Wednesday, February 29, 2012

DivaDebbi's 2012 Oscar Report Card- Short and sweet



Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

That's me still sleeping from the snooze fest that was Sunday nights 84th Academy Awards.

It all stifled...

The Red Carpet dresses, ABC's reporting on the Red Carpet, me missing the only highlight, Sascha Baron Cohen blizzarding fey Ryan Seacrest in faux ashes, (God help me when I am longing for E. coverage), Billy Chrystal looking like a Long Island Bubbie, with espresso colored hair and too much filler in his chipmunk cheeks.

The lame jokes, that made the once fresh Billy seem like a Borscht Belt comic.

The technical awards and mostly anonymous movies nominated for Best Picture.

OY VEY!!!

For me there were only two standouts:  Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford:


A Goddess.  And Natalie Portman, back in top form, in Vintage Dior.


Oh. George and Stacey looked pretty good too:


Everyone else looked overwrought:  Too much "pep" in Tina's Carolina Herrera peplum.  Too much leg on Angelina. Too much everything on J.Lo.  Much lauded Jessica Chastain looked like she was wearing a Belgium rug.  Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli, looking like she was hiding a massive hickey. Glenn Close hiding her arms and a gorgeous Zac Posen gown, under a stiff matching blazer.  Meryl's Lanvin looking. suspiciously flammable to me.

Groans, sighs and tweets were all that came out of me for 4 hours.

In true Academy Award style,  "I'd like to thank my husband", who for perhaps the first time in his life, suffered through it all, on my behalf in our hotel room.

Next year, he'll be booking a suite with two flat screens.  If it's anything like this years event, I won't blame him a bit...

xox,
DD

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Slim Posting This Week...

Catching up on some much needed R & R.  Of course I will still be tethered to the Pre-Oscar Red Carpet fest and the show itself.  Will see how much resistance I can muster not to slip in my usual report card of Flips and Flops...

Enjoy!  I will be...Margarita in hand...

xox,
DD

Friday, February 24, 2012

Maybelline: Lip Love

Maybelline ColorSensational High Shine Lipsticks $7.49

In case you have been cave dwelling all winter, be prepared for some lip drama this Spring.  As someone who had day dreamed about the luxury of having the perfect shade of berry nude permanently etched on my lips. I am finally feeling the pull towards experimenting with brighter shades...I can't think of a better way to do this than with either A) a freebie or B) something with a friendly price from my local CVS.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Pinch Me: Maybelline's Dream Bouncy Blush


Maybelline's new Dream Bouncy Blush $8.99


Did I dream this???  I don't think so. Dream Bouncy Blush  was the second product I tried from the Maybelline goodie bag I graciously received at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  Just as Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation has a completely unique texture, so does Dream Bouncy Blush. My best description is, "pillowy", but then again, "spongy" comes to mind too...

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Maybelline's Dream Nude Air Foam: No makeup types rejoice!

Maybelline's new Dream Nude Airfoam foundation

The first thing I tried from the Maybelline goodie bag I received at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was exactly what I resisted purchasing the week before; Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation...Thank you makeup Gods!


Monday, February 20, 2012

No Maybe's about it: Maybelline is a MUST

A GREAT goodie bag from Maybelline from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Maybelline is an official sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  They are a familiar presence in the tents and frequent collaborators with the designers who show their wears at Lincoln Center.

Ever since Lead Makeup Artist Charlotte Willer,  came aboard in 2008, Maybelline has shined. It's no easy feat to strike a balance between adding edgier products and fashion colors without alienating core customers.  I think they have achieved it beautifully.

I was hoping to meet Willer, with my friend Linda Levy at the Maybelline suite, but she was not surprisingly, tied up with  press interviews.  Kindly, we were both gifted gorgeous goodie bags, filled with product, including all the latest launches.

There's a lot of ground together, so starting tomorrow, I'll share my faves with you as I work my way to the bottom...

Stay tuned...

xox,
DD

DivaDebbi Interviews Aging Backward's Jackie Silver

Aging Backwards Author and Anti-Aging Expert Jackie Silver
Those who are DivaDebbi subscribers, know I'm particularly interested in products and experiences that help maintain youthful, radiant beauty. I browse, books, magazine and the Internet for information to try and share with my readers.

I first learned about Jackie Silver, author and radio personality, while perusing Amazon for anti-aging books. Jackie wrote Aging Backwards:Secrets to Staying Young,  filled with her secrets, tips and shortcuts for looking and feeling young.

Soon after, I went to the website Jackie founded, AgingBackwards.com, and signed up for her free Ageless Beauty newsletter, which I receive several times a week via email. The newsletter is written in collaboration with Dr. Al Sears, one of the nation’s first board-certified anti-aging physicians and a respected medical writer and researcher.

It's easy reading and chock full of suggestions and products, "dedicated to enabling people to living longer, more active, happier lives."

I had the opportunity to meet Jackie this week, when I was in town for Fashion Week and I can fully attest, that this natural beauty looks years younger than her biological age, without a milliliter of injectibles. Suffice to say, "I'll have what shes having."

I was delighted, but not surprised that Jackie agreed to be interviewed. We bonded immediately! Here goes:


DD: You too look many years younger than 50 anything, much less 50 something. We all love a little instant gratification. Can you tell me three things my readers can do today to look more youthful?

JS: Well, if we're talking instantly, I'd say:

1) Go to Cynthia's Rowland's Web site and try her FREE eye lift exercise
(then order Facial Magic for a more long-term solution, wink).
http://budurl.com/re6h
2) Get a full night of beauty rest! Our bodies tune up when we're sleeping,
so get a free tune-up tonight (and every night).
3) Start on the right kind of exercise program that uses today's scientific
findings, such as Dr. Al Sears' PACE Express program, instead of the same
old routines from the 80s or 90s. You can work out 12 minutes a day and get
a great result - that sure beats the old "hour a day" routine!
http://bit.ly/uKVcYi

DD: I now know you hail from Florida. Were you a sun worshipper when you were younger? What is your philosophy now about the sun? Do you use SPF daily, and if so where?


JS: was definitely a sun worshipper from age one through 25! My mother
used to tell me to stop "frying" myself (we used baby oil mixed with iodine
on our FACES and used a reflector!). I finally realized at age 25 that I was
destroying my skin and I stopped tanning (came to my senses). I pretty much
stay out of the sun, but if I'm going to be outside in direct sun for any
length of time, I will use organic sunscreen on face, ears (yes, earlobes
can show your age!), neck, chest and hands.

DD: Do you think looking younger is genetic, hardwork, a mindset, or a bit of each?

JS:  Definitely a bit of each. We all have some genes we like more than
others - play up your best. I wouldn't necessarily say "hard" work, but
consistent work is more like it. And mindset is majorly important! Tip:
smiling makes you look younger and studies have found that even if you don't
feel happy, you can "become" happier by faking a smile.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=smile-it-could-make-you-hap
pier

DD:  Oh I soooo agree!  One of my favorite sayings is, "act as if."  It works everytime!

DD: Can you tell us a bit about your lifestyle? What is your skincare routine?


JS: Exercise is the fountain of youth - I have worked out consistently since
age 17. There are plenty of studies that prove it, so don't take my word for
it. Here is one from The New York Times:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/phys-ed-how-exercising-keeps-your-c
ells-young/

What's even more important than my "skincare routine" is that I make sure to
never sleep in my makeup. In my opinion, proper daily cleansing is the most
important part of the skincare routine. After cleansing, I use my own
Replenish (http://agingbackwards.com/), along with Dr. Sears' Revive
(http://www.on2url.com/app/adtrack.asp?MerchantID=132773&AdID=510039). I
also love Dr. Sears' Sierra mud mask.

DD: Are you a proponent of a particular kind of diet and do you believe in supplements?


JS:  I eat whatever I want - in moderation - and I usually want food that is
typically considered "healthful," including fresh organic fruit and
vegetables, protein and the "good" fats. Oh, and dessert is on my "food
pyramid." (In moderation, as previously mentioned).

I do believe in supplements and the ones I take are from very reputable
sources so I know they are providing me with the nutrients they promise to
deliver in an absorbable formula. My reputable sources: Dr. Al Sears,
(http://alsearsmd.com/), Life Extension (http://www.lef.org/), Astavita for
Skin Defense Complex (http://astavita.com/topical.html)

DD: You look like your barely wearing any makeup! Is that the case or do you just have a deft hand? Do you favor any particular brands?


JS: My friend Bruce Grayson, head of the Emmy's and Oscar's makeup
departments, told me that as we age we need less makeup and when someone of
Bruce's skills and credentials tells me something, I listen. I don't wear a
lot of makeup, but when I do I make sure it's natural looking.

My favorite foundation is Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind - looks great and super fast and easy to apply with a built-in sponge applicator. It's very affordable
and available at any store where Maybelline is sold (which is almost
everywhere).

DD: I know you are a proponent of facial exercise? Does it work and how important do you think that is in looking and feeling youthful?

JS: I already mentioned above that my "credo" is, "Exercise is the fountain
of youth" and that includes exercising the muscles of the face and neck.
Cynthia Rowland's Facial Magic facial exercise program is my number one
beauty "secret." Not that it's so secret - she's been featured on The
Doctors, The Rachael Ray Show, The View and many more.
(
http://budurl.com/re6h)

DD: I'm looking forward to tuning into your radio show. What topics do you discuss and can listeners call in and ask questions? How do we find you?


JS:  The Ageless Sisters radio show that Cynthia Rowland and I started a
couple of years ago is fun and we always have a great guest from the beauty,
anti-aging or scientific community to enlighten us and our listeners. We
discuss pretty much everything and anything!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theagelesssisters

DD: I'm a devotee of the fabulous blog Fab Over Forty. It was a lovely surprise to see you just joined their Fashion Flash Monday group. How will you be contributing?


JS: I'll be linking to all the bloggers as well as to articles I write on my
site, AgingBackwards.com. Here's an example of my recent interview with
Bruce Grayson (mentioned in the makeup question above):
http://www.agingbackwards.com/?p=2597

DD: I know you have a huge Twitter following. Has "social media" helped you get the Aging Backwards message out there?

JS: Having many Twitter followers helps me reach a wide audience, but
besides that I have met so many wonderful people that I would otherwise
never have met.DD:  You mean like me? LOL!  I do believe I cyber stalked you...

DD: I know you are a frequent contributer to The Examiner.com. What do you like to write about?

JS: I have three columns on Examiner.com: National Anti-Aging Beauty
Examiner, NY Beauty Products Examiner and NY Charity Examiner. I love
writing for all three. Studies show that people who volunteer on a regular
basis are the healthiest and live the longest. Since I don't have much free
time to volunteer, I feel that my NY Charity Examiner column helps me give
back in a significant way.


DD:  I couldn't agree more!  I have met some of my dearest friends through my volunteer efforts. A lovely example of good Karma in action!

DD: You don't strike me as the type to rest on your laurels. I have the feeling you must have some great things to follow up on the success of Aging Backwards:Secrets to Staying Young. Any secrets you can share at this time about future projects?

JS: The only secrets I share are my secrets and shortcuts about beauty and
ways to stay young, wink lol. I am always open to business collaborations so
there's usually something in the works at any given moment of my life.
Thanks so much for sharing with my readers! As one hopeless kitty lover to another, meow!
 
I hope you enjoyed "meeting" Jackie as much as I did....we would all benefit my taking a page or three out of her book.

xox,
DD


P.S. from Jackie: MEOW and thank you SO MUCH! I'd love to connect with your readers on
social media: Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/agingbackwards/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/AgingBackwards
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aging-Backwards-with-Jackie-Silver/1069145045
20

Sunday, February 19, 2012

A Lumene Contest: Too Good Not to Share



I am a fan of Lumene's products, particularly their Premium Beauty Rejuvenating Serum , which I am never without...a few drops of this delicious smelling serum will leaving you glowing and radiant.  I included it my DivaDebbi Best of Skincare 2011 picks.  I use it in the morning and evening after cleansing.  It's divine.


My favorite serum.. I just picked up a new one today! $32.95 at drugstores

I receive dozens of requests to post contests and giveaways, but when I received this one from my pals at Tractenberg PR, I immediately wanted to enter!  It's a goodie,  too good not to share:

I want to tell you about "The Essential Ingredients of Your Life" video competition that Lumene will be launching on February 15th, to celebrate its expansion in the United States . Consumers will be asked to submit a 1-minute video that details what they consider to be the essential ingredients of their lives, reinforcing Lumene’s dedication to using only the purest ingredients to illuminate one’s natural beauty.

Based on consumer feedback and voting, a jury panel will select one grand prize winner, as well as three runner-ups. The grand prize includes:

Round-trip flights for two to Finland

Hotel accommodations for 4-nights

Spa treatment for two at Kamp Spa

A year's supply of Lumene products

The runners-up will each receive a VIP gift basket filled with Lumene’s best-selling products. Winners will be announced on May 1st, 2012.Check out the link for more info: http://www.facebook.com/#!/LumeneUSA


Brand Ambassador and actress/socialite Byrdie Bell has already created and uploaded her video to the Lumene Facebook page to serve as inspiration (hint: you need to "Like" the page to see her video).

Since they didn't say a word about Bloggers being exempt, I think I will be tossing my own video into the hat!   Good luck to all...someone's going to be a very happy camper.

Yo-de-lay-hee-who!

xox,
DD

Friday, February 17, 2012

Pamella Roland Fall 2012: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week


Pamella Roland and her beautiful children walk the runway


Very Hilary Swank

Pamella Roland drew inspiration from "Aspen", a "home away from home for Roland and her family.  No stranger to luxury  and elegance, Roland is well known for dressing Red Carpet regulars and "Hollywood "Royalty".  Her beautifully cut dresses, are not likely to catch the ire of the Fashion Police:


Very DivaDebbi
Very Angelina (sans legwear and hat)
Very Tilda Swinton
Very Eva Langoria
Very Halle Berry
What also caught my eye, was the gorgeous makeup that managed to look rich yet natural...no easy feat. The look was created my Laura Mercier's Global Brand Ambassador, Matin Maulawizada.  I was happy to receive the details  from Kaplow P.R., so I can try my best to recreate it:




INSPIRATION
The city of Aspen.Structured designs in rich browns, fiery reds and cool blues bring the iconic beauty of the city to life.

Matin Maulawizada, Global Brand Ambassador for Laura Mercier, and lead makeup artist for the show, drew from the collection’s gentle femininity and strong fashion edge to create a makeup look that is “simple and reminiscent of nature with monochromatic colors, and yet, at the same time cool and beautiful.”

FACE

Matin stated “subtly sun-kissed skin and breezy blooming cheeks evocative of a crisp day outdoors were the foundations of the look.”

· Matin first applied Laura Mercier Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze all over the face to give the skin a warm, outdoorsy glow.

· He then brushed Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Wild Bouquet onto the apples of the cheeks to give the face a pop of color.

LIPS
Matin then “applied a runway lip, with a stained effect so it didn’t appear overdone.”
· Matin recommends readers at home apply Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Cocoa (NEW: Crème Smooth Lip Colours available Fall 2012) by pressing it onto their lips using their ring finger. This gives a sexy, stained effect.

EYES
According to Maulawizada, “the very diffused smoky chocolate brown eye mimics nature by looking perfectly imperfect.” 
· Matin first applied Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Truffle all over the eyelids as a smoke, and diffused it as it reached the brow.

· He then intensified the eye with Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Coffee Ground along the lashes.
· Matin finished the look by adding several coats of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara (NEW: Faux Lash Mascara available Fall 2012).


Pretty!!!

xox,
DD

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Dennis Basso Fall 2012: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Dennis Basso sent the packed crowd on an imaginary ride on the Orient Express on Tuesday.  It was a full out glam fest, with beautifully understated R-T-W, (a strong suit), housed under opulently mixed furs.

Russian Broadtail on one side...double faced cashmere on the other-- Sable and chinchilla, lynx and mink, and raccoon with python looked exotic and original in Basso's masterful hands.

Basso has always had away with the Girls who live on Park and Fifth, and they happily sat perched in the front row taking copious notes....Lucky ladies!

We sat opposite his loyal celebs as they smiled, clapped and cheered for their favorites.

Joan Rivers, Susan Lucci, the lovely Ivanka Trump, Kristen Cavilleri

My favorites, were all in shades of  grey, from pearl to smoke and an amazing chincilla in shades of chocoate and iris:




Want it! And the carry on luggage too


Yes please!


Nary a hair and utterly charming.  I can see this on Elle Fanning.


Basso closed the show with this utterly splendid, orange gown with a plunging sequin bodice...Unfortunately, that wasn't the only thing to plunge...

Do you remember the infamous SEX and the City episode, when "Carrie" has her big fashion moment and falls in her runway modelling stint?

Well, the poor (ex-model), who wore this gown fell not once, not twice, but three times, before she made it safely backstage.   Frankly, I'm sure it's never been done before.



Good thing she was the "closer", or she might have turned into "fashion roadkill", as Carrie's friend Stanford, adroitly oberved.

It didn't seem to take any of the pleasure from Basso...he knew his show was splendid and happily he took his bows...still standing.



xox,
DD

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Naeem Kahn: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2012

Opening look Naeem Kahn Fall 2012
Naeem, the divine.  For those of us who love his work, and the legions are many, we were treated to a pitch perfect runway show yesterday.

"This collection is inspired by the decadence and the dust of India", proclaimed Naeem.  It wasn't hard to imagine that it took, "hundreds of artisans 3 months to complete"... luxe is an understatement.

Combining embroidery with lace, beads, feathers and fringe, dresses, pants and caftans, shimmered and shimmied down the opulently lit runway...Sometimes generous swaths of skin were exposed, but always tastefully.

Organza coats looked as light as gossamer wings, awash in prints of swirls and dots.

The front row included Padma Lakshmi, Kristen Chenowith and Matt and Lucie Damon, and some A list stylists, like Brad Goreski, scouting for gowns for the Academy Awards.  Here is a generous sampling of my faves and who I would love to see wearing them:

Finale: IQ Derma's SmartLash week 4

Week 4:  IQ Derma SmartLash
***Please note readers:  As of this writing 3/11/14 I have been using Grande Lash MD.
Other than Latisse, I have found it to be far more effective than SmartLash. Click here to read more.




Yesterday marked one month mark, since I started using IQ Derma's SmartLash at my sister Loren's urging...sometimes we should listen to our Big Sisters.  This was one of them.
I have tried several OTC lash enhancers and of course, suffered through my Latisse trial.  I most definitely had enough of a clinical reaction; extreme redness and scratchiness, that I should have discontinued use, as they recommend...not DD.  I soldiered on because they looked spectacular.  Of course, once I stopped using it, all my pain and suffering ended up on a nightly cotton ball.  Oh well. Live and learn.

I'm extremely pleased with my SmartLash results.  I have increased growth in length and thickness, without any irritation.  I purchased mine for $29.99 as a continuing Dermstore  special, and locked into that price, opting for a 60 day renewal. (I seem to have plenty left, so I would recommend this over the 30 day option).  Here's a pictorial time line of my experience with SmartLash over the last month:

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Mercedes-Benz NYFW: Lorena Sarbu

We just started carrying Lorena Sarbu at Richards, so I was particularly excited to see her show this past Sunday at the tents. 

I knew nothing about Lorena, other than I love her Red Carpet worthy dresses.  Here's a bit about this Romanian beauty:

Born in Timisoara, Romania, Lorena Sarbu discovered her passion for fashion design at a very young age. Fascinated by the textures and colors of fabrics, Lorena would create wardrobes for her dolls out of her mother’s clothing. (Gee, didn't all designers, males included), start out this way)???
 Her childhood dream of pursuing a career in fashion was later realized when she moved to the United States to attend the International Academy of Design & Technology in Chicago. While studying business and design, Lorena worked on designing her own creations that would eventually become her signature collection. She later continued her studies at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles.


Encouraged to follow her true passion, Lorena launched her elegant evening wear collection in 2009 and opened her New York showroom in early 2010.

She did a still presentation, which is often a great way to get really close to the clothes and models.  I loved the beautiful makeup that was created by Stevie Huynh. Eyes that smoldered softly and rosie red, just "kissed" looking lips. 

I particularly loved the long dresses, which beautifully combined lush fabrics, with sequins, tulle, and feathers.
Here are some of my faves and who I could see wearing them:

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Diane Von Furstenberg: Fall 2012

IMG Suite Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center

It's been a spectacular non-winter in the Northeast this year.  Chilled to the bone is one of my least favorite states. It actually came as a bit of shock to be truly cold again.

I was looking forward to spending the day at the "tents" to enjoy a day of  shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center, with my good friends Linda Levy and Stacey Bewkes.  Linda's husband is Peter Levy, SVP and Managing Director, IMG Fashion Worldwide.  Stacey Bewkes writes the magnificent, critically acclaimed home and lifestyle blog Quintessence.  I can never get enough of it and despite our friendship, fawn profusely. It staggers...


As such, we were able to enjoy the hospitality of the IMG VIP suite, aptly decorated like a cozy chalet:

Diva, Linda and Stacey

One of the most anticipated shows every Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, is Diane Von Furstenberg's show, always held on Sunday at 4:00.  It's a heady brew of Diane's family and personal friends. A-Listers sit cheek to cheek on a double runway, that creates 4 front rows. The people watching doesn't get any better and the house is literally, packed to the rafters.  Here's who I spotted in the front row from my perch:

Anderson Cooper, Oscar de la Renta, Barbara Walters, Ann Duong, Anna Winter and Carine Roitfeld (front to back), Brad Goreski and Rachel Zoe (front to back), Tatiana Von Furstenberg, Hamish Bowles and Diane Sawyer.


Diane Von Furstenberg and Yvan Mispelaere
Diane and her Creative Director Yvan Mispelaere,  used "puzzles" as their inspiration.  Puzzle pieces were featured as prints on dresses and tops.  Those were not amongst my favorites. What I did love, were the looks that showed women at their best; both alluring and confident.

Diane said, "This collection is called `Rendezvous'."  "It's all about loving to be a woman. It's about seduction. It is bold. It is daring. It is strong, but it has humor. It's all about liking your body, and at the same time with big coats, so it's the yin and the yang."

Here were my faves:






I'd swap an organ for this coat




To me, the beauty of these clothes is there timelessness.

And that,  speaks to the beauty of Diane as well.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Red Carpet Manicure Review :D.I.Y. gel manicures, are you handy?

Red Carpet Manicure a DIY Gel manicure kit
Timing is everything...You know those bottles of nail polish stacked up in your medicine cabinets that you never use? Well despite their pedigree, Chanel, Trish McEvoy, Dior, if they have been there to the point where they are fermenting, pitch them.

I brought an old, but never used bottle to Cozy Nails the other day.  I should have known something was awry when they just wouldn't dry.  Since they were less than perfect, by any standard, I figured it was the perfect time to sample the at home, (gel)  Red Carpet Manicure kit I was sent.

Launched in September of 2011, Red Carpet Manicure is a clever idea.  The developers noticed the popularity of long lasting, gel manicures, and set out to create an affordable, Do-It-Yourself  kit, complete with a portable LED Light. The average salon gel manicure is in the $40 range.  Red Carpet Manicure is $57 and promise 20 applications that can last "up to three weeks".  Nice math.

All I was missing is my manicurist...

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Review: FakeBake Golden Faux Glo Shimmer Instant Tan Lotion

FakeBake Golden Faux Glo Shimmer ($18.95)
Just today, there was an article in the New York Times Fashion & Style section, featured an article on the trend towards "lighteners and brighteners". 

No thanks. Though I have officially given up the sun, I will never officially want to give up appearing golden.
Over the years I have tried dozens of self tanners and bronzers.  Just for sh*ts and giggles, I even went back to my very first self tanner (after Q-T), Clarins Auto-Bronzante,  to see if it live up to my nostalgic memories...it didn't.

I also don't have the patience for applying tinted self tanners, hunting for streaks and having to wait 20 minutes to re-enter the human race.

What is a Girl to do?

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Shu Uemura Tasai Versatile Styling Cream: Can One Product Do It All?

$38 for 8.5 oz.

I know I cannot be alone in having my own stash of hair styling products that could rival any retail wall of the average salon.  From barely used to been there so long it's now discontinued, they amass. Enthusiastic promises of shine, fullness, control and silky straightness without stickiness, oil and build up were never kept...until now. Hooray!!!