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Travel Blogging Junkie: Carry-on Essentials

What did I bring in my carry-on? Find out by watching my video! And ignore the beginning few seconds where I find the best place to put the camera :)


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Red Carpet Ready!

I'm happily ensconced at The Standard hotel. The service is fast (I ordered a latte to my room and it came in about ten minutes), the people are nice and the hotel room decor is 70s elementary school chic (in a good way!), while the lobby's famous for its nautical quirky mermaid (gl)ambiance. I'm into it. I feel as if I'm very... part of that world! One of my frequent "beauty themes" I channel (when I'm not doing retro Hollywood, which is the ush) is Sassy Water Nymph. Thus, I feel very at home here. I managed to see the live mermaid in the tank last night when I came back from shopping with Sydne Summer, who's a DOLL. M ore on that shopping trip later. Here's a teaser: she took me to a sale of Sharon Osbourne's designer stuff from her "England house," and I bought a SICK pair of ruffly black patent Marc Jacobs heels for $80. Sharon must have worn them twice at the most. They're AMAZE. I'm so glad Sharon Osbourne and I rock the same SIZE.

Speaking of mermaids and their lack of legs, Don't forget to check in with me on Twitter today to read my thoughts on some gals who most certainly DON'T lack legs. Check my live-from-the-red-carpet special "legs" edition tweets sponsored by Gillette Venus today beginning at 3pm PST (aww, I'm so California ALREADY! I'm going to make you do the math for EST). Also, be sure to become a Gillette Venus fan on the brand's Facebook page.

I'll gammunicate with you then!

Twitter.com/fabulista

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Travel Blogging Junkie: A Video Tour of The Standard Hotel Room's Amenities

Check my room at The Standard! I'm loving the Kiss My Face products, but most of all, that lightning bolt mini-brella. It's to die. I think it has to come back to NYC with me. I mean... it doesn't even RAIN here in LA, does it? Right now, as I live and type, there's a very The Hills-esque daytime pool party happening right outside my ROOM. Fish tacos abound and Beck's I'm a Loser is cranking. I love LA. Unfort, the love isn't permanent and ceases to exist after four days until my next sojourn here, when I'll re-love it!

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Travel Blogging Junkie: Blogging From The Sky!

I'm pretty sure I'll never fly anything other than Virgin again. Why WOULD you when you can have Wi-Fi in the sky? I'm up in the AIR right now on a PLANE. Can you even?

Here's what I don't love: my chair does not recline one iota and I'm therefore sitting at a nearly acute angle for 5.5 hours. It's not a-cute, but it does make me acutely uncomf.

Here's what I do love: the fact that you can buy as many snacks as you like and chat with other people on the plane via your seat's TV. I just ate a pretty dece mandarin chicken wrap and am deeply considering a cheese plate.

This plane is purple and looks like a DISCO. Kind of Soul Plane, if you will.

In other news, I'm going to meet up with the fab Sydne Summer today to do some shopping in LA! She's going to pick me up in her CAR. When in Rome, dolls. My computer's juice is running out, so I'll bid y'all adieu for the mo'!

Image credit: sfgate.com

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At JFK

Just ate a divine egg and cheese panini from Peet's Coffee (amaze,
BTW) and am experimenting with blogging on my iPhone. iLikeit.

Rocking Pamella Roland Silk Faille on the Red Carpet

I just took this pic a couple minutes ago with my iPhone to show you what I'm going to wear on Sunday at the MTV Movie Awards red carpet. What do we THINK? It's Pamella Roland's Silk Faille dress from her Spring 2009 collection. Blow-out by Matthew at Sam Brocato Salon, obv.

Also gorge on this model in cobalt.

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The Beauty Girls' Best Posts of the Week!

Why the L'Instant Taittinger ad? Why not?

TheMakeupGirl is having a summer contest and is giving away select items from MAC's latest Style Warrior.



Spoiled Pretty is giving away $364 worth of warm weather beauty must-haves to help you beat the heat and keep you looking hot this summer!



This weekend, sponsored by Gillette Venus, Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie will be heading to LA to do a special "legs edition" of red carpet reporting at the MTV Movie Awards. Click here to access her live tweets and be sure to check out the Gillette Venus Facebook page as well.



All About The Pretty is swooning over the Yarok Hair Treatment she got from the Hiro Haraguchi Salon in NYC.



Makeup Loves Me has a sneak peek at the new Avon Pro 3-in-1 lip wand that she has stuffed in her bag for her vacation!!



Beautiful Makeup Search takes a look at the brand new Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronze Collection.



What beauty blogger has the BIGGEST travel makeup bag of them all? Get the scoop at Makeup Bag.



Follow the Beauty Girls on Twitter:

Beauty Blogging Junkie @fabulista
Makeup Bag @makeupbag
TheMakeupGirl @themakeupgirl
All About The Pretty @aatp
Makeup Loves Me @makeuplovesme
Beautiful Makeup Search @beautyblogger
Spoiled Pretty @spoiledpretty



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New Tone Antioxidant Body Wash & Every Bathroom Should Have a Perfumatic

Gals, last night I attended an event at the offices of Marina Maher Communications (MMC) for the launch of Tone's new Antioxidant Body Wash ($4). The wash, bt dubs, smells so divine that Felicia, Dina, Sarah and I opened the bottle to smell it multiple times througout the event. Its formula features Vitamins E and A, in addition to blueberry extract. I lurve that it yields conditioned, hydrated skin. It will be sold at grocery, drugstores and mass retailers this June.

We tried out the wash on our hands whilst enjoying a MINX manicure during the party. Manicurist extraordinare Honey Bunny (that's seriously her name) did an excellent job. You can contact her at honeynailz[AT]gmail.com, BTW. My nails are currently rocking the Golden Lightning shade, a liquid gold. Click here for nail guru All Lacquered Up's Michelle's thoughts on all things MINX. In the words of the fabulous Hugh Grant, I FEEL like a saucy minx. I haven't yet decided if my gold nails are the way to go whilst I report on the red carpet this Sunday, but obv, I'll keep you posted.


Last time I attended an event at MMC a few weeks ago, I was STRUCK by this gorge beyond gorge vintage PERFUME dispenser (called a Perfumatic) in the bathroom. This time, I made sure to take a pic of it. I am going to comb eBay until I find one exactly like it. I'm deeply obsessed. That Marina Maher is a girl very much on my vintage glamour wavelength.



Check out these absolutely PRESH vintage Max Factor ads Marina has gracing the bathroom walls. It is so my style, I nearly felt compelled to slip one into my PURSE. Like a vandal.


Can you even? I want to BUY one.

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30% Off at Three Custom Color

Three Custom Color is offering their 30% Pro Discount to shoppers through Tuesday, June 2^nd on www.threecustom.com Simply enter MUSHOW at checkout for this discount. I suggest stocking up on some of the brand's standout sellers at The Makeup Show this year:

Light Clarifier Pencil just a swipe on the inner rim whitens, brightens and widens the eye (see Beth Shapouri's blog post on the Glamour beauty blog here!

Professional Concealer Palette their amazing, multifunctional formulation is all you'll ever need for Concealer and Foundation. Available in Palettes (all 10 shades), Trios and Singles (stay tuned for the launch on QVC in August!)

Translucent Loose Powder the makeup artist's go-to setting powder for any skin tone. Also available in their Pressed Mini Compact.

Cool and Warm Lipstick and Lip Gloss Palettes 10 fleshy, wearable shades for every occasion. A must-have for any lip color junkie!

Ballet Russe Lipstick a perfect, wearable red in their Award-Winning moisturizing, nourishing formula.

NEW! Whisper Sheer Lipstick the alternative to boring, flat nude - dazzling!

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New Series: Travel Blogging Junkie!

Just as much as I wanted to be a beauty writer, I've ALWAYS wanted to write about travel. Airline, hotel, activity and restaurant reviews are something I've been doing in person, but never in writing.

Unfortunately, due to budget constraints and lack of vacation days, I haven't been going on many trips in the past few years. And I've let that affect my travel writing plans, but no more!

I'm going to write about every trip I take that requires a hotel stay, whether it be in New Jersey for a wedding (stay tuned, I'll be at one on July 31) or as far away as Israel, where I'll be heading in October. Also on my summer travel list: two trips to Montauk for girlfriend getaways.

The travel series will be called, naturally, Travel Blogging Junkie. This weekend, I'm off to LA where I'll review my experience at iconic hotel The Standard, my Virgin America flight (SO excited. Felicia told me there's WIFI!) and any restaurants I frequent throughout my stay. Do check it out!

Keepin' it real when I fly the friendly skies,
Amber

P.S. Considering changing my name to Glamber. Kind of kidding, but kind of not. What do we think? Tell me in the comments!

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Benefit Introduces One Hot Minute!

Me, before Julie Monti's expert makeup application. Feh, right? I have to share also, that we were having a BAD hair day in New York yesterday.

After! Julie did a fab job, n'est-ce pas? Check the luminosity One Hot Minute adds!

Gals, last night I attended a Benefit Cosmetics blogger event where we were introduced to Benefit's newest item, One Hot Minute. If you're a Benefit junkie as I am (perhaps this blog should be called Benefit Blogging Junkie), you'll need to add this little jewel to your collection. It's a rose-gold loose, shimmery powder that infuses your skin with a seductive JLo-circa-2002 glow in seconds. Let's put it this way: It does for skin what Michelle Pfeiffer's iconic character Elvira did for the movie Scarface.

The color is right for every skin tone and can be applied everywhere from face to decollete to legs. It yields a soft, pretty, metallic luster that isn't cakey, nor too powdery. You know I hate a powdery effect. This one is finely-milled and simply gorge. I lurve that it comes with its own flat, rounded brush and the packaging dispenses the perfect amount of powder thanks to its few sifter holes.

Annie Ford Danielson (Benefit Makeup Trend Artist and daughter of Benefit co-founder Jean Ford!) and Julie Monti (Benefit Makeup Artist for the SoHo Bloomingdales--visit her there, she's ama!) were on-hand to give makeovers with One Hot Minute. They also used some of my fave Benefit items such as Posietint, BADgal Liner Waterproof, Some Kind-a Gorgeous, Benefit's new Velvet Eyeshadow and their legendary Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner. I love that the cream shadow/liner has a built-in primer so it NEVER creases and lasts the whole damn day. BT dubs, Julie shared this genius tip: "Apply Posietint before and after your foundation to get a lit-from-within glow." Love it.

One Hot Minute will be available in July for $30 exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com.

Will you be buying one? Tell me in the comments!


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Shirtless Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson. You're funny if you think I'm going to be able to even SPEAK in your presence should you grace the red carpet at the MTV Movie Awards on Sunday. Now that I've seen this.

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La Mer Celebrates World Oceans Day

In honor of La Mer’s sea heritage and continued support of Oceana, the world’s leading international ocean advocacy organization, La Mer has designed a limited-edition 250 ml “World Oceans Day” Crème, with 100% of net proceeds going to Oceana.

The U.N. officially has designated June 8 as the first annual World Oceans Day. Celebrate it by purchasing the World Oceans Day limited edition Crème de la Mer, which will be sold in May and June at Saks Fifth Avenue and on www.lamer.com. As 100% of the proceeds will benefit Oceana directly, it's an excellent time to stock up. Look good, do good, dolls!

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Live-tweeting From the Red Carpet at the MTV Movie Awards Sponsored by Gillette Venus

Hi, dolls!

Just wanted to officially break the news that this Saturday, I'll be heading to sunny Los Angles for the MTV Movie Awards' red carpet. There, I'll be doing a special "legs" edition series of blog posts. Find out my thoughts on the evenings' most glam gams on Sunday, May 31.

This special legs edition series is sponsored by Gillette Venus.

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Know What?

My life was a lot better before I knew these Botkier Elena Ruffle Platform Pumps ($445) existed. I now am on a James-the-tracker-vampire-from-Twilight type of hunt to get them for a more reasonable price. So I can, you know, pay my rent AND maybe wear some phenom shoes. They SLAY me.

That's all,
Amber

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Essie Neon Collection 09

Essie Cosmetics, Ltd. and Brazilian sandal brand Havaianas recently joined forces to co-host a summer event for beauty bloggers and web editors. Forty of New York’s beauty online media attended and were introduced to the Essie Neon and Summer collections, along with Havaianas new “Fit” sandal, which boats a supercute ankle strap on the iconic flip flop. At the event, I got a pedi with Essie's new polish in Perky Purple, (pictured all the way on the left, above) a vibrant, hot purple that's just SPESH. So spesh, in fact, that after I rocked it to a bridal shower for my friend Shelby this weekend in NJ, both Shelby and my friend Erin ran to their nail techs and jacked my steez. I didn't mind because it was truly THE perf hue for Mem Day.

At the event, I had the pleasure of meeting THE Essie Weingarten! Essie was unbelievably down to earth, despite the fact that her eponymous brand is THE go-to brand in salons. It's my fave, by far. She shared a juicy tidbit with Jim and me about Seal (hubby of Heidi Klum, in case you're not aware) enjoying some navy blue Essie polish on his toes. Loving it, Essie!

The deets on the collection:

Punchy Pink – Delicious berry icicle

Flirty Fuchsia – Flaming hot magenta

Funky Limelight – Brilliant day-glo yellow

Perky Purple – Electric boogie violet

Essie recommends you apply a base and top coat like essie Protein Base Coat and Good to Go! top coat for a rich, high shine finish, since neon nail colors are naturally a bit matte.

The essie Neon Color Collection is a limited-edition collection, available now at www.essie.com and fine spas, salons and beauty stores nationwide in May 2009. $8 each.

Which color will you rock first?

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Free Shipping at Bliss Until June 3

Lots of deals today, dolls!


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Chantecaille Sample Sale

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Toiletries with Sass: Anatomicals

I've always said that in my next life, I'm simply coming back as a Brit. They're FUNNIER than we are. I maintain that the the British version of What Not To Wear is far superior, not that I don't ADORE Stacy and Clinton. Because I do. But they don't feel people up inappropriately and then laugh about it the way Trinny and Suzanne do.

My freshman year of high school, I had no problem babysitting at my neighbor's house on a Friday night (social life be damned) because they had Comedy Central. And I didn't at my house. Which meant that I could watch hours and hours of Absolutely Fabulous. After settling for hours of outdated Are You Being Served (hilarious, but totally old) I was inspired by Patsy Stone and her ridiculous glamour.

Were Patsy not fictional, she'd OBV be well versed in Brit brand Anatomicals. This fun, quirky range of products boasts endearing names such as No Old Bags Allowed Eye Gel, Stop Cracking Up Lip Balm, and Shower to the People Shower Gel. The packaging is adorable, yet minimal. It has a very Virgin airlines feel to it, mixed with a touch of philosophy. Their tagline is the best: We only want you for your body. Hilar.

No Old Bags Allowed Eye Gel is my fave of the bunch. It cools the eye area and visibly deflates puffiness whilst yielding gentle hydration. You'll want to use whilst taking in hours of Masterpiece Theatre and consuming tea and crumpets. You cheeky monkey.

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20% Off at Benefit

For three days only, get 20% off all orders at Benefit. Enter MAKEUP20 at checkout.

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Stila Indian Summer Collection Now Available

Now, nothing will come between you and your mango crush! Buy that ish on www.stilacosmetics.com.

Enjoy!

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Watermelon Pedicures at Eve

Celebrate the unofficial start of summer with the launch of Eve’s Watermelon Pedicure. Soak in a yum-yum-yum watermelon-scented salt bath, slough your sandals-ready tootsies with a delicious oil-infused scrub, and massage away your last memories of winter with Eve's rich, watermelon moisturizing cream. Top it off with watermelon nail art or simply with the color of your choice.

Eve
55 West 8th Street (East of 6th Avenue)
NYC

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20% off at Smashbox

Enjoy 20% Off Smashbox Cosmetics with free standard shipping now until May 29.

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The Perfect Gift for your Friend with the Hamptons House: ck Calvin Klein Splendid Glam Mini Nail Enamel Collection

Gals, the days between Mem Day and Labor Day are filled with sun, fun, and sand... and ample opportunities to gift your friend with the Hamptons House with a lovely beauty present. It shows appreciation for her hospitality AND ensures you'll garner a little baby invitation back. For this express purpose, I recommend the splendid glam mini nail enamel collection from ck Calvin Klein ($25).

The set boasts four long-lasting, chip-resistant bold-for-summer nail colors. Indigo Blue, Aqua Splash, and Heartbreaker will look phenom peeking out from a pair of strappy sandals and Hint of Pink will give your fingernails a sheer, glossy glaze.

Perhaps buy one for you and one to gift, no?

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You Can Just Throw It In Your Purse: Clinique Sun SPF Targeted Protection Stick

Tamar and I talk all the time about how the most commonly-heard phrase in a beauty writer's life is, "You can just throw it in your purse!" While that is a selling point, the beauty junkie realist thinks to herself, If I were to put everything in my purse that someone suggests I should, I'd be wheeling around a Samsonite.

The exception to the rule? Clinique Sun SPF Targeted Protection Stick ($17.50). This SPF stick of super convenient succor is just what you need to keep on you should your brunch outside in the West Vill lead into a dinner in the Meatpacking District five hours later. You know. Hypothetically. It's perfect for swiping along your nose, lips, and cheeks. I rocked it today hanging out with my friend Erin and nary a ray penetrated my mug.

Happy Mem Day, dolls!

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Glamman's Back Sugaring at Shobha

The intrepid Glamman takes on back sugaring at Shobha!

The fact is that most guys have hair on their backs. It could be a light covering of peach fuzz (acceptable), or a few random longer ones (eeh, would be better with them off), maybe a pair of Cubby Wings — the thicker patches of hair under the shoulder blades (must come off) or the dreaded Shag Carpet National Forest (perfect if you’re into Bears, but if not, emergency hair removal is needed). I prefer the look of a trimmed chest/abs area with a smooth back and shoulders.

Click here to read all about his experience.

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David Babaii for WildAid to be Sold at Sally Beauty Supply

Kate Hudson and her hairstylist David Babaii announced today that David Babaii for WildAid, their PHENOM eco-friendly line of hair care products, will be introduced at Sally Beauty Supply stores nationwide beginning June 1. It will still be available at drugstores as well. I am espesh smitten with their Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner. The more places for distribution of this sulfate-free brand that DELIVERS, the better. In my profesh opinion.

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Stuff In My Water.

Lucky's Simone Kitchens recently waxed poetic about drinking-more-water tactics. She mentioned that fellow Lucky editor Cat Marnell's tip is incorporating sliced cucumbers into the mix, which I think is totes gene.

Similarly, Babassface sold me a few months ago on the eight-glasses-a-day-SERIOUSLY idea with her fantastical experience. I find tap water absolutely revolting on its own, but I can't lug enormous bottles of Poland Spring on my commute to work (which already includes a ten-minute on-foot portion), so I'm always looking for new jazz-up-my-H20 ideas. I rarely drink water straight. In fact, I'm pretty sure my Native American name would be something along the lines of... Stuff In My Water. Here's a comprehensive list from the most obvious (Captain Obvious) to the least obvious (Private Obvious).

Captain Obvious
Lemons and lemon juice. Lime also works, obv. What's slightly less obvious is keeping one of those lemon juice squeezers that look like a lemon in your fridge so you don't have to cut up a lemon every time you're thirstin' Howell. Some extra juice and a couple of Splenda packets = poor gal's lemonade.

Lieutenant Obvious
Crystal Light packets have artificial sweeteners, but improve your water-drinking experience by 87%. I've measured it.



Sergeant Obvious
Various fruits and vegetables. Try cucumbers (per Cat's tip), apples, mango, various melons, carrots, and kiwi. It's like sangria! But not.



Corporal Obvious
Ginger, the gnarly, nubby kind is a detoxifying wake-up call to your daily drink. Peel it and cut it into small slices. It also relieves nausea. I find it vital for hangover days. A sort of ginger ale for the Martha Stewart set, if you will. Try it on out.



Private Obvious
Dr. Brandt Anti-Oxidant Water Booster in Blueberry ($35)
Yes, that's a lot of money. But one little bottle will last you six months if you do as I do. Keep it at work and drop in the contents of one dropper over the course of the workday. Just enough to make your tap water taste like delish blueberry, but not so much that it seems like you're drinking juice. It does sort of flake within the cup, making it look a bit strange (if this bothers you, simply drop in the Water Booster first, then add water--it'll mix better), but it tastes divine and provides you with the benefits of 15 cups of green tea.

Want to do everything I do? I drink mine out of my new Earthlust 20-ounce Dragon Fly bottle ($18). Is it not GORGE? Nalgenes are so 2008. I keep mine at work and Jim refers to its dragon fly who lives on it as a "dining needle." He said it by accident one day (what does that even MEAN?) and it continues to crack us up.

What are your water-drinking ideas? And do you do the eight-glasses-a-day thing? Tell me in the comments.


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