Review: Tarte Skinny SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner

Tarte Skinny SmolderEYES Liner
$19

Well, that's a mouthful...

A couple of months ago, I had the epiphany that black liner was simply looking too harsh on me.

I found a great alternative with L'Oreals Infallible Lacquer Liner in Slate. It's a fabulous product but it does require applying it with a brush and sometimes I'm just a 'lil lazy.

I was hoping to find a pencil in a similar shade, that would not tug going on, and stay put all day--A tall order, I know.

I've had such good luck with my Tarte purchases lately that they were my first stop at Sephora.  I spotted their Skinny SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liners which is available in 10 gorgeous, slightly shimmering shades.  They do have their own "slate" and I also thought moonstone brown might be a nice alternative.

Color My World: Top Sets April 30th, 2013

Color My World by divadebbi 

I was delighted  to receive Top Sets  honors on Polyvore today.  My inspiration was the lovely bedroom designed my Amanda Nesbet in the photo in the top left corner.

Thanks Polyvore!

xox,
DD

Peter Thomas Roth: Lashes to Die For Platinum

Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die for Platinum
Small Trial size $25/$78 value

I'm in the midst of a breakup...For now SmartLash and me are calling it quits. After a good, long run, my lashes have plateaued.  I don't have any fall out, just not a lot of thickness and new growth.

I will admit that I have a a mean case of lash envy lately, most often among friends who have garnered all the benefits of Latisse, without any of the nasty side effects I endured while using it.

After using SmartLash's fine brush to administer it, I'm convinced that I simply overdosed on my Latisse applications. The thick, stiff bristled brushes that come with Latisse absorb and deposit a lot of product, not just along the lash line, but in your eye as well.  

Despite all reason, I stuck with it for 8 weeks and whilst my lashes looked like tassels, my eyes were perpetually red and itchy. Sadly we had to part ways...

Pretty in the City

Pretty in the City by divadebbi featuring a pencil skirt

La Petite S***** la petite s / Nina Ricci striped sweater / Versace pencil skirt / Alejandro Ingelmo pointy-toe pumps / Victoria Beckham leather handbag / Christian Dior sunglasses / Lipstick / ZsaZsa Bellagio / ZsaZsa Bellagio / Arrow / Classy + Style / recklesslittlebitch

Get the Look: Kate Hudson

Get the Look: Kate Hudson by divadebbi

The adorable Kate Hudson appeared on David Letterman the other night.  The black leather "jean" skirt she wore was from Michael Kors pre-fall collection. I've always had a soft spot for black paired with fuscia...I think its pretty, chic and seasonless.

I am starting to come around to the white pump revival, though I can't see myself ever wearing them...and it has nothing to do with the fact that my size 41 MB's would look like white fiberglass skis.

I remember when Sarah Jessica Parker, a loyal Manolo Blahnik aficionado, first wore classic white pumps last year, while everyone else was teetering in YSL Tributes.  It looked somewhat jarring to the eye at the time, but remarkably, the eye does adjust.  Do I like them???

The fashion jury is still out...How about you?

xox,

DD

Review: Kate Sommerville 360 Body Tanning Towelettes

Kate Sommerville 360 Body Tanning Towelettes
8 Pack $48/ 16 Pack $75

It's a good thing I rarely watch the programming hours that QVC devotes to beauty. I find them both mind numbing and fascinating.  I am awed by the hosts ability to banter with unbridled enthusiasm for hours on end.  It's also fun to watch the rivalry for air time that ensues between the guest and the host as they talk over one another vying for pitch time.

And then of course, I want to buy everything.

I have long been a fan of Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads for the Body;  in fact, they have earned 'Holy Grail' status with me.  They are not inexpensive, but I used one towelette per week and it maintains a nice light glow all over my body, year round.

Kate Sommerville's 360 Body Tanning Towelettes have been on my radar for quite sometime. On the night that I tuned in Kate herself said she uses them regularly, and appeared to have a healthy tan that was neither deep or orangey.

Gatsby Mania

Gatsby Mania by divadebbi 

I'm so looking forward the the release of Baz Luhrmann's remake of the Great Gatsby, 

starring Leonard DiCaprio, the lovely Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire.  This film has, "Girls Night Out" written all over it.

What about you?  Are you as excited to see it as I am???  If nothing else, the costumes should be worth the price of admission...

xox,

DD

The Mystery Girl

The Mystery Girl by divadebbi featuring alejandro ingelmo

Victoria Beckham short dress / Alejandro Ingelmo / Dolce & Gabbana leather tote bag, $1,630 / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics cream eye shadow

That's All!

That's All! by divadebbi featuring

Current/Elliott colorful dress / Jimmy Choo black high heel shoes / Hermès handbag / Lanvin eyewear / Bare Escentuals makeup

This is me on an unlimited budget, shopping in my next life...

xox,
DD

Review: Tarte Bronze & Glow Matte Bronzer and Cheek Tint

Tarte Park Avenue Princess Bronze and Glow
$32

We are back from vacation and I'm settled into my rhythm, so I promise to catch you up on all the latest products I've tried, for good or for bad...

I am usually really thorough about doing two sweeps through any hotel room before checking out...now I know that has to extend to the bathroom...

I never travel without my beloved Clarisonic Mia and this time was no exception. Somehow, we managed to get parted. I mentioned my frustration to a few friends, who suggested I call the hotel to see if they could send it.  Because I'm a bit neurotic, all I could picture was the housekeeping staff giving my Mia a whirl in la toilette as a cleaning tool---uh, no thanks.

To Sephora I travelled and naturally I didn't leave with just a new Mia. ( I really, really tried to stay out of the sun, but even after all I do to eradicate past damage, I still succumbed, at least with SPF 30, sunglasses and a hat--mostly.) Somehow just a bit of color makes whatever makeup you have been using all winter long look all wrong. Plus, the longer I'm home, the tanner I get, after engaging all my 'fake bake' skills.

My love affair with Tarte Cosmetics continues.  I am still mad for their BB Cream, which I reviewed a few weeks back.  It's more matte than I was used to, but oh how flawless you will look!   Sister Loren and other friends are texting grateful thanks daily.

Their new blush, with the adorable name Park Avenue Princess had me at hello...

Get the Look: Hailee Steinfeld

Get the Look: Hailee Steinfeld by divadebbi 

I adore seeing the young actress Hailee Steinfeld looking like such an elegant young lady in this pretty Dolce and Gabanna dress. I also loved that she paired it with classically pretty Prada Mary Jane's, rather than the overtly clunky Brian Atwood "Maniac Pump" that the stars could not pry off their feet last season.

Kardashian's take heed...

xox,

DD

In the Pink

In the Pink by divadebbi 

Regular readers know that my absolute favorite lifestyle Blog is Quintessence written by my friend Stacey Bewkes.

Nearly every day is a visual treat, as Stacey takes us to magnificent homes, shops, hotels, cities, gardens, designer show houses and fashion shows. As exquisite as her photographs is her prose. If you love art, interiors and fashion, I insist you visit!

Recently she and Susanna Falk have teamed up with some top interior designers to film some of their favorite haunts for inspiration, known as, "Stylish Shopping with---".  As soon as I saw her latest clip, with Susanna and the gregarious and delightful Amanda Nesbit,  I knew I would be creating Polyvore sets inspired by some of Amanda's jewel box inspired decors ...thus In the Pink above.

You can see this wonderful clip by clicking this link.

That's the beauty of art in all its forms, it nurtures the soul and stimulates our creative energy.

Consider me satiated...for now.

xox,

DD

3 Spring Makeup Trends To Try This Season

As much as I love makeup, and I do love it, I'm not easily swayed by beauty trends.  Let's face it, if they don't even look attractive on the models, how do us mere mortals stand a chance??? These TotalBeauty tips resonated with me because they are something any of us could try and possibly look prettier and if not, rinse and repeat...the usual. xox, DD 3 Spring Makeup Trends You Have To Try This Season

We asked an expert makeup artist to scour the runways and pick the hottest spring trends. Here are the top 3

This is a TotalBeauty.com Makeup article Now that you've restocked your makeup back with the new makeup products that have launched for spring, it's time to put them to use. To get you started, we enlisted the help of makeup artist Taylor Babaian, who scoured the runways of Fashion Week to find the top 3 must-try makeup trends for spring. Click ahead to see Babaian's expert tips on how to recreate these fresh, new looks this season. See makeup trends

I'll Drink to That...

I'll Drink to That... by divadebbi featuring an orange tote

Victoria, Victoria Beckham colorful dress / Pierre Hardy wedge / Orange tote / Z Gallerie - Phalaenopsis Orchid - white Set of 3

Sienna Sizzles

Sienna Sizzles by divadebbi featuring a cherry red lipstick

NARS Cosmetics gold eyeshadow / Tom Ford cherry red lipstick / Smashbox eyeliner / Essie nail polish / Topshop

Meeting the Parents...

Meeting the Parents... by divadebbi featuring bobbi brown cosmetics

Milly navy blue top, $410 / rag & bone knit blazer / Vivienne Westwood Red Label printed skirt / Jimmy Choo strappy platform heels / Warehouse colorblock handbag, $55 / Hermès bangle bracelet / Hermès long necklace / Stila / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics / Fraiche / Nail polish

Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge and Friends and Family Special

Lately I have been rediscovering old favorites and scratching my head as to why I abandoned them.  Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge is a perfect example...

This lovely gel formula blush also multi-tasks as a lip stain. I have purchased it twice in Pale Pink.  The new version comes with a mirrored flip top, which is always a nice bonus.  It really is a perfect natural flush when blended on the apple of the cheeks. 

I rediscovered just how much I liked my Pot Rouge after trying Dick Page's suggestion to apply cream and gel blushes with a brush instead of your fingers.  Now it has earned a place back in my make up case.


For those of you who are Bobbi Brown fans, she is running a 20% off Friends and Family Special through April 18th.

Definitely worth a visit!

xox,
DD

Just a fashion dream...

Just a fashion dream... by divadebbi

Herve Leger "bandage dresses", now designed by Max Azria of BGBC fame continue to sell well at Richards, though not surprisingly the fit demographic seems to best suit Prom Queens, Frat formals and the occasional turning 40 Birthday bash.

I do dream about fashion and it sometimes does take a surreal turn, so I let my imagination flow and created this set along that arc.

And of course, Auntie Dee Dee, the pussycat pendant is for you...

xox,
DD

Pretty in Pink...Again

Neutrogena  Pink Grapefruit Body Wash
$8.99 at Drugstores Nationwide

Sometimes I spot a product that I really loved and wonder why exactly I moved on if it was so good.  I'm fickle of course, and I 'm always chasing the Holy Grail of each category, but Neutrogena's Body Clear Body Wash was and still is great.

The Amazing World of Brunello Cucinelli

The Amazing World of Brunello Cucinelli by divadebbi

This weekend, we are hosting the Women's and Men's Fall 2013 Brunello Cucinelli Trunk Show at Richard in Greenwich.

Brunello Cucinelli's luxe, elegant, functional clothing please men and women of all ages who appreciate there ease and beauty.  Our clients tend to collect items and wear them season after season, mixing them seamlessly with their new purchases.

Their team works very closely with ours; a lovely collaboration between two great family businesses. We always look forward to bi-annual these three day events.  If you live in or near Greenwich, stop in tomorrow and enter the world of Brunello Cucinelli for a bit...

It's an amazing place...

xox,
DD

The 10 Best Deep Conditioners for your Hair

I do my best to deep condition my hair twice a month.  No, I never do it as directed.  I'm not getting out of warm shower and sitting naked with a towel wrapped on my head with deep conditioner for 10 minutes, then getting back in the shower to rinse it out. I have found it effective to microwave a large dollop of conditioner for about 15 seconds and then apply it to dry hair.  I leave it on for about 15 minutes and then shampoo my hair, skipping the regular conditioner. Total Beauty did a round of their 10 most highly rated conditioners.  None of them break the bank.  I have used both Garnier's and Neutrogena's.  They are both excellent. I think the last time I used Aussie 3 Minute Miracle might have been 20 years ago.  It did always make my hair feel rich and silky.  It's hard to believe it still only costs $3.   For the sheer nostalgia of it, I'm sure I will be picking it up again to try. Here is the rest of the round up and if you don't deep condition, just do it.  Your hair will be happier...

The Busy Bee: The Buzz on Alexander McQueen

The Busy Bee by divadebbi

One of the best additions to our Designer collections at Richards has without a doubt, been Alexander Mcqueen.  This is our second season of carrying Sarah Burton's beautiful designs.

Granted these gorgeous knits do require a fairly fabulous physique, but for the fittest among us, nothing is looking chicer to me right now.

I started this set with this wonderful McQueen, that would travel like a dream and transition perfectly from day to night.  I can't think of a more relevant City dress, albeit Paris, Milan or N.Y.C. 

I was so inspired by the "honeycomb" pattern on the dress, that every time I used in my Polyvore set, continued with this theme.

Now you know what's the buzz of the industry this Spring too...

xox,
DD

 

The Allure of Allure

When Allure Magazine debuted in 1991, it felt like a gift from the God's.  In the talented hands of it's longtime Editor-in-Chief Linda Wells, Beauty now had its own glossy; no longer just the lonely step-sister, banished to page 205 in the Fashion Magazines.

I was of course, in heaven  subscribed for well over 10 years.  Each month I looked forward to it's arrival and pored over their editorial picks. Then Beauty Blogs arrived on the scene...

 

The first Beauty Blog I discovered was Beauty Addict, written by the product obsessed Kristen Kelly. Readers like me, were equally obsessed with Kristen and somewhere along the way her lipstick flame fanned out. She was one of the best and an early inspiration to me. I still miss her blog.

The Nature Girl...Sort of

The Nature Girl...sort of by divadebbi 

New York, New York

New York, New York by divadebbi featuring proenza schouler

Gucci open back halter top / Proenza Schouler / Versace gold high heel sandals / Diane Von Furstenberg

Update: Nars Radiant Concealer with Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

Nars Radiant Concealer under Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

A lot of my fellow beauty bloggers include pictures of themselves with the product they are writing about. I think it's a great practice. I was surprised that a reader thought I was jumping the gun about declaring Nars Radiant Concealer and Light Reflecting Powder  Holy Grail products.

I think there is a big difference between skincare treatment and makeup.  If I am pleased with the result of a makeup product, I have no trouble discerning that within a days wear. Treatment, takes at least a week of use, if not more.

I couldn't be more pleased with these two products.  I took this photo 7 hours after applying it plus a gym workout. I am delighted with the result.

Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words...

xox,
DD

The Country Girl: Polyvore Top Sets April 7th, 2013

The Country Girl by divadebbi 

I was honored again today by the  Polyvore team, who chose this as one of their Top Sets today.

I imagined this woman as someone who really likes to get her hands dirty in her garden at her summer cottage, but also has a sophisticated style that would easily stand out in the City...

xox,
DD

My One Year Poly Anniversary

My One Year Poly Anniversary by divadebbi 

Today marks my one year addiction Anniversary as a Polyvore member.  I know it was an indulgence on my part to include the sets that I created in my blog, but it has always included fashion, not just beauty, since it is an equal passion.

Polyvore is a very interesting place.  For starters, it is the much lauded brain child of some brilliant West Coast techies, who have parlayed it into a world class fashion retailing site and I urge you to visit.

For the fashion obsessed, we create and share our visions for our own and others enjoyment.  Friendships blossom.  Age, race and gender blur.  I have greatly sharpened my own eye, having the benefit of seeing what my European friends, always ahead of the curve, are seeing, often recreating fantastic street style from Paris, London, Milan and Barcelona.

In one year, my "sets" have been viewed more that 2,000,000 times and I have 4000 followers.  I have made some fabulous friends and I so look forward to meeting some of them in person at our Polyvore meet up in New York in June.

Review: Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder (L) and Loose Powder (R)
$34

"See the pretty girl in the mirror there...who can that attractive girl be"???...
Maria, West Side Story
DivaDebbi, stunned Nars Reflecting Pressed Powder  user

On Friday, I blogged about Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, my new 'HG' concealer that covered any hint of darkness under my eyes while whisking 5 years off my face.

While I was at Sephora, I asked for a clean brush to try Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder.  I find loose powders to be too messy for my liking, so even though it looked luxuriously finely milled, I opted for the (very) hard pressed powder instead.  Besides, wouldn't it be nice to be able to travel with it in my handbag?

Holy Grail Alert: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
10 Shades $28

Want to look younger and rested???  Is there anyone among us who silently answered no???  Read on!

Wowza!  A product that not only lives up to it's hype, it surpasses it!  I have been reading excellent reviews and following all the buzz about Nars Cosmetics new Radiant Creamy Concealer, which launched this month.

Let's start with the fact that it bills itself as, "crease proof"...really???  I'll take two. That's one claim I have never heard associated with an under eye concealer.

I tried  Radiant Creamy Concealer at Sephora last week, and was amazed that it instantly covered my under eye circles. Not a hint of darkness and I was looking tired that day.  Unfortunately, they were out of the color I needed. Despite some gentle prodding, I knew that this shade was too light and pink for me and I could not be persuaded to buy it.

I did however, get to see how well it wore that day, also living up to its "long wearing" promise.

Pretty

Pretty by divadebbi fBur

Polyvore Top Sets April 4th, 2013: Shorts-Elegantly

Shorts-Elegantly by divadebbi

Yay!  Polyvore  chose this as a Top Set today.  I blogged about this last week.  This is my idea of how women can wear shorts elegantly.  Some of these lovely brands are carried at Richards/Mitchells where I am the Personal Shopper; Celine, Alexander McQueen and Carven.

Can you see how my days are fill with temptation????


xox,
DD

Review: Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner

Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner
$22

My friend Nancy was recently visiting from London.  I promised her we could go to Sephora together so she could purchase some of my DivaDebbi Holy Grail Products...turns out Nancy had a couple of things to share with me too.

She had recently purchased a new Smashbox item, their Waterproof Shadow Liner in "Shimmering Ivy"and loved it.  She insisted I try it. Naturally I needed very little prodding.  

Cafe au Lait

Cafe au Lait by divadebbi featuring platform high heels

The Country Girl

The Country Girl by divadebbi featuring round sunglasses

Review: MAC Mineralize Lipstick

MAC Mineralize Lipstick
$22 (Grande Dame 4th from left)

I went back to the MAC counter on Friday, but didn't brave the mall again.  I was curious about the lipsticks and gloss that Indian Makeup Blog paired with my Holy Grail Lip Pencil Soar so I went back to Bloomingdale's to see them up close.

Lovely as they were, they were too light for me. My last lipstick purchase from MAC was a huge disappointment. MAC has several different collections of lipsticks.  The one I chose was from the 'Satin' collection. It has languished nearly unworn for months.  The texture was as dry as paste...don't asked me what possessed...

I did of course ask if anything was new, and the lovely young woman who helped me was excited to show me the lipsticks from their new "Mineralize" collection.
I immediately honed in on 'Grande Dame' a gorgeous rose that manages to be both natural and bright. It looked perfect for Spring.