Ralph Lauren's Pink Pony Fund & Charity Buzz Auction

 Moi in my Pink Pony tee at my parents' house. Pic taken by Carol.

Ten years ago, Ralph Lauren created the Pink Pony Fund for cancer care and prevention as a worldwide effort to aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. His iconic pink-colored polo player logo now adorns everything from classic polo shirts to cashmere sweaters and scented candles, with 10% of the proceeds benefiting this fund. The brand recently launched a campaign called 100 Bloggers Unite Against Cancer, one of which is yours truly. Check out all 100 of the participating bloggers in their preppy best in Stylelist's post.

What's great about this effort? It's not just for October--Pink Pony is global and year-round. The mission of Pink Pony is distinct and unique in that we are addressing the needs of the medically underserved bringing quality cancer care, access to cancer care, and early detection for those who need it most. This year in recognition of the 10th anniversary, the brand boasts many exciting initiatives: Luxury product, the first annual Pink Pony online public auction hosted by Charity Buzz, and a text-to-donate campaign. 

The Charity Buzz auction will run on CharityBuzz.com from October 1st to October 21st. 100% of proceeds from the auction will benefit the Pink Pony Fund.  Want to help? Join Polo Ralph Lauren’s worldwide initiative in the fight against cancer during the month of October and celebrate 10 years of the Pink Pony campaign by texting PINKPONY to 501501 to automatically donate $10.

Advertorial: Learn more about breast reconstruction options after mastectomy--risks and benefits of the surgery.

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Urban Decay Pioneers Quick Response Codes for Video

This is pretty cool.

Next time you're at Sephora wondering just how to use that shadow primer, Urban Decay's got you covered. The brand is the first to use QR codes (Quick Response Codes) and just launched the technology at Sephora. Displayed adjacent to select products, the QR codes allow shoppers with smart phones to access exclusive how-to videos featuring founder Wende Zomnir. Four initial videos have been created so far. When one of the four codes are scanned, a different educational video will start on your phone.

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Integrate Mad Men Style Into Your Wardrobe

Dolls, I just penned a piece on integrating Mad Men fashion into your lifestyle for my one of my other Internet homes (I'm swiftly compiling Internet homes like Brangelina collect brick and mortar ones!), The Style Glossy. Check out this excerpt from my inaugural post for their Dressing Room column:

The ladylike ensembles seen in Mad Men have influenced our fashion zeitgeist in numerous ways. To mix a little ’60s screen siren style into your 2010 closet, try:

Out-of-circulation Shades
The women of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce rock charmingly muted hues we just don’t see any more -- deep teal/green hybrids, creamy off-mustard yellows and cherry reds that border on orange. Invest in a few pieces sporting these colors -- they look especially chic when you feature them in “now” styles like pencil skirts and caged gladiator heels. 


Matching Shoes and Bags
This is the subject of much debate. The upshot? It’s not necessary in the least, but if your goal is to channel one Ms. Betty Draper Francis, a matching purse and heels adds a touch of Kennedy administration sensibility.


Scarves
Skinny floral scarves boast a French air of je ne sais quoi without seeming stuffy. Pair one with a solid pink shift and you’ll need to tell your date to stop getting “handsy” at the drive-in.

Click here to read the rest.

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Fictionary: Gateway Products

Fictionary is a column showcasing beauty-related words that don't exist, but should.

Borghese FANGO Active Mud for Face and Body ($33-$61) is, like Bonne Bell Lip Smackers, the entire Yves Rocher catalog and Neutrogena Oil-free Acne Wash, part of my inaugural suite of beauty obsessions that I like to call Gateway Products. They are the marijuana of the cosmetic world--only you should absolutely NOT just say no. They introduce you to the wonder that is beauty products and kick off a lifelong obsession. Tell me your own gateway products in the comments.

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Sponsored Post: Enter the Hair Revolution Contest and Win a Trip to NYC or LA!

Oh hi, gals!

I'm contributing some tips for a Hair Revolution contest. Check out my first one on how to forge a fringe  here.

Click here to win a trip to New York City or Los Angeles and a makeover with a celebrity stylist and get more details on the contest. Don't forget: You must submit a before/after hair makeover photo to enter. You'll definitely want to go back and vote/comment daily to increase your chances of winning.

Good luck!

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Caress Girls' Night Out

Last week, I hosted a girls' night out for my gals Dina, Andrea, Tamar and Anne to the Boom Boom Room at the Standard New York through Caress. Andrea and I disclosed our night-out evening-bag essentials, in addition to our respective rituals on how we get ready for a soir on the town. Check out the video and tell me what your favorite night-out ready ritual is in the comments.

Disclosure: Product, drinks and transportation provided by Caress

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What's Ed Burns' Favorite Hair Product? + Info About His New Flick Nice Guy Johnny

Ed Burns keeps it real.

I know because I had a CONVERSATION with the incredibly humble writer/actor/director earlier this week at a screening and Q&A for his new film Nice Guy Johnny, which comes out on October 26. I obviously debated wearing a prom dress to this fortuitous event. The Ed conversation started with, naturally, his impressive head of hair and what he uses to keep said hair looking groomed, but not stiff, as his fellow follicularly-blessed Long Island natives' hair concepts can skew. He told me he gets his hair cut at Tortola Salon in TriBeCa and uses Sharp's Barber and Shop: Mission Control Gluck in a Puck. He also keeps his skin looking fantastic with Sundari Neem Night Cream. Ed is so ragingly male (in that refreshing-like-cilantro way) that he couldn't even remember what the name of said product was and had to email his wife (you've heard of the legendarily symmetrical Christy Turlington, right?) for the name of it. He was very down to earth--so much so that he could easily be the super fun (yet super handsome) dude at work you like to joke with by the coffee machine.

During a Q&A with Ed and gorge actress Kerry Bishé, who plays Brooke in the movie. 
She told us in the Q&A that she even rocked a lot of her own clothes in the film and was unbelievably sweet and personable. I expect to see her in a ton of stuff in the coming years because of her incredible talent and real disposition--she can even do a pretty on-point Ed impression. 


Some deets on the movie? The film, which was shot for $25K in ten days looks like it cost a hundred times its budget. It tells the story of Johnny, played by Matt Bush, a New Yorker living in California with his fiancée. The marriage is fast approaching, and Johnny is barely making ends meet working the graveyard shift as a sports talk DJ at an Oakland radio station. On a weekend visit to New York, where he’s planning on interviewing for a boring, better paying job that his fiancée wants him to take and that has been set up by her father, he ends up spending time hanging out on Long Island with his Uncle Terry, played by Ed, who’s not a big fan of the upcoming marriage or the boring job offer. Terry introduces Johnny to the beautiful tennis instructor Brooke, played by Kerry Bishé, and the movie takes off from there. Check out the movie's Facebook fan page.


Dina and I had the opportunity to snap this pic (above) with Kerry and Ed before we left. Needless to say, it's my new favorite pic.


Nice Guy Johnny will be available for download on October 26 here.Yay for digital distribution!


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Destination: Procrastination

I NEED this Tetris bracelet in my lifestyle
[TheGloss]

Awesome. Apparently, colds might make you fat
[Glamour.com]

Why parents should be open with teens about sexuality
[College Candy]

Stop saying "literally" when you mean figuratively. Rachel Zoe.
[The Oatmeal]

Karen reviews the new Urban Decay Urbanglow Cream Highlighters
[Makeup and Beauty Blog]

Some tips for rocking over-the-knee boots
[College Fashion]

Three things Glee teaches us about love
[Your Tango]

Enter to win a unisex Skagen watch!
[Fashion Pulse]

Tamron discusses cat lady chic fashions
[Fashion Binge]

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Random Beauty Product from Another Country I'm Irrationally Obsessed With: Sugarpill

The Beauty Product from Another Country I'm Irrationally Obsessed With column features international beauty gems that cross my path about which I feel you, the reader, are on a need-to-know.

I'm not sure where you can purchase Sugarpill makeup other than on Nelly.com, which is all in some Scandanavian tongue I have not identified--it looks a lot like Swedish, and I base that on my ample experience shopping for PLUNKRs and the like at IKEA. But the candy-colored bright makeup inspires the same feelings of WANT as a trip to the Swedish furniture store's Marketplace section.

Do you LOVE it? What's your favorite international beauty gem?

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Hanky Panky: A Visit to the Panty Palace!

A vintage Hanky Panky camisole. Check out the charming label.

The fabulous J.D. Breen (who resembles a very groomed Zach Morris), Hanky Panky's Visual Manager,  recently invited me for a tour of the Hanky Panky (you know, the brand your friends all refer to as "the only kind I wear") headquarters, called the Panty Palace. Most conveniently, it's located just a hop and a skip from my apartment on 27th and Park. It was a racy, lacy wonderland of gorgeosity.

A fresh "bouquet" at the reception desk.

There, he took me on a tour of the entire joint where he introduced me to everyone from the designers to the seamstresses to the co-founders Gale Epstein and Lida Orzeck, both of whom were totally down-to-earth and darling. You'd never guess that the pair helm the most popular lingerie brand in GLAMERICA.

The brand is made in New York!

Did you know that this brand is older than I am? It was started in 1977 when designer Gale Epstein created a handmade lingerie set for her friend Lida Orzeck (the co-owners) made out of embroidered hankerchiefs. The original designs (Gale showed me one!) impressed retailers and industry experts and inspired the name Hanky Panky. I love the brand's retro moniker. It conjures a decidedly Lorraine McFly lexicon of phrases like "getting handsy" and "dreamy." In fact, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has selected Hanky Panky's original Hanky Panky lingerie (Lida's original pair) for its permanent costume collection. "Don't worry, they were clean," Lida deadpanned, upon sharing this info.

The School Spirit Collection.

Hanky Panky wash kit ($19) at HankyPanky.com

Next, J.D. showed me the latest from HP. The brand has an adorable college-themed School Spirit Collection that's perfect for your college roommate's bachelorette party as a gift to remember her alma mater. New offerings from the brand include the gossamer Bridal Trousseau and the slightly scandalous (and yet, somehow still tasteful) After Midnight Collection. I got to take home a jar of the brand's Lingerie Wash to ensure my brightly-hued panties stay that way, in addition to a hanging drying rack.

Glambr undies!

The best part? J.D. provided me with a VERY spesh parting gift courtesy of Hanky Panky--a personalized pair of underpants emblazoned with "Glambr," my Twitter handle. Love!

Grab yourself some of the comfiest thongs in the game at hankypanky.com.

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Meet Sylvie Chantecaille at Bergdorf Goodman

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The On-set Skin Care Must-have on Glee

I fear I'm the only human not watching Glee. 

 

I have this irrational hatred of musicals translated into TV or movies. I get most embarrassed FOR the actor who has to break into song mid-scene anywhere other than on a stage. I recognize that the actor himself is not embarrassed. It's totally weird. I love a Broadway show. But I can't stomach the same concept on the small (or big) screen. So anyway, I'm NOT a Glee watcher (it's my pop-culture blind spot) but I know a lot of you are, so here's a little bit of Glee scoop:

 Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Daily Facial Towelettes is a must-have product on the set, per Glee's makeup artist. “Dickinson's Daily Facial Towelettes are great on set. They are perfect for freshening up after a dance scene and it's also convenient that they are individually packaged!”

Even tough Sue Sylvester has a soft spot for the Towelettes--Jane Lynch is a huge fan.

Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Daily Facial Towelettes contain 20 towelettes per box, with a suggested retail price of $5.49 and can be purchased at Walgreens, Duane Reade, Winn-Dixie and other fine retail stores. 

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Fictionary: Pit-stop

Fictionary is a column showcasing beauty-related words that don't exist, but should.

I recently started swimming again, after finally coming to terms with the fact that that is the only form of exercise (at a gym--I do enjoy a super-long walk) that I LIKE. Seriously. A New York Health and Racquet just opened right by my apartment with a pool, so I quit my long-term abusive relashe with New York Sports Club, grabbed my Speedo and do some laps in the (albeit tiny--I like to affectionately refer to it as a glorified puddle) pool. Now I know you're gasping to yourself about my hair--I'm ALSO doing that; I'll get to the various things I'm doing to protect my color and my moisture levels in future posts--but what I want to discuss is my deodorant reapplication I feel I must do before jumping in.

Because I'm so used to re-deoing pre-gym, I'm still making a "pit-stop" in the gym locker room to apply  my new Secret Scent Expressions Deodorant Crystal Clear Gel in Ooh-la-la Lavender ($5), my latest underarm accoutrement. Though dunking in some tepid water won't inspire your glands to perspire (one of the reasons I love swimming instead of say spinning, running or even yoga--I HATE to sweat), I find subtle lavender scent mingles with the chlorine of the pool in a quite soothing manner. I'm one of those weirdos who actually loves the smell of chlorine--it reminds me of the solitude of swimming laps. NO ONE can talk to you when you're in the water, even if they want to. And it's one of the few times I'm iPhone-free. I think that's why Mad Men's Don Draper is a fellow swimmer.

As to whether my application of deo isn't washed away by my being submerged in a pool? Well, the jury's still out on that one. But one thing's for sure: I return chez moi with some wet hair--but I'm not schvitzing.

Disclosure: A sample of this product was provided by Secret for editorial consideration

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I Care For Talika: Enter to Win a Trip to Paris Thursday September 23

"I Care for Talika" is an art event/street campaign taking place all over NYC for Talika Paris fans on Thursday, September 23 from 9AM-8PM!

Here are the locations:

9:00am @The Today Show/Rockefeller Center;
10:30am @Times Square;
11:30 am @Columbus Circle;
1:00 pm @Union Square;
2:00 pm @Washington Square;
4:00 pm @The Apple Store (5th Ave)
6:30pm @The Meatpacking District

To launch "I Care for Talika", Talika Paris' new online contest, in which entrants create an artistic vision of Talika for a chance to win a, trip to Paris and design the new Talika gift set packaging; and see artists
in action. The first visitors will receive Talika products.

Follow the action on Twitter all day long and log onto the brand's Facebook page to register for the contest.

Good luck!

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Club Monaco Store Launch in Westchester, NY

Club Monaco is re-opening their store in Westchester. This location will feature only women's clothing--it's more boutique-y and arty with curated collections of vintage accessories (these are GLAMAZE, BT dubs) and a chic space.

To celebrate, the brand is hosting a consumer event on Saturday the 25th from 10AM-4PM, where Kelly of Theglamourai.com will be on-hand to style guests and Beautifulstranger.tv will be taking photos for a Beautifulstranger gallery on their site. 10% of all proceeds of the day will benefit Go Pink, a new breast cancer charity founded by high school students in Westchester after a few of their mothers were diagnosed with the disease.

Check out the invite image for more info.

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Travel Blogging Junkie: Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas

I'm not exactly a "Vegas person," though Vegas comes into my lifestyle fairly often in the most roundabout ways. I was there just this past Memorial Day for my friend Mitch's wedding. Before that, I was sent to oversee a conference for work years ago and before that I went on my inaugural trip to celebrate my friend Leah's 21st. I've stayed in different hotels each time--the Aladdin, the Paris, THE Hotel at Mandalay Bay and this time, the Hard Rock. I'll be headed there this Sunday for the It&ly Hair Show.

Designed for the younger party set, this abode boasts many a club, the most famous of which is called Rehab. I may or may not have watched some episodes of the true ridiculosity that was TruTV's Rehab: Party at the Hard Rock, a reality show that showcased bikini-clad partiers spending inordinate amounts of money to drink by the hotel's storied poolside bar. I'm interested to walk amongst the lean and mean clientele who manage to eschew delish food at such fine dining establishments "on campus" as Nobu and Pink Taco, both of which I'm psyched NOT to eschew.

You know I'll provide a full video-review of my room's amenities and product offerings, as well as feature my items that I packed along with me. Until then, I will continue to say Vegas, baby in the manner of Swingers' Trent to my fellow travelers Aly and Patrice.

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Giveaway: Win an Autographed Bottle of Outspoken by Fergie!

This week, I've partnered with Avon to offer one lucky reader an autographed bottle of Fergie's new acclaimed scent, Outspoken! The combo of notes produces a steely floral scent (much like Fergie's rock-and-roll persona) that imparts a sexy-sweet vibe.

Don't you love Fergie's unapologetic authenticity? Her style is fabulously unique and she's quite stunning in person--I once had the opportunity to attend a Black Eyed Peas concert and was thoroughly entertained and impressed by her fabulous outfit changes and tumbling hair. Anywho. Let's discuss the notes:

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Martha Stewart Living Radio Segment: Natural Beauty Products

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Let's Get Sirius: I'll Be On Martha Stewart Living Radio TODAY!

At 1pm Eastern today, I'll be a guest on the Martha Stewart Living station on Sirius Radio discussing my fave natural beauty products. Tune in and ask some Qs!

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What's on Nancy from Beauty 411'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.

Nancy (Nance, as I like to call her) writes one of my fave beauty blogs, Beauty 411. Nance is HILARIOUS and knows a thing or two about skin care. Her honest, straightforward reviews boast a decidedly clinical approach that let you know you're dealing with a thorough lab test complete with a hypothesis, control and report. I asked Nance to furnish me with a little snapshot of what's on her vanity. In the words of Nance:

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Priti Blue Eyed Brunette Nail Polish Premieres on Boardwalk Empire

The highly anticipated new HBO series Boardwalk Empire (have I mentioned my irrational love of Atlantic City?) premieres September 19 and with it comes the official debut of Priti NYC's “Blue Eyed Brunette” shade.

Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire tells the tale of New Jersey in the 1920’s at the dawn of Prohibition. Blue Eyed Brunette will be used on the show’s female characters to compliment the vibe of 1920s fashion on the Atlantic City boardwalk. Inspired by and reminiscent of the era, the shade reflects both the buoyant mood of the swinging 1920s and the subdued mentality of the Great Depression that followed soon afterward.

Looks like a very on-trend hue, considering how many peachy polishes we saw on the Spring 2011 runways. Will you watch the show?



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Givenchy Vintage Christmas 2010 Holiday Makeup Collection

I'm deeply involved with Givenchy's nail polishes, which rarely make it stateside. This holiday season, Yankees will be graced with their new Vintage Garnet lacquer.

Bliss on Gilt Groupe

Bliss is partnering with Gilt Groupe for exclusive sales in multiple cities, offering treatments and packages with locations in New York, L.A. and six other cities.

You’ll be able to choose from its popular Triple Oxygen Treatment, a three-step complexion-reviving facial; the Blissage 75, a heavenly full-body rubdown; and the Homme Improvement Facial, a must for any well-groomed guy;  to name a few. Or, bring home the spa-quality treatment with Zest to Thrill, a citrus-scented bath set; Peeling Groovy, a gentle exfoliating formula; Hot Salt Scrub, a luxurious DIY skin-soother, and more, all up to 60% off.

Also, check Gilt’s Facebook page for a LIVE Q&A with one of the Bliss expert estheticians today, as well.

The sale begins today, September 16, 2010 at 12 p.m. ET.


Not a member? What's that about? Get an invite to Gilt here.


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Fictionary: Slack-ne

Fictionary is a column showcasing beauty-related words that don't exist, but should.

This one comes courtesy of Margaret Cho's Twitter. A couple weeks ago, she complained (via Twitter, I don't know her, though she's a Friend in my Head, as the sage Wendy Williams says) about her self-afflicted slack-ne and defined it as acne you get because you're lazy and not washing your face at night.

Have you ever experienced slack-ne?

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Sponsored Post: TraxNYC

Taking your jewelry shopping from a brick and mortar store to the Internet can be nerve-wracking, but TraxNYC has it figured out. The online superstore offers an enormous selection and customer representatives designated to guide you through your purchase. They promise to respond to any email within 24 hours in addition to phone line open until 9pm to ensure you'll get your issue resolved.

Check out the site's wedding rings for women and black diamonds.


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Destination: Procrastination

 Beauty tips from Jersey Shore, including "always lotion your butt before
sex"
[TheGloss]

Best of Mad Men deviant art...
[Crushable]

America's most sexually active cities
[Lemondrop]

I'm hot and bothered by the not-yet-released Tom Ford Nail Polish in Black Orchid. WANT.
[BellaSugar]

Some extra-spesh makeup bags!
[Naag]

The latest for Spring/Summer 2011 from Deborah Lippmann
[All Lacquered Up]

CHANEL's new SoHo Story makeup collection
[Beauty 411]

Can we all agree to collectively ignore Gaga as a people now that she's shown up somewhere rocking rotting carcasses? THANKS.
[College Candy]

Hot fall polish shades
[College Fashion]

I share Jenn's obsesh with Kind Bars. They're six kinds of glamazing
[Jenn Falik]

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Fashion Week Spring 2011 Beauty: Chris Benz

The final look. Photo: Elle.com

After a few years of covering beauty backstage at Fashion Week, I'm spilling all my secrets about how I choose which shows on which to report. As I mentioned, I like to be invited to the champagne party at Betsey Johnson's. I like to be comforted by the calming Ted and Romero mid-week at Carmen Marc Valvo--they usually invite me (most hospitably) to have a seat when I'm interviewing them. I like to be entertained by the saucy Kevin Ryan, hair stylist at Tibi.

Why do I cover Chris Benz? I love me some Chris Benz, both the designer and the line. Chris doesn't use an "inside "designing voice, which I like. His colors are always evocative of a Rainbrow Brite who has effectively foiled antagonist Murky. Love the designs, love that he has no qualms about drinking a juice box at his own presentation. But mostly? I make it my BIZ to report on this one because of my colossal crush on stylist John Ruidant, who partners with Redken season after season on this show. Redken publicist Heather Dillow and American Salon editor Lori Morris are so aware of the fact that I turn into a modern Lorraine McFly (from BTTF, circa her high school years during which she pronounced everyone DREAMY) that they give me hilarious side-long glances during what I try to make a professional interview. (John is happily married, for the record.) But I (seriously) digress.

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Makeup.com's Blog of the Week!

Gals, I'm blushing and it's not my Make Up For Ever HD Blush.

The fabulous Victoria Kirby has featured BBJ on Makeup.com's Blog of the Week series . Check out the site, which includes backstage beauty coverage; an expert panel of cosmetic connoisseurs like Tim Quinn and Charlotte Willer, to name a few; and their beauty haul section which highlights new must-have items from Lancome and YSL, among others.

I'm honored! Thanks, Makeup.com!

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Fashion Week Spring 2011 Beauty: Tibi

Tibi's beauty look at the Spring 2011 collection at Fashion Week was minimistically chic, designed to evoke an easy, yet tailored and refined look.

The beauty look at Tibi Spring 2011. Photo: Getty Images

To compliment the tonal silhouettes of the collection, makeup artist Bobbi Brown crafted a fresh face with a pop of peony-inspired color on the cheeks and a polished eye. Bobbi used an exclusive palette that designer Amy Smilovic and Bobbi collaborated on for Spring '11 called "Peony and Python"--and let me tell you, the shit is GORGE. Bobbi fans and makeup gals the world over will retire to their respective fainting couches upon seeing it. The makeup breakdown:

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Snooki's New Bangs

What do we think of Snooki's new bangs? She dropped the pouf and traded it in for a blunt fringe that I think it's pretty fabulous on her--though I would like to see some more volume at the crown. I grew used to it. Maybe not POUF-status... but still a little fullness. And am I wrong in noticing that her hair looks a lot like that of Patti Stanger?

That lipstick, however, is another story.

Weigh in on both Snooki's hair AND makeup in the comments.

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Get The Look: Natalie Portman at the Black Swan Premiere

Natalie Portman wowed the crowd at the premiere of Black Swan at the Toronto Independent Film Festival red carpet. As a stark contrast to the structured bun she wore in the film, Nexxus Creative Director Kevin Mancuso choose to create soft, feminine waves to complement her black and white Jason Wu dress.

Kevin, who has worked with A-listers like Emma Roberts, Blake Lively, Naomi Watts and Taylor Swift, offers his tips for recreating Natalie’s style at home:

“I wanted to bring out the natural, organic beauty of Natalie’s hair,” said Mancuso “so I went for touchable texture and a feminine silhouette.”

PREP:

·         Shampoo and condition hair with volumizing products, like Nexxus Diametress Shampoo and Sublime Volume Conditioner, to give hair extra body.

·         Apply a curl enhancing mousse, like Nexxus Gorgeous Curls, all over, combing through to ends.

STYLE:

·         After blow-drying with a diffuser, smooth ends with a round brush and transfer warm hair to large Velcro rollers.

·         Once cool, remove rollers and tousle hair with fingers, before creating a soft side part.

·         Use a medium barrel curling iron to create curls around the face.

·         Continue to create curls around the back of hair, concentrating on the bottom half of hair.

·         After hair cools, tousle again with fingers to release the curls and create more of a ‘wave’ effect.

FINISH:

·         Apply a dime-size amount of a taming lotion like, Nexxus Sleek Finish, to fingers and gently run over hair to help define and control waves.

·         Finish with a light misting of hairspray, like Nexxus Comb Thru, for hold with movement.

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Fashion Week Spring 2011 Beauty: Carmen Marc Valvo

My favorite gown of the Mad Men-ish collection

The vibe at Carmen Marc Valvo is always so welcoming and downright lovely that I make it my business to be there season after season at Fashion Week. I even squat at NASDAQ each year and stay for the presentation, which in his generous, technologically savvy spirit, Carmen M (as I always refer to him in my head) even broadcasts the show on the Times Square monitors outside for all to see. It's fashion democracy and I like it. Also, it doesn't hurt that the CMV beauty dream team of Ted Gibson and MAC Cosmetics' Romero Jennings are chamomile tea personified.

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Fashion Week Spring 2011 Beauty: Betsey Johnson

Love this model. She worked it with no coaxing!

Backstage at Betsey Johnson is always a party--there's a DJ, champagne, balloons and hand-drawn posters by Betsey herself. It's the most fun backstage ever, so I coveted my invite there. The hair and makeup was playful, punchy and ever-so-Betsey.

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Fashion Week Spring 2011 Beauty: Timo Weiland

Davines sponsored the Timo Weiland presentation and asked Leonardo Manetti, co-owner of ION Studio to key the look.

The theme of the collection was "Wharf on the Baltic"--channeling a modern lifestyle in the fjordlands and archipelagos in Scandinavia. Inspired by the collection, Leonardo created a style that consisted of soft waves that were loose and voluminous. 

To achieve this look at home, use these 10 steps that Manetti performed backstage.

1. Create a strong side part that starts mid-brow (whichever side looks best) and goes straight back
2. Clip the parted section as shown in image 3
3. Thoroughly spray Davines Texturizer throughout the hair. This lightweight formula adds lift at the roots and enhances the texture when activated with heat
4. With a blowdryer, rough dry the hair to make sure all of the product is dry
5. Lightly spray hair with Davines Glam Power Spray - a quick drying spray that provides a strong, long-lasting hold without leaving hair stiff
6. With a 1.25" curling iron, take big sections and curl locks staying off the roots
7. Work your way around the head, curling large sections and pinning them in place to set
8. Once cool, remove pins and spray with Glam Power Spray
9. Gently brush out the curls
10. Back-comb the back sections to add volume

These simple steps will create gorgeous loose and voluminous waves.

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My Shoe Purchases of Summer 2010

My latest shoe purchases--all of them--of the summer in a single video. Thanks to Dina for shooting it for me!


 



















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Fashion Week Spring 2011 Beauty: Lela Rose

It was all about Peruvian glam backstage at Lela Rose. Beauty was sponsored by Ted Gibson, Arcona, and Stila for Beauty.com. Here, the beauty breakdown:

First, I hit up my mane man Ted Gibson who was fashioning a pretty glamazing big fat side braid on a model when I walked in. "The collection was inspired by roping and textures, so I thought a textured braid would compliment that nicely," explained Ted. To achieve the look, he applied a cocktail mixing his Tame It and Fix It to texture the hair. Then, he scrunched it at the scalp for fullness. I fought off visions of myself establishing residency in the bathroom at my parents' house with my Aussie Sprunch Spray to emerge with huge hair smelling of grapes. His look turned out much better than mine did, obv. He then started at the nape and made a side-braid, bringing it to the front of the shoulder Malibu Barbie-style. Ideally, the braid was to extend to the bra strap, so gals with shorter hair were fitted with some extensions. The romantic look was finished off with Ted Gibson Beautiful Hold Hairspray.

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Fashion Week Spring 2011 Beauty: Derek Lam

So I'm finally doing a little backstage so that I can keep busy despite the hellaciousness of losing my dear furry friend Simone. It wasn't as tough a transition as I'd anticipated because it was all in keeping with the feeling of "opposite day" I'd been having since Simone passed. Everything familiar is no longer, even when it comes to Fashion Week. First, we're all at Lincoln Center trying to get our bearings. Second, in two instances--at Derek Lam and at Lela Rose, I saw lipstick used on eyes or eye shadow used on lips. I've dubbed it ass-backwards beauty. It's actually quite charming. Let's discuss the beautiful look at Derek Lam.

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Official Mascara Correspondent: MAC Fibre Rich Lash Mascara

This week, Official Mascara Correspondent Ashleigh Ciucci tackles MAC Fibre Rich Lash ($14). In Ashleigh's words:

I'm not normally a fiber mascara fan. I  tend to feel it's an extraneous trend.  however, I think the applicator on this mascara separates it from it's competitors. The medium-sized textured brush with long and short bristles perfectly applied a soft and full layer of product with it's first layer. My second layer was nice at the root, but I had to be sure not to go too far with it at the tips. With too much product at the tips, this is where I saw clumping happen with the fibers.

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Sad Simone News

My favorite picture of Sim's glamazing orangeness

It’s been a tough couple of days, friends. I’m taking a short break before covering Fashion Week because yesterday I had to put my wonderful cat Simone to sleep at the age of 8 and a half. We found out she had cancer and had deteriorated shockingly quickly in the span of a few days.

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Fashion's Night Out: Le Metier de Beaute at Bergdorf Goodman

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Fashion's Night Out: Bergdorf Goodman

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