Beauty Blvd.: 2009-03-01

Mar 7, 2009

UO Studded Belt

I love unique items, but sometimes getting something unique means spending an arm and a leg. Not this time though, I found a great belt at Urban Outfitters that's so cute. It's a wide twist belt with studded detailing, finished with an adjustable post closure and it's exclusive to Urban Outfitters.

12:00 PM by Joi

1 Cents

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Winners

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Maybelline Lash Stiletto Giveaway. Without further ado here are the winners....

Virigina
Awiii
Tracy
MnM
Nicole

Ladies, CONGRATS AND check your emails!

If you didn't win don't be discouraged more giveaways are coming soon!

9:24 AM by Joi

0 Cents

Giveaway .

Top 14 Makeup Removers

See which products easily stripped off eye makeup (and everything else)

We makeup junkies need a good product to take it all off at the end of the day -- no clogged pores or stained pillowcases for us! The makeup removers on this list left TotalBeauty.com readers with clean skin and without oily residue or dryness.

See products

No. 14: MAC Wipes, $25

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.9*

Why they're great: "These wipes are perfect for those of us who are too tired/lazy/intoxicated to wash our faces before bed, but who don't like the idea of clogged pores and dirty pillow cases either..."

No. 13: Estee Lauder Take it Away LongWear Makeup Remover Towelettes, $17.50

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9*

Why they're great: "They clean my face entirely, leaving not a trace of dirt or makeup. They are extremely portable and come in handy on any trip..."

No. 12: Lancome Effacil Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, $21.95

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9*

Why it's great: "It is so gentle and does not burn or sting your eyes. It has absolutely no oily residue..."

Want to see what's #1? Click here!

9:14 AM by Joi

0 Cents

Skin Care .

Mar 6, 2009

Thin Brows

I promise to never ever get my eyebrows waxed at a nail salon again. I don't know what on earth I was thinking, I was a tad bit desperate - my brows were out of control and I needed to do something about them STAT so I ran into the nail salon closest to the hair salon and got them done. Well, let me just tell you that lady seriously JACKED me up. I'll explain, I have a "good brow" and a "bad brow" I explain this to everyone who is coming at me with wax, tweezers, or thread, my left brow has a thin spot near the tail that if overly done will look like I have a slit purposely cut in circa 1992. That is totally not the look I'm going for so it's very important that i have some hair to hide that. Then my right brow is my good brow, it lays better than the left and just grows in thick and arches perfectly and this HEFFA jacked up the good brow! The tail is severly mishapen and it's entirely too thin. It looks nothing like the left brow and now I'm forced to try to "correct" the problem with a pencil and brow powder every morning. Ladies, I love products, but I also love the freedom of not having to perfect my face daily. Most days I go without any makeup, especially to work but now I'm forced to try to fix my brows. Thankfully, B. Kamins Chemist sent me a tube of their Eyelash Fortifier which is supposed to strengthen and grow lashes to a envious length, but I'm using it twice daily to help grow in my brows including the thin spot that I've had for years. Stay tuned for updates on whether or not this product helps.

7:00 AM by Joi

2 Cents

Eyes .

Mar 4, 2009

Revlon Pedi-Expert Pedicure Kit

Revlon Pedi-Expert Pedicure Kit is the brand new pedicure kit that's perfect to get your feet ready for summer.

Product Features:

-190 micro-files that safely remove calluses and dead skin
-Stainless steel finishing file leaves skin soft and smooth
-Catch all compartment ensures no mess, no fuss
-Lifetime Guarantee - no need to purchase replacement blades
-Includes nail clip and nail file

This is one product, I'm dying to get my hands on. For some reason the Pedi-Egg was just so unappealing to me. It might have had something to do with the dumping on the old dead skin flakes in the commercial...yuck!

4:36 PM by Joi

2 Cents

Feet .

Relaxation: A Skill & Neccesity

Ever since I started my new nursing job and I've really gotten into the swing of things I've been dead tired when I get home around 4:30. Like DEAD to the world tired, all I want to do is take a shower and go to bed. I've tried doing just that too, eat dinner - shower - then try to sleep but it doesn't work. Instead, I'm laying in bed thinking about everything that happened during the day, how I can manage my time better on my shift, etc. I've talked to my nursing girlfriends from school just to make sure I'm not going crazy and thankfully I'm not... apparently it's normal for new nurses. We stress the hell out while we're in school, stress out even more over the boards, and then stress some more once we finally start working.... experienced nurses out there - I have to ask, "does it ever end?"

Finally, I started realizing certain nights I fall asleep quicker than other nights and wake up feeling rested and ready for a new day and it all boils down to my shower routine. Well, the shower routine and the fact that I have completely cleaned my room from top to bottom and gotten rid of lots of clutter. Clutter = Restlessness in my book, anyway when I use certain shower gels, lotions, and body sprays I sleep better. It's like I'm washing away the stress of my day, sounds cheesy but when you use these products it's the truth. Pick something from this list and try it for yourself.

1. Molton Brown's Relaxed Traveller Set. Granted I'm not traveling anywhere but work to home and back to work, but I need to relax when I get home and this does the trick. The relaxed traveller set contains mini shower gel and matching lotion, sleep mist and relaxing pulse point balm. I have to admit I don't actually use the relaxing pulse point balm, but the sleep mist is heavenly. I spray myself, my PJs, and my sheets for the ultimate nightcap. The Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist contains essential oils of lavender, bergamot and ylang-ylang which promote inner peace and encourage restful, healing sleep.

2. Crabtree & Evelyn Aromatherapy Distillations - Relax. The scent of calming essential oil blend of lavender and rosewood, tonka, chamomile, vanilla and violet leaf make this Cream Body Wash and Soothing Body lotion a favorite when I'm really wired at night. A little trick try warming up the lotion before applying it by sitting the lotion bottle in hot water, I do this in the bathroom sink as I take my shower.

3. For a shower free option, if night time showers just wake you up all over again, try Bath & Body Works Lavendar Chamomile candle in your bedroom. Just don't fall asleep with it lit.

7:00 AM by Joi

4 Cents

Body .

Mar 3, 2009

Handbags 101: How to Choose a Handbag

(Marc Jacobs Bruna Quilted Metallic Leather Satchel)

Choosing a handbag can be a difficult task, however if you keep a few slight details in mind it can be simple. There are a few designers for the Spring/Summer 2009 collection that have created an exceptional collection such as Marc Jacobs, Gucci, L.A.M.B., and Tory Burch.

Comfort is the number one aspect when choosing a handbag. Whether you prefer to wear a shoulder bag, tote, cross-body, clutch, or hobo the handbag must have a comfortable wear or you will find yourself pushing it to the back of the closet.

(L.A.M.B. Women's Donington Rouse Clutch)

Color is an essential attribute when choosing a handbag. I find navy to be a great color choice for everyday wear; any shade of blue is a great pick to pair with jeans. For Spring/Summer 2009 a bright color such as coral or purple looks great paired with any neutral outfit. However, if you’re not that into colors white, metallic or off-white are great alternatives. Personally, I’ve never owned a black handbag. I just don’t feel that it stands out enough with any outfit.

A rule I like to live by: shoes and a great handbag should always make a statement!

Last but not least detailed handbags should be kept to a bare minimum. Grommets, rhinestones, or too many zippers can make any handbag look very juvenile. A basket weave handbag however is a great alternative if you prefer details, Cole Haan makes a great basket weave bag (pictured above).

When choosing a handbag for whatever occasion, whether it’s for a wedding or everyday use keep these three things in mind. 1. Comfort 2. Color 3. Detailing

Fashionista Tip: Don’t forget to inquire about a warranty; you never know when your zipper might break or you accidentally spill something on that white handbag.

12:00 PM by T. Wade

0 Cents

Accessories , Fashion on the Blvd. .

Calling all Lazy Girls!

Cosmedicine has a new face wash that's perfect for all you lazy girls who are just too tired to remove your eye makeup, wash your face, and use a toner before bed! Cosmedicine Healthy Cleanse Foaming Cleanser and Toner in One is a face wash that is gentle enough to cleanse your face and remove your eye makeup. I love the fact that it's so gentle if it gets into your eyes there is zero irritation - no redness, no burning, no watering and I wear contacts so this is especially important to me. Plus, it also tones and refines pores, what else could you ask for?!? I'm loving this cleanser, I alternate between this is my phisoderm cleanser.

7:00 AM by Joi

0 Cents

Skin Care .

Mar 2, 2009

Chic to Cheek: Benefit Sweepstakes

5:44 PM by Joi

0 Cents

IMAN Lip Shine Swatches

I recently tried out some IMAN Cosmetics Lip Shines. The colors are very sheer and barely showed up on my lips, but the amoount of shine my lips had was great. The colors I tried were Edgy and Exotique. Exotique was my favorite of the two and reminded me of MAC's Oh Baby because it's a golden brown with sparkles throughout, only it costs $9.99 instead of $14.00

7:00 AM by Joi

1 Cents

Lips .

Beautiful Body: New Plan

If you were tracking the Beautiful Body Series, I'm sorry... I fell off. Well, actually my "trainer" fell off and couldn't really help anymore. Anyway, I'm serious about the whole get in shape plan so I went out and got a Wii, plus Wii Fit. Apparently, I'm 36 in Wii years... I'm really 23 so it looks like I have a lot of trainer to do. I was actually surprised that the strength trainer part is hard! It's actually a lot harder than I thought it was going to be, but once I get a routine down I'll share it with you here. If you have a Wii - invest in the Wii Fit! If not, the exercises don't actually require a Wii but it's much more fun if you have one.

6:00 AM by Joi

1 Cents

Beautiful Body .