The Proof Is In The Pudding - Errr, Hair!: No Frizz Hair Care From Living Proof

I'm always looking for products to help me in my never-ending quest to tame the beast: the frizz ball on top of my curly-haired head. Thus far, I haven't exactly found anything that really minimizes the fuzz successfully. Recently, however, I have been using a new product line, No Frizz from Living Proof. This company has created a range of styling products for both straight and wavy/curly hairstyles, as well as a recently launched shampoo and conditioner for all hair types. In my testing, along with the shampoo and conditioner, I have been using the Wave Defining, Curl Shaping No Frizz Style Treatment.

Created by MIT scientists, this line was brought to fruition to try to attack the "frizz issue" - plaguing many when hair is subjected to humidity - from a "physics standpoint." While many other products are silicone-based, Living Proof's hair care utilizes more effective molecules and technologies. If it is beautiful, shiny, frizz-free hair that you desire, then look no further!

This is my hair on No Frizz from Living Proof (keep in mind this was after getting a bit wind-swept on my walk to the train):

The entire Living Proof product line can be found at Sephora stores, at http://www.sephora.com/, and online at the Living Proof website. The 8 oz. shampoo and conditioner retail for $24 each (they also have 2 oz. bottles available for $10 on the Living Proof site), and the Wave Defining treatment is $24 for 4 oz. ($10 for 2 oz.).

Have you tried any products from this brand or any others that have worked well to tame unruly locks?

Gloss Up Your Lips For A Great Cause: PurpleLab Goes Pink For Breast Cancer Awareness

PurpleLab has partnered with The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation to create a special lip gloss, SWAC ("Sealed With a Cure"), of which some of the proceeds will go to the charity. The gloss has been designed to boost "beauty, health, and confidence" while raising money for breast cancer research.

Here are some details on the product:

Paraben-free

Includes health boosting and immune system enhancing ingredients such as Mangosteens and Echinacea

Enriched with anti-aging peptides

Ultra-moisturizing, non-sticky formula

Scented with uplifting vanilla and contains real gold flecks

This "gloss for a cause" can be purchased at http://www.b-glowing.com/ for $18.50. For more information on the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, please check out http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/.

(C)hello Radiant Skin! Chella Enzyme Exfoliating Crema Mask

I've been a bad, bad beauty girl. Why, you ask? Well, I have a bit of a confession to make. I haven't exfoliated my skin or used a face mask for a month...or so. Deciding it was about time that I gave my pores a nice cleansing, I brought out my Chella Enzyme Exfoliating Crema Mask to help me in my efforts. This being my first time using the product, I had no expectations about how the mask would perform. I have to say I was very happy with the results!

This Chella mask contains enzymes that exfoliate dead cells from the skin while encouraging cell turnover. This results in a more radiant and youthful looking skin. The formula is very gentle (while it is exfoliating, it does not contain large or harsh scrubbing beads), so it is safe to use on even the most sensitive skin. Some of the key enzymes and ingredients in this product are: lactic acid enzymes, which work together with sugar cane and apple extract, to remove the damaged/dead skin cells, aloe vera, to heal and encourage skin repair, licorice extract, to purify and brighten the skin, and ginger root and horse chestnut, to stimulate skin circulation, giving the skin a healthy glow. Vitamins E and B5 work to help the skin retain moisture, softness, and elasticity. The Chella philosophy is to "repair and restore the skin by stimulating collagen production, nourishing and defending the skin's cells and defending the skin from free radicals and UV rays."

My skin felt so clean and fresh after I used this mask (which you only have to keep on for 10 minutes) and my blackheads were cleared away. What I found interesting was that the product actually had no visible color when applied to the skin (for some reason, when I think "mask," I think of a thicker, readily visible substance). The consistency is very light and soothing, not at all irritating to my sensitive skin. The exfoliating product does not dry up on the skin or harden. It just leaves your skin feeling "happy." Recommended use is once a week for best results. I am curious to see what continued and regular use will do for me!

The Enzyme Exfoliating Crema Mask is available at the Chella website and it retails for $60.

Bobbi Brown Rich Color Gloss For Fall 2009

New for Fall '09, Bobbi Brown introduces the Rich Color Gloss. This product offers the "full coverage of a lipstick, the soft shine of a gloss, and the luxurious feel of a balm." There will be eight shades of this long-lasting and moisturizing formula.

The Shades:

Naked

Ruby Red

Pink Raspberry

Merlot

Dusty Rose

Melon

Tutu

Pink Buff

These glosses will be available, for $20 each, at Bobbi Brown counters and online at http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/ in October 2009.

MAC Haul: Style Black And Dazzleglass Creme Collections

This past Thursday, September 24th, MAC officially launched two new collections in their stores and counters, Style Black and Dazzleglass Creme. Of course, yours truly was on hand to check out the new offerings and to pick up a few (OK, maybe more than a few) of the items that caught my eye. This time around, I enlisted the help of my friend, and fellow beauty blogging lady, Nancy (The Informed Makeup Maven), and we headed to Henri Bendel in NYC to check out the goods. Witness the damage that was done....

Volcanic Ash Exfoliator, $19.50

The infamous Volcanic Ash Exfoliator was a big hit when it launched previously with the Future Earth collection in May 2008. Having missed out on it the first time around, I scooped it up with the re-promote. I can't wait to take it for a spin! This is already selling out quickly.

Mineralize eyeshadows, in, from L-R, Cinderfella and Young Punk, $19.50 each

I was originally not planning to purchase any of the eyeshadows from the Style Black collection. When I saw them in person, however, I quickly changed my mind. These mineralize shadows look amazing when used wet (with Fix +, for example) or when layered on top of the Greasepaint Stick (a black base). The glitter just pops! There is some fallout (to be expected).





Greasepaint Stick in Intense Black, $17.50

This crayon can be used as an intense black eyeshadow base or even as an eyeliner. It is a true deep black with a gorgeous, yet subtle, opalescent purple shimmer. It is very smooth and creamy (creamier than a shadestick). I can't wait to use this with the shadows from the collection. This was (aside from the exfoliator), the product I was most looking forward to purchasing.






Mattene lipstick in Night Violet, $14.50

This is my first time trying the mattene formula and I was drawn to the deep purple color immediately (I am quickly becoming obsessed with more bold lip colors for the new season).





Glimmerglass glosses in, from L-R, Bling Black and Blackfire, $18 each

I think these will be best over lipsticks. Blackfire, with its purple sparkle, will look gorgeous over Night Violet mattene. I am excited to try Bling Black over a red lippie. The gold shimmer should really pop the color.






Dazzleglass Creme in Creme Allure, $18

All of these products, as well as other items from these collections, can be found, as usual, at MAC free-standing stores, at MAC counters, and online at http://www.maccosmetics.com/.

Did you haul anything from these or any other recent MAC collections?

"Hello Lover!": Illamasqua Powder Blush in "Lover" Has Stolen My Heart

I really don't know why this review has taken me so long to write, considering this is the only blush I've been wearing since I bought it....in July! A devotee of pink blushes since I can remember, I have decided to put those aside (and yes, I have many!) in favor of some peach-toned colors that warm up my pale complexion. Enter Illamasqua's "Lover," a truly gorgeous orange-peach shade that has been the answer to my prayers! I have been using this in conjunction with bronzer (I pop a bit of this blusher on the apples of my cheeks), and the result is the most beautiful warm glow. Some days I literally wear only these two products (aside from foundation and concealer, of course). As Illamasqua is known for their highly pigmented cosmetics ("what you see is what you get!"), it takes but a small amount to add sufficient color to your cheeks.

I imagine that this color would work well on a range of complexions (though the shade does have an orangey base). It is matte as well, completely devoid of any shimmer or sparkle, perfect for the Fall and Winter months, when you don't need to add a lot of shimmer to illuminate your face. The consistency is very smooth and easily blendable.

You can find "Lover" as well as 14 other shades of powder blush at select Sephora stores (see here for locations) as well as online at the Sephora site. It retails for $23.

Are there any blushes you are currently going "ga ga" over? Do tell!

Special Promotion From Aveda!

Aveda, specialists in high-quality botanical hair care, is offering free $15 gift cards to the first 350 people to make $100 purchases at http://www.aveda.com/. To redeem this offer, enter the code 15forFall at checkout. This offer is good until September 30th.

Urban Decay Apocalyptic Nail Kit

Behold this new collection from Urban Decay, a set of seven mini nailpolishes, in some hot colors for the cooler months! They're baaaack! The smaller-size bottles allow you to sample a range of color options without feeling "commitment phobic." This case definitely has you covered!

The Polishes:

White Widow - white sparkle

Gunmetal - gunmetal sparkle

Apocalypse - black-purple

Grunge - Metallic peacock

Meltdown - royal purple

Big Bang - sparkling hot pink

FBomb - true red

The new polish formula contains a special anti-chip technology, great for keeping the darker "manis" from spoiling a little too soon! The nail lacquers are housed in a metallic purple faux-leather case, and they would make a wonderful gift for a friend (or for yourself!)

Snatch up this kit at Sephora, http://www.sephora.com/, and http://www.urbandecay.com/ for a very reasonable $26.

A "Shoe-In" To My Fall/Winter Wardrobe: Lela Rose For Payless Cobalt Booties

I am loving the cobalt trend for the Fall, especially when it comes to shoes. Wanting to make that color statement without breaking the bank, I jumped on these Mallory faux-suede booties designed by Lela Rose for Payless. Featuring a sweet tie closure with tassles and cuff detailing, these booties boast a rounded toe and a fairly manageable 3.5 inch heel. I think these would pair perfectly with opaque stockings and a skirt, leggings and a long sweater, or even with skinny jeans. Versatility with a color pop!

These booties cost me $34.99, and I was lucky enough to find them at a Payless store in NYC (I was having a bad day and just needed some retail therapy!) While they are no longer available on the Payless website, you should definitely see if a store near you is still carrying the Lela Rose line.

What do you all think of the cobalt trend? Yay or nay? Are there any other bright colors/fashion fads that you are digging for the season?

Gossip Girls <3 Make Up For Ever!

Though this comes as no surprise (I mean who doesn't love Make Up For Ever?!?), on the set of the hit show Gossip Girl, make-up artists and stars alike, have been spotted using some of the long-lasting and high-definition products from the Parisian make-up line's range.

Here are just a few of the MUFE sightings:

Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen) was seen applying her Glossy Full Couleur #6 (bright pink)

Joanna Garcia, who has a guest-starring role on this season's GG, swears by HD Invisible Cover Foundation #155

Hilary Duff, who plays a new character this season, is a huge fan of Kohl Pencil #1k (deep black)

Amy Tagliamonti, the head make-up artist on set, keeps lots of HD Invisible Cover Foundation and HD Invisible Cover Concealer on hand to create the perfect on-camera complexion. She loves how the concealer "covers, but it's not heavy and doesn't cake."

Even the Upper-East Siders can't seem to get enough, huh? ;-)

Long-Lasting Lip Color At Last With Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick From Bare Escentuals

I am in love - in love, I tell you! - with the new Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick from Bare Escentuals. This lip crayon works tirelessly to create a perfectly defined pout with color that will last you well into the night. One product accomplishes three tasks: it lines the lips, fills them in with rich color, and plumps. Convenience for sure! The Lip Stick comes in six vibrant shades, each replete with the antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E, to keep lips feeling moisturized and smooth throughout the day. They really are creamy and even with the darker colors there is no bleeding! Upon application, the lips will feel the slight tingling sensation characteristic of the Buxom lip glosses, and the scent/taste is also along the lines of the glosses. Built-in sharpeners are also included to so that there will never be a dull moment when you're on the go!

The Shades:

Barcelona - scarlet apple

Berlin - creamy pecan

Brooklyn - harvest fig

Las Vegas - vibrant pink

Milan - sun-kissed apricot

Monte Carlo - magenta

I own three of the six colors, and believe me when I tell you they wear beautifully! I decided on Barcelona last weekend to complement a classic and simple black and beige dress I wore. It popped the entire look, creating that perfect pin-up pout, and I received more compliments than I ever have before. The best part? After applying the product to my lips at around 9 o'clock in the morning, I never once had to reapply (and I didn't get home until about midnight that evening)! Amazing, right?? Well, the proof is in the photos, my friends (the pictures span the course of my day)!

With Charu of Butterfly Diary

With Kristin of Fashion.Style.Beauty. and Nancy of The Informed Makeup Maven

L-R: Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Milan

The Buxom Lip Sticks can be found at Sephora and http://www.sephora.com/, and they retail for $18 each. If you like the quality of Bare Escentuals products and you are on the hunt for stay-put lip color, I suggest you check these babies out! Suffice it to say, I was very impressed!

NYFW 2009: Some Lessons Learned

Fashion Week has now come and gone (at least until February!), and it has truly been a fun journey. From hanging out in the tents, checking out the shows, and meeting great people, I have been privileged to have had a chance to be part of the festivities. Of course, along the way I learned a few important lessons. I am now going to share some of them with you.

1. Don't bother with the heels...unless they're comfortable! You will be out of them in a half hour, or you'll have to suffer through the pain. No one cares if you are wearing heels or flats and surprisingly, many go the non-heeled route.

2. Keep your bag light. I definitely made the mistake of carrying a full purse, one that already weighed a lot empty. It's better to keep it simple, and just bring what you know you'll need: a card sleeve with a credit card/ID/cash, press pass, a small notebook and pen, a camera, cell, lip gloss, and an umbrella. It's best to avoid lugging your whole life around, especially when having to navigate through crowds.

3. Plan on being hungry for a week. Between running from show to show and event to event, there is not much time to grab a bite to eat. However, you will have many chances to be sufficiently liquored up with the myriad of open bars and hopped up on caffeine thanks to free lattes in the tents (I <3>

4. If you live outside of NYC and are planning to cover Fashion Week, find a place to stay in the city. Commuting is draining. Period.

5. Have business cards handy. There are lots of opportunities to network with fellow bloggers, industry professionals, and PR reps. I've learned for next year ;-)

6. Be careful not to lose your camera (like I did!) At least I only lost photos from one show....and I uploaded the rest of my Fashion Week pics...but please, don't lose your camera - especially when you can't afford a new one :-(

Those are just a few of the things that the experience of my first Fashion Week has taught me. I hope I'll be more prepared for the next one!

Be On The Lookout!!

I know that it seems like I haven't been reporting very much on NYFW, but this week has been pretty overwhelming for this blogging newbie. I do want you to know, however, that I have been blogging and I will be guest writing on a fellow fashion/beauty writer's website, Fashion.Style.Beauty. I will have posts going up there very shortly. So make sure to stop by and check them out soon! I hope you all had a fabulous week! I have to say, I am really looking forward to getting back to the regularly scheduled program here on The Beauty Chick. There will be lots of product reviews to come!

Tuleh Collection For Spring/Summer 2010: It's All In The Details

This evening I had the opportunity to check out the Tuleh collection being presented in the Promenade of the Bryant Park tents. Designed by Bryan Bradley, the collection for Spring/Summer 2010 featured some stunning pieces, ranging from the more "casual" to some absolutely gorgeous wedding gowns. Predominant features of the line that I noticed were cut-out details, flowy skirts with pleating, and lace. There was also some beautiful flower detailing. The range showed some pieces in basic cream and blush tones, but also had some "punch" with a bright orange trench coat and some navy-based prints. A hot pink pleated skirt, paired with a sexy zip-up top with bow detailing in basic black, was a welcome pop of color among the more neutral tones, and the few knits featured were wonderfully constructed.

The hair was beautifully styled and complemented the looks nicely. Models sported loose updos that worked well with the soft chiffons and lace of the clothes. For the make-up, there was an overall stronger face presented than I had seen in previous shows. With a bright pink cheek, a soft pink lip, and a sharp coral-orange eye, I again thought the look was quite a suitable complement to the clothes presented.



I was very impressed with what I saw from Tuleh. Having no previous familiarity with the design house, I went into the show (for which I sat second row, directly behind Fern Mallis, and directly across from Kelly Rutherford, Lily van der Woodsen of Gossip Girl fame!) without any specific expectations. I enjoyed the femininity of the collection and some of the pieces just grabbed my attention from the moment they were displayed on the runway. I was glad I made it in to catch the presentation!

For The Love Of Fashion: Fashion's Night Out Hits NYC

As if day one at the tents wasn't tiring enough, last night marked the debut of Fashion's Night Out events across the city. Exhausted or not, there was no way I was going to pass up the chance to experience at least some of what the night had to offer. In an attempt to keep my tour of fashion and beauty hot spots to a manageable few, I decided to hit up some of the higher end department stores on Fifth Avenue (not to buy, of course!) and one boutique downtown. I wanted to be in the midst of the action as New Yorkers came out in droves to experience the excitement of the having retailers all over the city come together in an attempt to get people excited about shopping again amidst the recession. Celebrities also made a point to make appearances around the city to help promote interest. Apparently Victoria Beckham and the Olson twins were out and about, though I didn't get to see them! I met up with my beauty "sister," Adina to browse the goings-on. Here are some of the highlights from my night:

Stop 1: Bergdorf Goodman

Upon approaching the store, we saw a sizeable crowd gathered at one of the store's windows. Designer Zac Posen was spray painting a dress on a model who was posing and hamming it up for the on-lookers. Zac was adorable, playing to the crowd and wearing a tiara, no less! Inside, Badgley and Mischka were on hand to sign Fashion's Night Out T-shirts and pose for pictures. We checked out the beauty floor where we learned a little about Cle de Peau (a brand under the management of Shiseido - more to come on the line!) and scoped out Chantecaille very briefly (two brands with which I am not very familiar). In general, Bergdorf's seemed to be more about the fashion than the beauty.

Stop 2: Henri Bendel

We made a quick stop in Bendel's where I checked out MAC's Style Black collection (at least most of it!) and Adina and I were introduced to the Jouer make-up line (another brand I will be posting on as I learn more about them).

Stop 3: Saks Fifth Avenue

Here we browsed the beauty floor. We stopped by the Giorgio Armani counter and met artist Tim Quinn. He showed us the new mascara range, Eyes to Kill (a line of four volumizing and lengthening mascaras) and we viewed the Fall Manta Ray collection. Tim was incredibly nice and posed for some pictures. I haven't yet tried anything from Giorgio Armani's make-up line, but I am extremely tempted to now (I am currently lemming an Eyes to Kill mascara, luminous silk foundation, and a lipstick from the Manta Ray collection!) After Armani, we met up with Nancy of The Informed Makeup Maven and Adina's friend, Rachel. Nancy and I branched off to browse the Chanel offerings, where I fell in love with a gorgeous berry/wine lipstick that the MA tried on me. I'm definitely going back for Fatale!

Stop 4: Scoop

Finally, Adina, Nancy and I headed downtown to PurpleLab's Huge Lips Skinny Hips party at the Scoop store in the Meatpacking district, arriving in style in the green (not purple!) car that picked us up from Saks. The party was hot! A bartender was on hand to mix up some yummy Lychee Martinis, sexy Veronica Varlow made an appearance, and DJ Lips was spinning a playlist of some great music. Once again, Karen and her team threw a great event! It was also nice to meet up with fellow blogging beauty Aja of Don't Forget the Lip Gloss!

The night was a lot of fun and it was definitely worth getting home a little later than I had hoped! Here are some visuals from the night!