Diane the Divine

Diane the Divine by divadebbi (Photo of Diane courtesy of Red Carpet-Fashion Awards)

Actress Diane Kruger has established herself as a fashion icon.  Her Red Carpet comings and goings, are eagerly awaited by Fashionista's around the globe.

She rarely disappoints.

Diane wore this incredible Christian Dior gown recently at the Cannes Film Festival.  There was a bevy of beauties that she wore, but this one really stood out for me.

I created the rest.

C'est magnifique...no???

xox,
DD

Prevention Magazines 'Celebrate Your Beauty Awards: Best Body

I received an email today from a publicist at Prevention Magazine. It contains the first group of winners from their annual "Celebrate Your Beauty Awards", featuring 6 products for the body under $50.  

I am duly impressed. I receive a lot of award lists, but this one stands out.  It is well vetted and judged.  This is the first of a four part series that will also feature, best, "complexion, makeup and hair", over the next few months. If they are this good, I promise to share them.

Prevention Editor-in-Chief, Diane Salvatore said, “Readers rely on Prevention to sort through the new beauty choices that flood the marketplace every year, and to report authoritatively on which ones really deliver and should be on their list of must-haves,” said . “Prevention’s ‘Celebrate Your Beauty’ Awards are specifically designed to help women choose and enjoy beauty products that are effective and compatible with a healthy lifestyle.” 

Below is the complete list of Prevention’s “Celebrate Your Beauty” Award winners for 2012, in the "Best Body" category:

Picking Pixi

Tinkerbell

When I was a child, I really wanted to be Tinkerbell.  Flitting around,  sprinkling fairy dust in a winged costume seemed liked my idea of heaven.  All things in her image charmed me then and apparently still do. 


I did a Target run over the weekend.  I lose all track of time while I'm there, roaming the aisles filling my large red cart with stuff I think I need and can't resist.  I learned the hard way...the stuff does add up.

Case in point, I couldn't resist purchasing  Pixi  All-Over Magic in Rose Radiance, primarily because it was adorable (though I might have resisted it if I knew the price before hitting the checkout. It was oddly not displayed):

Pixi Beauty All-Over Magic in Rose Radiance $24.00 (!!!)

Also, I have noticed as of late that by mid morning on a warm day, my beloved Benefit Posie Tint, magically disappeared.

It had occurred to me that I needed the staying power of a powder, and though Rose Radiance did look a tad bright, I figured I could focus on the softer of the 5 shades if need be.

Dazzling color always makes me smile!

Dazzling color always makes me smile! by divadebbi

I couldn't wait to create a Polyvore set around two wonderful images I saved from my favorite lifestyle blog Quintessence ;  this exquisite Secretary and a desk top from charming girls bedroom designed by a favorite of mine, Ellie Cullman for a recent benefit showcase.

When I found this juicy and fun orange and pink dress, I knew something happy would come of it.

Life is beautiful! 

xox,

DD

Kate Spade high heel shoes

Yves Saint Laurent black clutch

Yves Saint Laurent mascara

Lancôme beauty product

IS Photography

WallPops "Life Is Beautiful" Wall Art Decals

Frownies Eye Gels: Something to smile about

Frownies Eye Gel Patches- $29.99

Frownies, a 100+ year family run beauty company, is a familiar name to many.  Long before Botox, Hollywood's elite used Frownies Facial Patches to still the muscles from contracting into furrows while they slept. Today, they are still popular with women looking to reduce wrinkles and fine lines naturally.

The fourth generation is now spear heading the business and have added new products to the Frownies brand. I received the following product from my friends at BeautyStat to test:

Anti-aging Under Eye and Eye Lid Gel Patches:

Anti-wrinkle treatment for puffy bags under the eyes contains powerful anti-oxidants that help protect your skin. With one 30 minute anti-aging treatment 100% of women testing Frownies eye gels saw a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.


I thought that to be a pretty hefty claim! When I realized I was going to be able to try them without having to lie still for 30 minutes, like cucumber slices, I was immediately game to see if they worked.

Am I Blue?

Not one bit!
Happy Memorial Day...the official start of summer!  I live for the summer months.  The additional daylight, evenings in NYC, days at the beach, under an umbrella with a good book, sweet corn, good friends and a loving family.


Life is good...


xox,
DD

Am I Blue? by divadebbi 

Zad two tone jewelry

Sephora Collection eyeshadow

Shiseido body moisturizer

Victoria s Secret body moisturizer

Emilio Pucci travel makeup bag

Yves Saint Laurent nail polish

Pretty in Pink...still

After 4 years of buying, sampling and writing about my skin, hair and makeup trials for DivaDebbi, I  started reviewing my old posts.  I had the feeling there would be plenty of products that are worth re-visiting.


After re-reading my blog about Neutrogena's Pink Grapefruit Body Clear Body Wash, I purchased it again on my last CVS run.

I adore the tangy grapefruit scent and the oodles of lather (when used with a bath sponge).  It's refreshing and I will definitely enjoy using it in the steamy months ahead.

In the past, I also found that in addition to exceptionally soft skin, the 2% salicylic acid helped my skin look more even toned, gently faded age spots and was a great exfoliator before using self tanner.

Though I think the good folks at Neutrogena really intended this product for the pimpled masses, I truly think it's a fabulous find as an anti-aging body wash.

xox,
DD

Elegance inspires me...

Elegance inspires me... by divadebbi 

My Polyvore obsession continues!!!  I am so inspired by the incredibly talented women from all over the world who curate beautiful fashion sets for all to admire. I am awed. 


They definitely sharpen my eye.  I "curate" items I find from all over the Internet and save them in a collection to use in future sets.


My family is quite artistic.  I could never draw a straight line with a ruler.  I am loving this.  I hope you will indulge me.  I promise to still try every lotion and potion that comes my way...


xox,
DD

Ultherapy: A Brow Lift GIVEAWAY!!!

DivaDebbi and RHONJ Jacqueline Laurita 

I recently attended an event sponsored by Ultherapy, and hosted by Real Houswife of New Jersey Jacqueline Laurita. (Jacqueline, btw, is tiny, slim, funny, pretty and has gorgeous skin)  It was held at elegant Lady Mendl's Tea Salon on Irving Place in NYC.  I've known about this special spot for ages, but never had occasion to visit...until now.


I've written about Ultherapy before, in my own popular blog "Are you heading south?" http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2010/12/are-you-heading-south.html).  In this post, I spoke about my own experience with Ultherapy and interviewed both Plastic Surgeon Andrew Salzberg and Physician's Assistant Courtney Dunavant about this non-surgical procedure.  Ultherapy has been featured on Dr. Oz, The Doctors, The Today Show and 20/20 dozens of magazines. 


What's all the excitement about and what motivated new Mom Jacqueline Laurita to visit Dr. William Song to try Ultherapy after losing all her baby weight? Read on:

Joan Halloway/Christina Hendricks

Christina Hendricks by divadebbi featuring a creed fragrance

For the last five years, I have been a hardcore devotee of Mad Men.  Everything about this brilliantly, complex show intrigues me; the characters, their back stories, the 60's, the clothes, the history and the amazing journey creator Matt Weiner plunges us into each week.  (For those of you who are also MM addicts, do visit Basket of Kisses. You have not a clue how truly rich this mosaic is, until you read the intelligent analysis each week by sisters Deborah and Roberta Lipp and there well chosen commentators).

As we head into the last third of the 5th season, I'm already trying to savor what's left of it, instead of dwelling on the impossibly long hiatus between seasons. 

Sunday nights episode, "Christmas Waltz", featured and incredibly poignant, witty and charming afternoon and tipsy evening spent together by fan favorites "Don" and "Joan".

Portrayed by the magnificent Jon Hamm and the equally gorgeous bombshell Christina Hendricks, it was gorgeous eye candy, but smart and touching. MM at its very best.

I was inspired to create this homage to Joan/Christina.  She enchants me.

xox,

DD

Eyeshadow

Shu uemura mascara

Diptyque fragrance

Creed fragrance

Glow Getters: 3) Skin Effects 5 Minute Facial Peel

Skin Effects 5 Minute Facial Peel
$24.99

One of my all time favorite cleansers, is made by Skin Effects.  It was created by Yale trained Dr. Jeffery Dover.  Infused with glycolic acid, this smooth, gel like cleanser will remove every trace of makeup, without making your skin feel dry or stripped.  For 12.99, I consider it a beauty bargain.

I have also read fabulous reviews of his 2 step Glycolic Pads, with 8% Glycolic acid.  That is a hefty strength for the gentle price of $24.99, yet the efficacy, is equal to results delivered by premium glycolic pads that cost over three times as much.  I look forward to trying them for myself and reporting back...

I received Skin Effects 5 Minute Facial Kit to try and as a serum fan, was especially looking forward to using the Radiance Serum.  Here is how it is described: 

Sophia!!!

I have been entranced by some of the fashion I am seeing at Cannes.  I couldn't help but imagine the stylish entrances the ageless Sophia Loren must have made there 50 years ago.  Today as then, the paparazzi would be wild!

xox,
DD

Sophia!!! by divadebbi 

High heel shoes

Dune bow clutch

Black sunglasses
fashion.1stdibs.com

Lancôme blush

BareMinerals lip gloss

Victoria s Secret victoria secret perfume

Lancôme beauty product

Pale Paris Morning, Paris Photograph, Montmartre, Pale White and...
$30 - etsy.com

1STDIBS.COM - Vintage, Haute Couture, Designer Fashion - SEARCH...
vintageluxuryschiaparelli.avl.1stdibs.com

Glow Getters: 2) St.Ives Scrub Free Exfoliating Pads

St. Ives Scrub Free Exfoliating Pads
60 Count  $4.99

I go through quite a bit of body lotion, so when I am on my own dime, I tend not to spend on pricey products.  I am also always on the hunt for cost effective "drug store" body lotions that have some type of anti-aging ingredient.

When St. Ives introduced Naturally Smooth Body Lotion with Natural Fruit AHA Complex, I jumped at the opportunity to try it.  Lightweight, non- greasy, cost effective and pleasant smelling, it fit my needs to a tee.  I have been through at least eight, 21 oz. pump containers.  I pick one up wherever I see it, like an obsessive compulsive hoarder...I'm wiser now, having been burned before.


I like Naturally Smooth so much, it made my DivaDebbi Best of 2011 Skincare round-up (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2011/12/divadebbis-best-of-beauty-2011-skincare.html#more).

Glow Getters: Murad's Intensive-C Radiance Peel

Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel $49.50

I am a Girl obsessed with achieving a "radiant glow" and will think nothing of asking virtual strangers to recite their skin care litany for me when I see great skin.  


I received 4 glow getting products recently. They also suggest the promise of evening out skin tone, fading age spots and minimizing fine lines, with continued use.


My attention span for at-home products has a 10 minute max, so I'm glad all of these products did not propose anything longer. Even in repose, I am multi-tasking, so if I can slather something on that doesn't restrict my ability to read or type, I will try just about anything.


Numero Uno:

Cannes Can...

(gown photo courtesy of Red Carpet Fashion Awards)

Each Spring, the stars alight France for the Cannes International Film Festival.  It is a 12 day preview of new films, of all genres, from Directors around the world.  It is also a glittering spectacle of spectacular fashion :)


Here Paz Vega shines, in a couture Stephane Rolland gown.  I love the glamour of tasteful skin baring with the magnificent feather train.  The simple, elegant hair with the drama of a red lip, were icing.


Ce magnifique...no?


xox,
DD

Cannes Can... by divadebbi 

Sergio Rossi black sandals

Alexander McQueen clutch handbag

Yves saint laurent lipstick

Byredo Parfums fragrance

Wall Arts, Metal Wall Art, Canvas Wall Art, Glass, Wood, Hangings,...

Miuccia!!!

This was one of my favorites from the 2012 Met Costume Gala, designed by grand honoree, Miuccia Prada. The fact that it is utterly fresh yet completely timeless, is to me, the mark of a great designer.

Miuccia!!! by divadebbi 

Oscar de la Renta flower jewelry
$255 - boutique1.com

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics blue eye makeup
$21 - neimanmarcus.com

Yves saint laurent perfume
$89 - yslbeautyus.com

Trish Mcevoy Candle Trio
$45 - lordandtaylor.com




xox,
DD