Introducing CVS/pharmacy Beauty Club

the week is halfway over-- hope it's treating you well! i have some fun news that i think many of you CVS fans (like me) will enjoy...

it's the CVS/pharmacy Beauty Club!

the Beauty Club, was has been created as an extension of the popular ExtraCare program, and is the first ever loyalty program in the drug, food and mass retailer arena, providing members with special beauty benefits in-store and online.

if you watched People's Choice 2011, you may have heard Queen Latifa announce it during the show.

Beauty Club membership includes:

*10% off beauty shopping pass upon enrollment.
*$5 in ExtraBucks rewards with every $50 beauty purchase.
*$3 in ExtraBucks rewards on the member’s birthday as well as special beauty offers throughout the year.

so beauties, sign up and be sure to "like" the Beauty Club on Facebook and follow on Twitter for access to additional special offers and exclusive content all year long.

click here to join!

xo

Joan Smalls Named Estee Lauder's Newest Global Spokesmodel

last week, the Estee Lauder brand announced it signed Joan Smalls, one of fashion’s rising runway and editorial stars, as a new face of their cosmetics and skincare line. Joan, who is from puerto rico, will join the brand's roster of global beauties (Hilary Rhoda, Carolyn Murphy, Elizabeth Hurley, Constance Jablonski and Liu Wen) and debut in global advertising campaigns beginning in may 2011.

as the third new model signed to EL this year, Joan is a fabulous addition. says Aerin Lauder, senior vice president, "her smile, warmth and positive energy are perfect for the Estee Lauder brand."

Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Global Brand President, adds, "we are thrilled to introduce Joan to women around the world. she truly reflects Estee Lauder's modern vision of global beauty."





a little background on Joan: she made her debut in the world of high fashion in january 2010 when she was featured as the exclusive model for Ricardo Tisci's Givenchy F/W 2010 Couture show in paris. she has quickly ascended to fashion's top ranks by appearing on the runways in new york, paris and milan, for designers including Marc Jacobs, Prada, Gucci, Jil Sander, Derek Lam, Givenchy and Louis Vuitton.

Joan has also become a favorite of top fashion photographers including Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, Patrick Demarchelier, Mikael Jansson, David Sims and Craig McDean. she has appeared in editorials in the american, french, german and italian editions of Vogue, as well as in Interview and I.D. Magazine.

great addition, don't you think?

xo

NARS Opening First Flagship Boutique

yet another reason for me to get back to nyc...

my friends at NARS have just informed me that they will be opening the very first flagship boutique located at 413 Bleecker Street, located in the west village, come spring of 2011!

in addition to their already fabulous collection, this gorgeous location will feature exclusive items, and i'm sure will always be very busy!

xo

Bliss to Debut on Gilt Groupe!!

who doesn't love a trip to the spa? well beauties, beginning tomorrow you can find the fabulous skin-fixing and tension-nixing services of Bliss at your fingertips and indulge in the ultimate spa experience on Gilt Groupe!

for the first time ever on any luxury flash sale site, Bliss is partnering with Gilt Groupe for exclusive sales in multiple cities, offering treatments and packages with locations in new york, los angeles and six other cities in between!



to take advantage of this, log onto Gilt.com this thursday, september 16th at 12pm eastern through saturday, september 19th at noon eastern to find the de-stressing services of Bliss at your beck and call.

through this sale, you'll be able to choose from the spa's popular Triple Oxygen Treatment, a three-step complexion-reviving facial; the Blissage 75, a heavenly full-body rubdown, and the Homme Improvement Facial, a must for any well-groomed guy, just to name a few. and if you can't make it to the spa, you can still bring home the spa-quality treatment with products like Zest to Thrill, a citrus-scented bath set; Peeling Groovy, a gentle exfoliating formula; Hot Salt Scrub, a luxurious diy skin-soother, and more, all up to 60% off!


p.s., be sure to check out Gilt's facebook page for a live q&a with one of the Bliss expert estheticians on september 16th!

xo

Carrie Underwood Named Olay's First Celebrity Brand Ambassador

a first for the the brand, Olay skincare announced that they have chosen Carrie Underwood to be their celebrity brand ambassador. Carrie said at the press event, "i am very excited about this partnership." she added that she's been using "some product from Olay" for at least the past 10 years.

"Olay is something that women trust," said Carrie. "and i feel like people also have a connection with me and trust me because i can't lie." in regards to beauty care, she said, "it doesn't have to be complicated...you don't have to have 50 things in your medicine cabinet."

in addition to Carrie's appearance in print and television ads for Olay's "Challenge What's Possible" campaign (scheduled to debut later this year), Olay will also sponsor her Play On tour through the fall.


tell me: what do you think of Carrie partnering with Olay?

xo

Madagascar Orchid Fragrance Oil from Lisa Hoffman Beauty on HSN

tomorrow, august 27, 2010, Kym Douglas will be on QVC to present a fabulous treat from Lisa Hoffman Beauty: the best-selling Madagascar Orchid Fragrance Oil.

you'll be happy to know that with your purchase, 20% of proceeds from each sale of Madagascar Orchid Fragrance Oil will be donated to the Rainforest Foundation that was founded by Trudie Styler and Sting (yes, that Sting). voted "Customer Choice Nominee for Best Fragrance", this is definitely one to check out.

not sure how you would use a perfume oil? Lisa Hoffman shares that you can "...use a touch of the perfume oil in your hair-- it absorbs in nicely because it is an oil. apply just a little to the palm of your hand, then rub in. its leave a subtle hint of the fragrance."

Lisa loves the benefits of using a roll-on fragrance because "...you can control the application; it doesn't get on your clothes or on other people around you and doesn't waste any of the product. they are great because they are portable and you can carry them with you to discreetly reapply throughout the day or evening. oils penetrate into the skin and with the warmth of the body diffuse the fragrance."

find out more about this scent by visiting lisahoffmanbeauty.com and tune in (or setting your dvr) to HSN tomorrow!

xo

ARCONA Skincare Launching at Nordstrom!

breaking news, beauties! ARCONA, the fabulous skincare brand that makes our favorite celebs look their absolute best (especially before major events), is expanding to Nordstrom! the los angeles-based brand will begin this expansion in several Nordstrom locations across the country beginning now through october, 2010:

in august: Santa Monica, CA-- Santa Monica Place (opens friday, august 27th!); Las Vegas, NV-- Fashion Mall (love that mall!); San Jose, CA-- Valley Fair and Newport, CA - Fashion Island (another fave of mine).

in september, Chicago, IL–- Michigan Ave, Portland, OR-- Downtown, Dallas, TX-- NorthPark Center, Boca Raton, FL-- Town Center at Boca Raton

finally, in october you'll find ARCONA in Portland, OR-- Washington Square, Honolulu, HI-- Ala Moana, Short Hills, NJ-- The Mall at Short Hills and San Diego, CA-- Fashion Valley (yay!)


these Nordstrom locations will carry the entire ARCONA line, including favorites such as Triad Pads, Magic White Ice and Wine Hydrating Mask. don't see a city near you? you can order via nordstrom.com

xo

new makeup collection: AHAVA Mineral Makeup Care

i am a fan of the AHAVA brand, and was excited to learn the they will soon be launching their very first collection of makeup called Mineral Makeup Care!

the info shared with me described the Mineral Makeup Care collection as being formulated with powerful anti-aging ingredients and moisturizing properties including dunaliella algea (an indigenous dead sea seaweed loaded with vitamins, beta-carotene and amino acids) and AHAVA's Mineral Skin Osmoter™ (a unique blend of 21 essential dead sea minerals). also, users can expect to find the texture to be silky with soft-focus technology, to smooth over fine lines and imperfections for a flawless, natural, non-artificial coverage.



the line includes:

Light Foundation – an oil-free, medium coverage foundation that minimizes pores and provides a matte finish. can be used on all skin types.

Rich Foundation – a creamy full-coverage foundation that fades fine lines and provides a lustrous, glossy finish. ideal for normal to dry skin types.

Compact Powder – a silky, soft-pressed powder that provides light coverage and a natural finish. can be used on all skin types.

Loose Powder ­– a weightless powder that can be used alone or on top of foundation for medium to full coverage and a semi-matte finish. can be used on all skin types.

so, tell me: what do you think? is this a line you want to try? Mineral Makeup Care will be available september 1st on ahava.com and in Ulta stores nationwide.

xo

A Month of Beauty Giveaways at The Beauty of Life!

for the second year in a row, Jamie over at The Beauty Of Life is doing an entire month of beauty giveaways! going on now, each day readers will have the opportunity to enter to win an amazing beauty prize from brands like Balenciaga, Ted Gibson, Orlane, Tocca, Dermalogica and Dior, just to name a few.

fyi, these are top-of-the-line, amazing products, beauties! Jamie is a beauty expert, and i promise her picks won't dissapoint. so head over there everyday for the rest of the month (and subscribe if you don't want to miss out on Jamie's fabulous daily updates!) and enter to win!

p.s., each giveaway lasts for only one day-- from midnight to midnight -- with the winner being selected the next day. here to The Beauty of Life now, and good luck!

xo
image: Beauty of Life Blog

Beauty Blog Network Weekend Read

if you hadn't already noticed by the new badge to your right, i was invited (and i accepted!) to join the Beauty Blog Network a few weeks ago. this came as such a shock to me-- i never thought i would ever considered, to be honest!-- but i am so excited. not only am i part of another great network, but this has allowed me to discover even more amazing blogs and the people who write them.

so now, each weekend, i'll be sharing a web tour from an assortment of bloggers from the BBN network-- hope you enjoy!


Phyrra compares 10 Top Eye Shadow Primers for you. Find out which ones are her favorites!

Beauty Girl Musings shares her thoughts about Janson-Beckett's Sun Block Daytime Moisturizer.

Elke gets the hottest hair trend for this fall from Redken.

Beauty Junkie in SF found a great simple summer fragrance, a rollerball from Royal Apothic.

The Pink Sith overcomes an old misconception about Estee Lauder and discovers Pinkberry lipstick, now one of her new favorites!

A Touch of Blusher is in love with Shiseido Integrate's fall 2010 makeup collection.

Painted Ladies shows you how to maximize your powder eyeshadow with a layer of cream eyeshadow underneath.

Beauty Anonymous reviews Paul & Joe Protective Powder Compact Foundation from Paul & Joe's spring/summer 2010 base makeup collection.

Beauty and Personal Grooming wonders whether stuffing oneself with too much of superfoods and food supplements gives beautiful skin.


xo

Kate Hudson Named New Brand Ambassador for ALMAY

in recent beauty news, Revlon, Inc. announced that their Almay brand has signed one of hollywood's hottest stars, Kate Hudson, as its newest global brand ambassador!

"Almay is known for its fresh, effortless approach to beauty", said Kate Hudson. "i share that philosophy and i'm honored to be partnering with a brand that believes cosmetics should bring out the natural beauty inside every woman. at the end of the day we all want to have fun and feel beautiful-– that's what Almay is all about."

in her new role, Kate will become the face of new and existing Almay products and will appear in global multi-media campaigns, including television, print, in-store and internet placements. the first television and print campaign for the brand is set to debut later this year.

congrats Kate! i'm looking forward to seeing the new ads and products, aren't you? :)

xo
image source: zimbio.com

Marilyn Monroe Birthday Bash in NYC

Erno Laszlo has something really special coming up for the month of June, and i thought you fabulous beauties would want to know about it!

you may already know that the legendary skincare leader Erno Laszlo has been adored by countless hollywood starlets since its inception in 1927, but did you know the brightest star-- and most fabulous-- among them was Marilyn Monroe?!

as a devoted user and personal friend to Dr. Laszlo, Marilyn has become a very important part of the Laszlo legacy. so, to honor her memory, the brand has decided to throw her a birthday bash for her 84th birthday!

and...

they're calling on all Marilyn look-alikes and fans to attend!

if you're in the nyc area on June 4th, be sure to head over to Madison Square Park, dressed up like Marilyn, to celebrate!

for more info, visit facebook.com/ernolaszlo

xo

Taylor Swift Is the Newest Face of CoverGirl

congratulations are in order, beauties! it has been announced that Taylor Swift recently signed on to be the newest face of CoverGirl!



the 20-year-old, award-winning singer-songwriter (who has described herself as a "huge makeup junkie") just finished shooting her first ad campaign and will be representing a new line of luxury products for brand.

Vince Hudson, the brand's general manager, says of the announcement, "Taylor is beautiful and inspirational with her effortless-chic style, making her the perfect person to represent a new, luxurious collection of products debuting on CoverGirl next year."

isn't this fabulous? i have been loving CG's products as of late, and can't wait to discover what is in store come january 2011 when the television, print, and in-store ads will be launched along with the new line.


xo
first image by Larry Busacca/Getty Images via zimbio.com; behind-the-scenes image provided by Marina Maher Communications, Inc.

Estee Lauder Names Two New Global Faces

today it was announced that Estee Lauder has signed two new spokesmodels. these women are two of fashion's brightest runway and editorial stars-- french model Constance Jablonski and chinese model Liu Wen.

"Estee Lauder has always searched for global beauties that define a generation," said Aerin Lauder, senior vice president, creative director, Estee Lauder. "Constance and Liu Wen are the beauties of our time. both models have quickly captured the attention of the fashion and beauty world."

Constance and Liu will join the roster along with current models Hilary Rhoda, Carolyn Murphy, Elizabeth Hurley and Gwyneth Paltrow. look for them to debut in global advertising campaigns beginning june 2010.


xo

Shu Uemura Still Available Online

as you may have being reading around the web, the Shu Uemura brand will be leaving the states soon. if you're a fan, this is terrible news, but don't get too upset just yet!

while you won't be able to make purchases at department stores, or at one of the boutiques (these locations will begin to phase out in the coming months.), you will still be able to purchase products at shuuemura.com, and new products will also continue to be introduced via the site-- and i'll be sure to let you know!

you'll also be glad to know that shu uemura Art of Hair is not affected by these changes. they will continue to remain in top-tier salons across the country as well as online at shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com.


xo

CoverGirl Introduces LashBlast Fusion Mascara

happy friday my lovely readers! as you can tell from the title, CoverGirl has a new mascara. the newest sister in the LashBlast mascara family is called LashBlast Fusion.

now your lashes can have it all thanks to CoverGirl's first ever volume and length mascara. CG's global creative design director Pat McGrath (and all-around fab makeup artist extraordinaire) previewed LashBlast Fusion exclusively during fall/winter 2010 new york fashion week, including Anna Sui's runway show.


model Mirte Maas backstage at Anna Sui. image via style.com

LashBlast Fusion will be available at your favorite store nationwide come april, but good news is that you can get it before anyone else starting today, march 12th during the exclusive online pre-sale. pre-sale customers can take advantage of free shipping from today through april 5th. but hurry! only a limited amount is available while supplies last.

visit facebook.com/covergirl for a list of participating e-retailers.

tell me: are you excited to try this new mascara?

xo

Enter to Win the Chance to Become an ELLE Corespondant

do you think you have what it takes to be the next big-shot red carpet reporter? ELLE is looking for a fabulous someone to report the action at one of their upcoming star studded events!

so if you love keeping up with your favorite celebrities and think you can conduct a great interview, ELLE wants to see. your reward for showing off? the chance to win big!

send in your 30-second audition tape showcasing your celeb interviewing skills for your chance in the spotlight by clicking here.


xo
info and image courtesy of ELLE

bareMinerals Liner Shadow in Black Emerald

i was in Macy's with my mom earlier this week and saw the most gorgeous eyeshadow shade. it was bareMinerals Liner Shadow in Black Emerald (as the name implies, it can be used as an eyeliner or worn as an eyeshadow), and wowza! i loved it.

but i didn't buy it.

at least not that day...

since i'm trying not to be such an impulse shopper, i held off on the purchase. but i thought about it all week, so that was my sign that would use it. i have done the same thing in the past and forgotten about a product, so this doesn't always happen.

in any case, you guessed it, i bought it. so here are some pics of me wearing it (well, at least my one eye, LOL). :)


as a liner (applied with a wet liner brush)



with a bit of shadow over the liner (applied with a different, dry brush)



the dramatic eye (i also added black liner to inner rim of my eye)

so pretty, right? i think the results look better in person, but hopefully these are good enough to pique your interest. there are over 45 shades of this versitile product, so i know i'll be adding more of these to my stash.

while we're on the subject of bareMinerals, the brand will be on QVC to debut their "I love BE" set. it's on right now as i type this (sorry, i know i'm late!), but also will be featured at 11am, 3pm and 9pm (eastern) on 1/30/10. this is a huge collection that includes full size products, some exclusive to QVC, so be sure to check it out!

if you have a BE retailer near you, i recommend checking out the Liner Shadows in person, but if you can't, visit sephora.com and bareescentuals.com for more info.

xo

Walmart.com Launches Beauty Products Online & a Giveaway!!

anytime i'm in Walmart, i have to spend a little time in their beauty department. i mean, come on, the prices are fab. now Walmart.com is offering a selection of beauty products that can be purchased for home delivery.

Walmart's top-selling items from trusted, national brands like Neutrogena, L'Oreal, Maybelline, Pantene and Gillette have been added to Walmart.com's online assortment and can now be shipped directly to your home!

the company recently sent me a sampling of some products they will have available, and want to offer the same opportunity to one of my fabulous readers. here's what's in the bag:



*Cover Girl Continuous Lip Color in Rose Quartz (two shown in the pic)
*Cover Girl Lashblast Volume Blasting Mascara in Very Black
*Cover Girl Eye Enhancers Trio in Shimmering Sands
*Crest Advanced Seal White Strips
*Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream with Amino Peptides
*Pantene Pro-V Moisture Renewal Shampoo for Damaged Hair
*Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant

so do you want these products to be yours? u.s. residents only-- send me an email, bgmcontests@gmail.com with Walmart Giveaway in the subject line. include your full name and your mailing info and that's it**!

the deadline to enter is 11pm pacific time, monday, november 2nd, 2009. the winner will be announced tuesday, november 3rd.

be sure to visit walmart.com/beauty

p.s. you can receive free samples of select health & beauty items online every day at walmart.com/samples

xo

first image, Todd Wright. second pic taken by me :)

**read please: entering this contest means you are giving me permission to forward your name, email and mailing address to representatives of Walmart for fulfillment and mailing of contest prize(s). failure to include all information requested will disqualify your entry. one (1) winner, chosen at random, will receive the prize mentioned. duplicate entries will not improve your chances of winning. giveaway sponsored by Walmart. some restrictions apply. open only to US residents only. entries will be accepted through 11pm, pacific time on monday, november 2, 2009. thank you. :)