Oct 152009
Oct 142009
Banana Republic is launching Republic of Women soon (I thought it was already out, but I’m not finding it on the BananaRepublic.com website), and it’s a lovely fragrance.
It’s definitely in the floral category, but it’s a sophisticated floral, which is exactly what you would expect from Banana Republic. The top notes are:
- osmanthus
- bergamot
- lychee
Middle notes of:
- peony
- jasmine
- Moroccan rose
Base notes include:
- precious woods
- soft musk
I’m not a huge fan when I first apply it, but the drydown is actually quite lovely. It kind of hits you with it’s florals, then settles into a nice, wearable, daytime fragrance. This doesn’t grab you and make you believe in it, but it is subtle and respectable.
$48 at BananaRepublic.com
Oct 132009
Like many of you, I’m obsessed with lip balms. I mean, really, who wants “chappy lips” as we call them in my house? I can’t do anything without something on my lips, and the last thing I do before going to sleep is to put something on my lips to keep them moisturized and heathy through the night, since I know my daytime lip is going to involve color, rather than nutrition.
Enter Lisa Hoffman Spa Facial Lip Moisturizer. I received this to try while I was in New York recently, and when I couldn’t find my usual Rosebud salve, I decided to try this one out. At first, I thought it was a little weird. First of all, it’s a pretty large bottle, nothing like your usual lip balm. Then, I pumped some out, and it was a clear gel. I thought for sure this was going to be a big bust, because, really? A clear gel? How moisturizing could that be? I was wrong. It doesn’t take much – just a tiny bit smoothed on your lips feels absolutely amazing. It’s nice and thick, just like I like my balms to be, and it lasts a long time.
I’ll be keeping this on my nightstand for the winter – it’s going to ward off dry, cracked, and uncomfortably dry lips. Grab it at LisaHoffmanBeauty.com for $24.95/.47 oz.
Oct 122009
Michael Kors loves to bring the fabulous, doesn’t he? And he thinks that we all need to be red carpet ready, so he has launched a new fragrance collection, Very Hollywood, as well as a website, VeryHollywood.com.
The collection is unusual, in that it has a few things that we don’t normally see. Of course, it’s extremely visually appealing, which is exactly what we expect from Michael, with lots of pink glamour. Let’s take a look at the entire collection.
Very Hollywood Michael Kors Luxe Perfume Spray. 1.0 oz, $300.
Like a best-actress award on the dressing table, the Hollywood Luxe Perfume Spray steals the spotlight. Truly a fragrance fit for Hollywood royalty.
Very Hollywood Michael Kors Eau de Parfum Spray. 1 oz, $45/1.7 oz, $65/3.4 oz, $85.
The essence of Hollywood glamour in a bottle. The fragrance debuts with mandarin and iced bergamot as the plot unfolds with wet jasmine, ylang ylang and raspberry against gardenia and topped with Italian orris, creamy amber, and soft white moss with vetiver for the perfect Hollywood ending.
Very Hollywood Michael Kors Hollywood Fabulotion. 5.0 oz, $45.
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but this luxurious, lightweight lotion will leave skin soft, smooth, and looking like a million dollars.
Limited-Edition Very Hollywood Michael Kors Hollywood Signature. $25.
This golden statuette pen is idea for signing autographs at the after party, with ink that is scented with the Very Hollywood Michael Kors fragrance.
Limited Edition Very Hollywood Michael Kors Hollywood Gem Solid Perfume Ring. $40
Cause a stir on the red carpet with this one-of-a-kind cocktail ring. A solid perfume is discreetly concealed beneath the dazzling pink bauble. Perfect for touch-ups in the limo.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I really want one of the pens! It’s pink AND is has scented ink! Ridiculous, but how fun would it be to whip it out?
To compliment this fragrance launch, Michael Kors also launched the VeryHollywood.com website, which has a ton of really cool features. First, enter the Hollywood Correspondents Contest, where you will receive a trip to a red carpet event where you will report on your experience via video and Twitter.
The Starring You application is a super fun thing where you upload your own photos and create a tabloid-like layout that you can share on Facebook or email. Michael’s Faves is updated every month with Michael’s beauty tips, and the latest popular accessories. Also on the site is The Campaign, which gives you an in-depth look into the making of Very Hollywood and all those who were involved.
And as a special bonus, I’ll let you in on a little secret: if you visit the website soon and click around, you’ll find that you can download Lady Gaga’s The Fame for free. Enjoy! I’m off to buy a scented pen.
Oct 122009
It never fails – as soon as the weather begins to turn, my hands and cuticles start getting extremely dry and not so pretty looking.
I only just noticed it yesterday, but the weather here has still been fairly warm and mild, and I think our first cold front just recently moved through, bringing the temps down into the 50s at night at 60s during the day.
I love it, because I get to break out my fall clothes, fall makeup, and fall shoes. But I don’t love this dry hand thing. And really, it’s the only part of me that really gets dry – I never experience dryness on my face or even my elbows – just my hands, and especially my cuticles.
Luckily, I was lucky enough to be given a small tube of Upper Canada Soap & Candle All About Hands Avocado Daily Moisture Lotion recently to try out. It has been sitting on my desk, just kind of hanging out, for a really long time. However, as I started to chew on a dry cuticle while typing up a post, I grabbed it, hoping that it would at least distract me, if nothing else.
I’m impressed with it, honestly. It gives good solid moisture, and the feeling lasts for quite some time. I imagine combining the Exfoliating Hand and Elbow Scrub
Other products in the avocado line include Daily Moisture Hand Wash
It’s not super easy to find, but like most things, you can always find it on Amazon.com
Style Alert: Payless Having their BOGO Sale Now
sale
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Oct 112009
Remember when I was discussing those Christian Siriano boots by Payless awhile back? Well, I was walking around the mall yesterday and I noticed that they were having their “BOGO” sale, or buy one get one half off.
Now, I can never find those ankle boots in my local stores, perhaps those of you who live somewhere that doesn’t utilize a mail mule would be able to grab them. As for me, I have to shop online to find the really great stuff. Here is what I purchased from the sale:
These
Alice + Olivia
boots just make me happy with their redness. I have no idea what I’m going to wear them with, but I’ll figure it out.
Alice + Olivia
I am always looking for a nice pair of black flats, because I go through them like water. I am on my feet all day at work, and don’t usually wear heels, but always need a nice pair of flats to wear with trousers. These American Eagle Eve Ballet Ruffle flats will go with most of what I usually wear during the winter.
And did you know Payless offers FREE In-Store Delivery? Just have them deliver it to your nearest store, and you don’t pay a cent for shipping. It’s well worth it. Happy shopping!
Christian Siriano Gives us Fierce Style
what I'm reading
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Oct 092009
It seems like my favorite Project Runway contestant Christian is everywhere these days. I hear that he is getting his own reality show on Bravo, and his book Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self
I haven’t read it yet, but you know I’ve ordered it and am eagerly awaiting it’s delivery. The book promises tips on personal style, sharing tips on building self-confidence, and Christian’s own list of fashion dos and don’ts.
I’m sold.
L’Oreal’s Telescopic Explosion Mascara Does the Trick
Product Reviews, telescopic explosion
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Oct 092009
Honestly, there is a new mascara put on the market about every five seconds, don’t you think? It’s almost impossible to keep up with all of them.
However, one that stands out is the new L’Oreal Telescopic Explosion mascara, and one of the reasons it does is the funky new brush it has – it’s like a spiky ball!
What makes the spiky ball so unique is it’s ability to get to lashes that you didn’t even know you had. Specifically, it does a great job of reaching those inner corner lashes as well as those bottom lashes that are hard to get to. It also does a fantastic job of getting the TOP of your lashes – do you remember to coat the top of your lashes with mascara? Most people don’t.
If you’ve been around the makeup scene, you’ll know this isn’t necessarily a new concept. Givenchy did this earlier in the year with their Phenomen Eyes mascara, although I never got a chance to lay my hands on that one.
However, the L’Oreal version will be available in just about every mass retailer in November, and the suggested price of $9.99 certainly won’t break the bank. It delivers amazing volume, doesn’t clump, and the formula lasts – no smearing, smudging, or otherwise encouraging that racoon eye look by the end of the day.
It certainly satisfies my volume requirement for mascara. Above, I’m wearing the Telescopic Explosion in black with two coats applied rapidly as I was getting ready for work.
There is a bit of a learning curve with the spiky ball applicator, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly. I highly recommend at least playing around with this mascara – it may become one of your go-to items. It certainly has for me.
Dior Diva Auction Live Now to Benefit American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Good
beauty
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Oct 072009
The second annual Dior Diva Auction benefiting Look Good Feel Good is live now! They have many fabulous prizes to bid on including:
- Cherie Diva: A day in the life of Miss Dior Cherie. Business class airfare to Paris, two nights at a luxurious Paris hotel, bike tour of Paris, lunch, chauffeured tour of the sites, and much more.
- Professional Diva: Give your beauty career a boost with a one month marketing internship at Dior.
- Escape Diva: Head to the countryside and enjoy a tour of the Unionville Winery, eight course dinner, and a night at the inn at Lambertville Station.
- Preview Diva: Receive advance previews of skincare, makeup, and fragrance for an entire year – well before anyone else can get their hands on it!
- Red Carpet Diva: You and a guest are flown to LA to attend the Grammy Awards – plus a makeover prior to the event with a Dior makeup artist.
And that’s not all. Five more prizes will be revealed during the auction including Fashionista Diva, Precious Diva, Networking Diva, Lady Diva, and Glam Diva.
Head on over to the Dior Diva Auction and check it out now! And good luck!
New Facebook Page for Our New Name and Look
Facebook, social media
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Oct 062009
Since we’ve relaunched with a new look and a new name, we’re rebuilding our Facebook page to keep up with the changes! Be sure to become a fan of Retrodiva’s Beauty Bar over on Facebook! See you there!
Oct 062009
He’s not just into clip-in hairpieces anymore! Ken Paves is putting his styling secrets in your hand with his new collection of five heat styling tools. The collection includes:
- Professional Styling Iron ($100): Can be used to create straight looks or waves, due to it’s unique shape. Developed with Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic Plates, it provides variable temperature levels up to 410 degrees, shown on a LED indicator.
- 1800W Nano Silver Ceramic Technology Hairdryer
($100): This professional grade hair dryer is perfect for creating that blowout. Contains a 1800-watt motor as well as Nano Silver Ceramic Tourmaline technology for shiny, sleek hair. Boasts a two way speed setting, three way temperature setting and a cool shot function.
- Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic 1 inch Barrel
- 1200W Turbo Ionic Travel Hairdryer
($60): Perfect for those on the go. Dual voltage 120/140 dryer includes two speed settings, two temperature settings, a cool shot function, and a built-in transparent function. Includes a travel pouch.
- Travel Series Professional Styling Iron ($60): Slim for traveling, this mini-flat iron travels well. Nano Silver Tourmaline plates quickly heat to 410 degrees, maintaining high heat and distributing heat evenly. Mid-size portable design fits perfectly in the included thermal-lined pouch.
I had the chance to try the Travel Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic 1 inch Plate Flat Iron, and I think it’s really great for those with short hair, or hair that isn’t as thick and coarse as mine. It’s nice and small for travel, and the convenience factor alone is good. But I don’t think it gets hot enough for me – I need an unnatural amount of heat to really get my hair straight without frizz. I’d love to get my hands on the full size blow dryer, though!
Available at Ulta.
Oct 042009
Welcome to the new digs! I know I’ve been absent for just about an eternity, but let me tell you, it’s been crazy! I managed to catch the flu while attending NYFW, dealt with that for a week, then ended up with a bonus case of pneumonia! So, mostly I’ve been sleeping, which is good. Unfortunately, I haven’t been posting, which is bad, but here I am! Ready to get the party started.
So, while I’ve been getting myself well, I’ve made a few changes to the old blog. What do you think? Everything from the title to the graphics has changed, and I’m loving it. And get yourself ready for a ton of beauty posts – I met some incredible people and did some incredible things in NYC last month, and I’m working on sharing all of it with you!