Lustful Looking...

I'm smack in the middle of an expensive summer. Among other things, I'm having a boat-load of dental work done right now...and dental work is spendy.  Add to that the fact that my computer crapped out and needed to be replaced yesterday.  Thanks to all of this, my beauty budget has been slashed.  That doesn't mean I can't window (or web!) shop.

Here are three items that I've been lusting after lately:

Tokyomilk Cosmetic Bags, $14 each.  These aren't ultra expensive, but I love the way they look!  My fave is the sea-inspired Oceanic Dream bag.  They're so cute and the little butterfly detail rocks.

Balsamo Italian Argan Oil Balm, $13.50.  Again, not an ultra-expensive item.  This is one I really want to try.  I love taking boring, every day products and pumping up the volume a bit.  That's just what these artisan-made balms do...and they come in unique and tempting scents like black currant, honeysuckle, and rose hip.  Plus they look cute.  Love it!

Tarte for True Blood Limited Edition Palettes, $52.  True Blood is one of my summer guilty pleasures.  It's a campy, over-the-top show and it's so addictive.  This palette is inspired by the show and includes 17 eye shadows, an eyeliner (I adore Tarte's eyeliners!), mascara, and an eye primer. Perfect for your inner vamp!

Beauty Product of the Week: Spin Pin

What is it? Goody's Spin Pin allows you to get "3 easy styles. Spin your style! Style guide inside features 3 spin pin styles. To use:
1. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck (no ponytail holder needed).
2. Twist your hair into a tight bun and tuck in the ends.
3. Spin one pin in from the top and the other up from the base, taking care not to interlock pins."
Available at drugstores and big box stores in either blonde or brunette for less than $7.00.


What do you think? Good Housekeeping gave this product a VIP (Very Innovative Product) Award and for good reason: it's easy to use and it works. 

I suck at styling my hair.  My hair styling skills are limited to a simple ponytail and, when I'm feeling plucky, flat ironing.  I've been growing my hair out--it's now just at my shoulders--and being able to pull it back and up into a quick easy bun is a great option, especially now that it's getting warmer.

The Spin Pin makes pulling my hair away from my face and up off my neck a breeze.  The instructions are easy to follow, and once you get the hang of it, putting your hair up into an easy bun takes a matter of seconds.  The Spin Pins keep hair in place without being overly restrictive.  They don't pull or snag, and they twist right out.  I can't stress how easy these pins are to use!

Lots of us have used pencils or chopsticks in the past to get our hair up into an easy bun.  With these pins, you can leave pencils for writing and chopsticks for sushi.



Final verdict? I like this tool so much that I bought an extra to keep in my purse. It's easy to use, easy to remove, and I love it!  Give it a try if you're a hair klutz like me!

Hello, Sephora

I love, love, love this.  If you haven't been by your local, friendly Sephora, you're missing out!  They're unveiling their new big collection: the Hello Kitty line.

I'm a grown-up and should know better, but I do love me some Hello Kitty.  Combining Hello Kitty and Sephora to make some super cute products?  Freaking genius!  Here's a link to everything Hello Kitty related at the makeup mecca.  And here are a few of my faves:

Hello Kitty Brush Set, $45
Inside a shiny silver Hello Kitty (that would look adorable on any vanity!), you'll find a lip brush, an eyeliner brush, an eyeshadow brush, a shading/blending brush, and a face brush.

Hello Kitty Compact Mirror, $18
This cute compact contains a regular mirror and a 3x magnifying mirror.  It's small and perfect for your purse.  (I have a Kuromi compact from Sanrio in my travel makeup bag!)

Hello Kitty Sweet Gloss, $16
This super-sweet smelling gloss is available in a number of light shades.  I like that it's a Hello Kitty gloss for grown-ups.  The packaging is cute but not little girly, and the colors are more adult than bubblegum pink.  This stuff smells so good!

If you're a Hello Kitty fan, you're probably a makeup fan, so be sure to check these products out before they're gone!

Tool Time: Turbie Twist

I blow dry my hair every single day.  I try to give my wet locks some time to drip before breaking out the hair dryer since I know that regular exposure to super hot products is not ideal for healthy hair.  Even after 30 minutes of drip drying, I still spend a considerable amount of time drying and styling. 

I just received a Turbie Twist to try out, but so far, I'm loving it.  The Turbie Twist says it's easy to use: you just place it over your head with the loop at the back, twist your hair like you would with a bath towel, and then loop it through the elastic band in the back and Viola!  Your wet hair is on top of you head, wrapped up in a super absorbent towel to help reduce drying time

I was a bit concerned that I would have difficulty figuring out how to use the Turbie Twist, but it was a snap to use.  My wet hair was tucked into a towel neatly, bundled out of the way on top of my head.  The towel is lightweight (unlike a bath towel!) so it's not awkward or heavy to wear.  I through on the Turbie Twist and easily did some vacuuming while my hair dried.

I still needed to blow dry my hair, but because the Turbie Twist absorbed some of the moisture, my drying time was cut down a bit.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the Turbie Twist and would recommend it.  You can get Turbie of your own from places like CVS, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc.--they run about $10 for a pack of two.

Tool Time: BrushLab Black Label Hair Brush

One of the more expensive beauty products out there is this:

A Mason Pearson nylon and boar bristle brush.  A brush like this could set you back $100 or more easily.

But!  You can save yourself some big-time cash while getting a kick ass brush.  Check out this:

A Black Label hair brush from BrushLab.  Like the Mason Pearson, the Black Label brushes feature a single nylon quill surrounded by tufts of natural boar bristles.  Brushes like this smooth out the hair making it ready for styling and finishing.  The nylon controls the shape and style of the hair while the boar bristles add shine and a polished finish. 

I received two Black Label brushes to try out...and I LOVE them!  They feel good on your scalp when you brush and they really do make your hair look and feel smoother...more finished. 

The Black Label brushes from BrushLab are a great alternative to the Mason Pearson brushes.  Better yet, the Black Labels will set you back about $20.  These would make a great gift for one of your fashionable friends!

Check out the Black Label brushes at www.brushlove.com or at your local Ulta.

You Can't Keep Your Paws Off This!

There are certain beauty companies that I adore.  These select few companies seem to consistently put out quality products at a reasonable price.  For me, one of these top beauty companies is Tweezerman.  I love, love, love their tweezers--they're my absolutely favorite on the market.

Right now, Tweezerman has teamed up with one of my favorite charitable organizations, the Humane Society of the United States. Tweezerman has introduced two new products: Paw Print Mini Slant Tweezer ($15) and Matchbox Itty Bitty Paw Print Files ($4). Featuring adorable black paw prints on a white background, these mini miracle workers are sure to and stand out in your favorite cosmetics case or purse and remind you of your favorite furry friend…especially while traveling. For me, these are purse essentials!

Here's the best part: Tweezerman is donating $1.00 from the purchase of each Paw Print Mini Slant Tweezer and $0.50 from the purchase of each Matchbox Itty Bitty Paw Print Files to the Humane Society of the United States in an effort to assist with their mission to “create a humane and sustainable world for all animals – a world that will also benefit people.”

Be on the lookout for these cute Tweezerman products!

Pro Tools for an Amateur Price!

I've tried many Ms. Manicure products in the past, and I've really liked them. They're easy to find, they're inexpensive, and their kits include everything you need to give yourself a pretty decent mani or pedi.

Ms. Manicure now has a new kit out that I just love: their Tips and Toes kit. It contains 9 pro tools, including two pairs of easy to grip clippers (one for your toes, the other for your fingernails), orange sticks, a pumice stone, and other great stuff. The best part is that it will only set you back about $10 or so.

Use this kit to save yourself some money! You can easily give yourself a salon-quality mani or pedi by following these tips:

FOR BOTH A MANICURE OR PEDICURE:

1. Get everything you need set up in one place before you start. The last thing you need is to be running around looking for a nail clipper when you're trying to give yourself a relaxing at-home spa beauty session!
   
2. Remove any old nail polish. (Click here for my Battle of the Nail Polish Removers!)

FOR A PEDICURE:

1. Soak your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a foot soak, go ahead and use it. If not, try some Epsom salts. Even if you use water and nothing else, do NOT skip this step!
2. Clip your toenails straight across with toenail clippers. Doing so will help prevent ingrown nails or nail infections. Also, don't clip your toenails too short!
3. Using cuticle cream and an orange stick, gently push back your cuticles. Never, ever, ever cut your cuticles. Doing so could result in an infection! Not pretty.
4. Use a pumice to exfoliate your feet, paying particular attention to your heels and the balls of your feet. You may have a lot of cracked and flaky skin that needs tending to. Take your time exfoliating and don't be too rough on your feet. Avoid "cheese grater" style foot stones--they may take off a little too much!
5. Massage your feet with a foot lotion. Try something with peppermint in it to make your skin feel rejuvenated and to cut down on foot odor.
6. Make sure your nails are not covered in lotion.
   
7. Use cotton balls or a specially designed toe spreader to spread out each toe.
8. Apply a base coat to each nail. Doing so will help your polish last longer and will prevent the color from leaching into the nail which results in your nails looking yellow when not polished.
9. After allowing the base coat to dry, apply two coats of your nail color.
   
10. Allow nail color to dry and then apply a top coat.
11. Give your toes enough time to dry before putting on shoes/socks or becoming overly active.
12. Between pedis, try these Tea Tree Oil Foot Wipes--they are easy to use and make your feet feel refreshed, clean, and cool in a matter of seconds. Plus you can stash them in your purse or beach bag--they're great for the summertime!

FOR A MANICURE

1. Like with a pedicure, take 10 to 15 minutes to soak your hands. Dry when done.
2. Trim nails if they are very long.
3. File nails in one direction. Do not go back and forth across your nails in a see-saw fashion!
4. Use cuticle cream and an orange stick to gently push back your cuticles. Again, DO NOT CUT YOUR CUTICLES!
5. Massage your hands. If you have an at-home microdermabrasion kit, you can use it on your hands to soften them up. If not, use any exfoliating cream you have on hand, or just massage your skin with your favorite hand cream.
6. Make sure your nails do not have lotion on them!
7. Apply a base coat and allow to dry.
8. Apply two coats of your nail polish and allow to dry.
9. Apply your top coat.
10. Give yourself plenty of time to let your nail color dry before using your hands for heavy duty work!

ecoTOOLS Giveaway!

It's still April, which means it's still Earth Month! And to wind down the month, I'm hosting a little giveaway, thanks to my friends over at ecoTOOLs.

As a pioneer in environmentally-friendly cosmetic and bath and body care products that are affordable, effective, and eco-fabulous, EcoTools makes it simple to green your beauty routine without sacrifice; all you need are the right tools!

Just in time for Spring 2010, EcoTools unveils the brand-new body butter, body scrub, body mists and EcoPouf – helping consumers start the season with eco-friendly essentials for a spring clean and cleanse.

A little lather goes a long way as the pioneers at ecoTOOLS introduce yet another eco-innovation with the world’s first 100% recycled plastic bath sponge! Launching in March 2010 at Target stores nationwide, ecoTOOLS takes scrubbing to a new level and – pouf! – totally updates daily bathing routines. The first of its kind, the EcoPouf ($1.99) sets the standard for bathing, showing beauty buffs everywhere that getting squeaky clean and supporting sustainability can go hand-in-hand.

Strip skin of grit and grime, and replenish and restore radiance naturally with the “Polished & Protected” Body Scrub ($5.99). The earth-friendly exfoliating scrub contains crushed walnut shells that gently remove dry, flaky skin to reveal soft, smooth and stunning skin, proving you don’t have to sacrifice effectiveness for eco-friendliness! The brand-new “Replenish Your Natural Resources” Body Butter ($5.99) banishes dry skin while saving the environment. Enriched with mango butter that replenishes and hydrates all over, it meticulously massages to keep skin supple and well-protected. The body butter exudes a warm lavender, vanilla fragrance – and an eco-friendly recipe – that will put minds and bodies at ease.

Enrich the body and the earth with two fresh fragrances from ecoTOOLS. Featuring organic botanical extracts, the new “Passion for Change” Body Mist ($5.99) wraps the body in rich, earthly warmth with just one spray. Get back to basics with a natural, yet luxurious, aroma that soothes and settles. The new and improved “Blooming Planet” Body Mist ($5.99) returns with a revised floral fragrance. Notes of organic peony and passion flower shower skin with a sheer layer of soft, pink petals. With sophisticated scents, organic extracts and affordable prices, the ecoTOOLS body mists bare it all to bring green into daily beauty routines. Although you didn’t receive these samples, they are available upon request.

Now, here's the giveaway part: Leave me a comment and I'll pick two of you at random to receive an ecoTOOLS EcoPouf. I'll give you one week and will announce the winner next Wednesday. NOTE: this giveaway is open to US residents only--sorry! Please be sure to leave me a way to contact you. Good luck!

The New Gold Standard

After years of dominating the world of eyelash curlers, Shu Uemura recently pulled out of the US market. Their products will still be available online, but you'll no longer be able to pick them up in person. To me, this isn't a big deal. I never bought into the cult of the Shu Uemura curler and in fact found the cheap-o Revlon curler to be just as effective as the pricey "iconic" Shu Uemura offering (click here for an old post about this!).

But now, one of my favorite toolmakers, Tweezerman, is entering into the eyelash curling fray with their Tweezerman Pro-Curl Curler.

According to their product info, the Pro-Curl Curler is designed to exceed the standards and performance of any other curler on the market today. Reworked angles create excellent access to each lash like never before—allowing for effortless use and maximum curl. ProCurl's sleek body shape, with a larger opening, is tailored for exceptional comfort and unparalleled leverage. A narrowed top bar adapts to all types of eye shapes, and a thick, rounded silicone pad ensures intense, crease-free curl. You're sure to flip over this fringe-enhancing tool in its new uber-glam, rose gold color.

I've been using this curler for the past few days, and here are my thoughts thus far:

• unlike other curlers, this one does not pinch at all...which is a good thing!
• this curler seems to do a better job of curling my outer lashes--you know...the ones in the corner that can be tough to get.
• the curler is easy to use and doesn't require a lot of effort to get a decent amount of curl. I don't have to put too much pressure on the curler, and it doesn't tug quite as much as the Revlon or Shu Uemura curler.

So far, I give this product a thumbs up. I still think that if the cheap Revlon brand works for you, stick with it. But if you're in the market for something well made and will give you good results, and if you don't mind forking over a little bit more (this curler will set you back $20), I honestly prefer the Tweezerman to the Shu Uemera.

Need a Makeover? Get Thee to Sephora!

Tired of the short days and long, cold weather? Revive and revamp your look with Sephora’s trend-setting beauty. From accessories designer Tarina Tarantino’s sparkling new line-up, to Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries’ second fragrance, Santa Barbara, you’ll find something to spice up your mid-winter lull! Rejuvenate yourself with these fresh and fun favorites:

• Tarina Tarantino Pearl Glow Primer ($36) – Get glowing again! Made with pearl powder and light-reflecting pigments, this makeup base leaves your skin looking healthy and radiant.
• Tarina Tarantino Fleur De Lash Mascara ($19) – Create full-volume lashes with this superior mascara formula, infused with Vitamin E and Shea Butter.
• Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen ($22) – A lightweight, vitamin-enriched lipstick creates a gorgeous satin finish while moisturizing your lips in one easy swipe. Available in 12 shades.
• Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hypershadow ($19) – Sweep this finely milled powder over lids for a high pigment payoff. Available in 24 shades.
• Tarina Tarantino Fuchsia Revolution Brush Set ($69) – Inspired by Tarina Tarantino’s signature hair color, this set of five professional-quality brushes are perfect for effortless makeup applications.
• Tarina Tarantino Sparklicity Shimmer Dust ($39) – Sprinkle this shimmer dust on skin for a light, sparkly glow, or use it on your hair for a playful touch.
• Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Santa Barbara ($55) – Inspired by Leslie’s travels, escape to blue-skied Santa Barbara, with a scent that captures the true essence of the sea.
• Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Santa Barbara Roller Ball ($16) – Create your own fragrant memories with this travel size scent that glides on effortlessly and lasts for hours.

Resolution #2: Get Organized

I am an organized person in my professional life. At home, I tend to go for a more relaxed system of making piles and dealing with things later. And because of my makeup blog, I have tons of beauty products stuffed in what seems like a mountain of cosmetic cases.

The start of the new year is a great time to do things we overlook, like throwing out old makeup, cleaning brushes, and reorganizing our cases. Here are some pointers that will help.

1. Store your goods correctly. While it may be convenient, the worst place to store makeup is on your bathroom counter. Bathrooms have warm, humid air that can destroy all those minerals, oils, powders, and other crucial ingredients in your favorite products. Instead, keep your cosmetics in a makeup case or some place cool and dark and keep it out of extreme environments.
   
2. Keep it clean. To extend the life of your tools, you should clean them regularly. Experts recommend cleaning synthetic bristle brushes every couple of days and natural bristle brushes once a month. (Yikes! I am so guilty of having dirty brushes--I only do mine every few months. Oops!) To clean your brushes, apply a makeup remover, brush cleaner, or baby shampoo to the bristles, wipe the brush on a paper towel, run the brush under water to clean it out, reshape the bristles, and let it air dry. Viola! All clean and ready to go.
3. Keep it sharp. If you really love your current eyeliner or lipliner, invest in a good quality sharpener to keep your pencils from getting gnawed. If the tip of your product is really soft, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before you sharpen it.
4. When in doubt, throw it out. Makeup is perishable, and if you think your stuff is past its prime (i.e., if your nail color is milky, if your foundation smells off), the best bet is to throw it out and buy new stuff. See below for more tips on this...
   

How old is too old?
Ok, here's a confession: I keep beauty products forever. I don't know why, but I always feel guilty throwing out unused make-up. Consequently, my makeup kit is always littered with old products I'll never (or should never) use again. I think I still have a few tubes of discontinued lipstick lying around--eek!

If you're like me, you need to read this handy-dandy reference to help figure out when you should toss out your old cosmetics. Here are the shelf life guidelines for your favorite products:

• Mascara: 3 to 6 months. Mascara can easily get contaminated with bacteria, so it's best to buy this staple several times a year.
• Moisturizer: 3 months to a year. Manufacturers often include an expiration date on moisturizer, so it's best to heed their recommendations.
• Foundation: one year. If liquid foundation starts to change color or if it takes on an "off" smell (yuck!), throw it!
• Powder: two years. It can last longer, but it tends to dry out.
• Eyeshadow: powered shadow can last up to three years; cream shadows only last about a year.
• Eyeliner and lipliner: up to two years. Sharpening these products helps to discourage bacterial growth.
• Lipstick: two years. If it dries out, it's time for a new shade!
• Lipgloss: 18 months to 2 years.
• Perfume: up to 2 years. To keep them lasting longer, store them in the fridge or away from direct sunlight.

For all products, be sure you don't share with your friends, use on broken or infected skin (ick!), and make sure you take good care of your brushes.

I don't know about you, but I think I have a lot of purging to do. Oh well!

Tomorrow: Take your vitamins (and minerals!).

EcoTools for YOU!! (Giveaway)

Remember those awesome EcoTools bags and brushes by Alicia Silverstone I told you about earlier this week? (Click here to refresh your memory.) Well, now here's your chance to get a free Alicia Silverstone overnight bag (the big one with the green handles, above--second from the left).

I love this bag. It's roomy enough to hold almost all of your stuff, but it zips up into a pretty, compact bag that's perfect for travel.

To enter: Leave a comment on this post (be sure I have a way to contact you).

Also (optional):

• Tweet about EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone on Twitter (and if you're a Twitter user, follow me too!)
• Become a fan of EcoTools on Facebook
  

Three winners will be selected at random at 12:00 noon on Thursday, December 17th. Good luck!

ecoTOOLS Bags to Keep You Organized!

I love makeup bags, and I never seem to have enough of them. Weird. Maybe I have too many beauty product? Nah!

Anyway, if you're like me and you're always in need of more beauty storage, check out the new line from Alicia Silverstone and ecoTOOLs. Their new collection of bags is currently available in places like Walgreens and Target, and--like all ecoTOOLs products--they're designed with green in mind. Green as in eco-friendly since they're made of natural materials like hemp, and green as in budget-friendly since they're very reasonably priced.

Because ecoTOOLS teamed up with Alicia Silverstone, all the bags are cruelty-free and contain a floral design inspired by the actress and animal rights activist's favorite flowers printed with non-toxic inks.

The collection includes:

• Cosmetic Bag ($8.99): This small bag is perfect to throw in your gym bag or large purse. I gives you just enough room for your on-the-go beauty essentials.
• Train Case ($14.99): This is my favorite bag in the set. I gave my mom this case when she went on a recent trip to the east coast. She was impressed with how much it held and how little space it took up in her suitcase. Plus there's a clear case inside that can be easily remove for more flexibility.
  
• 5-piece Brush Set and Bag ($15.99): I love this set. You get ecoTOOLS super soft brushes (all made from natural and sustainable materials) and a cute bag to house them all.
• Overnight Bag ($19.99): This bag is huge! You can really stuff it to the gills--there's tons of space in this baby. It also contains two clear, removable compartments that will help you sort and compartmentalize your essentials.
  

I have used ecoTOOLs brushes in the past and I love them. They're great quality and they don't cost an arm and a leg. And now this new line of bags makes me love ecoTOOLS all the more. Check it out for yourself!

Disclosure: A press sample was provided.

Meet the Brand: Raw Minerals

Quick: Raise your hand if you've switched from liquid foundation to mineral foundation.

I switched over when I started this blog oh-so many years ago. And so far, I've been pretty darn loyal to two mineral brands: Bare Escentuals and Pur Minerals. The market is flooded with mineral foundations and lately I've been trying out products from RAWMinerals.

Let's learn about this brand:

RAWMinerals makes a full line of mineral foundations, an active veil containing SPF, mineral glow (similar to BE's warmth), lip color, eye color, and brushes. Their products contain active botanical ingredients derived from plants to fight wrinkles, even out skin tone, and revitalize firmness. Their stuff is free from parabens and other nasty chemicals, and the company is serious about using sustainable ingredients.

It's easy to root for a company that makes products from good-for-you ingredients and that has an environmentally conscious business philosophy.

But how are the products? I've been trying out their "Discovery Kit" that comes with 2 Mineral Foundation Shades, Mineral Glow, Active Veil SPF 18 and 3 Artistry Brushes.

I blend the two shades of foundation together and I get pretty decent coverage. Their products don't feel heavy and I almost forgot I was wearing anything, which is nice. I found the mineral glow to be a little difficult to blend correctly with the accompanying brushes, but since I prefer blush anyway, I was't too upset by this. The active veil does a nice job of finishing the look, though I don't think it really helps keep shine down for a long period of time.

All in all, I find that I use RAWMinerals interchangably with my other mineral foundation products. It seems very comparable to similar products from Bare Escentuals and Pur Minerals.

My only negatives are:

• The foundation doesn't contain SPF (though the active veil does!)
• The makeup brushes didn't rock my world, but I'm a creature of habit and it takes alot to get me to change my brushes!
• I'm not sure if it was the foundation or the veil, but one of the products seems to have a little extra sparkle to it, and I'm not a big fan of glittery products. I'm not saying that I look like a vampire from Twilight, but there is the tiniest bit of sparkle that doesn't thrill me.

My final say: I think RAWMinerals offers a decent product that's easy to use, flattering, and that has its corporate heart in the right place. If you're interested in switching to minerals, I'd recommend their Discovery Kit with very few reservations.

Oh! And they even have a deal for you, my fabulous readers. When you order online, enter code DISCOVERY50 and get 50% off your order. Nice!

Disclosure: A press sample was provided.

Mirror, Mirror

One beauty product tool we all need and probably rarely think about is a good mirror. The folks over at brushlove have launched a line of Stina Spectra handheld and desktop mirrors. I've been trying them out, and here's what I like about this line:

• They're bright and easy to find, so if you stash them in a crammed drawer, and overflowing train case, etc., they're going to be easy to spot
• They're small but not too small. They can be easily folded up to reduce space so you can throw them in your overnight bag or large-ish purse. But they're not so small that you can't see you're entire face.
• You can hold them or place them on a table top. The handles fold back so they can rest easily, giving you hands-free makeup application (perfect for applying fake lashes!). Or, if you prefer holding your mirror, you can do so easily.
• They provide just enough magnification so you can see those stray hairs you need to pluck easily but without all the distortion from a 10x magnifier.
• They're priced right. The round mirror and square mirror cost $9.98 each; the bright green rectangle will set you back $10.98.

These mirrors are available from brushlove.com and if you buy any product on their website (except for Mason Pearson products), you'll can save 40% on your order. Just enter blog40 when you check out. This deal is good until 11/25/09.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided.

New Uses for Beauty Tools!

Life happens. And so do fashion and beauty blunders. We leave the house with too much blush on, deodorant stains on our black t-shirts, fake eyelashes dangling from our perfectly made-up faces – the list goes on and on. Forgo common disasters and refine your inner recessionista by thinking outside the box with your beauty products. The good folks over at Ms. Manicure have some lessons in how to fix fashion fiascos with these multi-functional nail products:

Don’t worry about hand washing your favorite sweaters anymore. Solve your pilling problems with Ms. Pedicure’s Rock ‘n Sole ($1.99). By rubbing this dry pumice stone over sweaters, the little fuzzies that cause so much distress will be gone. Make sure to lay the clothing on a flat surface before gently stroking the fabric with the stone. Keep the stone clean and dry for future use!

Scared your eyelashes might fall off into your dinner plate a la the last date you went on? Give them extra security by applying them with the tweezers from Ms. Manicure‘s Handy Dandy Mani kit ($9.99). First, let lash glue sit for 30 to 60 seconds prior to using. Then, pick up individual lashes with tweezers, dip the ends in glue and securely apply them to the base of the eyelid. Make sure to coat them with mascara afterwards for extra protection!

Spill something on your new suede boots? You might not have to head for the shoe store for another pair just yet. Grab an emery board, like Ms. Manicure’s Call Your Buff ($2.99), and lightly rub the stain. Use the soft, buffer side of this four-sided board to ensure that your boots don’t get damaged in the process. Then, hold the shoe over steam from a boiling pot (or teakettle) on the stove to completely remove it. This works for suede clothing as well!

For a list of retailers and to check out other recession-friendly products, visit www.msmanicure.com and www.mspedicure.com.

Brush Off

A few weeks back, I was talking with someone on Twitter about hair. She was saying that she was unhappy with her hair and wasn't sure if she should replace her hair dryer or her brush. I suggested that she try a new brush before investing in a new hair dryer. (Hey, @DarthMittens: I know you got a new brush--did that solve your problem or do you plan to get a new dryer?)

I've been trying out new brushes for myself, from a website called BrushLove.com. Here are my thoughts:

Brushlab Ceramic Flow Thermal Round Barrel Hair Brush
Description: Brushlab ceramic flow hair brush helps create and reduce frizz. Its round aerated barrel allows air to flow through the brush instead of bouncing off and blowing hair away from the brush. The entire barrel is ceramic and produces uniform heat quickly. The short, stiff bristles are treated with tourmaline to help break up moisture molecules and help destroy odor-causing bacteria. $11.98

My thoughts: I usually use a smaller barrel round brush, but this one makes my hair really shiny and gives me tons of body. My hair feels bouncy! If it were a little smaller in diameter, it would be easier for me to use, but that's my issue more than a problem with the brush. Here's a really weird thing about this brush: my cat absolutely loves it! Seriously, when he hears me grab it off the bathroom counter he comes a-running. He is insane and oddly obsessed with this brush--it's funny!

Brushlab Pretty Pink Dual Mirror Brush Combo Hair Brush
Description: Ultra-fashionable dual purpose hand mirror plus nylon ball-tipped styling/detangling brush. Great size for travel. Pink is in!!! $9.98

My thoughts: I like that this is bright pink. It makes it easy to find in my often disorganized life! This is the perfect brush for packing in a bag since it does an excellent job, feels good on the scalp, and has the added bonus of the mirror.

***

The brushlove website is giving away a PING Digital Hair Iron ($159.99 retail) to 5 winners who compete their survey. Want to enter? Click here.

P.S. You can find me on Twitter here.

This Giveaway is Full of Hot Air

Ok everyone....I'm excited about this one!

Thanks to the good folks over at T3, I am pleased to be offering a T3 Featherweight Dryer giveaway!

T3 is marking its 5th year anniversary this month, and to do so, they're offering some great deals on their revolutionary products. Click here for all the details on their Style, Save, Celebrate website. (I noticed over on Facebook that Sephora is running some budget saving deals on these time saving hair products.)

Here's what you should know about T3 (from Sephora's website):

Imagine a blow dryer that's actually good for your hair? You plug it in, and rather than blasting your strands with damaging heat for the better part of the next hour, you're done in half the time and your hair is hydrated, full of shine, and all the more healthier? Whether you want sleek, poker-straight strands or soft, sexy waves, pulling off either has never been easier or faster if you're armed with a T3. Infused with crushed tourmaline, a semi-precious stone that has unique electrical properties, this innovative line of blow dryers, flat irons, and diffusers is taking hair styling to an entirely new level.

T3's line of tools will hep you acheive beautiful, healthy looking hair in less time and with less damage than normal hair styling tools. Over 1 million people have used T3's time saving, hair saving tools since their launch 5 years ago.

As the company’s five-year anniversary approaches this September, T3 thought it would be fun to do a few calculations and determine exactly how many hours their consumers have saved while creating a fabulous look day in and day out. The result? If you were one of the first to use the T3 Featherweight Dryer when the company burst on the scene and revolutionized hair styling five years ago, you saved an average of 10 minutes every day. Assuming you style your hair six days a week, that works out to 270 hours or approximately a one-week vacation!

Nice!

And now you can try a T3 Featherweight Dryer for free! How? All you need to do is leave me a comment here on this blog entry by next Friday (9/25). A winner will be picked randomly. Please be sure to enter today!! Good luck. Please note: this offer is good for US residents only--sorry!

Double Duty at Sephora!

I was wandering through my local Sephora the other day--as I often do--and was checking out some new brushes in the Sephora line.

The brushes caught my eye because they were both cute AND multi-functional. Here's what Sephora has to say about them:

Make Yourself Twice as Pretty!
Double-Ended Color-Dipped Brushes Have Arrived…Only at Sephora

Need a hand or two to get on your gorgeous way? Keep your face looking flawless and your eyes looking extraordinary with five of Sephora’s new two-in-one tools. From hot pink complexion perfection brushes to bright yellow eye mastering tools, these colorful treats will give you a double dosage of beauty-full!

Jazz up your makeup bag (and your face) with these beauty gadgets:

Sephora Collection Double-Ended Smoky Eye Brush ($18) – Equipped with a slanted eyeliner brush and a smudge dome in posh purple, this tool guarantees a stunning stare.

Sephora Collection Double-Ended Perfect Complexion Brush ($35) – With its pretty-in-pink brush fibers, this multitasking must-have features a two-in-one foundation and powder brush for a flawless finish

Sephora Collection Double-Ended Every Day Eye Brush ($18) – Successful shading is what this brush is all about. Now you can apply shadow all over the lid and blend your way to fabulousness with this fun orange brush.

Sephora Collection Double-Ended Grab’n Go Brush ($32) – Grab this go-getter, perfect for applying all-over shadow, loose powder, and compact foundation. One brush, two sides, three big effects!

Sephora Collection Double-Ended Winged Brush ($18) – This is your ticket to sophisticated eyes! Use this yellow brush to draw a fine line, then apply cream or powder to your eyes.

What do you think of these? I think they're pretty awesome, though my only concern is how I would store them. I usually house my brushes in the brush slots in my bag, but doing so could damage one end. Hmmm....

Still, I might have to pick (at least) one of these babies up!

Beauty Quickies, Part 2

As we are all painfully aware, money is tight at the moment. These beauty and personal care products will make you feel pampered without having to spend a lot:

MS. MANICURE
One easy thing to cut out of your budget are all the extras...you know, morning coffees from Starbucks and regular pedicures and manicures. I can't help you with the coffee thing (actually, I can! Pick up a Keurig and brew single-serve coffee at home before heading out for work or school), but for your nails, I whole heartedly recommend Ms. Manicure products.

I've mentioned them before, but I was using a Ms. Manicure nail kit the other day and was impressed with the number of tools you get for next to nothing. Their Handy Dandy Mani solves all of your impromptu nail issues. Featuring Cuticle Nippers, Nail Clippers, Nail Scissors, Wood Cuticle Sticks, a Nail Brush, a Washable Salon Board, 4-Way Nail Buffer, and Slant Tip Tweezers, this beauty booty will keep your nails looking fresh and clean. At just $9.99 for the kit, you can keep on at home and stash one at your desk (or in your locker). Nice! Click here for more info.

ECO-TOOLS BRANCHING OUT
I really like Eco-Tools makeup brushes because they're inexpensive, high quality, and are made from good-for-the-earth materials. Now Eco-Tools is coming out with personal care products like “Clean Skin, Cleaner World” Body Wash ($7.99), “Sustainable Softness” Body Lotion ($7.99), “One Hand Helps the Other” Hand Cream ($7.99), and “Blooming Planet” Body Mist ($7.99). Their new line of products is 98% from nature, paraben-free, phthalate-free, dermatologist-tested and cruelty free. Check their website for retailers.

MOUTH FRESHENING TRIO
So you've spent a ton of time (and money) making sure your skin is perfect, your makeup amazing, and your body perfumed and primed for the day. But don't forget to focus on your breath! If you want to get long-lasting freshness and a very clean feeling mouth, try the new trio of Crest Extra White Plus Scope Outlast ($3.25 for 4 oz. or $4.25 for 7.6 oz.), Oral-B Advantage Floss Picks Plus Scope Outlast Flavor ($3.49 for a bag of 75), and Scope Outlast mouthwash ($4.99 for 750 ml or $5.99 for 1250 ml).

These products is infused with the advanced Outlast technology that binds tightly with select receptors in your mouth, triggering a minty fresh sensation that lasts longer than ordinary products. I've been using the trio for a few weeks now and WOW! They really make you mouth minty and fresh. And fresh breath is a perfect fashion accessory since it's always in season! Look out for them at drugstores and big-box retailers this month.