May
17th

Saturday Giveaway! Sephora Brand Safari Goodies

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What's black and white and read all over? This post that is. That's right, our friends at Sephora and I are giving away zebra inspired goodies!

Today's giveaway is for select items from the Safari Collection. There's a large handle bag, a triangle bag, a clear bag, and a pencil case. All you need to pack up your makeup for your very own safari.

Want to enter? Just take the quiz by 5 p.m. PDT today, and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to enter. So if you're not already one, register for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: You must be logged in to TeamSugar for your vote to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

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May
16th

Trend Alert: Bright Pink Nail Polish

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More and more celebrities are jumping onto the summertime neon nail polish bandwagon. We've seen hot pink shades since April, but it seems like they are brighter and more popular than ever now. Rihanna likes pink, orange, and yellow, and yesterday we spotted Lauren Conrad and Christina Aguilera both wearing electric pink. How cute would it be if Lauren had on Whitney from Zoya's Hills-inspired collection? For those of you who like to match your nails to your lipstick, check out this bevy of pretty pink polishes to go with your favorite bright pink lipstick — have fun!

Bauer-Griffin Online and Pacific Coast News Online

May
16th

Definition: Blackheads

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I throw around terms like pimples, acne, blackheads, and milia pretty loosely, but there are distinctions between these various forms of bumps on your face. Since we already know all about acne and milia (those pestering deep white bumps), I thought I'd explain exactly what blackheads are so that you'll have a better understanding of your skin and the best products to use for your specific trouble areas.

Blackheads are comedones (clogged pores) that are blocked by excess oil and dead skin cells. The black color isn't because of dirt or makeup (a common misconception); rather it is from sebum that has been oxidized by the air. They are a type of acne vulgaris and typically appear in the T-zone. Blackheads are easily removable by extractions and by regular exfoliation.

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May
16th

Product Review: Breakfast in Bed by Philosophy

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Philosophy always likes to create fun beauty products. Some I like more than others, but I find that they make great gifts because there are so many themes to choose from. One of its latest launches is a group of three sugary, breakfast-inspired bath and body washes called Breakfast in Bed ($30). The products have the same 3-in-1 concept as the Shower For the Cure, which means that you can use them as a shampoo, a bubble bath, and a body wash.

Although I love to eat sugary treats like waffles, donuts, pain au chocolate (you name it), I'm definitely not as into food-scented beauty products as you are, so the Belgian Waffles and Fresh Cream flavors were unfortunately wasted on me. However, the Cafe Au Lait scent is TDF (to die for).

I love the rich lather, and the subtle coffee scent stays on your body even after you dry off. It's so good that I'm hoping Philosophy will come out with a follow-up moisturizer (hint hint). If nothing else, this wash is a fun way to indulge your sweets craving without actually packing on any pounds. Which flavor would you pick as your pre-breakfast beauty treat?

May
16th

Product Review: Breakfast in Bed by Philosophy

Files under Beautiful | Leave a Comment

Philosophy always likes to create fun beauty products. Some I like more than others, but I find that they make great gifts because there are so many themes to choose from. One of its latest launches is a group of three sugary, breakfast-inspired bath and body washes called Breakfast in Bed ($30). The products have the same 3-in-1 concept as the Shower For the Cure, which means that you can use them as a shampoo, a bubble bath, and a body wash.

Although I love to eat sugary treats like waffles, donuts, pain au chocolate (you name it), I'm definitely not as into food-scented beauty products as you are, so the Belgian Waffles and Fresh Cream flavors were unfortunately wasted on me. However, the Cafe Au Lait scent is TDF (to die for).

I love the rich lather, and the subtle coffee scent stays on your body even after you dry off. It's so good that I'm hoping Philosophy will come out with a follow-up moisturizer (hint hint). If nothing else, this wash is a fun way to indulge your sweets craving without actually packing on any pounds. Which flavor would you pick as your pre-breakfast beauty treat?

May
16th

Cannes Angelina Jolie Pull Off a One-Sided, Half-Up Hairdo?

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So far we've seen two beauty looks from Angelina Jolie at the Cannes Film Festival. The first was yesterday morning at the Kung Fu Panda photo call when she arrived wearing minimal makeup and her hair styled with one side half-up and half-down.

The second was last night at the Kung Fu Panda movie premiere. Her makeup was more defined and her hair was flowing long and loose. Both looks are beautiful on the glowing, growing star, yet I took a pregnant pause at the somewhat matronly, late '70s-inspired, one-sided style. Do you like this look on Angelina?

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May
16th

Coming Soon: Lola Cosmetics Prime Effects Pure Pigment Infusion

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Last month I told you all about the new Firming Sensation Tinted Eye Balms from the Lola Cosmetics Summer 2008 Explore the Lola in You collection, and now I've become privy to the final launch in the line, called Prime Effect Pure Pigment Infusion ($26). What makes this product unique is that it embodies characteristics of a foundation, a primer, and a moisturizer.

It's very sheer, smooth, it blends easily and provides decent coverage. Also, because it leaves your skin with a little bit of sheen, it's a great product for attaining a dewy effect.

It's formulated with antioxidants, vitamins A, B, and C, buriti and maracuja fruit extracts to help stop moisture loss, and calendula to cool the skin and even out any blotchiness.

I find that it's definitely moisturizing, which makes it great for Summer when you don't want to apply a moisturizer and a base. The only drawback is that I wish it contained some SPF to really make it a one-stop product. Prime Effects Pure Pigment Infusion will be available online later this month in three shades: nude, bronze, and pearl.

May
16th

Fragrance Review: Estee Lauder Beyond Paradise

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While this light and sweet, floral scent from Estee Lauder Beyond Paradise has been around since 2003, I've just discovered it. What struck me was the gorgeous gradated rainbow-colored raindrop-shaped bottle. And after I smelled it, I knew it would make a beautiful addition to my vanity with its mirrored ring on top of the wide neck.

The fragrance itself is more potent than anything I am used to from this brand, and it has a mysterious lingering after-scent that I can't seem to put my finger on. I'm guessing this may have something to do with a few ingredients I've never heard of such as eden's mist, jabuticaba fruit, mahonia japonica and golden melaleuca bark.

However, the ones I do recognize are blue hyacinth, orange flower, pink honeysuckle, laelia orchid, jasmine, zebrano wood and plum blossom. It's definitely the orchid that draws me in and the combination of seductive jasmine and sweet orange leaves me feeling invigorated and comforted. So although this doesn't rank as my favorite Estee Lauder fragrance (that spot is reserved for Private Collection, I like it enough to keep in the mix for the summer or as a tropical holiday option.

Beyond Paradise is available in three eau de parfum sizes ($39.50 - $6 in a 6.7 oz body lotion ($39.50) and a 6.7oz body wash ($30). Are you interested in giving it a whirl?

May
16th

DIY Spa Treatment: Hot Oil Treatment For Dry Hair

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Hot oil treatments are a fast and easy way to help restore elasticity, shine and moisture in dry, over-processed hair. They should instantly make your hair look and feel healthier, and they can be done anywhere from once to twice a week depending on the condition of your hair. I found this at-home hot oil treatment recipe from the Long Locks Hair Care Cookbook and have been eager to test it out.

Although I haven't tried this exact combo of ingredients yet, I have created a wonderful DIY treatment from a blend of jojoba oil, avocado, geranium oil and soybean oil. I loved the results, but found it to be fairly messy — and I didn't love the feeling of mashed-up avocado in my hair. That being said, feel free to add in fresh avocado, or a little jojoba oil if you desire. This recipe is simple, neat (you can bring it right into the shower with you) and it doesn't require a ton of ingredients. You'll need:

  • 1/2 cup of soybean oil
  • 8 drops of sandalwood oil
  • 8 drops of geranium oil
  • 8 drops of lavender oil
  • For three step-by-step directions,

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    May
    16th

    A Tattoo-Specific Sunscreen

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    A good number of my friends, Nancita included, have tattoos. So when she showed me this Tattoo Goo sunscreen stick ($6.49), I had to share it with you. Wearing sunblock is important for your skin's health anyway, but it's of special concern if you're inked up. Sun exposure can fade the color of your tattoo over time, making that cool orange clownfish design look like a faded, anemic guppy.

    If you already wear sunblock, you probably don't need to buy this separate product; anything with SPF 30 will protect your skin anyway. However, if you prefer a stick applicator, this makes sense. It contains a chemical sunblock, oxybenzone, as well as the physical block of zinc oxide. My only hesitation with this stuff is that it isn't waterproof, so if you're into aquatic sports, I'd stick with Bull Frog ($8.49), which is an all-around great sunblock for sporty types.