REDKEN for Men Mint Rush Hair & Body Wash

Re-hydrate, replenish and revitalize with this dual purpose cleanser -- REDKEN for Men Mint Rush Hair & Body Wash. Contains Vitamin E, peppermint, menthol and glycerin to cool, energize and maintain hair and skin's natural moisture levels. Cleans hair thoroughly removing all product buildup but gentle enough to balance pH levels without drying skin. Even won the Men's Health Magazine Award 2010 for BEST 2-in-1! Approximately $15 at select salons. Click here for locations.

Create the Purr-fect Cat's Eye with STILA

The cat-eye make-up trend is extremely popular these days. Flip through any magazine and the beauty editor recommends "extending your liner at the outer corner". Some of us still have a little trouble with this look so here's STILA Cosmetics to the rescue with the ultimate "how to." The Purrfect Eyes/Talking Palette is a Sephora exclusive -- a four-pan shadow collection (includes the most popular/usually sold out eye shade -- Kitten), an angled mini eyeliner brush, liquid liner AND audio to guide you through applying the ever sexy cat's eye. Also comes with a printed tutorial to make following along easier.

Overall, it's a good deal considering one shadow is almost $20. And a good investment since most of us don't have our own personal makeup artists in-house. At Sephora for $45.

L'Oreal Boutique Opening at Bed, Bath & Beyond

L'OREAL partners with Bed, Bath & Beyond for a beauty boutique.

Your chance to meet with pro artists and stylists for hair, skin and make-up consultations awaits. Enjoy free mini-makeovers and styling consults. It's a pretty cool way to celebrate the event!

DETAILS:

When: Thurs October 28th

Where: BB&B 410 East 61st Street @ 1st Ave/NYC 10150

Time: 5 pm to 8 pm

Have fun!

MAC Pro Cover Up

In search of a good concealer, I found one that conquers scars, redness, acne spots, and hyperpigmentation without a cakey, "made-up" look. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer was introduced to the market a few weeks ago. It is surprisingly lightweight and provides medium coverage though you're able to build to full with a matte finish that looks completely natural. The 15-hour wear claim lets you "erase" under eye circles too and it blends well. Dispenses in a super hygienic pump. Choose from 15 shades at $16.50. Shop maccosmetics.com and MAC counters.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Try it before you buy it. Ask for a sample for a test run since some of the shades are a bit deeper than expected.
• Check out the Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation and other products.

DOWNSIDE:

• Be gentle when you pump out product. The pump dispenses too much concealer.
• Limiting my use as my skin reacted after a couple of days.

SMASHBOX Eye Wish Palette

Came across this little dandy while in Sephora...the SMASHBOX Eye Wish Palette. This limited edition collection is right on time for upcoming special events and parties. A dozen vibrant, highly pigmented shadows that can be used to create various looks, complete with a mini lid primer, mascara and four creamy liners all in a golden keepsake box.

In love with the shades shown:

Blue-Black & Eggplant Creme Liners

Deep Teal & Warm Brown Shadows (1st pic)

Champagne & Shimmery Bronze Shadows (1st two/2nd pic)

You can purchase at SEPHORA, ULTA, Nordstrom and Smashbox.com/$45.

MIZANI Supreme Oil

MIZANI celebrated the launch of the "dream oil" that is Supreme Oil last night in Soho with press, bloggers and stylists. The event gave us the opportunity to experience Supreme Oil first hand. Educator, salon owner, and platform stylist Evie Johnson informed us about hair's natural curl patterns and how Supreme Oil works with all hair types (see photos below of models). Transitions hair easily from a textured fro to a silky straight 'do. (Checkout center photo of Jade. The right front piece of her hair was flat-ironed using Supreme Oil). Doesn't weigh the hair down or feel greasy. The new product contains eight natural oils (sesame, jojoba, almond, avocado, apricot, olive fruit, sunflower, AND argan). Smooths, conditions, and nourishes hair without parabens, silicone, or mineral oil. So good, it doubles as an all over body moisturizer.

After cocktails, yummy finger foods, and beauty chit chat, we received a great swag bag (can't wait to try it). What an amazing evening...Thanks MIZANI.

Men "Think PINK" for a Cause Too

Breast cancer is not just something that women live with. Some men are living with breast cancer as well as my hubby brought to my attention. So I'm sharing some items for men that are donating to the search for a cure.

LAB SERIES Skincare for Men is making a $10,000 donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation from each purchase of Daily Moisture Defense Lotion w/ SPF 15/$37.50.

The SUSAN G. KOMEN Signature Silk Tie Collection/$19.98 at MACY's raises awareness for the fight against breast cancer.

The RALPH LAUREN Classic Fit Pink Pony Polo/$65 ensures a portion of the sales supports screening, early diagnosis, treatment and research for communities in need. Take part in the charity auction -- it's the last day to bid on exclusive art, rare collectibles and other unique items. See details here.

Everyone is involved somehow. Last week, DIDDY did his part locally. He hosted a "PINK Party" with proceeds going to 1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition and the LIPSG Foundation.

Shop Til You Drop with Lucky Shops/NYC

The ultimate shopping event is approaching quickly. LUCKY Magazine hosts this extraordinary event and it's well worth the wait. Fashion finds include clothes, jewelry, handbags, shoes and more up to 70% off. For three days: November 4th thru November 6th.

The LUCKY SHOPS 2010 Event is Big Designers + Big Deals = Big Buys! And inventory is replenished all day each day.


WHEN
Thursday Nov 4th 6 to 9 pm/10th Anniversary VIP Party Hosted by Hilary Duff /$185 (incl swag bag giveaway).
Friday Nov 5th Preview Pass: 11 to 8 pm/$40
Friday Nov 5th General Admission: 12 to 8 pm/$35
Saturday Nov 6th Shop-A-Thon: 11 to 5 pm/$30

(or purchase a 2-day pass for $60)


WHERE
The Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Street/btwn 6th & 7th Aves


AMEX ZYNC card members receive 15% off online ticket purchases AND early access beginning at 10 a.m. Fri/Sat. All enjoy complimentary refreshments, music, giveaways and more. Sounds pretty amazing but I'm hoping lines and crowding are minimal. For additional details and tickets, click here. For designers, click here.

Blushing Beauty

Blush: A reddening of the face from modesty; a rosy color.

The definition is simple. If our bodies do it naturally, then makeup can only enhance the effect. Although many women skip it, blush adds dimension, brightness and warmth (think: youthfulness) to the face. Universal shades include soft peachy or watermelon tones. I keep NARS Powder Blush in Orgasm/$26 and MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush in Blushbaby /$18.50 in my kit -- both are flattering on most complexions. My personal favorite is Fever by MAC. Looks overwhelming but with the right application, it's perfect!

How To's For:

Oval Face -- Highest concentration of color should be on your apples. Draws attention to center of your face.

Heart Face -- To soften and broaden your pointed chin, apply blush to the lower part of the apple and add highlighter around the jawbone for balance.

Round Face -- Apply directly under cheekbone to create shape and angles. Avoid getting too close to the nose as it emphasizes full cheeks. Add a darker contour shade for definition.

Square Face: Concentrate color onto apples and towards your temples. Soften with contour shade at your chin and underside of cheekbones.

Remember:

• Smile first for the best product placement.
• Tap excess powder from blush.
• For cream blush, gently swirl brush on napkin before applying.

Become a blushing beauty. Nothing wakes up a face faster!

pix from lipstickmasala.com

A Hair Story

Once upon a time in a land far far away, people roamed about with their locks free and frizzy. Or straight. Or wavy, kinky, curly, nappy, short or long.

Fast forward to modern times, we have the same hair types but usually from a process of some sort. Hair is our "crown and glory" but many of us invest a lot of time, energy and money into changing the texture (self included). Even though we are aware of the controversy behind the Brazilian Blowouts, chemical relaxers ("Good Hair"), treatments with hormones, hair colors, etc. -- we love the end results too much to break free.

Hair has become a hot topic even for the younger generations. Willow Smith's "Whip My Hair" lyrics celebrate hair long or short. And the viral video "I Love My Hair" from Sesame Street sends a positive message for our little girls of color to embrace all that their the locks can do.

Times have changed, but the story remains the same. Our hair IS our crown and glory. Our hair is a way to express ourselves: our femininity, sexuality, independence. Whether you choose to wear it natural, relaxed or somewhere in between, make sure your healthy hair tells your story, your way.




(Special thanks to MH, BW & TJ for input & inquiry. Photo from artrising.com)

Melodies by MJB

The latest celebrity launch is here with the ultimate accessory. "When I accessorize, sunglasses are equal to jewelry," so says MARY J. BLIGE.

Join her as she goes on "tour" to introduce her new eyewear collection, MELODIES, today at Nordstrom. With each in-store purchase, there's VIP access to meet MARY and take a photo (as time permits). Can't make it to an in-store appearance, purchase online at http://www.nordstrom.com/.

Today/Oct 14th

Nordstrom Garden State Plaza

501 Garden State Plaza

Paramus, NJ 07652

201/843.1122 x1280

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

The promo tour continues in key cities at select Nordstrom stores. Click here for more info. Check out the fall collection here.

Hair We Go

When it comes to my hair, I'm one to stick with what works for me. Especially in the way of conditioning treatments. Usually for a very long time. So since an inquiry came in for hair product reviews, I decided to see how one of my former favorites was faring.

KERASTASE has a number of shampoos, masques, leave-ins, and conditioners to fight frizz and dryness. KERASTASE BAIN SATIN and MASQUINTENSE won InStyle's Best Beauty Buys for the last three years (and 2005). Why? Industry pros love the shine-enhancing duo. The shampoo is infamous for restoring balance and moisture to dry hair/$34. The masque hydrates thick/dry hair (mine) and makes it soft and manageable/$58. For a KERASTASE Consultant Salon near you, click here.

Naked Beauty by Urban Decay

There is a reason this item is always sold out.
The neutrals of NAKED by Urban Decay is anything but boring. The palette consists of a dozen velvety shadows that are highly pigmented, ultra soft, and oh so sexy! Shades range from champagne to pearl black to carry you from day to night. It contains a dual-ended liner (black and dark brown) for defining and a shadow primer to make sure it all stays in place. Finishes include shimmer, satin, matte and glitter! Comes with a built-in mirror AND the magnetic flip top ensures it won't open in your cosmetic bag.


My favs from this (as shown):
Half Baked/shimmery yellow gold
Smog/shimmery bronze
Darkhorse/shimmery chocolate
Hustle/shimmery dark brownish plum

At Sephora or UrbanDecay.com for $44 -- it's a steal. Just make sure you have brushes to blend each shade perfectly.

The Turban Trend Poll

We have some daring divas out there. 62% of you would wrap things up with the turban.

In my opinion, it's a trend to try...fearless and fierce.

Send a picture if you do: blackswan226@gmail.com!

The Philip B. Travel Kit

For the well-travelled man or the gym buff, this is an introduction to quality products. The four PHILIP B. favorites are encased in a clear travel bag, each only two ounces.

• Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo -- invigorating peppermint stimulates circulation and cleanses without stripping. The hydrating avocado provides elasticity or use the
• African Shea Butter Shampoo -- sixteen plant extracts provide a gentle yet thorough cleansing and conditioning. Also prevents breakage and safe for color treated hair.
• Nordic Wood One Step Hair & Body Shampoo -- the perfect "2 in 1" -- the aromatic scent of green forests. Moisturizes, tones and conditions hair, skin, and scalp with a blend of White Pine, Cedar wood, Camphor with Oat extracts and Aloe.
• Deep Conditioning Creme Rinse -- more African Shea Butter and plant extracts soften even the driest hair with wheat germ and other essential oils so you feel the difference. And it's paraben free.

All for $30/www.philipb.com.

Jordin & Justin

She's joining the long list of celebs who indulge us with fragrance. JORDIN SPARKS will launch "Because of You" next week at a very affordable price point online. Then, the "fruity floriental" scent will be available in Target stores November 1st.

Check out www.dots.com to purchase the perfume for $9.50 for a 2.5 oz bottle. Thereafter, it will go for a moderate $14.95. SPARKS wanted her fans to have "a high-quality, reasonably priced scent in this economy."

Per Lucky (online) another singing sensation nailed a deal with Walmart for an exclusive launch for Nicole by OPI. JUSTIN BIEBER inspired the six colors of the One Less Lonely Girl Collection coming in December 2010. Read more here.

The Turban Trend

Head gear has always been part of fall. Hats, caps, fedoras and now making its "debut" is a different headpiece. As seen at Fashion Week, turbans have made a comeback (again --to the right: FW07/PRADA ).

This year, they were seen at a few runway shows by designers like GIORGIO ARMANI and JEAN PAUL GAULTIER. Now celebs, past and present, are sporting the trend like Salma Hayak, Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce. But no one takes ownership of the look quite like celebrity stylist, June Ambrose. This head wrap has been a part of many cultures for centuries. The plan is to take it to the streets. Is this a look for you? Take the poll to let us know.

(photo credits: Fashionising/EgyptSaidSo.com/Zimbio)

Beauty for A Cause

This month marks Breast Cancer Awareness. With each purchase of any of these items (and so many more), donations support research, detection, and treatment.

• SONIA KASHUK's Circle of Hope Kabuki Brush -- for a flawless finish. Avail at Target for $12.99 with free shipping/15% of sales go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
• JO MALONE Red Roses Bath Oil -- fragrant softener with lemon, roses and violets. Avail at Bloomingdales for $60/$20,000 goes to BCRF.
• OPI Pink of Hearts Nail Lacquer-- signature color of October supports Susan G. Komen for the Cure with a $25,000 donation along with $5,000 for Rethink Breast Cancer in Canada/$8 @ drugstores.
• BOBBI BROWN Pink Shimmer Brick Compact works well with pink blush to give off a soft glow and donates $35,000 to BCRF too. At Nordstrom for $38.
• WHITE + WARREN Cashmere Slippers -- blanket your feet in ultimate comfort/$165 at WhiteandWarren.com. Fifty percent of proceeds goes to Women at Risk at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.

Whether it's a purchase for yourself or a gift, it will benefit someone else.