NEW Bobbi Brown Illuminating Finish Powder Compact Foundation SPF 12

I was really excited to read about a NEW foundation from Bobbi Brown, the Illuminating Finish Powder Compact Foundation SPF 12. Though I haven't yet tried one of her foundation formulas, I have certainly been interested. In this post, I thought I would share some details of the new product with you all.

Illuminating Finish is described as an easily blendable soft, creamy powder foundation. It contains a combination of Coco-Glyceride and spherical powders, and the formula, though lightweight, provides buildable coverage and can be applied wet or dry (interesting!). The product is said to provide a flawless, radiant finish due to the formula's reflective pigments, and minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.

The level of coverage is described as easily adjustable, and these are the application suggestions:

Sheer coverage - dust on with a powder brush

Medium coverage - apply with a puff or dry sponge

Full coverage - smooth on with damp sponge

Bobbi says: "It's taken me more than five years to create this foundation. I tested it at shoots, on models, friends and my team until I got it just right. Applied wet or dry, it evens out your skin and gives it a brightness that lasts all day - in any kind of lighting. And because it's so finely milled, it looks incredibly natural."

Illuminating Finish comes in 20 shades and retails for $40. It is available now at Bobbi Brown counters and www.bobbibrown.com.

I wonder how this foundation would perform on slightly acne-scarred skin. Food for thought! Will you try?

Mascara Loving: NEW Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara With GROW-LASH Complex

Photo credit: Rimmel London website

Let's face it. Mascara is pretty important to me. On a daily basis, I don't have the time (or energy!) to do a full eyeshadow look, and most days I'll simply swipe on a few coats of mascara and run out the door. I've found myself purchasing a lot of different mascaras lately (mostly drugstore), many of which are ones that have been getting a lot of attention, trying to figure out what works best to enhance my natural lashes (which on their own, tend to be average length, but rather straight pre-lash curler....thanks dad!).

One mascara that I have really been enjoying over the past couple of weeks is Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara with Grow-Lash Complex. I find that the formula really does the job of lengthening my lashes (I generally apply a few coats, as I normally would with any mascara) and even adds a bit of volume as well (for added volume, I would suggest pairing with a volumizing mascara). I don't have any issues with the formula flaking throughout the day, and the brush is the perfect size for reaching those lashes in the inner corners of the eyes. I sometimes have a more difficult time applying mascara to this area with thicker wands. I would say, however, that with added coats you might notice a slight bit of clumping. Personally, I didn't find this bothersome, but I thought it was worth a quick mention. If it does bother you, combing out the lashes should do the trick. Another aspect of the product that I greatly appreciate is the fact that the wand doesn't pull too much product out of the tube each time. Way too often the openings of my mascara tubes get filled with excess product "crud." Lash Accelerator imparts just the right amount of drama, making it a perfect option for daytime wear.

Rimmel claims that Lash Acclerator helps to promote natural lash growth. On the product page on the Rimmel website it states, "instantly, your lashes look up to 80% longer, but then after 30 days of continued use, they’ll appear up to 117% longer!" While I can't speak to the more long-term effects of the mascara as I haven't been using it long enough, I can say, that, as of now, I don't see a real difference in the appearance of my naked lashes. The exclusive GROW-LASH complex contains Procapil®, to strengthen the roots, in addition to lash-conditioning ingredients such as biotin, keratin, and bamboo.

Overall, I think Lash Accelerator would be a good one to test out if you are on the market for a new mascara that imparts natural length and definition to lashes. It is a great affordable option (I think I snagged mine from CVS for $7.99) and drugstores are always running BOGO sales (makes the deal even sweeter, right?). Try it! I think you'll like it! ;-)

So, have you tried Lash Accelerator yet? Do you like it? Hate it? Indifferent? What mascaras are you currently enjoying?

NB: I purchased this myself.

Backstage Pass: Venexiana SS2011 For Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week

Kati Stern, designer for Venexiana

Venexiana designer Kati Stern debuted her SS2011 collection on September 11th in The Studio at Lincoln Center. The Venexiana line always brings the drama, boasting gowns with intricate detailing and luxe fabrics. The hair and makeup for the show was definitely visually interesting and complemented the designer's aesthetic.


HAIR:

Tela Design Studio was the creative force behind the hair for the Venexiana SS2011 show. Philip Pelusi, stylist extraordinaire and founder of the aforementioned salon and line of organic hair care, was, along with his team, active backstage working feverishly. I was able to chat with Tela's creative director, Jeffrey Reitz (who has worked with Mr. Pelusi for over 35 years), who explained to me the inspiration behind the hair style.


The general concept was for the hair to have a "Boticelli," "neo-renaissance," romantic, feel. A main feature of the style was the crimping of the fringe around the face which was draped and pinned to the underlying shape, a "soft, reverse roll," or a more modern "flip up," constructed flat to the nape of the neck. The key was to showcase mixed texture, while still maintaining a delicate balance. Mr. Reitz described the look as a "traditional 'do, undone."

In terms of the products used, there were no sprays employed to style the hair (in fact, I was told that the working motto is "no gel for spring"). One of the main products used was RefresHair, a "dry cleaner" for the hair that helps to remove debris and odor, from the P2 by Philip Pelusi line.

How to create the style at home:

1. Pull hair back into a messy bun/ponytail (can be high or low)

2. Leave pieces out around the hairline and crimp them

3. Drape the crimped pieces over the underlying shape and pin them

Stylist Philip Pelusi

Photos of the final hairdo


The hair from the back


Another shot of the hair from the back

MAKEUP:

Napoleon Perdis and his team of artists (interestingly this season almost all of them came in from Australia!) beautified the models' faces for the show. The inspiration for the look was the idea of the "Venetian courtesan" (i.e. Venexiana), with the overwhelming feeling of "dark glamour." The focus was definitely on the eyes, "smoky with a metallic edge," which were dark save for gold and teal (China Doll Gel Eyeliner in Teal) pops of color in the inner corners of the eyes and the lower waterline, respectively. The gold was intended to give the look an expensive feel (and I thought it was gorgeous!). Mesmer-Eyes mascara was used on the lashes and falsies were added for drama. As the eyes were kept the focus of the look, the lips were left pretty neutral. NP Set lipstick in Hong Kong was used as a base with Luminous Lip Veil in Gold & the Beautiful layered on top. The cheeks were flushed with China Doll Colour Veil and Mosaic Bronzer.

A model wearing the finished makeup look

Models with hair and makeup:

*Other makeup products used:

Napoleon Complex Skin Renewal Serum
Auto-Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer
China Doll Foundation
Pro-Palette Camera Finish
China Doll Gel Eyeliner in Equinox
Colour Disc #29, Queen of the Night
Bronze Cream
Loose Dust #1, Contrary Canary

Saving Skin with SK-II Skin Signature

By Skincare Confidential



Sometimes our skin needs a little extra attention and pampering to help stave off the effects of the daily grind. Cult skincare brand, SK-II, has a delectable anti-aging skincare range, Skin Signature, which features a moisturizer designed to restore and strengthen the skin, improving overall radiance and smoothness. SK-II Skin Signature ($205) is a lightweight luxe cream that contains Vitamin B3, Pitera and Oli-Vityl which work to condition the skin while delivering long lasting moisture. Vitamin B3 is important for overall skin and cellular health, while Pitera and Oli-Vityl are derived from yeast and olives respectively, to help improve the skin’s clarity and provide hydration.

I have been trialling this cream and have found that it has done a great job at keeping my skin soft and supple, especially at the end of the day, after thoroughly cleansing the day’s grime, grease and sunscreen off with a heavy duty cleanser.

Under makeup, Signature provides a good silky base over which foundation can glide. I recommend allowing at least 3 minutes to let it sink in so that skin is really hydrated before applying foundation. If it hasn’t absorbed fully, makeup can get a bit streaky. No time to wait? Add a drop of foundation to a pea-sized amount and make your own delectable tinted moisturizer.

What I love most about this cream is that it did a good job helping my skin cope with the roller coaster humidity and heat of this past summer, which had the ability to wreak havoc on even the most normal skin. Over the period of testing the product, I noted my skin didn’t dry out or turn flaky by the end of the day. Nor did it turn super shiny or breakout when humidity levels climbed. In terms of clarity and tone, it was a bit hard to tell. During the summer months, my skin generally has a more “even” tone due to my natural mocha hue.

I recommend Skin Signature to everyone as it is lightweight, provides lasting hydration, and doesn’t contain anti-aging ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. This product is an ideal addition to any basic skincare regimen.

Caudalie Friends and Family Sale!

Hi everyone! 'Tis the season for Friends and Family sales!

From October 21 - October 25, Caudalie is offering 20% off on all purchases made at www.caudalie-usa.com. Enter code FF2010 to redeem.

Sooo, I have a confession. I have actually yet to try Caudalie skincare products (hangs head in shame). Do you have any favorites? Share with me!

Will you be indulging?

Backstage Pass: MIK CIRE SS2011 For Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week

On September 11th, designer Eric Kim sent his MIK CIRE SS2011 collection down the runway at The Studio at Lincoln Center. The inspiration for the show was "90's grunge" a la Kurt Cobain. A peek backstage revealed that the overall look was messy, rugged, and very sexy.

*HAIR:

Here are the steps that key stylist, Sean James/Fred Segal for PHYTO followed to create the intended style:

1. For long hair, Phyto Professional Intense Volume Mousse was applied for a nice sheen and natural gloss.

2. Hair was blown dry. Phyto Professional Glossing Cream was applied to finish.

3. For short looks, a pea-sized amount of Phyto Professional Matte Texturizing Paste was added to the hair.

3. Hair was taken piece by piece to create definition.

4. Phytolaque hairspray was used to finish the look.

Stylist Sean James in action styling a male model's hair

Some shots of the models mid-coif:









The products used

GROOMING:

Key makeup artist, Priscilla Rangel for Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, stated that the models were meant to uphold a rugged, manly look, and thus, little makeup was used on the face. OCC Skin: Primer was applied as a "makeup alternative," to even out pores and create a smooth canvas. Brows were kept natural, and a balm was used on the lips.

The finished looks:

Photo credit: PHYTO

Photo credit: PHYTO

Photo credit: PHYTO

Photo credit: PHYTO

*Step-by-step provided by PHYTO

**PHYTO products are available for purchase at Sephora locations, www.sephora.com, Ulta stores, www.ulta.com, www.beauty.com, www.drugstore.com, and select salons.

Laura Mercier, the Pioneer of the "Flawless Face," Introduces the "What Is Flawless?" Campaign

I love when brands introduce campaigns designed to make us think about what beauty really means to us. That being said, Laura Mercier has recently launched a new online campaign (essentially an online conversation) that urges all of us to ponder the question "what is flawless?" and to submit our own definitions to this open-ended question. We're are all being asked to challenge the "traditional" notions of what is beautiful. Beauty lies in everything around us, and this discussion allows us to reflect upon those things.

So...how can you participate in the "What Is Flawless?" campaign? Simply head over to the Laura Mercier website and submit your answer. What's also really cool is that for every answer submitted between September 1st and December 1st, Laura Mercier will make a donation of $1.00 to the Gulf Relief Fund, a charity that is dedicated to restoring the wetlands preservation in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana (Laura finds flawless beauty in the concept of charity for a cause!).

Make sure to also follow Laura Mercier on Twitter (@lauramercier) and use the #whatisflawless hashtag!

What do you think? Will you participate? Where do you see flawless beauty in your lives?

One Singular Scent-sation: Presenting FlowerByKenzo

I love perfume. I love discovering new perfumes. Furthermore, I find it especially exciting when said fragrance(s) come(s) from a brand with which I have little familiarity. I mean how fun is it to get to explore a new line and then on top of that come out with a new favorite?!? My olfactory bulbs have been experiencing sensory overload....in a VERY good way ;-).

Not too long ago I reached out to my amazing friend Joey (of Too Many Eyeshadows) to help me learn more about KENZO and the products they have to offer. Now, I know she has tried many a KENZO goody without complaint (on the contrary, she has given them rave reviews!), so I put all my confidence in my favorite Bunny. After all, we do have a lot of similar tastes, especially in the fragrance realm, so I wasn't too concerned. Boy, did she ever pull through!! Introducing (OK, so it's not technically NEW...but it's new to ME).....FlowerByKenzo.

I generally find myself gravitating toward scents that mix florals with more fruity tones, but FlowerByKenzo is a straight up floral amalgamation...and I love it. It is powerful, yet light, and highly concentrated (you don't need to spray on very much to get the full effect of the fragrance...though I generally do, because well, I like it that way ;-)). I also find that the scent stays on the skin throughout the day quite nicely. It doesn't tend to fade away too quickly.

Since it is generally difficult to describe the tones of fragrances in a way that is easily understood, I thought I would give you the "accords" of the perfume as KENZO lists them. I admit, I am not familiar with all of the ingredients!

Floral Accord: Bulgarian Rose, Wild Hawthorne, Parma Violet, Cassia

Powdery Accord: Vanilla, White Musk, Oppoponax

Dynamic Accord: Hedione, Cyclosal

The scent to me is just pretty, fresh, and clean. It just screams summer to me, and I am finding myself wearing this almost every day. It makes me feel happy and feminine...and beautiful. I also love the way the thin glass bottle (curved to demonstrate the way a real flower bends) showcases the red poppy, the flower which really springs FlowerByKenzo to life. All in all, this fragrance speaks of sophistication.

A little background on Kenzo:

The House of KENZO was founded in 1970 in Paris by Takada Kenzo, a Japanese fashion designer, who, in 1987 introduced the fragrance line. The first women's fragrance came along the following year. In 1999, Mr. Kenzo left the company, appointing Odile Lobadowsky as president/CEO and Patrick Guedj as creative director. 2000 marked the introduction of the FlowerByKenzo scent, and in 2001 KenzoKi was born (a skincare off-shoot of the Kenzo brand). All of Kenzo's fragrances stay true to the underlying philosophy of the company - "attachment to nature, poetry, mixing of East and West, and a playful marriage of contrasts."

The FlowerByKenzo Eau de Parfum is available in three sizes (30 mL for $56, 50 mL for $72, and 100 mL for $92) and can be found at Sephora locations, www.sephora.com, and www.kenzousa.com. There are also other products in the range including a cream as well as La Cologne.

Have you tried this scent or any others from the KENZO range? If so, what do you think? What are some of your favorites? I definitely will be trying more!

NB: This product was sent to me by a PR representative for my consideration. Though I did not purchase it myself, my review was in no way influenced by my receipt of a sample. I am dedicated to providing reviews that are 100% my own opinions, bias-free. If I ever feel that I cannot give my readers honest feedback on a product, I will not present a review for it. I am here to inform, and publishing untruthful thoughts is neither beneficial to those who visit my blog nor to me.

Hot Deal Alert: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Duos

I just came across this offer on the Urban Decay website, and I thought it might be of interest. Right now, the brand is selling duos of their best-selling shades for $19!! A veritable steal, considering one shadow generally retails for $17! While there isn't a huge selection of shades being offered, UD has hit on a lot of the popular ones like Midnight Cowboy, Mowie Wowie, and Half Baked.

I have my eyes on the Narcotic/Toasted duo. What do you think? Will you participate in the offer?

P.S. What are some of your favorite Urban Decay eyeshadow colors?

Lip Gloss Loving: BECCA Cosmetics Glossy Lip Tint In "Daquiri"

On a recent beauty excursion with Josie of Too Many Eyeshadows, I was gifted a gorgeous lip gloss, a Glossy Lip Tint to be exact (with a totally sexy, perfect-for-summer name, "Daquiri!"), from one of my new favorite brands, BECCA (I really fell in love circa IBS in March). Josie knows my love for corals knows no bounds (give me a lip, a cheek...you name it, I love it!), so she was anxious for me to try the shade that she touts is the only coral she loves to wear - period. Now, to me this is a rather demure coral, one that seems more rosy-hued than the traditional bright peachy/orange-pink I normally associate with the term, but let me tell you, this baby has sent me to gloss heaven!!! It is the prettiest color, almost like a juicy berry tone, and the consistency is ultra luxurious and smooth (plus, I swear the scent is actually reminiscent of a strawberry daquiri! YUM!). I can achieve an awesome natural, "bee stung" lip with the gloss on its own, and it tops lipsticks nicely (adds a little pizazz to an ordinary nude!).

As you can see (or read!) I am soooo in love with this gloss right now. Trying it has really tempted me to test out other shades of the formula as well. Zero tackiness!!

Sooo now I ask you all...have you tried any of the BECCA Glossy Lip Tints? Are there certain shades you love/hate? What's your favorite lip gloss/product of the moment?

P.S. If you have any coral suggestions, feel free to comment and let me know (i.e. you better!) ;-)

Celebrate, Celebrate! The Beauty Chick Turns 1!!

Today is a big day for me and this blog. Today I celebrate The Beauty Chick's 1 year anniversary (blogiversary, if you will). It's hard to believe that 12 months ago I sat down to craft this little baby. I never expected my blogging days would endure, but I'm happy to say that, though my posts have been less than daily as of late (I owe you all lots of product reviews, event write-ups, and more....all of which have been in the works!), my blog and I are still going strong! I'm not going to make this post long-winded, but I do want to thank all of you who have stuck with me. A special welcome goes out to my new followers!! I have a great giveaway to launch in the next few weeks (heck, I can celebrate this whole month if I want to!). Some pretty awesome brands that I love (and I hope you do, too) will be participating to help me kick off my foray into another year of blogging and sharing what I love about beauty. I love you guys and I hope you'll continue to read my posts! Never hesitate to comment, send me emails, or suggest ideas for product reviews (PS if you've requested a review in the past, you will see it the near future!).

So here's to another year, hopefully even more productive and informative than the last!!

xoxo

The Beauty Chick

From The Drugstore Aisles: "Balms Away" With EOS Lip Balm

These cute little lip balms from EOS (short for Evolution of Smooth) have recently become the talk of the beauty community. I was finally able to hunt them down about a month ago at a local Walgreen's location (though they are starting to pop up everywhere now!) and I'm glad I found them! Ergonomically-friendly (they feature a little "thumb rest"), these are seriously the cutest balms I have come across! They look like little eggs and contain some yummy-flavored lip moisturizer within. I snagged the EOS lip balm in Honeysuckle Honeydew and Summerfruit (my store was out of Sweet Mint...though I hear that is a favorite!) and both are deliciously fruity. Their ability to soften and hydrate the lips is not remarkable (I can say other products are more moisturizing), but they do the trick and I love the delicious scents (Summerfruit being my current fave). They also feature a nice flat bottom to guarantee that your product will sit nicely on any flat surface. Furthermore, who could resist whipping out one of these guys while on the go? The sight of one of these might just lead to a few stares and onlookers going "what's that?!?" So stylish...not your average lip balm! A conversation starter for sure!

EOS Lip Balm in Honeysuckle Honeydew

EOS Lip Balm in Summerfruit

I've really become addicted to these balms since purchasing them and I've planted one in my travel makeup bag while one has a secure place at my bedside. The EOS product can be found at a variety of drugstores and retail for about $3.99

Have you taken one of the EOS balms out for a spin yet? If so, do you like them/which is your favorite flavor?

NB: I purchased these myself.

Rich, Sexy, And "Retro Glam": A Peek At China Glaze Vintage Vixen Collection For Fall 2010

For all of my nail lovers, I have some exciting info to share with you! Though we've just started to get into the spring and summer months (and I'm digging the super bright and pastel colors of the Up & Away and Poolside collections!), I am coming at you right now with some details about the brand's Fall 2010 offerings! Here's the scoop on the bold and seductively sexy hues (that harken back to the 1940's era) that you can expect from this collection.

The Shades:

--Riveter Rouge - Deep red shimmer

--Foxy - Burgundy frost with shimmer

--Goin' My Way - Brown frost with copper shimmer

--Classic Camel - Khaki creme with gold micro glitter

--Swing Baby - Taupe frost with silver micro glitter

--Ingrid - "Greige" creme with copper micro glitter

--Hey Doll - Rose frost with shimmer

--Bogie - Plum frost with shimmer

--First Class Tocket - Deep purple frost with shimmer

--Midnight Mission - Navy blue frost with silver micro glitter

--Emerald Fitzgerald - Turquoise green frost with shimmer

--Jitterbug - Grey chrome with silver micro glitter

The Vintage Vixen collection will begin shipping on June 6th (internationally) and July 6th (domestically).

Vintage Vixen's shades just scream old Hollywood glamour and sophistication. I can't wait to see them in person! What do you think? Are you enticed?

Drugstore Hauling

This past week I did a bit of hauling at my local Rite Aid and Duane Reade drugstores. I wanted to share with you what I picked up!

WetnWild Ultimate Expressions Eyeshadow Palette in "Paradise Cove"

I have heard good things about the Ultimate Expressions palettes, and these are actually discontinued. Luckily, I was still able to find one!

WetnWild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in "Spotlight Peach"

Cover Girl Eye Enhancers Eyeshadow Palette in "Shimmering Sands"

L'Oreal H.I.P. Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in "Teal"

NEW N.Y.C. Blushable Creme Stick in "Wild Berry"

NEW Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Glosses in "Lilac Pastelle," "Coral Reef," "Peach Petal"

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base and Anti-Redness Primer

David Babaii for Wildaid Amplifying Shampoo and Conditioner and Bohemian Beach Spray

What do you all think of the items I snagged? Have you tried any of them? If you would like reviews on any of the featured products, please let me know!

FOTD Featuring "Dirty" Greasepaint Stick!

Though today was a pretty chill Saturday (just some errand-running!), I opted for a darker eye (more specifically a taupey/purple-toned smoky eye) with a soft, glowy cheek, and a pale pink lip. I'm really not one to post FOTD looks, but I really liked how this one turned out!

Here is the breakdown of what I used to achieve this look:

FACE:

MAC FIX+

Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30

Origins GinZing Eye Cream

Make Up For Ever UV Prime SPF 50/PA+++ foundation primer

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in "Mont Blanc"

NARS stick concealer in "Honey"

MAC Studio Sculpt concealer in NC15

CoverFx MatteFx Oil Absorbing Powder in "Light"

Benefit Powderflage

NARS bronzer in "Laguna"

MAC Cremeblend Blush in "So Sweet, So Easy"

Laura Geller blush in "Transparent Pink"

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in "By Candlelight" (for highlight)

EYES:

Urban Decay Primer Potion

MAC Greasepaint Stick in "Dirty" (on lid only)

MAC "Shale" eyeshadow (on lid over "Dirty")

MAC "Wedge" eyeshadow (in crease to soften)

MAC "Shroom" eyeshadow (highlight under brow bone)

MAC "Pink Opal" pigment (tiny bit in inner corner)

Jordana Fabu Liner in Black

Urban Decay Eyelash Primer Potion

Make Up For Ever Smokey Lash mascara (top lashes)

Maybelline Full & Soft mascara (bottom lashes)

LIPS:

CoverFx MintGlazeFx (to prime)

Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in "Petal Peach"

**Originally wore LORAC Cream Lipstick in "Baby Doll," a pale salmon pink/peach, underneath the gloss (LOVE!!)

A better view of the eyes

Side view of eyes and cheeks

What do you think? Let me know if it's a "yay" or a "nay!"

P.S. Ignore the messy hair and brows that are in desperate need of some grooming!

Votre Vu Duette Luxe Lip Balm & Tarte D'Amande Hand Creme: A Treat For Your Skin And Your Sweet Tooth

I have become obsessed with a new double-duty skincare product, Votre Vu's Duette Luxe Lip Balm & Hand Creme. Luxurious and moisturizing, both boast formulas rich in hydrating and nourishing ingredients. Dry skin is most definitely out of the question! The lip balm, housed underneath the cap, rejuvenates chapped lips with coconut oil, shea butter, and UV filters and provides a subtle, healthy shine. It simply feels amazing on my lips!

And now for my favorite part of the duo....the rich Tarte D'Amande hand cream! It smells good enough to eat (like almond icing!) and it soothes my dry hands like nothing I've ever tried. The formula is designed to maintain the suppleness and youth of the skin, and it does that so well. The lotion is rather thick and concentrated and the scent is intoxicating. I can't help but want to lick my fingers after I apply it (don't worry, I restrain myself)!

I just love the convenience factor of the Duette. Having a lip balm and a hand moisturizer in one tube not only saves room in my always overstuffed makeup bag, but it also cuts down the amount of time it takes me to find what I need (I'm always looking for chapstick and lotion...even in the summer when my face gets more oily, the rest of my body remains parched!)

I really can't say enough about this product, but I'll leave you all with one word....YUMMY!! The Duette Luxe Lip Balm & Hand Creme retails for $38 and can be purchased online at www.votrevu.com or through a Votre Vu representative.

NB: This product was sent to me by a PR representative for my consideration. Though I did not purchase it myself, my review was in no way influenced by my receipt of a sample. I am dedicated to providing reviews that are 100% my own opinions, bias-free. If I ever feel that I cannot give my readers honest feedback on a product, I will not present a review for it. I am here to inform, and publishing untruthful thoughts is neither beneficial to those who visit my blog nor to me.

And The Winner Of The FSL Cosmetics Giveaway Is......

.....ALACRANSITA84!! Congratulations, girl!! Please check out the FSL website and message Kimberly at @fslcosmetics on Twitter with the lip gloss shade you would like to try out (email me at askthebeautychick@gmail.com if you have any questions). I hope you enjoy!

Sephora Beauty Insider Exclusive: LORAC Hollywood Insider Collection

LORAC is known for putting out some great value sets and their Hollywood Insider Collection is no exception. Available to Sephora Beauty Insiders only, this kit contains five full-sized products picked out specially by Carol Shaw, the artist behind LORAC Cosmetics.

For $39.50 (a steal), you get the following products:

--Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight (warm beige)

--Baked Matte Satin Blush in Hollywood (bronzed rose)

--Bronzed Bombshell Eyeshadow Trio in Sand/Serenity/Bronze

--Special Effects Conditioning Primer/Defining & Lengthening Mascara

--Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick in Vintage (light neutral beige)

This collection of red-carpet essentials is available exclusively at Sephora stores and www.sephora.com until May 12. Hurry over and snag one for yourself!

*Psssst! If you're not a Sephora Beauty Insider you must join! It's free, it's easy, and you can accumulate points with every purchase that go towards some great samples. What's not to love about that? ;-)

NEW From Smashbox: Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer

Introducing the newest addition to the Smashbox Halo family, the Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer. This bronzing powder adds a gorgeous glow to any skintone while also working to diminish signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles). The silky, hydrating formula maintains a healthy complexion without drying out the skin, and combines minerals, a peptide, and shimmering gold powder.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that 10 minutes after applying the product to the skin there is a 33% decrease in wrinkles around the eye contour region. In addition, it has been shown that after using the bronzer for 6 weeks, there is a 67% noticeable reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

The Halo bronzer is available in one shade, a matte golden bronze, and it retails for $39 at Sephora stores, the Sephora website, www.smashbox.com, and other locations where Smashbox Cosmetics are sold.

Have you tried any of the products from the Halo line? I haven't yet, but I'm very interested to try out this new bronzer! What do you think?

In The Spirit Of Earth Month: Josie Maran's Bear Naked Makeup Wipes Are Good For You And For The Planet

Why are Josie Maran's Bear Naked Wipes different from all other makeup wipes? Well, friends, they not only remove makeup and impurities quite efficiently (and smell delicious, too!), but they also help support a great cause. For every package of these wipes sold, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Natural Resources Defense Council's Polar Bear SOS initiative. Take your makeup off while helping to raise funds for these endangered animals? It's that easy, and so important.

The Bear Naked Wipes are packed full of all-natural ingredients such as aloe vera, cucumber, Vitamin E, and chamomile and they feel light and fresh on the skin. Like all Josie Maran products, the makeup removers are devoid of synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and petrochemicals.

Bear Naked Wipes are available for purchase at Sephora stores, www.sephora.com, and www.josiemarancosmetics.com. They come in packages of 8 ($6) and 30 ($12).

NB: These products were sent to me by a PR representative for my consideration. Though I did not purchase them myself, my review was in no way influenced by my receipt of samples. I am dedicated to providing reviews that are 100% my own opinions, bias-free. If I ever feel that I cannot give my readers honest feedback on a product, I will not present a review for it. I am here to inform, and publishing untruthful thoughts is neither beneficial to those who visit my blog nor to me.

Beauty For A Cause: Darphin Introduces "50 Little Luxuries"

Luxury beauty brand, Darphin, has recently launched a remarkably lush and hydrating face cream, Hydraskin Essential ($50). Its formula contains ingredients such as Butterfly Lavender and Organic Shea Butter that work to make your skin ultra-moisturized and healthy.

To accompany the launch of this new product, Darphin is encouraging women to share their favorite $50 indulgences. They have partnered with IDEAL Providence Farms, an organization that raises funds to provide the children of Ghana with school supplies. A donation is made to the foundation with each tip shared.

It is simple to get involved! Simpy head on over to http://www.50littleluxuries.com/ and enter your favorite luxury. Hurry, though, because on April 21, the 50 most creative entries will be selected to win full-sized samples of the Hydraskin Essential. In addition, one grand prize winner will receive a trip to NYC for two, including 2 nights at the Surrey Hotel and complimentary Darphin spa treatments (and more!)

So, what are your indulgences?

Get Back To Your "Origins" And Celebrate Earth Month

Origins is celebrating Earth Month in a huge way! On April 19, the brand will be sponsoring a FREE concert, the First Annual Origins Rocks Earth Month Concert in NYC. The event, which will take place at the famous Webster Hall in downtown NYC, will feature such artists as Macy Gray.

How do you score a ticket, you ask? Well, here's the scoop: bring an empty cosmetics container (any brand) to your local Origins store in NYC, Westchester, or Garden State Mall in NJ and receive one free ticket to the show while supplies last (no purchase necessary). Unfortunately, though, admission to the concert will be on a first come, first served basis, so ticket holders must arrive early to the venue! HOWEVER, there is a way to guarantee that you will be in attendance! The first 50 customers to prove that they are fans of Origins on Facebook (either by providing a print out or via mobile phone) at the Flatiron Flagship store in NYC will receive concert access (+1 guest) and 2 free drink tickets guaranteed!!

In addition to this amazing concert event, Origins is urging people to "go green" through their Trade-In Program. On April 22, customers will have the chance to bring in their empty cosmetics packages to ANY Origins location to trade in for a FREE full-sized Checks and Balances Frothy face wash ($18.50 value) or A Perfect World Antioxidant cleanser ($20 value). The used containers brought into the stores will all be recycled via the Return to Origins Recycle Program. Everyone involved is encouraged to share their experiences on Twitter using the hashtag #OriginsTradeIn.

These are some pretty great initiatives and I hope you'll get involved! What other ways are you honoring the planet this month?

Get "Kiss Worthy" Lips With FSL Cosmetics: A Review And A Giveaway!

I love supporting smaller, up-and-coming businesses. So you can be sure I was thrilled to meet Kimberly Riley, the brains behind FSL Cosmetics (Feel Good, Smell Good, Look Good), at a blogger mixer during the recent New York Fashion Week. Kimberly, a cosmetic chemist, has a passion and a love for her new line that is frankly infectious...it just oozes out of every aspect of her being! I know from "tweeting" and chatting with her that she spends hours every day working on and perfecting her current lipstick and lip gloss offerings. And I love them!

I had the opportunity to test out Pink Colada and 14 Karat lip glosses and Vino lipstick. Upon application, I was immediately struck by the smooth, non-sticky (and I mean zero tackiness!) texture of the glosses. They provide lovely color and high shine finish, but are extremely light on the lips. The hint of sparkle is gorgeous! I have been wearing Pink Colada, a beautiful pinky-mauve, on its own (I love the way it makes me feel when I have very little makeup on!), but I think that this shade would complement a pink lipstick or even a more nude color very nicely. 14 Karat, is a yellow gold gloss with subtle shimmer. This one is sure to add a richness to a variety of lipstick colors, especially nude tones. Vino lipstick is a creamy, rich, and beautiful cranberry red with a lovely sheen, that can be built up or sheered out on the lips, depending on the desired level of intensity. All of the FSL products are infused with lip healthy vitamins and antioxidants and smell deliciously of juicy fruits (Pink Colada's scent reminds me of a Pina Colada...yummy!)

Pink Colada Lip Gloss

14 Karat Lip Gloss

Vino Lipstick

FSL Cosmetics' lip glosses and lipsticks retail for $18.50 each.

And now for a fun giveaway from The Beauty Chick and FSL!

To enter to win one lip gloss of your choice, simply comment below and tell me what makes you feel good, smell good, or look good. You can increase your chances of winning by following @fslcosmetics on Twitter and RTing "I want to win an FSL Cosmetics Lip Gloss" #feelgoodsmellgoodlookgood (with the hashtag).

*The contest will end on April 18 at 11:59 PM and is open to US residents only.

GOOD LUCK!

NB: Images and product samples were provided to me by FSL Cosmetics. Though I did not purchase them myself, my review was in no way influenced by my receipt of samples. I am dedicated to providing reviews that are 100% my own opinions, bias-free. If I ever feel that I cannot give my readers honest feedback on a product, I will not present a review for it. I am here to inform, and publishing untruthful thoughts is neither beneficial to those who visit my blog nor to me.