DivaDebbi Giveaway Contest: John Frieda Full Repair Flyaway Tamer

Since discovering John Frieda's Full Repair Flyaway Tamer, I am never without it.  There is nothing better or more convenient, to instantly tame broken hair or frizz.  It instantly adds both polish and shine. I love it so much, I included it in my DivaDebbi's Best of 2011-Hair round-up. (See before and after pics below).

In a nutshell, here's the product description:

Touch Up Flyaway Tamer is a, "crystal-clear formula with Inca Inchi Oil that weightlessly smooths flyaways and frayed ends  .  Simply brush the wand over broken hairs to smooth flyaways. Re-apply as needed.  $9.99...(as long as you can find it)!

All was well, until I recently needed to replace mine, not realizing previously that I might have to consider hoarding them...three CVS's  later, I felt myself slipping into panic mode.

I decided to contact my P.R. friends at Tractenberg to see if they could spare a spare and also arrange to giveaway The Flyaway to one of my lovely readers!

Review of IQ Derma's SmartLash: Week 2

After being blown away by the increase in lash length and lushness after just one week of my SmartLash trial, I decided I would update you with pictures each week.  This is the only lash growing product I have ever tried where the results kicked in so quickly and as an added bonus??? No irritation or Prostaglandin.

I purchased my SmartLash on line at Dermstore.com for $29.99 and locked into this price with a renewal at 60 days.
Here's how my lashes look, week 2:

DivaDebbi's Red Carpet Report Card: SAG Awards 2012

All in all, I thought it was a pretty fabulous night on the Red Carpet.  Of course I'm always hoping for a few cringeworthy, what were they thinking appearances...Thankfully, I wasn't completely disappointed.  So here we go:

DivaDebbi's Review: Nexxus Volume Effexx Round Boar Jumbo Brush

Nexxus Volume Effexx Round Boar Jumbo Brush $19.95
at CVS (but $16.99 on their website...urrgghh)

I can't say I don't have good hair..I do.  Thick with a slight wave, stylist's getting a little glassy eyed when I sit in the chair.  I've seen the disconnect kick in quickly--it's almost like I ceased to exist.  All they want to do is get their mitts in there and cut or if its a blow-out tug.

As a result, I rarely love my hair when I leave the chair.  It's either too big or too flat. When I blow my hair, I'm generally happier with the volume, but miss the shine and crisp finish that you do get with professional styling.

I was on a CVS run yesterday, looking for a new John Frieda Flyaway Tamer, a DivaDebbi Best of 2011 pick, that I can't live without.  Heartbreak in aisle 2:  All sold out. .  Never one to leave a drugstore empty handed, I spotted Nexxus Volume Effexx Round Boar Jumbo Brush and pounced.

Review: Lumene Sensitive Touch Cleansing Wipes

Lumene Sensitive Touch Cleansing Wipes $7/ 25 per pack

I am maniacally fastidious about removing every stitch of makeup before bed.  Regardless of the hour or festivities that proceeded it, I cannot bear the thought of going to sleep with clogged pores, soldered lashes or without performing my nightly skin care rituals.

I tend to be a bit of a night owl, so when I crawled under the covers for warmth while watching some late night television, it never occurred to me I might fall asleep...but it happened.  I woke up around 2:30 horror struck by the fact that I was still in full maquillage. 

If I got up and did my usual routine, I might as well put up a pot of coffee and start my day.  Then I remembered I had received but never tried Lumene's Sensitve Touch Gentle Cleansing Wipes.  Why had I not bothered to open them, despite my positive track record with other Lumene products ???  Because until now, I have never been impressed with how any cleansing cloths I have used in the past have cleansed.  Waterproof mascara??? Puh-leaze...

DivaDebbi's Rules of Beauty Civility 2: Nail Salons

"No Talking" on the phone signs that
grace trains in France

My original cranky rant about the lack of common sense, manners and respect for fellow paying patrons, was in response to the woman who sat with a screaming baby on her lap while she had her hair colored, (and I had a migraine:http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2011/12/rules-of-beauty-civility-salon.html). 

This time, the infraction occurred at Cozy Nails, my weekly haven in Greenwich.  Who knew I would have the making of a series...or perhaps a book.

 I've missed the boat for years about this uber tidy salon.  Cozy employees great technicians, who never rush you and a plethora of "massager's", who graciously provide nearly continuous kneading throughout your entire manicure.

 I tip "Veronica" generously because I love this "free" service.  I was always the Girl face planted in the massage chair, like a slab of concrete, for "10 minutes", that always felt like two. This costs me less and I get sooo much more. It's my pleasure to thank Veronica for her services, (though I have seen some less than gracious tips proffered and was dismayed to recently hear a falsely cheery, "catch you next time")!!!

Wednesday, when  I went for my manicure, I excused myself to go to the ladies room first.  What I was really doing was scoping out the salon to make sure the the LOUD vibrato, headset mounted cell phone yapper, who destroyed my zen last week, was NOT on site...With the coast clear, I chose a color and took my seat.

Laura Mercier's Lingerie Collection: You'll Feel Pretty

It's no secret that I am not a huge fan of winter.  We are having an incredibly mild one here in the Northeast, just the opposite of what we might have expected, having experienced a damaging October snow storm.  Anyway, I'm ecstatic with this turn of events and I am already looking forward to Spring.

In the interim, I learned about this luscious limited collection that Laura Mercier created.Laura Mercier’s limited-edition Lingerie Collection, is only available until the end of February, but I think it is the perfect palette to get us through to the tail end of winter into the early months of spring.  It's both modern and romantic and if they were thinking of ways to make a Girl look especially  pretty on Valentine's Day, I think they nailed it.

According to Matin Maulawizada, Laura Mercier Global Artistry Director, this collection is perfect for achieving a romantic look, while still maintaining a playful side. “The collection is inspired by Victorian era and lace with soft and feminine shades. These colors are beautifully warm to create glowing looks in the cold months and are spot on with the trend colors for spring.”

I'm particularly enamored with the value packed Eye and Cheek Palette.

Lingerie Collection

Eye and Cheek Palette ($60.00, retail value of $125.00)

Laura Mercier’s must-have spring palette is bursting with the new season’s colour essentials.

· Eye Colours: Buff Pearl Luster, Tawny Apricot Sateen, Rich Cocoa Matte, Pale Pink Matte, African Violet Luster, and Black Plum

· Cheek Colours: Rose Desire and Fresh Peach

· Limited Edition

Lip Shine ($22.00)

Laura Mercier Lip Shine adds a touch of polish to lips with a lightweight, pearlescent gloss finish.

Available in two new, limited edition shades:

· Naked Apricot

· Tempting Coral

Sheer Lip Colour ($20.00)

Laura Mercier Sheer Lip Colour offers the sheerest of lip colour for a look of naturally healthy lips.

Available in one new, limited edition shade:

· Kissed Lips

Crème Cheek Colour ($22.00)

Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour provides a quick and simple way to create naturally flushed looking cheeks with a soft, velvet glow.

Available in one new, limited edition shade:

· Innocent Peach

Just peachy...don't you think???

xox,

DD

Foundation Brushes: Do We Need Them?

Shiseido Foundation Brush $30

Until this week, I probably would have said, "nah, my fingertips are doing the job just fine, thank you".  

I have purchased and tossed several  foundation brushes over the years. I was never impressed with the amount of product they soaked up, the uneven finish they produced or the fact that the synthetic bristles felt like doll's hair.

Back in the Fall. Shiseido hosted a gorgeous event for Beauty Bloggers, in the roof top Penthouse of a TriBeca hotel. We were introduced to Shiseido's Bio Performance Skincare, their newest cream shadows, and the illustrious Renaissance man, Dick Page, Shiseido's Worldwide Artistic Director, albeit, "virtually".


Dick Page



Is SmartLash a Smart Buy?- A Seven Day Update

SmartLash growth at 1 week, one coat of mascara

News Flash!!!  Last week I wrote about starting a trial of SmartLash, (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2012/01/is-smartlash-smart-buy.html), at the insistence of my sister Loren, who insists in the last month that she has grown a set of, "mink muffs".

I promised to update you at the one month mark.  I have tried several lash enhancing products and have never noticed any growth before then....until now.

La Peau Skincare- Good to the Last Drop!



La Peau Skincare Trio ( Eye $60, Day $85, Night $90)

 When I test out a new skincare line, I generally like to give it at least a 3 or 4 week trial.  In that time, I can usually determine if there is any improvement in tone, firmness and fading of imperfections.  However, if the texture and smell are not pleasing, I will shut it down long before then.

The time around the Holidays is bit of blur between work, holiday parties and entertaining.  As I am beginning to savour the last of my La Peau trial, I hadn't realized I have been enjoying it for nearly 2 months now...why end a good thing???

Guerlain's Meteorites Powder

I am a huge fan of Guelain's Meteortites Powders. There is something about these sweet little pastel balls in their elegant new container that utterly charms me. It reminds me of something Jeannie might have had nestled on her dressing table...a place I would have happily called home for a good chunk of  of my childhood...

Interior of Jeannie's Bottle

I finally gave in and purchased it about a year and a half ago at Sephora. I love swirling a large, clean,  brush, over the melange of colors and sweeping it over my face and decollete as the last bit of maquillage for the day--- tre elegant.  Guerlain calls it their "Luminizer" and I think it lives up to it's name beautifully.

Here is how it is described on Sephora's website:

Météorites Powder For The Face

What it is:
An illuminating powder that delivers pure radiance.

What it does:
Inspired by light and created by Guerlain, Météorites Pearls employ the technology of white light, which is used in photography and film to erase imperfections and soften features. A constellation of 6 multi-colored pearls blend together for a flawless, radiant complexion. These pearls-with-a-purpose have now been reinvented in 3 color harmonies that are adapted to each skintone.

Size: 1.05 oz. $57.

Yes.  That last little bit was my sticking point.  I found it a difficult to pull the trigger on a $57 face powder, but ultimately Guerlain's Meteorite's Powder is a fabulous purchase that amortizes to about 11 cents a day.  Can you afford to use something everyday that makes you look and feel a little more beautiful?  Of course!  And so can I.

Frankly, I can't afford not to and neither can you...Je l'adore!

xox,
DD

Does Revlon's Age Defying DNA Advantage Foundation Have One?

I'm thinking it just might and hoping of course that it does. The concept of combining makeup and skincare was certainly long overdue and is a welcome trend.  If we are slathering makeup on everyday, why not throw a little somethin somethin in there besides SPF, that may actually do us some good...

Golden Globe Beauty and Hair How To's:

2012 Golden Globe Red Carpet Beauty Trends

By Salon AKS Hair and Makeup Artist, Sadah Saltzman

I received this fantastic Golden Globes Beauty recap from AKS!!!!  I must share this with you, exactly as written and pictured.  Enjoy! 

DivaDebbi's 2012 Golden Globes Report Card

69th Annual Golden Globes

OMG!  So much GG post mortem ground to cover!.  I do like this night...it's fun to see the worlds of film and television relaxed, air kissing, and swilling cocktails together.  Ricky Gervais righted his misguided performance last year and was his usual witty self, even though he looked like he was moonlighting from his gig in a Mariachi band.

Fashion and Beauty Trends quickly became apparent as we saw oodles of trains, strapless gowns, rich color, pale nudes, ponytails, touseled waves, low hanging-side up dos, red lips and God willing, no more headbands anytime soon...

The A-Team were so blindingly beautiful, that the fairy dust they sprinkled almost created the illusion of an awards show without missteps...rest assured, there were plenty.  But first let's focus on the all stars:

Chalize in couture Dior (Goddess)



Jessica Alba in Gucci (flawless)



Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci (breathtaking)

Sophia Vergara (my Girl crush)

Angelina in Atelier Versace ('Nuf said, it's Angie)



Kate Beckinsale (perfect, as usual)



Madeline Stowe in Vera Wang (jaw dropping at 53 or any age)



Nicole Richie (I want that ponytail and so do you)



Morena Baccarin in George Chakra (WOW!!!)

Viola Davis (never prettier)

Shailene Woodley (fabulous newbie debut)

Rooney Mara (finally more gorgeous than Goth)

Claire Danes in J. Mendel (I was rooting for her win so hard I nearly cracked a tooth)

Did I miss anyone??? Oh. Yes...

Most Overwrought- Others will no doubt disagree with me, but these are the GG's not the AA's and Elle, honey, you were just presenting.  Here's who I think wore too much dress and too much hair (amongst other things):

Elle in Zac Posen

Reese in Zac Posen (Jessica Rabbit redux with ungroomed hair)

Salma Hayek in Gucci (too much tata and too much hair)

Laura Dern ( Mrs. Green Giant. Sorry)

Paula Patton (Pretty dress, but it's still Big Bird Yellow)

Lea Michele in Marchesa (Get over yourself already)

Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen (Channeling the Queen Mum)

The B-Listers- Pretty but just missed.  Natalie Portman in Lanvin, Frieda Pinto in Prada, the adorable Emma Stone in Lanvin (marred by an ugly eagle buckle belt), Debra Messing, Katherine MacPhee in Donna Karan, Jodie Foster in Armani, Berenice Bejo, Zooey Deschanel in Prada , Madonna, Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham, Diane Lane, Diana Agron, (beautiful hair and makeup worn with a red Chinese paper lantern).

The C-Listers- Never, ever, get it right:

Heidi Klum and Kristen Wiig all but disappeared

Michelle Williams (dowdy in Jason Wu and I've blocked out the headband)

Tina Fey in Oscar (Better. Maybe next time)

Tilda  Swinton (as David Bowie)

Julianne Moore in Chanel (better than usual)

Glenn Close in Armani Prive (better than usual)

Jane Lynch in David Meister (Can't someone make her a fabulous pant or jumpsuit)????......

She always reminds me of "Scout" in To Kill a Mockingbird, kicking and scratching to get out of that dress Atticus made her wear.












And finally the D-List-  Cry. Fire your stylist. Invest in a 3-way mirror:

Elizabeth McGovern (channeling Maria Von Trapp)

Julianna Margulies in Naeem Khan (looking, well, grape)

Julie Bowen (as Glinda, the Witch of the North)

Jessica Biel and Amanda Peet (Nanna called. She wants her kitchen curtains back)

Connie Britton (Had to be a calendar glitch... she got the GG's mixed up with next Sunday's Bridal Shower)

Sarah Michelle Geller in Tie Dye Monique L'Hullier (would you believer her 2 year old picked it??? Uh yeah)



Meryl Streep dressed for a Hoot'nanny

Why Meryl??? Why???

Truly it baffles.   Here is my pledge:  Ms. Streep, I will fly anywhere, on my own dime and my own time, if you would allow me the honor of dressing you for the SAG Awards, or the Oscar's, for which you will most certainly get the nod for your work in Iron Lady.  We can do better.

So my lovelies, I'm officially wiped.  Would love to hear who you thought killed it... See you at the SAGs.

xox,
DD