Official Mascara Correspondent: Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Review

Friday, July 30, 2010


This week, Official Mascara Correspondent Ashleigh Ciucci takes on Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For Mascara. Will it fan your fringe with fanfare? Find out. Below, Ashleigh's review:

While I'm not a fan of the rubber bristled applicator, this small rubbery brush applied this formula with amazing precision.  With the first coat, each lash was covered with pigment and fanned out nicely.  With the second coat, I got a lot of density at the roots with soft, wispy ends. 

Midday, my touch-up brought me maintained fullness and separation without clumping.  The only negative about this mascara is that I had to use makeup remover at the end of the night. But I'd still totally buy this one!

Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For: The Mascara retails for $22 at Sephora.

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L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Deep Exfoliating Scrub Review

Thursday, July 29, 2010

 I love when a drugstore skin care gem blows my hair back like the dude in Steve Steigman's iconic "Blown Away." Consider my strands streaming backward, as this dude's are. L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Deep Exfoliating Scrub rules in my unhumble O.

Netrogena Wave for Change

Wednesday, July 28, 2010


Want to participate in some beauty for a good cause? Neutrogena's Wave for Change campaign will allow you to donate $1 (up to $200,000) each time you buy something from their pink grapefruit line (which includes four products--I'm most partial to the Oil-Free Acne Wash Facial Cleanser) to GlobalGiving, now through August 23. GlobalGiving, an organization that links donors to great causes, will then distribute the funds to environmental, educational and disaster relief charities.
To find out which cause you're most passionate about--and how to tip the scales in that cause's favor-- head to www.facebook.com/neutrogena.


Disclosure: I attended a press event and received samples from Neutrogena

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Destination: Procrastination

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Fashion inspired by my new fave show, Pretty Little Liars!
[College Fashion]

In the paraphrased words of Mama Cass, make your OWN kind of statement necklace
[Crushable]

The new Paul & Joe kitty lipsticks are giving a mage case of the "needs"
[TheGloss]

Kristen identifies some more must-have scents from B&BW. One inspires mall nostalgia (mallstalgia?)...
[Beauty Addict]

 Now we know what the hell that "John and Marshaaaaa" reference was on Sunday night's Mad Men
[TresSugar]

Batiste Dry Shampoo Event in NYC

In need of some freshening of the roots and some volume in this heat? And who doesn't love a free sample? You're in luck: Batiste Dry Shampoo, the most successful #1 Dry Shampoo in the UK, will be at Union Square's Annual Summer in the Square event.

Scalp Analysis and Styling at Phyto Universe

The words "urban sanctuary" are flung about the beauty world with the frequency of bad haircut war stories. But Phyto Universe is a different story indeed. There's simply no other way to describe this oasis. For starters? There's a live jungle crawling up the walls. It's ridic relaxing and zen in this paradise of pretty. I had the opportunity to enjoy an Express Hair Treatment ($120) at this paragon of botanical beauty. The treatment includes a hair and scalp analysis, hair treatment, scalp massage and blow-out.

Scarlett Johansson Debuts Tousled Bob at Comic-Con

Monday, July 26, 2010

Scarlett Johansson's certainly been a color chameleon for quite some time, but we haven't seen a cut so drastic on this gal in a while. The starlet (ha! Scarlett the starlet... right) premiered her choppy, multi-textured shoulder-length 'do at San Diego's Comic-Con fiesta this week.

What do you think? Is she pulling it off? Or would you rather see ScarJo with a bit more length? (I like it on her).

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What's Whitney Port's Secret to Bodacious Brows?

I just got word that Whitney Port's makeup artist, Lisa Garner, loves to use Talika's Eyebrow Extender on the The City star.  Says Lisa, "I love to use Talika's Eyebrow Extender when doing Whitney Port's eyebrows.  Not only do the fibers build a natural looking brow, the gel really keeps them in place...so they looked beautifully groomed all night long."

Giveaway: Win a Bottle Eternal Magic Autographed by Zoe Saldana

Spesh spesh giveaway this week, beauty buds! 

Starlet Zoe Saldana, face of Avon's Eternal Magic, a romantic, feminine scent, has autographed a bottle of the perfume for a giveaway for BBJ readers. Instructions on how to enter are at the end of the post. Here are some deets on the fragrance itself:

Get The Look: January Jones at the Mad Men Season 4 Premiere in Duffy Square

 Um. Did you guys SEE Mad Men last night? I thought it was fantastic. A year into the future, a new marriage for Betty Draper and what a "Donward" spiral for our pro/antagonist Don Draper. The only thing I miss? That epic blue tufted headboard. In my quest to be more Betty Draper than modern gal, I find myself loving the Grecian look Sebastian professional stylist Thomas Dunkin created for actress January Jones for the Mad Men Season 4 premiere in New York City's Duffy Square on July 25. Lucky for me, I got my mitts on a step-by-step how-to for achieving the January's slightly undone updo with modern texture.

NKOTB's Joey McIntyre Spoofs Mad Men: MA Men


As a fan of Mad Men, MA men and Joey McIntyre, I love this parody from Funny or Die. The Tom Brady inspired dialogue, the Dunkin' Donuts talk... if I wouldn't be addressed as Ambah, I'd consider moving back to Boston


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Madewell Haul

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Dolls, how was your weekend? Mine was seriously phenom if I do say so myself. I went for my second weekend in a row to my gal Amber's Montauk house where I actually managed to catch a small REAL tan, my first in years. Don't be nerve, I rocked SPF 45 the whole time. Today, we spent the day at Amber's bosses, Renee and John's house (her bosses are, miraculously, so cool that we actually WANT to hang with them on weekends). They have a sick pool (I love nothing more than a pool) and cooked us some delectable swordfish for lunch and even had spa water on-hand complete with basil, lime, apple and ginger in it. The house even boasts a red door; it felt truly as if we were at Elizabeth Arden's spa. It was such a relaxing, fun time that I wasn't even remotely fazed when my LIRR train back was delayed an hour and my iPhone battery was dead when I still had 45 minutes of trip left.

BUT ANYWAY. On Friday, I met my friend Rachel for a little jaunt to Madewell to check out their offerings for my upcoming Miami trip. There, I scored this gorge-tastic Romantic Ruffle Dress ($88) that I plan to wear to death. Sweetness was MC Hammer's weakness, anything grey or ruffled (or both) is mine.

Sponsored Post: eos Shave Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream Now $1 Off

Friday, July 23, 2010

We've already discussed the wonder that is eos Shave Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream. And if you haven't gotten involved, now you have even more reason to: The brand has a coupon for shaving  $1 off the bottle's price, available at smartsource.com. The special shaving sauce, formerly $3.50, will set you back under $3. 


Happy shaving!


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Tarte Cosmetics Sale on Gilt Groupe

Thursday, July 22, 2010


Tarte is one of my very fave brands. Get involved with the sale here.

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POP Beauty Sale on Hautelook

It's a great time to stock up on Pop Beauty items. There's a sale today on Hautelook. Don't miss the GOSMiLE one as well! Score an invite here.

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Juicy Tubes Partner with Teen Vogue for Special Buy One Get One Free Offer

Iconic gloss Juicy Tubes is turning 10 this year (can you believe?) and to celebrate, Lancôme invited Teen Vogue to create their very own shade of the iconic gloss. After a visit to their labs, Beauty Director Eva Chen concocted a vibrant raspberry shade that’s one of Lancôme’s most pigmented Juicy Tubes yet. See below. It's the gorgeness, no? The limited edition shade is called So Teen Vogue and it’s featured in the July issue

Lancôme’s video makeup artist Michelle Phan is applying the shade, above, and now you can, too. 
1.      Visit the Juicy Tubes page on lancome.com.
2.      Pick out any Juicy Tubes for purchase.
3.      Enter the code TEENVOGUE at checkout.
4.      Voilá! Juicy Tubes in So Teen Vogue is now in your cart.

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Eyeko Rain Polish For City Nails

After viewing my fave mu video, Why Don't You Love Me, my Twitter followers know I went on a long and unsuccessful odyssey to find a bottle of Chanel Nail Polish in Nouvelle Vague, the same shade Miss Beyonce rocks in the video.

In an uncharacteristically stu not-paying-attention-to-the-seriousness-of-a-limited-edish mo, I never wound up purchasing a bottle of the delightful vintage blue shade and thus missed the boat entirely. I was outbid on eBay for one bottle that wound up going for more than $60 (my limit was $50). As beauty bloggers know, Chanel regret can get very expensive. But I digress.

Christina Hendricks Wears New NARS Pure Matte Lipstick to “Mad Men” Season 4 Premiere

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

NARS Cosmetics worked with celebrity makeup artist Vanessa Scali to create the makeup look for Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks at the Season 4 premiere last night, July 20, 2010.  NARS’ Pure Matte Lipstick was integral to her look, along with other products from NARS’ Fall 2010 Color Collection. 

“Christina’s sultry Dolce & Gabbana dress inspired a softer version of the 'La Dolce Vita' makeup look. We kept it modern by using Bangkok Pure Matte Lipstick, which is a soft matte rose color for her lips,” says Vanessa Scali.
Christina’s look was achieved using the following NARS products:


 Pure Matte Lipstick will be available September 1 at Saks Fifth Avenue. All other products are available at narscosmetics.com.

What do you think of her look? And can you WAIT for the premiere on Sunday?

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Shobha Fresh Face Pack

Ladies, my two favorite items from Shobha are now available in a pack together for just $19 ($25 value). In-salon only, get a pouch of Shobha Rosewater Cleansing Cloths and a Shobha Brow Pencil in either Sand or Earth.

Destination: Procrastination

Clueless came out 15 years ago yesterday. I saw it in the theater on my first date. I feel older than Methuselah.
[TheGloss]

Some tips on making thrifted clothes look spendy
[Already Pretty]

What is couture? Ask Christian Dior!
[Fashion Pulse Daily]

Fashion inspired by Aladdin's Princess Jasmine!
[College Fashion]

I've been saying it for YEARS. Men are over and have been replaced by gelled, groomed, dainty versions of themselves. No thanks
[Lemondrop]

1-Day AcuVue TruEye Contact Lenses Review

Though I've been rocking contacts since seventh grade, I've never tried 1-day disposables. I've always been the 1-2 week kind of gal. It always seemed too indulgent, too expensive to have EVERY day be new contact day. It's still not in my budget to have every day be new contact day, but I've decided to revise my financials so that I can integrate AcuVue TruEyes into my lifestyle for vacations and intermittently even when I'm at home.


Get The Look: Naomi Watts at the Salt Premiere on July 19, 2010

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Naomi Watts' new blonde be-banged look is making me question my opinion that blondes don't pull off a fringe as well as brunettes do. Her new look evokes the same sultry, shiny elegance of the Reese Witherspoon 2006 Oscar moment that shook the world, n'est-ce pas? 

At the premiere of Salt last night she looked beyond fabulous as she wore a shorter, dramatic new blunt bob with layered side-swept bangs.

Tiffany New Collection Preview

Breakfast at Tiffany's it wasn't, but it most certainly was hors d'oeuvres for dins at Tiffany's! I was lucky enough to be invited to a private cocktail party at the esteemed NYC landmark last week to check out the latest offerings from the diamond behemoth.

As you can imagine, many sparkly confections struck my high-end fancy, but none so much as this $7 million dollar necklace. The me of my dreams rocks ice like this on my private jet to the South of France, where I "summer" (and use summer as a verb) with my Clive Owen lookalike sig oth whilst sipping kir royales and am constantly, flatteringly backlit.

Sponsored Post: Havaianas

Dolls, I'm sure by now you've invested in a pair of must-have Havaianas for summer. The ubiquitous flip flops are a hot-weather staple. I inadvertently left mine chez moi this weekend when I sojourned to Montauk to chill with my girls Amber and Erin and boy, did I feel the loss. I had to rock my slightly formal sandals to the beach which were a) uncomf and b) nowhere near as sand-resistant.

Just so I can be sure this won't happen again, I purchased an extra pair of these new Havaianas (at left). The two-toned style offers more elegance than ush for a simple flip flop and I love the color combo. This pair will run you just $24.

 Disclaimer: Though this post is sponsored, I purchased the light golden flips you see at left with my own cash money

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Giveaway: Avon Summer Earrings

This week, I've partnered with Avon to host a giveaway to five lucky readers of the Avon Bali Bliss Beaded Earrings!

A great transitional piece, these earrings pair well with shorts and sandals for shopping around town and switch gears for evening with a dress and heels. These exotic treasures are goldtone with faux stones, 3” long and available in pink (left) or brown (right)

Spanx Hide & Sleek Girl Short

In winter, all seems right with the world because I'm constantly in a "holding pattern," (as my gal Tracy says) thanks to my Spanx Tight End Tights. But in the summer, the toned-ness of my tummy is more of a crap shoot. Until now.

Martha Stewart Living Radio Segment

Monday, July 19, 2010

Part 1


Part 2


Thanks to Martha Stewart Living Radio and to host Mario Bosquez for having me on!

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Sirius Business: I'll Be On Martha Stewart Living Radio TODAY!

Dolls, I'll be a guest on the Martha Stewart Living Radio station on Sirius Satellite Radio (station 112) today at 3:30pm ET. I'll be discussing summer beauty tips! PLEASE call in with questions at 1-866-675-6675.

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15% Off At Bliss

Get 15% off at blissworld.com, plus free shipping until July 22.

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Official Mascara Correspondent: Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara


I've been dying to know what Maybelline's latest The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara was like, so I commissioned BBJ Official Mascara Correspondent Ashleigh Ciucci to share her thoughts on this fabulous cosmetic. Here, Ashleigh's review:

First of all, I have to say the brush on this mascara is very unique. It's full but it's flat but it's curved. Sounds interesting, right? Well, not only does this brush look cool, but it seriously applies the mascara formula.  It's very wet going on, but the brush magically keeps it from clumping and provides amazing length. With the second coat, There was tons of volume and density at the roots.  
With my afternoon touch-up, I had to be careful not to get over-zealous because it almost got a little too clumpy with such a rich formula.  
I needed makeup remover at the end of the night, but I'd totally buy this one

Maybelline Volum'Express The Falsies Mascara retails for $7.

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Mantique Appeal: Sloane Square in Miami

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Don't you miss the old-fashioned manner of grooming, when metrosexual was a phrase unheard of and dudes used to have their own places to get groomed--instead of competing with you for your appointments at Rita Hazan?

I do, and so did my friend and former Boston University classmate Todd Goldenfarb. He founded Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe, which opened this weekend in Miami, Florida.

There, guys can get pampered (haircuts, straight-razor shaves, beard trims, mini-facials, and nail grooming) in comfy leather chairs. Treatments include a free beverage, hot towel, and shoulder massage. The shoppe is open Monday through Saturday, 10AM-7PM

Sloane Square is located at 1322 Alton Rd., Miami Beach (305-673-0877).

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NEW NARS Sephora Limited-edition Lip Glosses

Friday, July 16, 2010

Blushed with greatness!

Exclusive to Sephora, NARS Cosmetics introduces five must-have lip glosses named after signature NARS blushes.This limited-edition collection ($24 each) includes glosses in a variety of finishes to wear alone or layered over your favorite lipstick or stain.
  • Albatross (luminous glow)
  • Angelika (cotton candy pink with gold and silver sparkle)
  • Oasis (sparkling pink champagne)
  • Super Orgasm (peachy pink with gold glitter)
  • Luster (sheer golden apricot)
The NARS Limited Edition Lip Gloss Collection is available beginning July 29th at Sephora and Sephora.com.

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What's On Alice + Olivia Designer Stacey Bendet Eisner's Vanity?

Thursday, July 15, 2010

   
Stacey Bendet Eisner (right) with Leigh Lezark

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.
 
Last night, I joined some of my beauty blogging besties for a fiesta at Beauty Bar to celebrate the launch of the new MAC Cosmetics' Alice + Olivia collab. There, I got a searingly hot mani with Morning.After polish from the collection. Is it not a FEROSH teal? Look how great it looks on a range of skin tones. That's moi pictured with AOL StyleList's Dana Oliver. The fabulous AHNdrea Arterbery snapped the pic for us.


J Brand "Houlihan" Skinny Cargo Pants


Last week, I'd tweeted about how much I love Shark Week,which starts on August 1st. That night, a PR rep for the Discovery Channel emailed me asking for my address saying he'd seen my tweet and wanted to send me a press package. WELL. The package arrived this week and it contains a glamazing super-soft T-shirt emblazoned with a shark logo, after which it says "Week" (do you love it?) AND an advanced screening copy of all the Shark Week footage. So it is essentially Shark Week come early at BBJ. Jawesome!

Want to know what else is jawesome and even shark-related? My new J Brand "Houlihan" Skinny Cargo Pants in Sharkskin. Are you involved? Let's discuss: Carol read me the an entire article devoted to them (as she tends to do, over the phone) written by the fabulous Elizabeth Wellington for The Philadelphia Inquirer. I'd been hearing about them everywhere, but hearing Elizabeth's glowing review SOLD me. Rarely one to pay full retail, I made an exception. I also made an exception to my participation in ANYTHING Mash-related--Houlihans are named after one of the show's characters. My brother and I have this irrational aversion to the program, RUNNING to the TV to turn it off when we hear that wrist-slitting inducing theme song. We refuse to A) have conversations about that show B) learn anything about it and C) see a single episode. Now, unfortunately, I know the nickname of one of its players, but in the name of fashion, I'm willing to deal.

Jodi Arnold Sample Sale

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

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JJ Eyelashes: Purchase 4 Sessions at 50% Off

There's good news and bad news today. The good news: JJ Permanent Makeup, my lash extension salon near and dear to my heart (thanks Jessica for introducing me to it!) has changed its name to JJ Eyelashes and has moved into a spacious, airy, gorgeous new location in midtown.

The bad news: To help with their new astronomical rent, they're now charging $120 instead of $90 as of September 6. That's a 30% mark-up and I was all prepared to take my biz to Ebenezer Eyelashes, though I've heard they're not quite as good as May's gals at JJ.

The good news: Lo and behold, today I got an email from The Dealist offering me the opportunity to buy up to FOUR sessions for only $60 each. SOLD.

Check it out yourself at thedealist.com. Don't waste time, it expires in a week. If you're new to the salon, tell 'em Amber sent you!


J.J. Permanent Makeup (*new salon location) 
56 W. 56th St. - Fl. 2 
New York, NY

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Official Mascara Correspondent: MAC Dazzle Lash Mascara


Official Mascara Correspondent Ashleigh Ciucci is back with her latest installment. This week, it's all about MAC Dazzle Lash ($13). In her words:

This mascara is supposed to do it all: Lengthen, thicken and define.  And guess what?  It does! The small tapered brush allows for individual lash definition and helps control the wet wet formula. The first coat gave me full fluffy lashes with the second coat bringing lots of definition and a deep black finish.

With my midday touch-up, I regained a bit of the root definition that had faded a bit without it clumping up. This formula required makeup remover at the end of the night. Besides this one flub (I hate that extra makeup remover step!), I would definitely buy this baby.

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$5 Sale at Urban Decay

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Not to be dramatic, but GET YOUR CYBER TUSH OVER TO URBANDECAY.COM. Urban Decay is hosting a sale where 23 of their glamazing items are just a LINCOLN. That's $5, dolls. How very... urbane of them.

Get involved here.

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Destination: Procrastination

The 5 types of dudes pop culture warned you about...
[Crushable]

Are these Baby Gap mannequins too sassy?
[The Frisky]

Now I know where to get Hannah's glamaze striped dress on Pretty Little Liars
[Possessionista]

Go rock n' roll with a new set of bangs
[ELLE.com]

Johnny Weir shares all his secrets
[StyleCaster]

25% Off at Beautyhabit (!!)


Thanks Blogdorf Goodman, for alerting me to this: There's a code for 25% off at Beautyhabit that starts today, July 13, 2010. The code is OPRAH.

Op (can I call you Op?), I want to personally thank you for allowing me to rationalize the purchase of my favorite brand, Tokyomilk's Gin & Rosewater No. 12 Perfume I've been lusting after since getting heavily involved with their candle of the same luscious scent. I can't even explain how delish this unlikely combo is. It smells nothing like a bar, as one would expect. Nor does it smell like rose. It's a decidedly Linda Richman situation. It exudes a fresh, lightly floral aroma that I want to inhale on an all-the-time basis.

Tokyomilk's Gin & Rosewater No. 12 Perfume is sold for $28 at beautyhabit.com, but get that shiz for 25% off.

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Sponsored Post: Melvita Lips Stick

Invariably, I adore anything with Argan Oil.

Three case studies: Moroccanoil, Josie Maran Bronzing Oil and Guerlain Tinted Self-tanning Gel. So when I discovered organic skin care products brand Melvita (sister company of L'Occitane) boasts a phenomenal lip balm which they charmingly call Lips Stick ($10), comprised of Argan Oil and Shea Butter, I couldn't wait to try it. Parenthetically, every time I say the brand's name to myself, I sing the song from this retro Velveeta commercial, substituting "Velveeta" with "Melvita." Natch.

How do I love thee, Melvita Lips Stick? Let me count the ways. Literally.

Get Involved: Fashion at Google

Bloggers, listen up. I just got an email from the fabulous Tony Wang, who writes post.fashionism. He's been commissioned by Google and is currently working at Youtube. Tony's leading an effort called GStyle to promote fashion at Google (specifically, the liaison between fashion and technology) which will give bloggers  a chance to play a role in helping Google improve.
I can't disclose too many details, but if you want to participate and get more involved with this program, simply follow Tony on Twitter and send him an @reply saying you're interested in being a part and getting more information.
It's a great way to get some exposure to your site with a tech savvy and connected audience. It's all a bit cryptic, admittedly, but Tony assures me that he will have more updates on GStyle next week, stay tuned!
Pass along the word!

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Essie Nail Polish Collection Inspired by Morticia Addams

Monday, July 12, 2010


In the spirit of dark, vampy talons, there is no more appropriate muse than the queen of center-parts, Morticia Addams. Nail behemoth Essie has created the three-polish collection in honor of the new musical, The Addams Family, which opens tomorrow. The nail polish trio includes Blood Curdling Red, Bone Chilling White and Midnight Tango. Magnificently macabre, n'est-ce pas?

Morticia's Nails retails for $30 and is available online.

It's sure to be an occult favorite.

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