Friday, November 29, 2013
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Friends and Family/ Black Friday Beauty Deals
I have been inundated all week with pitches about beauty deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I've narrowed my list and research to some of my favorite skincare and beauty companies. Jessica Cruel at Bellasugar did a comprehensive round up which you can access here. Click the links below for details:
Kate Sommerville- 30% off thru December 2nd. I'm mad for Kate's 360 Body Tanning Towelettes, which are streakless, stinkless and create the perfect golden glow for the Holidays. (I am also hearing great buzz about True Lash $35, her eye makeup remover which has the benefit of actually helping eyelashes grow-- a lot).
Smashbox- 25% off all purchases over $50. I'm crazy about their BB cream and recently purchased two of their gorgeous Wondervision Eye Sets, a fabulous value that includes a stunning palette of shadow, a black liner and mascara for $32. Buy one for yourself and give another for a gift, (my favorite strategy).
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Monday, November 25, 2013
Effortless: Maria Duenas Jacobs
The world is the size of a postage stamp!
I received an email today from my friends at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery. I selected the Street Style photo above, featured in this Polyvore set out of dozens on the internet, from NYC, London and Paris.
I had no clue that the chic beauty in this photo, is Maria Duenas Jacobs, whose husband, Dr. Jordan Jacobs is a partner in The New York Group for Plastic Surgery. Fittingly Maria is the Sr. Accessories Editor at Glamour Magazine. Here is a link to an interview that Maria did with one of my favorite Beauty Blogs Into The Gloss.
Is she not divine???
Two weeks ago I hosted a party for my friends, discussing all the latest in non-invasive anti-aging beauty at the NYGPS. We covered a lot of turf and I have been trying to find the time to share it with you.
In between preparing orange walnut cranberry sauce and corn pudding, I hope to get it done in the next day or so...
Stay tuned. Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to all.
xox,
DD
Color WOW Pop & Lock Shellac Gets A Reprieve
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| Color Wow Pop & Lock Shellac $18
I think it's not unreasonable to say they all women seek the following:
AmIright????
I recently blogged about my very good experience with Color WOW's Shampoo and Conditioner (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2013/11/color-wow-shampoo-and-conditioner.html). I had discovered them in London in my friend Nancy's shower. Now that my hair is freshly colored for the Holidays, (thank you, thank you to my genius colorist Chris Hornauer of 15 years, Warren Tricomi Greenwich,) I wanted to protect my investment and maintain my color at least through New Year's Eve...A trip to Ulta was in order. I had looked at a memorable Youtube on Color Wow's website at another product called the One Minute Transformation Styling Cream, designed to restyle dry hair, tame frizz and hydrate hair. I toyed with purchasing it, but know that I already have several products claiming to do the same thing under my sink. Instead, I ponied up for Pop & Lock Shellac which is designed to seal the cuticle, trap in color and lock out dryness. For extra shimmer, it is infused with mica and has UV filters to add some extra defense against color fading. |
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Getting to Know Jane Iredale
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Recently, I received a reach out from 5W Public Relations, with press information about their new PureMoist Lipstick and Longest Lash Thickening & Lengthening Mascara. Might I be interested in sampling them as well?
Uh...ya!
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| Jane Iredale PureMoist Lipstick 24 shades $25 |
My fragrant package arrived within two days, an included a lovely note from Jane. When she started the company back in 1994 every order was shipped with a sprig of lavender from Jane's garden. As they grew, the practice fell to the wayside, but they have decided to bring it back, as a token of their appreciation.
Charming!
PureMoist Lipstick has been reformulated and repackaged in a new slim tube, that fits the lip perfectly. PureMoist is infused with natural ingredients like orange peel wax, avocado, moringa and sunflower seed oils, pomegranate extract and Vitamins A and C, among others.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Pretty Girl/Rainy Day
Kain vintage tee, $130 / MICHAEL Michael Kors sequin jacket / Topshop circle skirt / Giuseppe Zanotti platform shoes / Forever New white handbag, $42 / Bounkit clear earrings / Alex and Ani bracelet / Hermes Vintage 'Hermes Parfums' pin / Kevyn Aucoin mineral eyeshadow / Long wearing lipstick / INC International Concepts home decor / Sia floral arrangement, $8.05
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
ZumBCA For Life!
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| Committee Members: L-R Yonni Wattenmaker, Debbi OShea, Ellen Keats, Courtney Plumb, Erica Gomez, Mike Buoncore |
Photographs by Cara Gilbride for Fairfield County LOOK
On Sunday, October 27 Equinox Greenwich hosted ZumBCA for Life, a Zumba party to raise funding for Breast Cancer Alliance. This first annual event raised over $14,000! Food and drink were generously provided by Le Pain Quotidien, Creative Juice and Val’s Liquors, with Baccarat as an event sponsor. DJ Catch and Double Up Co. heightened the energy of the day, providing a DJ and dancers who added to the roster of great Equinox instructors: Brandyn Guzman, Eddie Calle, Jeimy Cainosa, and Tony Rubio.Spearheaded by Committee Chair Tony DeMuro, Equinox Regional Marketing Manager, we started planning this event over the summer. Though BCA's major fundraiser, the annual Luncheon and Fashion Show was scheduled for the following week (bringing in $1.3 million dollars!), we thought we could still do a little more for this great organization. Equinox Greenwich, generously donated 100% of the proceeds.
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| The fantastic Eddie Calle, Diva and Committee Chair Tony DeMuro |
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| Baccarat Manager Courtney Plumb shows the beautiful crystal Buddha awarded to a lucky raffle winner |
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| BCA President Kathy Clark with Executive Director Yanni Wattenmaker |
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| Monica Lopes with Blackjack, Spa Manager Danielle Cervi and Meryl Sobel |
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| A masseuse from Equinox Spa gives a mini massage to a participant after class |
It was a day of great energy, high spirits and great teamwork. Naturally, it was the first "annual" ZumBCA for Life event.
Congrats and many thanks to the BCA Jr. Committee and all who volunteered and participated in this truly fun event.
xox,
DD
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Cheek to Chic with Charlotte Tilbury
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| Makeup Artist Charlotte Tilbury and her BFF and Muse Kate Moss |
British superstar model Kate Moss, has made a superstar out of her British BFF and Makeup Artist Charlotte Tilbury. I don't think anyone could really muck things up on Kate, but Charlotte Tilbury really wants us to have the best shot at being our prettiest self.
Though not yet available in the U.S., my friend Linda Levy brought her handiwork to my attention via a video on Net-a-Porter before I left for London. We were both mesmerized. Interestingly, her product is not available on their website. Linda beseeched me to check it out at Selfridges and bring her back a goodie. How could I not comply?
Saturday, November 16, 2013
The Jury is Still Out: Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder
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| Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder $45 |
There is a loyal coterie of fans of the original who are wildly cranky over the change. Based on the reviews on read, they tend to live in warmer climates and have oilier skin. Apparently for many, it was a Holy Grail product and they cannot wrap their heads around why LM tinkered with perfection. I can empathize. I have had faves discontinued altogether. I'm not sure which is worse...
I do receive timely press updates from their PR firm Kaplow about all new launches and collections, with the opportunity to sample. Since I'm a great fan of the company, I appreciate it enormously.
I was aware of the launch of Smooth Finish Foundation Powder and recently read that it had been chosen as the foundation favorite in More Magazine. I hadn't had the occasion to try it, until I had an event after work and stopped into Sephora to perk up a bit.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Take It All Off: Lierac vs. MAC
I first discovered LIERAC Paris Diopti Demaq, in well, Paris. I had forgotten my eye makeup remover and happened upon it, in a beautifully stocked small pharmacy.
It has such a lovely consistency. Diopti Demaq is a crystal clear gel that contains floral water of rose, cornflower and mallow extract and gently and cleanly removes all traces of eye makeup. It is also infused with vitamin B5 and keratin, which helps to prevent lash loss and will leave your eyes feeling contoured and refreshed.
It was best remover I had ever found and lasted for well over 6 months. Imagine my surprise when I realized Lierac Paris Diopti Demaq was available at CVS upon my return. It had been right under my nose and I didn't even know it.
I purchased it many times over the years, occasionally trying other products,
always returning...until it disappeared off the shelves and Lierac's website.
Tragique.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
ReVive Glycolic Renewal Peel: A New You, Overnight!
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| ReVive Glycolic Renewal Peel $295 |
Oh this is a magnificent product!
ReVive has been on my radar for quite some time. I frequently receive press information from their PR peeps. It is always my preference to experience products personally rather than post press releases.
ReVive is expensive and they choose not to supply samples. Big Mistake.
I happened to be in Rye, NY last weekend, a neighboring town. I was delighted to happen upon Bluemercury. Somehow, this fast growing chain of luxury skincare and makeup with on site spa facilities was unknown to me.
Founded in 1999 by Marla Beck, an enterprising entrepreneur who saw the need to create a friendly environment, where all beauty needs could be met under one roof, they have now blossomed to over 40 doors in the U.S.
Smart Cookie
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| Bluemercury 61 Purchase St., Rye, N.Y. |
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
Grande Lash MD: Is it here yet???
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| Grande Lash MD $64.95 for a two month supply |
I had lunch with my friend Suzanne the other day. In fact, it was a 3 hour lunch.
Suzanne is one of my besties and the fact that we hadn't seen each other in 3 months was an aberration, so we made up for lost time.
Before I even uttered hello, I said, "you got EXTENSIONS!!" She had asked my my opinion about them before and I kind of put the kabash on them. She listened.
"No."
"Your using Latisse???"
"No."
"Ok, spill it this second. Your lashes look incredible. What are you using?"
"Grande Lash MD".
Now we were getting somewhere! I marveled at their lush length and fullness.
They almost looked like false lashes and she was only wearing one coat of mascara.
Grande Lashe MD can be found for less on Amazon, but if you want to play it safe with your first go round, I think it makes sense to buy it from their website, since your purchase will come with a 90 Day Money Back Guarantee.
It's not inexpensive, but its about half of what you would pay for Latisse. I read countless reviews, nearly all raves.
Naturally, I'm in and I promise to follow up with pictures...
Whose with me???
xox,
DD
Sunday, November 10, 2013
All Victoria, All the Time...
Victoria Beckham dress / L.K.Bennett black boots, $605 / Victoria Beckham leather handbag /
I am crazy about Victoria Beckham's crisp, linear, impeccable clothing, particularly her dresses and handbags. Truly, I live vicariously not just through styling my clients, but my creating these Polyvore sets.
The set above is based on a "template" I created. Basically what this means is that the set is permanent. What can change is the photo and fashion. It was challenging to do, but not impossible as I imagined. Naturally I tweaked it 1000 times and 1000 more, even after this was published.
What that will allow me to is get in a quick fashion fix when I'm pressed for time. Though anyone can access my template, and I theirs, it always feels a bit like cheating, using someone elses framework.
So now I have my own. Expect to see it often, in one way or another!
xo,
DD
I am crazy about Victoria Beckham's crisp, linear, impeccable clothing, particularly her dresses and handbags. Truly, I live vicariously not just through styling my clients, but my creating these Polyvore sets.
The set above is based on a "template" I created. Basically what this means is that the set is permanent. What can change is the photo and fashion. It was challenging to do, but not impossible as I imagined. Naturally I tweaked it 1000 times and 1000 more, even after this was published.
What that will allow me to is get in a quick fashion fix when I'm pressed for time. Though anyone can access my template, and I theirs, it always feels a bit like cheating, using someone elses framework.
So now I have my own. Expect to see it often, in one way or another!
xo,
DD
Saturday, November 9, 2013
The English Rose at Harrod's
Reiss oversized top / Dsquared2 single breasted coat / The Row black cropped pants, $1,270 / L'Autre Chose laced up shoes / Hermès round handbag / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics palette eyeshadow / home decor
While I was in London this past week, I naturally had to visit all the fashionable stores; Liberty London, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and of course, Harrod's.
The mild temperatures brought both the tourists and the city dwellers out in droves. As we escaped the throngs at Harrod's, this gorgeous Swan emerged and sweetly obliged my request to take her photo, capturing her chic ensemble and joie de vivre.
Divine!
This one's for you dear Nancy. Miss you to pieces...
xox,
DD
While I was in London this past week, I naturally had to visit all the fashionable stores; Liberty London, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and of course, Harrod's.
The mild temperatures brought both the tourists and the city dwellers out in droves. As we escaped the throngs at Harrod's, this gorgeous Swan emerged and sweetly obliged my request to take her photo, capturing her chic ensemble and joie de vivre.
Divine!
This one's for you dear Nancy. Miss you to pieces...
xox,
DD
Friday, November 8, 2013
To BB or CC??? THAT is the Question
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| $19 for Travel Sizes, $42 for 1oz. |
Ugggghh!!!!
I thought I had this all figured out...Finally I found a dewy, natural looking makeup, that lasts without fading and provides SPF, without a heavy, chalky look or feel.
Yes, I was combining the darkest shade with their medium shade, but I was too happy with the results to quibble. I didn't realize until this moment, that I was actually combining a BB and a CC to get this Holy Grail combo.
My friends at Smashbox had offered to send me a sample of their new CC Cream this summer. Without having checked the website, I requested the Dark shade, thinking it would be perfect for my summer fake bake.
Unfortunately, the color would have suited Iman to a tee. Moi, not so much... I kept it anyway and used it for contouring, where it worked quite effectively.
Recently I was in Sephora and I as I checked out, reviewed my VIB beauty rewards options. I noticed they were offering Smashbox's BB Cream, though only in light medium. I knew that would be too light for my liking, and nicely they accommodated me with a generous amount of the Medium shade to try at home.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Color WOW Shampoo and Conditioner
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| Color WOW Shampoo and Conditioner $22/$23 |
I mentioned that my friend Nancy had some great products to share with me during my visit in London. I was thrilled that she was using Color WOW Shampoo and Conditioner and that I would have the chance to try them, particularly after reading a rave review from my friend Kari, who writes Fab Over Forty.
I was hoping for a better second experience with Color WOW. I had already purchased, blogged and returned their award winning Root Touch Up, which I found inferior and time consuming compared to my standby Gray Away Root Spray.
And I got one...
Rich Girl Problems
Dolce & Gabbana chunky knit sweater, $900 / Sachin + Babi button down shirt / Dolce & Gabbana shorts / Valentino red strap pumps, $980 / Multi colored purse / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics eyeshadow / Rimmel lipstick / Marc Jacobs fragrance
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Si by Giorgio Armani
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| Cate Blanchett the face of Giorgio Armani's new fragrance Si |
Is it possible that one fragrance can smell delicious on everyone who tries it? I would have doubted it, since I know from my own experience that certain fragrances, delicious on others, can smell like Raid on me within a matter of hours--until Si.
I have just returned from a fantastic visit to friends in London, where I enjoyed a whirlwind of shopping, theater, good restaurants, great museums and a trip to the country to tour Blenheim Palace. Too divine and best of all, we laughed non stop.
Nancy is also a beauty product aficionado, sweetly running out and buying all my raves. She is no slouch either, so I will have days of reporting some of my new finds, at her behest.
I brought her a few of my new faves, including Hada Labo's fantastic skin plumping gel and cleanser, both have which have earned a spot on my Holy Grail/Best of 2013 finds. I was thrilled when she called me in the middle of touring the National Gallery from her Derm's office, (not so the attendant, who quickly hustled me into the hallway,) He noticed her glow and immediately wanted to know what she was using...seeing is believing, but I digress.
Nancy had recently smelled Si and wanted to share it with me. I was instantly smitten, but I know from experience that the only way to purchase fragrance is after sampling it and seeing how it mixes with your chemistry over a couple of hours, so we doused.
This and That
Dolce & Gabbana dolce gabbana bustier, $3,310 / Matthew Williamson beaded shrug, $3,685 / Burberry high heel leather boots / Chanel black handbag / NARS Cosmetics / Byredo toiletry bag / Crate and Barrel bamboo plant
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Contemplative
Yves Saint Laurent blouse / Mary Katrantzou black skirt, $2,415 / Yves Saint Laurent black sandals / Nancy Gonzalez nude handbag / Jil Sander belt / Butter London nail polish
Friday, November 1, 2013
All Black is Always Good
Kain sweater / Markus Lupfer short skirt / Gianvito Rossi mid calf boots / Versace black purse / Cutler and Gross glasses, $475 / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics glitter eyeshadow / Ethan Allen home decor / Pier 1 Imports artificial plant
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