever I have a chance to learn about cutting edge Beauty and Health advances.

When that same ring involves raising money to help properly outfit our troops with critical combat gear for their safety, (helmet, rifle, body armor, side arm and appropriate boots for climate and terrain), I feel it is my beauty duty to be there. When the lecture is being given by the internationally famous Dr. Neil Gordon, I wouldn't miss it and neither should you!!! ---And I haven't even spilled the best part yet...

On Tuesday, December 1st, Eillhys England, who founded Soldiers for the Truth with her late husband, Col. David Haakworth, is hosting an amazing event. It is truly the ultimate Girls Night Out! Great food, great wine and the great Dr. Gordon, who will speak to 75 attendees about Beauty and Health in 2010.

Your $100 donation guarantees a fun and informative night...and it may also win you a free face and neck lift with Dr. Gordon!!! (Other cosmetic procedures can be substituted, for the same value).

Between now and April 1st, only 500 tickets will be sold (and will include a complementary invitation to the next Beauty and Health Event). The value of this service is nearly priceless, not just because he is waiving his fee, in support of our troops, but because he has discreetly done face and neck work, on some of the most beautiful women on camera today. True beauties, who looks as fresh and radiant, as they did in the prime of their youth. That's genius. (I am dying to name names...but I can't, damn it).

The event will be held at the Penthouse of the Roger Sherman Hotel 48th St. and Lexington Ave, at 5:30 p.m. Availability is limited, but tickets are available to purchase, and will guarantee you an invitation to another event plus your hat in the free face and neck lift ring!

For tickets and information, please call Moira at 203-629- 0288 or email EEngland@optonline.net. You are welcome to purchase more than one ticket to increase your chances, while doing a very good deed, yup...beauty duty.

Hope to see you there!

xox,
DD

Hair Ye Hair Ye (Part 2)

One of the most fun things about writing a Beauty Blog, is trying to stay on top of all that's new. In addition, to my own curious obsessions, their is a bevy of savvy P.R. and Social Media execs who keep me in the loop on the latest launches, my equally obsessed Gal Pal's and my newest resource---The Doctors.

In my next life, I will start each day with 2 cups of good coffee and a full dose of The Doctors. Yes, they cover life saving health issues, but of greater interest to me, is their cutting edge coverage of the latest Beauty innovations. (If you have no idea what I am talking about, GET WITH IT MAMA).

A recent show, reported their are three things that drive women bonkers, wrinkles, fat and frizz. Yup, that about covers it. In recent years, those of us who have humidity challenges, have benefited from the introduction of silicone into frizz fighting shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments. The significant downside, is that hair is often left, heavy, greasy and lank.

A relatively new company, called Living Proof (available at Sephora and QVC.com) partnered with scientists at M.I.T., and discovered PolyfluroEster, the breakthrough ingredient in their No Frizz line of styling creams shampoos and conditioners. The benefits of No Frizz are amazing, and when they blasted the models hair with steam, the No Frizz side won hands down. Here's what they promise:

* It resists humidity 30% better than the leading products
* Hair resists humidity for up to 16 hours
* It repels dirt so hair can be washed less frequently
* Hair becomes more manageable with continued use
* It is available in two formulas, Straight Making or Wave Shaping, allowing for styling options

Well, it sounds great on paper, but how did it work??? In a word, spectacularly.

I used the Straight Making formula, the night before heading south, figuring I would surely have the opportunity to put it to the test. Four things were different right of the brush:

1) My hair stayed full and luxurious. No sign of flatness or tell tale, rat tail ends.
2) It dried faster
3) It styled easily...almost like having another set of hands
4) I said avoir to my flat iron. I didn't even need it too touch up, wavy tendrils in the morning. It never left my suitcase...in Florida.

I am completely, happily, hopelessly sold. One down! Now let's see what The Doctors have in store for those other scourges, wrinkles and fat...If it's as quick a fix as No Frizz, world will soon be a more beautiful place.

Here's hoping.

xox,
DD

The GlamourSquad Has My Back (while the front is working on a tan)

Despite my best intentions to update my Blog whi1e on a getaway weekend, I am having way too much fun and the most spectaular weather. Maybe I'll finish what I started on the plane and get back to business. In the meanwhile, I am glad I have a new post from the Glamour Squad to share with you:

The Beauty Alchemist loves Kiehl’s Imperial Body Balm

The Product Pasha welcomes the simplicity of Estee Lauder's Ultimate Red Holiday Collection.

DivaDebbi rediscovers a hidden hair treasure.

Butterflydiary eliminates frizz with a single stroke of a hair brush!

Clumps of Mascara thinks women should toss their scales out of windows.

ThinkThruFashion shops for the perfect sophisticated cocktail dress.

xox,

DD

Party Pointers

I received this fabulous email today from the P.R. team at Yardley of London.

As we head towards the Holidays, filled with parties, here are some great tips to ensuring your guests feel relaxed and at home, in your home. With their permission, I am sharing it with you. Here goes:

Phenomenal flower arrangements and fabulous food are nice, but often it’s the little touches – the ones that cost next to nothing - that make the differences between a good party and a party you’ll never forget. In the frantic days before the party, these are also the things you are most likely to forget - or triage to save your sanity.

Here are a few simple things you can do to summon your inner hostess-with-the-mostess and make your house feel just a little bit more like the palace you – and your guests – so richly deserve.

* Nothing screams “frat party” like asking your guests to dig through a pile on the guest room bed for their coats Clear out a closet or two and dump your stuff somewhere instead. While you’re at it, give the dry cleaner back all those hangers and get a few decent padded ones for your guests

* Here’s a foolproof way to kill a party’s energy: Hand Aunt Marge the salad tongs, stick her in the middle of the buffet line, and wait, and wait, and wait as she painstakingly selects each individual leaf of lettuce. Avoid the agony – and ensure everyone actually gets fed – by breaking up the buffet. Send Marge off to the salad station – somewhere across the room. Put the cocktail meatballs in one corner and the pasta in another. You’ll bust up the line and, as an added bonus, give everyone an excuse to cross the room and introduce themselves to someone new. No cost

* Face it – the room more people at your party are going to visit than any other is the bathroom, so making a good impression here is important, and it’s also easy. Replace your hand towels with colorful paper cloths and your plain bar soap with a natural or botanical bar from Yardley to add a little bit of class to the guest bath, master bath or any sink or vanity area. Yardley natural and botanical soaps come in a range of subtle fragrances and are pretty, usable treats to have in the loo. Guests love little touches of luxury and this one you can accomplish at your local drug store. Hand cloths $3.99 Yardley Soaps $1.49 for Botanicals, $2.49 for Naturals.

* It’s all fun and games until someone whips out the cell phone and starts checking messages. Suddenly, it occurs to everyone else that maybe they need to check in with the boss, the babysitter and … The texting, emailing and voice-mail checking begin and the fun ends, right there. Head this off at the pass by greeting your guests as they come in with a half-full tray of drinks and a box of stickers. Offer a trade: A drink for your cell phone. Pick up the glass, pick a sticker to label the cell phone so you can identify it later, and drop the phone on the tray. Voila. Let the party begin – and continue. Stickers under $4.

* The temptation when you are prepping the house for a party is to live by the “when in doubt, put it away,” rule. So we shelve the coffee table books, stick some of the more – ahem – colorful fridge magnets in a drawer and finally take down that hideous painting your husband’s family gave you and you felt obligated to hang up. This party, don’t. In fact, do just the opposite. Got those funny letters and words you can make poems with on the fridge? The better to warm up the conversation my friend. Open a few extra coffee table books. You never know if that picture of Mt. Kilimanjaro just might loosen up the tongue of your terribly shy next door neighbor. Hideous art can be great for a laugh – even if it’s at your expense. The point is that the more there is to look at it, the more there is for your guests to talk about, bond over and giggle with. No cost – just use what you have.

I love a dash of good common sense! Thanks Yardley of London (ye of my first frosted pink lipsticks in the orange, white and pink striped tubes).

xox,
DD

Weekly Blogs from your GlamourSquad

Here's what my fellow glamazons were up to last week:


Aly is giving away a set of Wedgwood China!


DivaDebbi revisits Revitalash!

The Product Pasha loves Smashbox's Tokidoki Skin Tint - hard to find but worth the trouble!

Butterflydiary cherry picks the best of Philosophy’s Holiday
Collection.

The Beauty Alchemist loves Bobbi Brown's Extreme Party Mascara.

Clumps of Mascara wonders how old is too to be rockin' glitter nail polish.

Enjoy!

xox,
DD

Hair Ye Hair Ye (Part 1)

O.K., I have two hair raising tales to tell, but they are lengthy and I need you to stay focused---so I will do this in two parts.

I have only had two colorists in my life, who have been able to achieve the perfect caramel highlights I require, David and Christopher. There is a murky, brassy eight year gap, that I try to block out of my memory, some of which included bad stints at home coloring.

In the good years, I continued travelling back to the City to see David after I married and moved to the Burbs. When David decided to move back to his Burbs, (Canada), we bid adieu.

David introduced me to a product called Clairol Shimmer Lights, which came in a distinct violet bottle, whose product was of the same hue. There was only one formula to brighten and tone down brassy, faded highlights. It worked like a charm and David swore it was the only shampoo I would ever need. The challenge, became finding it...primarily, it existed on the dusty shelves, of dwindling Mom and Pop Beauty Supply Stores. Eventually, it became to difficult to find, so I moved on.

While in N.Y. recently, I happened upon Ricky's NYC, the famed beauty emporium, which I had remarkably, never been in. Perusing the aisles, and smugly thinking, "been there, done that" to dozens of products, I spotted a large bottle of Shimmer Lights Shampoo!!! I nearly kissed both sides of the bottle. It now comes in two formulas: one for blond and silver hair and the other for brunette and red heads. I knew the first was the same I had used with success, but I thought I would gamble on the newer one for brunettes...needless to say, I wasn't leaving without it.

What can I say??? The stuff is genius. Daily, strangers are approaching me to ask about my color, (I recently held court, quite unintentionally at a Sephora in Greenwich...madness).

Even Christopher, knew the minute I plopped in his chair on my last visit to Warren Tricomi, that something was different . Christopher knows I tinker, and thankfully, never chastises me, but for once, the change was for the better! The perfectly placed highlights he mastered 7 weeks earlier, were not only intact, they were still glowing. I told him I rediscovered Shimmer Lights, which he pulled out of him memory banks immediately. For the first time in 12 years, I have the green light to continue.

So, I am revising the official list---three brilliant colorists, David, Christopher and Miss Clairol. Like I said, genius. Do order yourself a bottle today, (www.sallybeauty.com).

Your welcome.

xox,
DD

Fairy Tales Do Come True

I am officially, out of Latisse. Those of you who have followed my Latisse story on You Tube, know I had a very bumpy first chapter...my eyeballs looked like Barber poles and felt like someone was working them over with an emery board, night and day. A normal person would have discontinued use--not me! I was in it till THE END.

16 weeks later, I am in my glory. Every day I can't quite believe those Bambi lashes are all mine...at least for now. Like her Walt Disney cousin Cinderella, the trimmings are strictly on loan. Maintenance is a must (at least 2 or 3 times a week), or all the magic disappears. O.K., all the magic breaks off.

And thus, the quandary...do I get a new prescription for Latisse or do I give the RevitaLash I have stashed in my cosmetic goody closet a whirl?

RevitaLash was one of the first entrants into the "eyelash conditioning and beautification" market. It is significantly less expensive, (I recently saw it on sale at CVS for $49.99). The directions are identical, a thin line, drawn on clean eyelids before bed. Best of all, I like this particular Fairy Tale, because it is true.

RevitaLash was developed by a real life Prince Charming, Dr. Michael Brinkenhoff, for his wife Nancy, who lost her lustrous hair and lashes, while going through chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer. (They are pictured above). In addition, a portion of all proceeds benefit non-profit breast cancer research and education initiatives. As a breast cancer survivor, I am touched by his kindness and devotion to his wife and their continuing efforts to help eradicate this disease. RevitaLash also beat Latisse to the punch, and developed a unisex hair product, that hopefully does as much for thinning domes and it does for thinning lids.

So, it's a no brainer...I will try RevitaLash and hope to maintain my lashes, because I would like to maintain my support of their company. (I also much prefer getting fat lashes from a skinny brush...rather than the over sized basting brushes that come with Latisse). Fingers crossed!

As always---To Be Continued.

xox,
DD

A Spritz in Time

Every now and then, I receive an email, from a cranky reader, frustrated at about my fickle beauty nature. Days after describing a devout love fest for a particular mascara-lipstick-liner-foundation, cupids arrow strikes again and I am newly smitten.

Ya. I get it.

I am a little more loyal when it comes to skin care, specifically my face. There are a four products I could never live without and in the last few weeks, I just added the 5th...See, just a wee handful. They are:

1) Cetaphil soap for dry skin
2) Dr. Denese Advanced Firming Facial Pads
3) ReVersital 3-in-1 MicrodermaStick
4) SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Treatment

#5 is a new crush, but has already made the permanent roster; Jasmine Aromatherapy Treatment Tonic by SPONGE. This pungent, olive oil based, Vitamin E infused, hand-blended, antioxident mist is the last step in my morning skin care and makeup routine. Three spritz's later, I am dewy, radiant and ready to face the day, all day, without re-touching.

SPONGE, is a 30 year old skin care company, founded by an Athens Obstetrician, Dr. Costas Tympanidis, to help his patients retain their skin elasticity during pregnancy.

His nephew, Markos Drakatos has followed his devotion to pure, chemical free, powerful plant based, earth friendly products, to pamper and protect our skin.

I had received my Jasmine Aromatherapy as a gift, and due to its luxe richness, shuttered to think how much the latest addition to my permanent arsenal was going to set me back. I was delighted, when I went on their website and discovered that Jasmine Mist has two siblings, Sweet Basil and Lavender and that they were reasonably priced at $45. (Sponge is available on their linked website, Barney's, DermStore.com and Warren Tricomi Beauty at the Plaza in NY)

In addition, it is a small line of face and body products, with $100 at the pinnacle. I adore that it is simple and straight forward, instead of dozens of options for distant body parts in all stages of maturity. THANK YOU! Every product is good for every skin type. THANK YOU!

Yes, cupids arrow may strike again...but this time, at least you will know from where.

Pass the olives please.

xox,
DD

Weekly Blogs from your GlamourSquad

Aly is giving away a year's supply of Breyer's Ice Cream!

The Beauty Alchemist pre orders the new Cover Girl Smoky EyeBlast and ShineBlast lipgloss.

Clumps Of Mascara has reason to believe she started the purple lip trend!

ThinkThruFashion takes you behind the scenes at a MAC Halloween photo shoot.

Butterflydiary loves the skin-quenching properties of La Mer’s Hydrating Facial!

DivaDebbi does Demi's WANTED.

xox,
DD

Demi Does...

Daring...better than most of her celebrity peers. She shocked the world by posing very pregnant and very naked for Vanity Fair. She rocked the world by defying convention and marrying the delicious, much younger Ashton Kutcher. This is one confident woman.

This week, Vanity Fair and Loreal celebrated the launch of Demi's first fragrance All You've Ever WANTED with Ashton, Zac Posen and a posse of VIP's at the Monkey Bar in N.Y. (I had to take a pass because I couldn't possibly miss the Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion show)...kidding. It will be available exclusively at Macys on November 5th.

The inspiration is described as, "a contemporary expression of her daring appeal". The scent is described as an, "intense potion", with notes of magnolia, iris-cream and cedar extract and is being brought to the market by Helena Rubinstein.

Not long ago, I saw a fabulous PBS documentary, called, The Powder and the Glory". It described the intense rivalry between the two cosmetic visionaries, Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. Make no mistake, Helena Rubinstein was a confident and contemporary woman. I think she would have hand picked Demi to be the muse behind WANTED...and they probably would have become fast friends

I haven't the vaguest clue what magnolia, iris-cream or cedar extract smell like, but this is one celeb fragrance I would be intrigued enough to seek out...I think I will be in good company...don't you???

xox,
DD

Well...I'm in Love

Again. I fell in love with Paris, in New York, in my twenties. It intoxicated me, even though I wasn't usually drawn to fragrance with rose, as a dominant top note. It was powdery and utterly feminine. I wore it day and night, through a romance that ultimately left me broken hearted. I got left behind and so, in retaliation, did Paris...never to be sniffed again.

When I had the opportunity to receive YSL's updated version Parisienne to review, I hesitated for a split second before deciding to bury the hatchet and I am delighted that I did.

Every product has a story and this is Parisienne's:

"The essence of a woman who is incredibly free—she is not from Paris, but Paris adopts her. She knows how to love, how to live. Parisienne is the fragrance of ultra-femininity and sensuality, built with notes of blackberry, damask rose, and sandalwood. The grand floral with a woody structure is luminous even in its mystery".

I couldn't have said it better! Parisienne is a delicious update...not nearly as rosy or sweet, it is rich and crisp at the same time, (if that is even possible). I also love the clean, elegant flacon it come in.

Fragrance is so incredibly individual. I am literally, head over heels over Parisienne. Will you be??? It's hard to say...you know how those little perfume elves love to tinker with our body chemistry.

I checked the TotalBeauty ratings for Parisienne and was startled to see a paltry 6.5 for a rating, (moi gave it a "dix") Undeterred, I hopped over to Sephora's website where it was top rated with 5 stars, by 23 reviewers, ranging in age from 18-54.

What could account for the difference??? I haven't the vaguest clue--- for that, you will have to ask the perfume elves. In the meanwhile, I recommend sampling it for yourself.

As for me, fortunately, love was better...the second time around.

La Fin

xox,
DD

This Weeks Glam Slams from the Glamour Squad

ClumpsofMascara may not be dressing up for Halloween but her nails are in total costume!

Aly gets up close and personal with her favorite style icon.

The Beauty Alchemist find you can be tres chic while fighting acne and oil.

Butterflydiary views the world through Victoria’s Secret PINK holiday collection glasses.

ThinkThruFashion shows how to incorporate traditional garb you get on vacay into your everyday ensembles.

The Product Pasha shows how you can embrace the season's blue and greens with a little help from Illamasqua Nail Varnishes.

DivaDebbi turns back the clock, with ZO Skin Health's Oraser for Daily Hand Repair.

Enjoy!!!

xox,
DD

Just Brow-Zing

"Chickens get plucked, people get tweezed", or so I was told by Danielle Sampieri, the aesthetician at The Benefit Brow Bar at Bloomingdale's. Geez! You learn something new everyday.

I recently became obsessed with eyebrows, after I started watching the wonderful Julianna Margulies in The Good Wife. It's a fine show, but it might as well be on mute, because I cannot take my eyes off her eyebrows. Could a fetish be developing? Yup. I am bonkers over the arch in her left brow and the way it frames her face. Mine look like a pair of parenthesis.

Dashing in on a separate mission, the Benefit Brow Bar has its own adorable window display and in store set up, smartly capitalizing on the brow craze that is sweeping the beauty world. Danielle sweetly approached me for a consultation and I promised to visit on the way out---No doubt, she hears this all day long, because she look surprised when I returned.

"I'm archless and I'm obsessed with Julianna Margulies eyebrows...is it hopeless"???, I whined.

"Challenging, but not hopeless".

"What can be done"?

"Tweezing will help, but you will have to learn how to fake it".

"No problem, get plucking please uh, I mean tweezing".

I watched with a hand mirror, as Danielle showed that a brow should arch, right where the outside of the eyeball ends. Her implement of choice is a slanted Tweezerman, that would not have looked out of place in an O.R. She showed me what needed to go and what needed to grow.

Next she taught me how to use a slanted brush to apply brow wax, and to fake some additional length, thus creating the framework for my coveted arch. She then tapped on brow powder and brushed it gently, to achieve a natural look. The final touch was the addition of a pink hued highlighting powder, under the brow following the arch.

Voila!!! "Groomed and gorgeous", just as Jean and Jane Ford, the Co-creators of Benefit promised! The full service Brow Bar offers professional, reasonably priced waxing, tweezing and lash services, all without an appointment necessary. I was impressed with Danielle's skill and loved her self-confidence, that she will find fame in the brow world .

Until then, I'm glad she has found a home at Bloomingdale's in White Plains. I purchased the Brows a-go-go kit and did a reasonably good job of replicating her handiwork this morning.

All in all, I'm feeling preetay, preetay good about my brows, or I will at least until next Tuesday at 10, on CBS.

xox,
DD