30% Off at Three Custom Color

Enter code PRO3 at checkout at threecustom.com and receive 30% off all online purchases through midnight May 2 EDT.

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Destination Procrastination

College Candy declares the Clarisonic the best invention ever. I agree!
[College Candy]

Modern dating etiquette: Should he (or you) groom at the table?
[Lemondrop]

Check this interview with Naomi Watts
[ELLE.com]

Find out why Oscar de la Renta says "couture has become completely irrelevant."
[NYmag.com's The Cut]

File under Um, Really? Costco's got some pretty fabulous skin care
[Glamour/The Girls In The Beauty Department]

Eight tips to make it look as if you're not wearing makeup (while looking fabulous, of course)
[Glo]


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What's On Jill Swid's Vanity?

 The What's On Your Vanity Series showcases a single beauty item an interviewee loves because it's effective, but also she feels she must keep out on top of her vanity because the gorgeous packaging must be displayed.

 If you don't know Jill Swid, you sure as heck-fire should. She's a sought-after stylist who's imparted her sartorial expertise upon the likes of Uma Thurman and Marissa Tomei. She's a total sweetheart and reminisced with me like a true beauty junkie about '90s products like the original Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick and... what's on her vanity, another '90s classic. In Jill's words:

Since seventh grade, I'd worn Cacherel's Anais Anais with a  hiatus in '92, after I graduated from college until I rediscovered it in 2006. Since then it's graced my vanity! I dabbled in Chanel No.5, Chloe and Opium, but I was overjoyed to return to my original fragrance love, Cacherel Anais Anais. I'd just had a baby and wanted to reclaim my youth. It makes me feel sexy. It's got the wow-factor: People stop me on the street to tell me it smells pretty! It's guaranteed to evoke compliments. It's a young, fresh innocent scent and it takes me back every time.



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Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale

I covet my gal Sarah Conley's cobalt blue Rebecca Minkoff and hope to score a fab gem of my own at the upcoming Rebecca Minkoff sample sale. Enjoy!


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Elemis Sale on Hautelook

There's an Elemis Sale on Hautelook today! Snag an invite at hautelook.com/invite/bbj.


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Advanced Derma Laser Tech Laser Hair Removal

Like my gal Tamar named her upcoming summer 2010 style (Boca Bubbe), I decided in the beginning of 2010 that this would be the year of semi-permanent beauty for me.

I've experimented with the OPI Axxium Soak-off Gel Manicure (I hereby declare it The Business), Eyelash Extensions (I think you're aware of my obsesh by now) and La Braziliana keratin treatment with Jan-Marie Arteca at Ted Gibson (glamazing). But I haven't discussed with you my laser hair removal lab I completed. Fellow NonSociety-er Julia Allison sang its praises a couple years ago and I was intrigued. But I'd gone to a couple competing laser operations and plum wasn't blown away. Did they mitigate my hair situation slightly? Yes. But was I still needing to shave on an at LEAST every-other-day-basis? Yes. This was SO not the case with Advanced Derma Laser.

Per my gal Meghan's suggestion, a couple months ago I made an appointment for a bikini/underarms session. After ONE visit, I saw dramatic results. I now only shave my underarms about once a week and my bikini area has not grown back save for a few rogue hairs since February. February. What's more, my formerly razor-burn ravaged pits never looked smooth and fresh--even minutes after I'd shaved. They had a vomitatious dark cast to them which is no longer there post-laser--and I'm smooth as can BE.

My laser gal there, Jennifer Kandemir, is phenomenal and gets the job done quickly while imparting pretty minimal pain (if feels like you're being touched by freezing ice for a second). I've undergone multiple treatments at other laser places, all of which haven't equaled the hairlessness that ensued from just ONE appointment at Advanced Derma Laser. I've gone twice now, and my hair literally has fallen out and then did me a favor by not growing back in. Is there a better testimonial than that? Ish don't think so. Get involved:

Advanced Derma Laser
422 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 223-2235

Disclaimer: This service was provided free of charge for editorial consideration



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Get The Look: Amanda Seyfried's Hairstyle at the Premiere of Letters to Juliet

Frederic Fekkai Celebrity Stylist Renato Campora created a cool and casual look for Amanda Seyfried at the premiere of her movie Letters to Juliet at the Tribeca Film Festival.  The look was a modern easy up do-–versatile from day to night.

How To Get The Look: 

On wet hair, Campora applied Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip and blow dried thoroughly using his fingers. He then used a half -inch curling iron to create waves around her head for texture. He teased the hair just slightly from roots half- way down to the middle of the head to add a little bit of extra volume. He sprayed Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray all over to secure the foundation of the look. Using the Fekkai Classic Brush he swept all of her hair back to create a loose French twist. To finish the look he added a thin headband and smoothed back the front of the hair.

FEKKAI Full Blown Volume™ Styling Whip ($23) FEKKAI SHEER Hold® HAIRSPRAY ($23) Fekkai Classic Brush ($95)  are all available At fekkai.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

What do you think of Amanda Seyfried's hairstyle? I love it so much, I may replicate it this week! I've long been a fan of an updo/headband combo.

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What's On Melissa Walker's Vanity?

The What's On Your Vanity Series showcases a single beauty item a blogger loves because it's effective, but also she feels she must keep out on top of her vanity because the gorgeous packaging must be displayed.

I met Melissa Walker when I took one of her fantastic Mediabistro classes a few years ago and we've been in touch ever since. She's now a successful freelance writer, author and co-editor/co-founder of iheartdaily, a daily newsletter geared toward teens (though I subscribe and find most of the content works for me, too!). This former ELLEgirl editor has a keen eye for fashion and beauty must-haves, so she was a natural choice for What's On Your Vanity? In Melissa's words:

My vanity object was inspired by (read: stolen from) Hilary Kerr of WhoWhatWear.com when I interviewed her about her makeup bag for I Heart Daily 

I fell in love with Revlon's "Pink About It" lipstick and I'm wearing it non-stop this spring. I use it for my lips, naturally, but also on my cheeks because it gives them that little-girl-pinched pink that goes well with freckles. I'm shameless! The sleek black packaging is understated and cool on my vanity. Best part? The $8 drugstore price tag.

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Purple Lab is back on HSN!

Purple Lab is hitting Glampa once again!

Tune in to HSN (or watch it online, as it streams live) to check out Purple Lab's new product (Pearlesque Show, a luxe silicone-free primer with crushed pearls, honey, and kiwi (it's Amber-tested; beauty-blogger approved!), four new shades of Huge Lips Skinny Hips, some amazing kits and lots of glam!

It'll be on Thursday at 2am, 2pm and 8pm and on Friday at 10am and 3pm.

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Tabio Socks Will Knock Yours Off.

When the Creative Director at the mutual fund to which I've returned to work in a freelance capacity called "Katz! Get in here. I want to show you my socks." I thought... socks? Who cares? I mean, tights, those I can get jazzed about. She and I frequently do "show and tell" for our new wardrobe and beauty acquisitions. But socks... when was the last time you were REMOTELY enchanted by a pair of socks? I'll tell you when, NOW. I was blown away by the bag of Tabio sock confections she'd scored from a friend who recently sojourned in Tokyo (Japants, as Felicia fondly refers to it).

The Creative D kindly bestowed onto me a pair of lace-up sockettes (admittedly glamateur pic of them at left), which go with open-toed shoes or with close-toed flats and while it sounds crazy--they jazz up any pair of kicks exponentially. Also check out the lacy foot adornments that spice up open toed shoes by adding a vertical ruffle down your instep. You need to see it to believe it. Peruse the site at Tabio.com/uk.

Alas darlings, you can only score these jewels in London or Tokyo, but I believe you can order from the brand's ecommerce site, Tabio.com. They're not cheap (around £22.00 a pop!) but since there's NO competitor (that I know of), it's a must to check out. It's everything you ever wanted to know about socks--but were afraid to ask.



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Clarins Sale on Gilt Groupe!

Clarins will be hosting a sale on Thursday, April 29 beginning at noon on Gilt Groupe! Treat your mom (Mother’s Day is May 9) or yourself to the ultimate in skincare with this special sale. 

Need an invite? Score one at gilt.com/invite/amberkatz.

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What's On Tracey Lomrantz's Vanity?

The What's On Your Vanity Series showcases a single beauty item the interviewee loves because it's effective, but also she feels she must keep out on top of her vanity because the gorgeous packaging must be displayed.

I met the fabulous Tracey Lomrantz, who writes Glamour.com's Slaves to Fashion blog and is Glamour's Contributing Style Editor while I reported on the red carpet for Glamour's annual Women of the Year awards.  I nearly accosted to her find out what delish perfume she'd applied and she told me her secret sauce was Narciso Rodriguez For Her and I've since been hooked. Since I was so into her fragrance choices, I hit up Tracey to find out what beauty item is gracing her vanity. And in true fashion editor form, it's truly a thing of beauty. Behold, in Tracey's words:

Read more...

Official Mascara Correspondent: EYEKO Magic Mascara

Here's another installment from Ashleigh Ciucci, BBJ's Official Mascara Correspondent! This time, Ashleigh reports on the EYEKO Magic Mascara.  I'm a fan of the brand's glittery eye liners and wacky colored nail polishes, so I was eager to see if their mascara's delivery was as enchanting as its packaging. Here's Ashleigh's expert review:

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New from Bond No. 9: Montauk

Montauk is officially so hot right now--much to my friend Andy's chagrin. He's been "weekending" there for more than a decade and tries not to barf when my friend Amber (his wife) and I fully get into the sceniness of the joint by spending Saturday nights at Surf Lodge and celeb watching. He'll love to know that Montauk is now on Bond No.9's radar.

Montauk is the 5th in the Bond No.9 series of Warhol collectible fragrances and the bottle design displays Andy Warhol’s iconic Sunsets, dating back from 1972 (one year after he discovered Montauk). His Sunsets series consisted of 632 unique screen prints but for this project, they chose four designs (see images above) from his collection to feature.

The Bond No.9 Montauk fragrance is launching on Memorial Day, 2010. I may have to bring this one as a gift for my pal Andy next time I am jonesing for a weekend at the beach to sweeten the deal. The packaging would look gorge in the guestroom.

As would I!

Disclaimer: I don't own this

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Win $300 of Purple Lab Swag!

Purple Lab is hosting a beauty call where you can win $300 worth of Purple Lab swag! The contest launches on closetcouture.com/purplelab tomorrow, Tuesday April 27 and will run through Saturday, May 1.

Good luck, beauties!

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Mario Badescu Sale on Hautelook

Get involved with this one, friends. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion has changed my lifestyle. Score an Hautelook invite at hautelook.com/invite/bbj.

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Carol's Column: Coconut Cache

By Carol (my mother)

In the '80s I studied the Alexander Technique, which, in a nutshell, is a way to receive more physical ease and fluidity of movement. My teacher was a legendary character who presided over a salon that attracted actors, musicians, and sundry other seekers. Kitty was an extraordinary teacher and an eccentric par excellence. Over 80 years old when I knew her, she had regal posture, arresting eyes and softly glowing pink skin. She was devoted to old-fashioned products, like real kohl in tiny tins that she’d apply with a brush to line her eyes. To wash her face, nothing would do but pure coconut oil soap.  She absolutely swore by it and certainly, her complexion proved her point.

Naturally, I tried it too, and have been hooked ever since.  Over the years, I’ve sampled a number of different brands, one of my favorites being a Mexican soap called Sirena Coconut Oil Soap distributed by The Tropical Soap Co.  I can no longer find it anywhere, unfortunately. Ditto a Guatemalan brand I could get only in Florida.  These soaps were dirt cheap, by the way, yet fabulous. 

Now I use Kirk’s Original Coco Castile. Made in the U.S.A. since 1839, it’s hypoallergenic, non-animal tested with no animal by-products or synthetic detergents, like laurel sulfate.  The slightly retro-looking wrapper states “Kirk's makes handfuls of rich creamy lather even in the hardest water.  Yet, it rinses with thrilling ease and no drying residue.  Skin is left beautifully soft and healthy.”  

I’ll attest to that.  The thing is, eye area aside, there is just no need to use make up remover at all.  And, since it’s non-drying, I find I don’t need a night cream before going to bed. 

To enumerate more of its virtues:  It comes in a three-pack for only a few dollars (!) and is available at my local supermarket.

Dandy, definitely, and I know Kitty would agree. 



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What's On E. Jean Carroll's Vanity?

 The What's On Your Vanity Series showcases a single beauty item the interviewee loves because it's effective, but also she feels she must keep out on top of her vanity because the gorgeous packaging must be displayed.

 

I've long considered E. Jean Carroll my "quiet mentor." Quiet only in the sense that I've never met her (not yet, anyway!). I love that not one ounce of her vitality is lost in the transition from her being to her words in the pages of her many fabulous books and her Ask E. Jean advice column in ELLE.  I am a person who loathes authority (hence my newly-established freelance lifestyle) and rarely imitates others, but E. Jean's career is one I'd mimic hook line and sinker. I'll just SAY it: I want to do everything E. Jean does. This genius wordsmith was once a writer for SNL and wrote a biography of the epic Hunter S. Thompson. In addition, she's quite the social media innovator. She's an active Tweeter and Facebooker in addition to having her own site, advicevixens.com, an experiment in the ways people give and receive advice. Anywho, she was a natural choice for the vanity series, as you could say I'm mildly obsessed with her. I recall her admitting in a few of her books (which I own all of) that loves her some Vaseline and that she "slathers [her] entire self in the stuff nightly." As such, it's What's on Her Vanity. In the fabulous words of E. Jean Carroll:

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ELLE.com's 21-Day Eco-Chic Challenge

The girls at ELLE.com compiled a list of 21 ways you can greenify your beauty/fashion routine that's guaranteed to make you green with envy. Check out the full list here. But don't be jeal; simply get involved yourself.

My fave? The Loeffler Randall solar-powered tote which charges your cell phone while being roomy enough to fit a pair of kicks. Genius!


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LORAC Sale on Hautelook

Don't miss Monday's LORAC sale on Hautelook. Need an invite? Score one at hautelook.com/invite/bbj.

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New Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15

It seems lipstick/balm hybrids are all the rage this spring. First, we had the new ones from Nars, now it appears Bobbi Brown's hopped on that train with Bobbi’s Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15. It's a lightweight, soft shine lipstick that rejuvenates chapped, dry lips as it imparts color. To accomplish this, the formula boasts Cocoa and Shea Butters, Jojoba, Apricot Kernel and Avocado oils. Peptides, along with Vitamin C and Paracress, stimulate collagen production to reduce lines, while SPF 15 helps prevent sun damage on your delicate pout.

The Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine is available in 12 new shades from Bobbi Brown counters and www.bobbibrown.com.

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New NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment

I've been a fan of NARS' new Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment for a while, and even recruited Jim to Team NARS Lip Treatments. They nourish, hydrate and protects chapped lips while providing sheer color  tint in a range of six  colors.  The shades, which can be worn alone or paired with any NARS lip product, include Aurore (seashell pink), Greta (mauve), Paloma (cantaloupe), Lara (pastel pink) Angélique (strawberry) and Bianca (pearl).

The product boasts an array of ingredients such as Wild Mango Butter, Vitamin E, Polar Berries and Açai Oil- providing the perfect antidote to dry, chapped lips from winter. 

 

All six shades are available on www.narscosmetics.com.

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Dr. Hauschka Sale on Gilt Groupe

Dr. Hauschka is one of my FAVE natural beauty brands. The sale's on now. Need an invite to Gilt Groupe? Score one at gilt.com/invite/amberkatz.

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Organicare Sale on Hautelook

Organicare Skin Care sale on Hautelook. Get involved here.

 

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15% Off At Bliss

 Take advantage at blissworld.com. Use code MAY10 at checkout. Enjoy!

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Destination: Procrastination

College Candy hooks us up with 8 pairs of leggings under $20 each. Sweet.
[College Candy]

La Prairie debuts caviar-infused lipstick
[StyleList]


Embrace your freckles, fair maidens! 
[ELLE.com]


A woman who spent $80 grand on spa treatments for her children. Sometimes I feel I was born into the wrong family.
[BellaSugar] 


Burberry's launching a makeup line in July!
[NYmag.com's The Cut]


Check out Jennifer Lopez' glitter-tipped nails!
[Glamour's The Girls In The Beauty Department]


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BBJ Interviews Orlando Pita

To use font terminology, in a world of Times New Roman hair, Orlando Pita brings the Lucida Bright. I recently had the opportunity to interview him about all things follicular while he tended to the fabled mane of Lori Goldstein. Read on to learn about Orlando's first hair-related memory and what heat tool for which he recommends you scour eBay.

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What's On Andrea Arterbery's Vanity?

The What's On Your Vanity Series showcases a single beauty item a blogger loves because it's effective, but also she feels she must keep out on top of her vanity because the gorgeous packaging must be displayed.

If you don't know Miss Andrea Arterbery, you sure as hellfire SHOULD. She is a sparkly delight. She pens a fabulous site called The Glamazons with a friend of hers. Get involved. I enjoy Andrea so much, we even took a GLAMOUR shot together (left; very "the mall" circa 1993, right?) at the Sunsilk/Teddy Charles event a couple months ago. We also conspire to get a beauty brand to name a gloss after us called Glambery. You know, a collective eponymous gloss. We envision a sultry raspberry with subtle sheen. You're into it, right? So without further ado, allow me to share Andrea's on-vanity item. In her words:

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X-treme Eyelash Extensions At Sam Brocato Salon

Do you guys feel like I talk about my eyelash extension addiction more than Mr. Rogers' puppets in his Neighborhood talked about the opera they were always planning? Cause I do. Put on a cardigan, swap your dress shoes for some sneakers and let's discuss.

Why do I talk about my lash extensions so much? They're my luxurious service I simply can't live without. I've had them on with several rounds of refills since December and I just really enjoy skipping eye makeup in the morning while maintaining a glam look.

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Kooba Sample Sale!

Courtesy of my gal Felicia!

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Journey to Jouer At Bendel's This Mother's Day!

In honor of Mother’s Day, Jouer invites all Manhattan mother/daughter pairs to enjoy complimentary makeup applications, free Moisturizing Mini Lip Gloss Sets, faux mimosas and other treats. May 7 through May 9, indulge in beauty freebies while catching up with mom Just call 1-800-HBENDEL to reserve an appointment and enjoy all of these exciting goodies, no purchase necessary.

Happy Mother's Day!


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What's On Robert Verdi's Vanity?/Robert Verdi's Closet of Dreams

Epic night, friends.

I attended an eco-chic tweet-up at Robert Verdi's divine Luxe Laboratory in Chelsea where I caught up with my gals Felicia, Anne, Lauren, Julia and David while I learned about eco-rific Naya Shoes, which are supercute while good for the planet and hit shelves this spring. On the beauty front, W3ll People is another fantastical green brand with which I'm newly delighted. It boasts natural, safe, organic ingredients that smell really fresh and herbal. Love.

Please forgive my admittedly craptacular iPhone pics I snapped furiously whilst Robert gave me a PRIVATE TOUR OF HIS GLAMAZING CLOSET. The pic above is a view of the back half of his cavernous closet of fabulosity. Obv, that's Robert in the green. In the words of Felicia, I'll talk you through how this all came to be.

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What's On Shannon Nelson's Vanity?

The What's On Your Vanity Series showcases a single beauty item a blogger loves because it's effective, but also she feels she must keep out on top of her vanity because the gorgeous packaging must be displayed.

Shannon Nelson is a beauty blogging pioneer who writes the fabulous blog about all things bath, body and beyond, A Girl's Gotta Spa.This Pennsylvania gal is super social media savvy and knows her way around a salon. Natch, I hit her up to find out what's on her vanity. In Shannon's words:

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In Case You Were Wondering What Nail Polishes I Rocked In 1996

So, this past weekend, I'm at my parents' house in suburban Philly, hanging in my childhood bedroom with my BFF from the first day of kindergarten, Lee. While most of my stuff has been moved/thrown out of my room, there are a few reminders of my days in Blue Bell, PA. So we're sitting on the floor talking about something likely ridiculous when I peer under my bed and notice... a Caboodle. And in a (mother effing) montage moment sort of like the one at the end of Lester Burnham's life at the climax of American Beauty, suddenly I remember! That was my high school container for NAIL parapherna(i)a! It held my remover, cotton balls, umpteen polishes and this little container I used that was on a tilt to hold the bottle while I applied it.

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What's On Mario Dedivanovic's Vanity?

The What's On Your Vanity Series showcases a single beauty item a beauty insider loves because it's effective, but also he/she feels he/she must keep out on top of his/her vanity because the gorgeous packaging must be displayed.

 I met the superhuman talent that is Mario Dedivanovic at a party last year to celebrate Kim Kardashian's entree into beauty writing as OK's contributing beauty editor. As a celebrity makeup artist, Mario works a lot with the Kardashians and sculpts--it has to be said--the best cheek in the biz. He's even made cameos on Keeping Up With The Kardashians and is the mastermind behind Khloe Kardashian's beautiful wedding makeup. I've asked Mario what's in his makeup case before, but I was dying to know What's On His Vanity. In Mario's words:

This is actually so hard for me to answer because I'm OBSESSED with fragrance and beauty products --always have been.  I've been collecting fragrances since I was 17.  My love for them started when I worked as a fragrance consultant at Sephora.  I usually pair a few together on my bathroom counter and bedroom dressers.  I also change them all the time and replace them in pairs of skin care and fragrance. 

But if I had to chose one favorite it would be the beautiful Eau d'Hadrien Absolu, by Annick Goutal. The packaging is simple and square with a gold top.  It has both an antique and modern look to it.  Its colors are monochromatic--warm golden and creamy tones.  The scent itself is citrusy, clean and expensive. 

No matter where I place the bottle, alone or amongst other products, she stands out always. She's beautiful.

Aww, Mario! I love that you gave your bottle a gender. I do the same with some of my heat tools :)


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Bring Your SATC 4 To Ted Gibson For a Special Blow-out Deal

In honor of the release of Sex and the City 2, in theaters May 27, my mane man Ted Gibson is offering a limited time a SATC Salon Blow out Party from May 14-29.

This special is for a group of 4 or more to get discounted blowout service. When booking the party, make sure you say “Sex and the City” to get these perks:

• FREE glass of champagne
• 15% off Blowouts for each guest of the party
• Discount on the ted gibson hair sheet styling  from $14.99 to $10.00

Location:             Ted Gibson Salon (www.tedgibsonbeauty.com)

                                New York            184 Fifth Avenue - 2^nd Floor

                                                                New York, NY 10010

                                                                212.633.6333

                                 DC                         5481 Wisconsin Avenue- Level 2 

                                                                Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815

                                                                301.951.4445

Enjoy!

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What's On Michelle Mismas' Vanity?

The What's On Your Vanity Series showcases a single beauty item a blogger loves because it's effective, but also she feels she must keep out on top of her vanity because the gorgeous packaging must be displayed.

Look. The undisputed nail enthusiast of the WORLD is Michelle Mismas, who writes the fantastical All Lacquered Up. If you're not involved, GET involved. Her site is my go-to resource for all things talon--I was truly riveted by her review of CND Shellac, the brand's new UV gel/nail polish hybrid. Interestingly enough, Michelle's dresser isn't topped with polish bottles, it's topped with two very spesh dolls. In Michelle's words:

Like a lot of women I use my dresser, which substitutes for a vanity, to display my favorite perfume bottles but what flanks those bottles are my two, yes TWO, MAC Barbie dolls.  As a child I was a total girly girl and completely obsessed with Barbie.  It got to the point that my parents converted the spare bedroom into Barbie-land complete with her Dreamhouse, Townhouse, pool and stable of cars and accessories.  It was utterly ridiculous yet totally fantastic and my parents still have all of it in storage. TRUTH!

So a few years back when rumors started swirling of a MAC/Barbie collaboration I willed a doll to materialize and sure enough she did though her appearance wasn't what I expected.  Go to any MAC counter or take a peek backstage during Fashion Week and you'll see the typical MAC Artist dressed head to toe in black.  How MAC MUA Barbie ended up wearing striped trousers is beyond me!  She's still totally fabulous with her thigh high non-hooker boots and MAC train case (something I want someday).

Anywhoodle, I remember the day I brought my Barbies home like it was yesterday.  It was a cold February morning.  The snow was coming down and schools were closing around town yet my Barbie loving ass was determined to get downtown and acquire a doll. Fortunately, my boyfriend works in the same building where the MAC store used to reside and I had him scope the store out on his way in.  When he called at 7:45am to say that there was already someone in line, I scurried downtown sans shower (don't judge!) to wait in line with the other Barbie fanatics.  I had so much fun chatting with the employees who took the morning off to wait for a doll that the time flew by.  Right before the store opened, I called the boyfriend downstairs and we were both able to purchase a Barbie and they now live, in their boxes never opened, on my dresser to greet me when I wake every morning.

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New Urban Decay Limited Edition Fragrance Oil

Exciting news from Urban Decay! The brand is launching a new limited edition fragrance oil called Revolver. It’s available exclusively on their website (http://www.urbandecay.com/) while supplies last, starting April 27.

It’s a great travel-size scent that’s portable for throwing in your purse and fresheng up post-work, on the go. And the packaging manages to make guns look sweet and appealing.

No easy feat. Want!


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Win a $150 Gift Certificate for Dermalogica Products

This week, I've partnered with Spa Centric to offer one of you lucky BBJ readers a $150 gift certificate for Dermalogica products from Spa Centric.

To enter to win, become a fan of this Facebook page, and mention that you found out about Spa Centric from Amber Katz. The winner will be announced on the Facebook page on May 10.

Two other fans will recieve Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant plus two additional free gifts.  The value of this prize is $80.50. International entries are welcome.

Best of luck!

Update: The winners are:

Deborah Curran; Grand Prize $150 gift certificate

Amie Lloyd; Daily Microfoliant special or $50.00 Gift Certificate
Shannon Scott; Daily Microfoliant special or $50.00 Gift Certificate

Congrats!


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What's On Simon Doonan's Vanity?

The What's On Your Vanity Series showcases a single beauty item a beauty or fashion insider  loves because it's effective, but also he/she feels he/she must keep out on top of his/her vanity because the gorgeous packaging must be displayed.

Well, this one's certainly a coup of the highest order. 

My gal Karen Robinovitz scored me a vanity exclusive with arguably the most fabulous man in the world, Barney's Creative Director Simon Doonan.  Simon's fabulosity cannot be CONTAINED. I'm convinced that if the man were to cry, his tears would be comprised solely of glitter. In fact, a New York Times profile of him and his sparkling designer husband Jonathan Adler inspired me to no end (it marked the first validation I'd had that abbreviations were totes where it's at). I loved when he insisted that "It doesn't matter if Johnny Depp's lying in a ditch--He's always going to look incredible." And that's the GDT (god-damned truth). Natch, I jumped at the opportunity to ask Simon myself what's on his vanity--which is actually his bathroom counter. In the sage words of Simon Doonan himself:

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YSL Opium Eau De Parfum Gets A Makeover

YSL has updated the look of their classic fragrance, Opium. The transparent window recalls the "O" and boasts an amber luminiscence reminiscent of the sun. Only the bottle has changed, the fragrance remains the same. What do you think?

YSL Opium is available now online at www.yslbeauty.com.


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What's On Jenn Falik's Vanity?

The What's On Your Vanity Series showcases a single beauty item a blogger loves because it's effective, but also she feels she must keep out on top of her vanity because the gorgeous packaging must be displayed.

Jenn Falik is one of my favorite beauty girls and let me tell you--she's a beauty expert of the best stock. This on-air guru's recent project is the fabulous Beauty BFF, an original web series on MSN Lifestyle and Bing Video. The site covers everything from how to achieve the looks you want (but may be scared to attempt on your own) to the latest trends in hair, makeup and skincare. I'm loving her inaugural frizz-fighting ep featuring an interview with one of the masterminds behind mane-tamer No Frizz. Best of all, each episode feature's Jenn's well-edited Product Picks. I had a chance to ask this beauty insider (and fellow Stila Kitten Eye Shadow enthusiast) what's gracing her vanity. In Jenn's words:

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What's On Roberta Correia's Vanity?

The What's On Your Vanity Series showcases a single beauty item a blogger loves because it's effective, but also she feels she must keep out on top of her vanity because the gorgeous packaging must be displayed.

My friend Roberta is a Brazilian beauty whose chicness reaches almost criminal proportions. She writes the fabulous It's Only Fashion, in which she chronicles everything from celeb style to fabulous baubles and threads. We've discussed her love of Josie Maran Argan Oil before when she told me it cleared up ACNE (I still need to test this out myself), but she uses it for a myriad of other tasks. In Roberta's words:

I’m a bit overly obsessed with products (and a sucker for a marketing campaign) so my vanity is not the neatest or prettiest thing. But midst the sea of old night cream, trial size La Mer stolen from my mom and Gap fragrances (yes I still use Heaven and Grass as if it were 1995), there is one item on my vanity that makes all the other messy disasters disappear with its beautiful packaging.  I’ve recently become addicted to anything with “natural oils” and the word "organic" in it, like I said a sucker for marketing. 

During a mid fashion week bout of disastrously dry skin I googled "organic moisturizer" and somehow that got me to Josie Maran’s Argan Oil. Sure I was attracted to the promise of natural ingredients, centuries old moroccan tradition of skin care oil, organic products blah blah blah, but the minute I saw that brown glass bottle with it’s little dropper I was totally in love. I wish everything on my vanity matched this bottle stunning simplicity. It’s brown with a tan label and I even love the font on it. The whole thing’s just got a zen feeling to it. 

I use Argan Oil at night, on top of all of my night creams and rosacea medicine. It is so gentle and makes my sensitive sometimes burning skin feel so calm. It’s like a secret weapon for adult acne, because the oil does something crazy magical to make the pimples go away and at the same time it keeps you moisturized which helps with the ever prominent fine lines on my forehead. It's an awesome pre-makeup primer too and helps concealer actual blend in so much smoother so I don't get that obvious concealer face situation. I also rub the left over oil on my cuticles and it’s GENIUS, my nails have never looked so good. Pretty, effective and green – sweet.

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Eco-Chic Twitter Giveaway from Origins

Origins is keeping the green spirit alive with a new initiative: The Trade-In Program.  On April 22, bring an empty cosmetic container (regardless of brand) to any Origins retail store or counter (which Origins then recycles for them through their Return to Origins Recycling Program) to trade it in for a free full-sized Checks and Balances Frothy face wash ($18.50 retail value) or A Perfect World Antioxidant cleanser with White Tea ($20 retail value.)  Everyone who does Trade-In and recycle their empty products at Origins should tweet or twitpic their experience using the hashtag #OriginsTradeIn.
 In order to be entered to win the prize, you must follow me on Twitter (@glambr), tweet or Twitpic your trade-in experience with the hashtag #OriginsTradeIn. Also, fan the Origins Facebook page and comment on the Facebook Wall with your trade-in experiences. I will choose a winner on April 23.


The giveaway winner will receive a Spring Skincare Wardrobe Makeover from Origins! The giveaway package consists of Origins' latest products: Starting Over™, A Perfect World™ Moisturizer SPF15, Brighter by Nature™ Peel Pads and GinZing™. 


Good luck! 

P.S. Origins will be streaming a Macy Gray concert live tomorrow, April 19  in an effort to share the concert globally and raise environmental awareness. Simply go to www.origins.com/liveconcert beginning at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST to watch Macy’s performance streaming live and view behind-the-scenes video as the artists and celebrities prepare for this groundbreaking concert. 

 


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Kardashians By Bebe

 Kardashians by bebe, launching April 21st. Though it's a bit Kim Kardashian/LA-ified for my steez, I am liking those leggings.  Check out the new Kardashians by bebe line here.  Also, through the end of April, bebe is offering $5 flat shipping on all orders. If your goal is to channel a Kardash, now is the time.




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Destination: Procrastination

Want to know how Iman got started?
[StyleList]

Why  refusing alcohol is such a big taboo
[lemondrop]

The weekend's sample sales in NYC!
[NYmag.com's The Cut]

Everything you ever wanted to know about Neroli, but were afraid to ask
[BellaSugar]

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Saks Fifth Avenue Friends & Family

You're welcome.
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