DivaDebbi's Quickie Hit List: #5 Laura Mercier's Face Polish

Laura Mercier cut her teeth in the cosmetic industry as an acclaimed makeup artist.  She is well known for her cult favorite tinted moisturizer and has made camouflaging under eye circles an art form.  She also takes skin care very seriously...after all,  how better to achieve flawless makeup then by applying it to flawless skin???

DivaDebbi's Quickie Hit List: #4 Murad's Intensive Resurfacing Peel

Regular DivaDebbi readers know I am obsessed with  glowing skin.  If I had pursued my studies that way I pursue achieving radiant skin, I would have my PhD in, well, something.

The surest way to improve your skin"s tone, clarity and superficial wrinkles, is by finding an easy to use preparation with glycolic acid and then sticking to a regular routine of using it.

"Hello DivaDebbi, we love your Blog.  Would you be interested in sampling Murad's Intensive Resurfacing Peel"?

DivaDebbi's Quickie Hit List: #3 St. Ives Naturally Smooth Body Lotion

I have known for quite some time that the star ingredient to improve skin tone and suppleness in a body lotion is Alpha-Hydroxy-Acid...just try and find one that has it.
I recently posted about a divine find, Thymes Bergamot Vert AHA Body Lotion.  It smells heavenly and I was ecstatic that it has AHA since it's so elusive.  I like it so much that I will treat myself to it again, but  I can chug through a $24  9 oz. bottle in less than two weeks---you do the math...

I was delighted to receive an email asking,  "would you be interested in sampling St. Ives Natually Smooth Body Lotion  withNatural FruitDrived AHA"?

 Naturally.

DivaDebbi's Quickie Hit List- #2 Olay's Total Effects Exfoliating Body Wash

Regular DivaDebbi reader's already know how cranky it makes me that there are so few anti-aging products available for the total body, particularly at mass market price points. Even I don't have the patience to address my body in individual pieces like a  Purdue chicken; thighs, breasts and neck etc... I'm always on the look out for good multi-taskers, that don't cost a fortune, so I can use them with abandon.

Olay's Total Effects 7 in One Exfoliate and Replenish Advanced Anti-Aging Bodywash with micro-derm beads and VitaNiacin (phew, what a mouthful)!, fits the bill to a tee.

Here's what Total Effects Advanced Anti-Aging Bodywash promises with a money back guarantee:

Total Effects 7-in-1 Advanced Anti Aging Body Wash goes beyond cleansing to deeply moisturize and fight 7 signs of aging all over your body. It delivers soft, smooth skin in 1 shower, improved elasticity in 1 week, and younger-looking, radiant skin in 1 month.

Total Effects fights 7 signs of aging (rough texture, uneven skin tone, dullness and dryness) by:
• Improving elasticity
• Relieving dryness
• Deeply moisturizing
• Brightening dull skin
• Evening skin tone
• Smoothing rough skin
• Minimizing the appearance of fine lines

I'm not completely convinced that we exactly have 7 different signs of aging here, but I will settle for well tackling three or four.

There are two versions of this Bodywash, Exfoliating and Deep Penetrating Moisture.  I found the Deep Penetrating Moisture to have a waxy consistency that left a residue, so I can only recommend the Exfoliating version.

It's the only anti-aging body wash on the market and it is certainly doing more than soap to combat these issues.

Additional grooming time?:  Zero.

Tomorrow:  A super effective, deep penetrating, in shower hair masque.

xox,
DD

DivaDebbi's Quickie Hit List: #1 Gloss/ Moderne Hair Masque

I do make it a habit to deep condition my hair a few times a month.  The traditional recommendation of shampooing, towel drying, applying product and standing around buck naked and freezing, has always made me cranky...what about you???

I cheat the system and (keep my warm), by microwaving a dollop of deep conditioner for about 15 seconds, applying it to dry hair, going about my biz and then shampooing it out after 15 minutes or so.

Here is the first reason I LOVE Coco de Soleil's Gloss/Moderne High Gloss Masque Haute Brilliance:They have eliminated the towel dry and shivering step and replaced it with a delicious smelling cocoa butter masque, that is intended to be used in the shower!!! 

DivaDebbi's Quickie Hit List

Growing up, my sister Loren and I were so obsessed with makeup, that our Mother nicknamed us "Bud" and "Perc".  Bud and Perc were two of George Westmores 6 sons, all of who achieved great fame in Hollywood, as the premiere makeup artists of their day.

"Bud's" fascination waxed and waned, but "Perc's", (mine), never did.  Loren now teases me about my product obsession and queries me about how I can possibly devote so much time to beautifying in the pursuit of youth.

Fab Over Forty Chats with Trish McEvoy

My friend Kari, the enormously popular and well respected Editor and writer of Fab Over Forty had a the opportunity to interview Beauty Legend Trish McEvoy.  I for one, am duly impressed!

Trish shared some of her best makeup and skincare advice with Kari, who honed right in on the beauty issues we grapple with as we age.  I was so impressed, I wanted to share them with my readers too, so grab a pencil and paper and enjoy:

Holy Grail Alert!!!: Dr. Jart's Beauty Balm is the BOMB!

DR. JART PARTNERS WITH RICHARD CHAI AS ITS SKINCARE SPONSOR FOR NEW YORK FASHION WEEK:

Before hitting the makeup chair, male and female models were treated to expert application of Dr. Jart’s hero product, the Beauty Balm. Depending on the model’s skin needs, seasoned makeup artist Jonathan Young used Dr. Jart’s Premium Beauty Balm or Water Fuse Beauty Balm to moisturize, and soothe damaged skin. The result: radiant skin that is primed for makeup application.

I received this P.R. alert and was instantly intrigued.  Would I be interested in learning more about  Dr. Jart's Beauty Balm and sampling it??? You betcha.

DivaDebbi's Red Carpet Report Card: Emmy's 2011

My pretend boyfriend Jon Hamm and Jennifer Westfelt

I thought there were some absolutely spectacular dresses at this years 2011 Emmy Awards and a near equal amount of spectacular failures--with very little in between. Red and black ruled the night.  After seeing 13 red dresses on the Red Carpet, I'm already over this trend---how about you???

Basically it was either Heaven or Hell...Here goes:

Catherine Kallon- I Don't Know How She Does It...



"Fashion Critic Catherine Kallon (right) and friend

 There are so many intelligent, entertaining writers Blogging these days...I wish I had more time to discover them.  I usually find new favorites based on the "Link List's" of Blogs and websites I read regularly.

I don't recall how I stumbled upon Red Carpet Fashion Awards but since the day I have, I've been addicted to checking the seemingly endless stream of celebs on the Red Carpet and reading "Fashion Critic's" thoughtful musings on their looks---head to toe.  In addition, F.C. kept her readers buzzed in on the shows she took in last week at Fashion Week.

Why exactly is Red Carpet Fashion Awards soooo compelling???  Because in addition to her own astute, generally snark free observations, she invites all of us to chime in and offer are opinions too...and chime we do.  It is a savvy, informed bunch of fashionista's who respectfully agree and disagree about silhouettes, fabrics, designers, necklines, lengths, lipstick, shoes...always shoes. F.C. graciously let's us all play in her sandbox and even comments on our comments, when she has something she wants to add.  It is a hoot. YOU MUST see for yourself!

Chado Ralph Rucci- Spring 2012

Fashion insiders tend to be a fairly tough crowd and Fashion Week is a whirlwind.  As such, it takes an awful lot to impress a room full of editors, celebs, retailers, clients and bloggers and standing ovations are rare indeed.

The collection  that Ralph Rucci showed on Thursday and Lincoln Center for Chado Ralph Rucci was so extraordinarily beautiful that I was left speechless and teary eyed. 

The room was filled with many of his "Girls", Jamie Gregory, Deeda Blair, Nancy Racquet, Joan Kaner (the former Neiman Marcus Fashion Director who was one of Ralph Rucci's great mentors), and the magnificent  model Carmen Dell'Orifice (above), whose picture I snapped on the runway.  Would you possible believe she turned 80 this past June???

To the dramatic strains of Ravel's Bolero, here are some of my favorite looks from the runway beginning with his all white opener:

L.A.M.B.Spring 2012

Just after leaving the L.A.M.B. presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center, I spotted Alex McCord of Real Housewives of Brooklyn New York fame dashing in...Naturally, Hub Simon Van Kempen was within eyeshot.  I asked to take her picture and she sweetly obliged. 

I could see why Alex would want to see the L.A.M.B. Collection by Gwen Stefani...she is never afraid to take risks and she enjoys color.  Gwen definitely is her own best muse, and I could picture her in every look, as well as Blake Lively, Leighton Meister, Sarah Jessica Parker and Chloe Sevigny, a leggy bunch, with plenty of confidence to match...

DVF: Beginnings - Spring 2012

"The light appears and everything changes"
Diane von Furstenberg and Yvan Mispeleaere

DVF, the Empress of fashion always shows on the Sunday of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and always at 4:00 P.M...give or take. 

If a runway show could be considered a party, this would be it.
DVF and her husband Barry Diller have a long reach, so you can always expect to see captains of industry, sitting side by side with Celebs and the biggest names in Fashion.  It's a hoot and I am not nearly jaded enough to ever be bored...next time I'm packing opera glasses...

Lela Rose Spring 2012

Today was such an emotional day.  As New Yorker's, there was a sense of stoicism about our manner and pride in our beautiful City.  And hope...always hope. 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center is a wonder.  It's sleek spacious and  seamlessly organized...the perfect venue for the shows.  I had the great pleasure of spending the day as the guest of Peter and Linda Levy.  In between shows, it is always a treat to be able to relax in the elegantly appointed IMG suite.  We are seated above with our friend Courtney Dunavent.  (Notice the divine hydrangeas, though the world now knows how Madonna would feel about them)!

I can't think of a more fitting way for Lela Rose to start her show, then in darkness, with John Lennon's Imagine, ringing in ouf ears.  When the house lights came up and the first model came up, there was no melancholy, even though the inspiration in her press notes sited, "the neon graveyard".  Lela may have wanted to channel something that "was", but it all looked new and fresh.

I loved the palette, which included, "faded lemon, periwinkle and neon tangerine".  The fabrics included fantastic open woven Guipure "light bulb" lace, fringed organza,and Jacquards.

The shoes, adorable brightly colored sandals and wedges were designed by Lela Rose in her second collaboration for Payless!!!  Yippee!!!  They will be available in February 2012 online and in stores and I am predicting a stampede.

Ted Gibson created the hairstyles, which was slicked behind the ears but cascaded softly and a bit undone down the back.  The gorgeous natural makeup was created by Tina Turnbow with bareMinerals makeup by Bare Escentuals. 

Sweetly, Lela treated all of her guests to a goodie bag that included a primer, mascara and lip gloss from Bare Escentuals, a gift certificate to Beauty.com, and a Commando floral thong.  Definitely the nicest swag bag of the week!!!

Front Row Sightings: Mariska Hargitay and Susan Sarandon with Susan's daughter actress Eva Amurri.  Brad Goretsky.

Who can I see wearing Lela Rose this Spring? (In addition to the three beauties above)  Leighton Meister, Reese Witherspoon, Marisa Tomei, Michelle Obama and Anna Wintour.  (Bravo to Lela for creating a collection that could be worn on women whose ages span four decades).

Here are some of my favorite looks from the runway:

Pretty no?  What do you think of Lela Rose's Spring 2012 collection? 

xox,
DD

Let's Hear it for New York

Can you quite believe, it's been 10 years since our world changed irrevocably, when Al Qaeda terrorized our country and murdered over 3000 U.S. citizens? Just as news of Pearl Harbor, The Cuban Missle Crisis and the Kennedy assassination, haunted previous generations, the morning of September 11th 2001 and the fall of the World Trade Center Twin Towers is forever seared into a new generations consciousness.

Is there anyone amongst us, who can forget where they were exactly on that morning?

Sunday's commemoration ceremony honors those who died, even the unborn children of the women who were pregnant, just as it should.  It was no surprise to hear that chatter of another terrorist attack on N.Y. or Washington had been intercepted and that security is extraordinarily heightened.  I think it is going to be a beautiful day of rememberance.  Those who perished here (and in D.C. and Pennsylvania), deserve it.

Tomorrow is also day 4 of Fashion Week for Spring 2012.

THE Beauty Event: Neiman Marcus Fall 2011

It's amazing how quickly we crave a deep Bordeaux nail, as soon as the calendar hits September, isn't it?  When it comes to wardrobing for the Fall, everything counts.  You can't possibly think about wearing the rich shades of autumn without fine tuning your makeup and abandoning your summer shades.  I also always crave a new fragrance and always hope, that something new will smell as good on my wrist in 2 hours as it did when I first spritzed it at the counter and I think I have found a winner!!!  I have test driven Jimmy Choo for two days now and it is wearing spectacularly!  I strongly recommend you take a good whiff...Bottega Veneta was a very close second).

Every year Neiman Marcus does an amazing job with their Beauty Event (September 8th-18th in store, through the 19th online) and this year does not disappoint.  I was invited to preview some of the gorgeous gifts with purchase at my local Neiman Marcus at the Westchester Mall in White Plains, N.Y.  Some of the stellar gifts on view were from Sicily, Chanel, Le Metier De Beaute, Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier, Clinique and Bobbi Brown to name just a few. Smartly, tables were set up with product suggestions by age groups, to simplify decision making.  In addition,  with your purchase of $100 worth of cosmetics or fragrance, you can have your choice of a great looking Fall tote, filled with premium samples.

What's not to love???!!!

Brava Anna

There is simply no denying that Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief at Vogue,  is one of the most influential global figures in the fashion industry. She is a career maker and a career breaker with the power to feature or exclude.  She is also the visionary and brainchild behind Fashion's Night Out. 

Thymes Bergamot Vert AHA Lotion: It Doesn't Get Better Than This!

One of the lovely things about Beauty Blogging is having the opportunity to learn about special, esoteric lines, developed first and foremost as a labor of love by its creators.  I knew nothing of Thymes beautiful fragrances for the bath body and home, until I received a sample of Bergamot Vert AHA Body Lotion.  In a word; delicious...and best of all it is brimming with naturally derived Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids. 

And The Winner Is:

Thank you to all who threw their hat in my product give-a-way contest ring by Liking Diva Debbi on FaceBook and Subscribing by Email for updates and product reviews.  The winner of the contest is GannaCarto.  Congratulations!!

Ganna will be receiving a box filled with new Rimmel London mascara,  Mary Kay lip balm, Reviva Labs anti agingday cream  YBF anti-shine face cream, a travel Kabuki brush and many samples.  Used once products will include It'a 10 Miracle Styling Cream for the hair, and a  Phyto intensive hair masque.

This was fun for me to do.  I always enjoy sharing goodies with my loyal readers...you can count on more give-a-way opportunities in the future!  Keep reading and sharing with your friends, I appreciate it more than you know.

xox,
DD

A Glowing Review: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel

Forgive me for starting off this blog this way, but I have a parasitic blog thief, who steals most of my copyrighted blogs, posts them on her website and then Tweets them, with no permission or attribution.. Danielle Carlton, you are a despicable, unethical person. I am pursing this legally for her to "Cease and Desist",  but in the meanwhile I hope this looks good on on  your  MY blog today, dear.

Terrible...do you agree???  Please let me know your thoughts...

On a brighter note (!),  I had received samples of Dr. Dennis Gross' 2 Step Alpha Beta Daily Peel at Sephora as one of my Beauty Insider gifts.  As you know, I have been cleaning and editing my goodie closet as of late.  I had tucked this sample into a Ziploc with a bunch of others.  Frankly, I rarely have to get around to trying them, but the buzz on this product is fantastic, so I tried it tonight and I am astounded!They are sooo simple to use, gentle enough to use everyday and the Reader Reviews on the Sephora website are well...glowing. 2 Step Alpha Beta Peel received 4.5 out of 5 stars from 441 reviewers  It comes in two sizes, $78 for a 30 Day Supply or for a $28 saving, $128 for a 60 Day Supply.

Here are more specifics from Sephora's website about this wonderful product that instantly left me glowing and hydrated:

Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel


What it is: A daily antiaging face peel.

What it is formulated to do:
This product not only diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, but it helps complexion problems, balances oil, tones skin, and increases clarity and radiance. Uniquely soothing, it also helps to calm redness, sensitivity, and irritation. Plus, its gentle, daily approach can give superior results compared to harsher, less frequent treatments. The two-step process is easy: simply wipe the face with a pad from Step 1, wait two minutes, then repeat with Step 2.  (In a nutshell, yup)!

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
The secret to youth and beauty does not come from a single ingredient: this product contains over 40, combining five alpha and beta hydroxy acids with retinol, ubiquinone, resveratrol and a host of antioxidant vitamins and soothing botanicals. Gentle enough for all skin types, it is dermatologist-approved, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Research results:
The Alpha Beta® Daily Face Peel provides significant and noticeable improvement in skin's texture, tone, health, and clarity after just two weeks of use. Results of an independent study* show:

- 70% of women tested noticed a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- 100% of women tested reported an improvement in skin texture and tone
- 100% of women tested noticed an improvement in skin radiance and glow
- 95% of women reported that they would recommend the products to a friend or family member
- 85% of women tested reported that they were likely to purchase more products from the line

*Results based on an independent study of 20 women, including our regimen of an AM/PM serum and eye care.
 
Honestly, I'm not particularly bowled over by an independent study that only included 20 women, but I did read many of the reviews and I think they more than support these findings.
 
I am all about the glow and have consistently used glycolic pads for years, including Dr. Denese, Avon Anew and  several others. I can tell after a single use The Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel is a clear winner.
 
I'll be sprinting to Sephora in the morning...