Q&A With "The Black Swan" Makeup Department Head Margie Durand and Makeup Designer Judy Chin

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Am I the only grown ass woman who was counting down the MINUTES until The Black Swan opens tonight? I love me some Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman. But mostly, I love me some deadly serious makeup and this flick's got it. I was lucky enough to be sent  a Q&A courtesy of MAC Cosmetics' Artist Relations team with the film's makeup department head Margie Durand and makeup designer Judy Chin on the finale Black Swan look. Here are their thoughts on all things The Black Swan. Check it:

Q: How does a makeup artist prepare to work on a film? Do you receive guidance from the director or collaborate with the costume designer/art director/key hair stylist on the makeup look?

Destination: Procrastination

Pretty sure I'm doing this with my horrendo 2005 Gateway as I live and type--beware of Toasted Skin!
[Beauty Blitz]

The amazing woman behind Reasoning With Vampires, who spends her days correcting Twilight grammar mistakes
 [Crushable]

Three ways to rock a tuxedo jacket
[College Fashion]

Why ARE these Lanvin flats $800? For something more than $500, I'd like to see a little heel
[TheGloss]

I HAD to say something about Pink potentially naming her unborn son after a whiskey
[MTV Buzzworthy]

Tamz tells you how to do glitter without looking as if you "swept the dressing room floor of a drag show with your face."
[Naag]

Kate Somerville shares how to deflate puffy eyes
[Bella Sugar]

Is booze creating a culture of aggro drunk women?
[Lemondrop]

Thanks, College Candy. People STILL hate on my liberal arts major (French Lit, merci very much). And guess what? I straddle the financial, beauty and music industries. Suck on that, biz school grads
[College Candy]

Um, have you entered my Clarisonic giveaway yet?
[BBJ]

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Get The Look: Julianne Moore at the 2010 Gotham Independent Film Awards

Last night, November 29, Julianne Moore arrived at the 2010 Gotham Independent Film Awards at Cipriani in NYC, wearing makeup by Clarins.  Nominated for Best Ensemble Performance in The Kids Are All Right, Moore’s make-up was inspired by her Lanvin dress and its rich, fall color palette.

Geraldine O'Keefe to Present at Norma Kamali's Wellness Cafe

Head to Norma Kamali's Wellness Cafe where herbologist Geraldine O’Keefe will be launching her aloe vera based sleeping tonic. Sleep deprivation is an issue that is silently affecting a huge part of the population and Geraldine has developed a natural solution to this--no drugs! She will be presenting as well as offering products to sample.

Norma Kamali is located at 11 West 56th Street in New York City.

Enjoy!

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Redken Creative Consultant Guido Discusses Spring 2011 Trends


Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with Guido, Creative Consultant for Redken about the four major trends for Spring 2011. The 'dos you'll be rocking (if all goes according to the fabulous Guido's plan) come spring thaw are:

1. Really wet, lacquered look
2. Close-to-the-head head shape--little buns, high shine
3. Modern ponytails seen in different ways, piece wrapped around for extra glamour
4. Teased ‘70s Diana Ross look

20% Off Benefit Cosmetics Today Only

Monday, November 29, 2010




You have until 11:59 tonight! Get shopping at benefitcosmetics.com.


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Giveaway: Random Acts of Clarisonic

Hi, lovies! 

How was everyone's Thanksgiving? Mine was pretty epic. It involved a lot of foods, TJ Maxx trips (I purchased some uber-useful Vince items like a cashmere cardi in black and some black skinny pants).

As this week officially kicks off the season of giving, I've partnered with Clarisonic on a “Random Acts of Clarisonic is a giveaway that offers you guys the chance to do something kind for a special person in your lives (and yourselves!). Read on to find out how to enter. 

30% Off: Kate Somerville

Sunday, November 28, 2010

You'd have to be the chancellor of Stu University not to take advantage of this offer for 30% off Kate Somerville items at katesomerville.com. The promo code is KSFF2010. Valid through November 30.

You're welcome!

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It's A Marvelous Night For A Moon Mani.

Friday, November 26, 2010

In the paraphrased words of the epic Van Morrison, it's a marvelous night for a moon mani, right friends?
A fantabulous night to make your nails look fance
Neath the cover of November skies
And all the leaves on the trees are falling
To the sound of the breezes that blow
And I'm trying to place to the calling
Of the siren song of a manicure that's DOPE
And all the night's magic seem to whisper and hush
And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream blush

My Beauty Bag Runneth Over, So I Donated It To Dress for Success

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving, BBJ readers!

I keep a bag in my "foyer" full of items sent to me that formulated for different skin and hair types than mine that I keep for other people. Well, it  had gotten quite out of control in recent weeks, and as the great Cher Horowitz quoted in Clueless, "'Tis a far far better thing doing things for other people," so I, naturally, share Horowitzed. With Dress for Success, a wonderful organization devoted to helping disadvantaged women professional attire, support and career development tools. I feel good having done something for others less fortunate and am so thankful to be so lucky to have so much to BE thankful for. Thanks to Shannon for organizing this beauty drive! Here's a list of the other beauty blogging participants:

Lierac Friends and Family

Wednesday, November 24, 2010


Head to Lierac.com to take advantage. Enjoy!

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Random Beauty Product from Another Country I'm Irrationally Obsessed With: Tesco Skin Wisdom Instant Benefits Peel-off Mask


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 feel the same way about foreign generic beauty items as I do about foreign men. By sheer virtue of the fact that they're from another country, they thrill the shit out of me--even if the goods themselves are mediocre. To draw a hilarious but pretty effed-up parallel, throw me a man with a similar rating who's from the States--or a Rite-Aid brand face wash--and I'm dry heaving.

With men, an exotic accent mixed with charming idioms can camouflage frighteningly well a lack of intellect, looks or even cultured sensibility. With products? Slap "revitalising" on the package copy and I'm straight-up enchanted by its replacement of my typical z, which, as you can imagine, makes me want to zzz.

Now to be fair, I haven't tried the Tesco Instant Benefits Peel-off Mask, but Lynnie over at beaut.ie has and gives it a thumbs up, and I most certainly value her discerning opinion.  Bonus? It's only £1.10. 

Have you tried this gem? Let me know in the comments. 

Cheerio!

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Make Up For Ever To Release "Burlesque" Collection

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Makeup brand Make Up For Ever will be creating an exclusive collection inspired by the upcoming movie Burlesque. I think the only possible reaction to this news is to shout "Queen!" as an interjection, the way my BFF Lee does.

According to WWD, the collaboration will be available for a limited time, from December 21 through mid-January. The items will be priced between $20-$30 and the collection will include red lipstick, theatrical fake eyelashes and “diamond powder” eye shadow. I SO WANT to go to there.

The Make Up For Ever collection is the third Burlesque inspired collection of 2010. There is also one by Smashbox and OPI, both of which have already been released this year.

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Destination: Procrastination

Who doesn't hate a pilling sweater? Elizabeth's got a solution for you
[Beauty Bets]

Having lots of moles may help you age better
[BellaSugar]

Make your own TSA-proof outfit
[Crushable]

Your essential Thanksgiving break packing list
[College Fashion]

Feathers are the latest boho trend to hit Hollywood
[Daily Beauty Reporter]

Anne Hathaway's best beauty looks
[ELLE]

How to achieve the perfect blow-out
[College Candy]

Karen debuts a stunner of a $10 makeup look
[Makeup and Beauty Blog]

Tamar convinces me to get involved with yet another Australian makeup brand (the Aussies haven't failed me yet)
[Naag.com]

Read Michelle's thoughts on Chanel Riva polish (I'm a mage fan--stay tuned for my own review!)
[All Lacquered Up]

Q&A with Maria Bartiromo
[Lemondrop]

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Giveaway: Jennifer Lopez' Love & Glamour Fragrance

Happy Thanksgiving week, beauties. This week, I've partnered with Love & Glamour by Jennifer Lopez to offer one lucky a bottle of the new fragrance.

Jennifer Lopez's pink and gold adorned bottle doubles as vanity candy, in addition to doing duty as a champagney sheer citrus-floral scent that doesn't overpower. Jennifer Lopez's latest fragrance is best for summer days, thanks to its weaker projection. Liberal dousers will appease even their most crotchety fellow public transportation-takers with this subtle, universally crowd-pleasing scent, due to its mildly generic elements. For more info and to find out how to enter, read on...
 

Come One, Kamali: Norma Kamali Sale

If you're in NYC this weekend (and I'm kind of deva I'm not--I've been wanting a sleeping bag coat for pretty much my entire life), there's a Norma Kamali SALE going on November 24 continuing through Black Friday, November 26, at the flagship store located at 11 West 56th Street in NYC. 

Most items included in the sale will be $100 and under, with ALL items included being $200 and under. Items retailing for as much as $3,500 will be marked down to $200 or less, so up to 95% off! There will be great holiday attire, loungewear / sportswear, and even Norma’s iconic Sleeping Bag Coat (again--DEVA) in select colors and styles included. 

If you hit it up, send me pics!

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Coty to Purchase Philosophy

Women's Wear Daily this morning reported that Perfume maker Coty Inc agreed to buy Philosophy Inc., a maker of personal care products, for about $1 billion. Philosophy is currently owned by private equity company Carlyle Group, which had purchased the company in 2007.

Official Mascara Correspondent: Stila MAJOR Major Lash Mascara Review

Official Mascara Corresponent Ashleigh Ciucci answers your burning questions about Stila MAJOR Major Lash Mascara. In her own words:

Now, this mascara delivers on its promise. With a giant tapered brush and a black black formula, I got MAJOR lashes. The product is wet enough to deliver pigment from the roots to the tips, but thick enough to actually build volume. After just one coat, it rivaled most other mascara's second or third coats. The roots of my lashes were dark and dense and the tips were fluffy and flirty.

Tocca Sample Sale

Monday, November 22, 2010

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Get The Look: Katy Perry's Hairstyle at the 2010 American Music Awards

Pantene Celebrity Stylist Danilo styled Katy Perry's hair for the 2010 American Music Awards. I scored the deets straight from Danilo on how to recreate Katy's glamourous look at home. In his words:

“Her look was classic Hollywood with a contemporary twist. Katy wanted big, voluminous hair for the show. Using the Fine Collection from Pantene, I was able to vamp up her hair to create long lasting volume.”

Get The Look: Mandy Moore's Makeup at the 2010 American Music Awards


Mandy Moore's eye makeup concept at the 2010 American Music Awards last night came courtesy of NARS Cosmetics as well. Mandy went for the perfect smoky brown with Surabaya Duo Eyeshadow and Corfu Cream Eyeshadow.


Both NARS Surabaya Duo Eyeshadow and Corfu Cream Eyeshadow are available for purchase at narscosmetics.com.


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Get The Look: Whitney Port's Makeup at the 2010 American Music Awards

Were you captivated by Whitney Port’s soft and romantic eye makeup look at last night's 2010 American Music Awards? Her stunningly sexy hooded-in-mystery stare was created with NARSCharade Duo Eyeshadow

NARS Charade Duo Eyeshadow is available at narscosmetics.com.



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Thanksgiving Week Deal at Ted Gibson Salon

If you're going to be seeing all of your high school past this holiday weekend, what better way to make them question their Planet Hollywood T-shirt and supermarket makeup aesthetic than with an extra-spesh hair treatment and blow-out?


This week only at Ted Gibson Salon in NYC, try any of their hair conditioning Power Dose Treatments for only $50! They'll even blowdry and style your hair afterwards for no additional charge. Epic.

Ted Gibson Salon

184 5th Avenue 2nd floor
212-633-6333


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Fictionary: Lanvintervention


Fictionary is a column showcasing beauty- (and sometimes fashion-)related words that don't exist, but should.

This is a long one, ladies, because we're talking Lanvin.

In case you've been living under a rock, you know that the Lavin <3s H&M collection dropped this past Saturday morning. Being totally hungover and scheduled for a nutrition class at Organic Avenue (to where I brought my artificially-sweetened caffeinated latte to the raw foodies' collective horror), I missed the festivities at the store. But I followed the happenings on Twitter and decided with my fellow nutrition class companion Felicia to hit up the sale later that day. Well, after we assassinated some chicken paillard much in the manner of John Wilkes Booth at nearby bistro Schiller's. Talk of colonics and juice cleanses had made us ravenous.

Last Call by Neiman Marcus

Friday, November 19, 2010

Dolls, yesterday morning I bounded out of bed at the ripe hour of 6:30 to catch a car to New Jersey for the very best reason: To attend a sneak preview of the new Last Call by Neiman Marcus store in Bergen County. As loyal readers know, this gal loves a bargain. In fact, an alarming majority of my wardrobe is culled from various (not just ANY) TJ Maxx, Loehmann's and outlets like Last Call.

Sally Hershberger's Tips on Extending a Blow-out

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Supreme strand supremacy Sally Hershberger has shared some fantastic tricks for extending that blow-out during the holidays when late nights of 'nog will leave you wanting to sleep that extra hour.  In the sage words of Sally, here's how to master a professional looking blow-out at home and how to get one to last:

Achieving a professional looking blow-out at home is much easier than most people think. Here are 3 easy steps:

Haven Spa Mini Escapes: Because Time Is Money.

Corporate Phoebe in the hospital after a heart attack in the alternate reality ep
I used to find it so irritating when people would say "time is money." I found it utterly self-indulgent.


That is until my life became a whirlwind of events and meetings to the point where I feel my entire existence is managed in 20-minute increments with zero room for anyone's lateness and by Friday, I'm nearly comatose with exhaustion. I find myself repeating "time is money" like a mantra to rationalize $10 cab rides to cut down on my tardiness and gasp in horror the more my life resembles that of Phoebe Buffay as crazed, stressed, smoking finance exec in that alternate reality Friends episode called "The One That Could Have Been" where Monica is still fat, Rachel is married to Barry and Joey is a famous soap star.

Here to remedy THAT situation right up is sublime SoHo spa Haven, nestled at 150 Mercer Street with some inexpensive AND fast prettifying panaceas of which you'll want to take advantage. They're calling the services Haven MEs, or mini escapes. I recently indulged in the Pedicure ME with resident nail tech Gabby, who's wonderful.

Um, The Best Gift EVER.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010


Would you believe that one of the most thoughtful, most ME gifts I've ever received was from someone I've never even met in IRL? The fabulous LALupusLady (Amanda) who's a fellow  MAGE BTTF fan, sent me a Twitpic a few weeks ago of a pair of purple Calvin Klein underpants she got signed by Michael J. Fox himself at a taping of Family Ties in 1985, which he signed "Why do you keep calling me Calvin?" EPIC.  The situation is that Amanda went to a  taping at Paramount Studios when she was in high school with a friend who had VIP passes. 

In the long story (which I totally solicited) she started dating the actor who played Alex P. Keaton's friend Skippy, and attended another taping as a guest. MJF remembered her and gave her a 45 of the single of his rendition of "Johnny B. Goode" from the movie (though it's actually not sung by him). The promotional record features a faux Marty McFly with the Starlighters cover with a shot of MJF AT THE ENCHANTMENT UNDER THE SEA DANCE. I wonder how many of these were even MADE. 


Anywho, doll that she is, Amanda SENT ME the 45 in all its amazing Back to the Future glory and it's now one of my most prized posessions, occupying very important real estate space on my cool-things shelf where I keep my vintage compacts and epic limited-edition MAC Barbie.


Thank you, Amanda!! Random acts of BTTF are so very, very appreciated by me. It's my favorite movie ever and I'm so happy to own a small piece of film memorabilia of my very own.

P.S. Amanda also works tirelessly on spreading Lupus information (hence her Twitter handle and blog). To learn more about the disease and what you can do to help, visit lupusla.org.



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Get The Look: Anne Hathaway At The Premiere of 'Love And Other Drugs'

CHANEL celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee worked with Anne Hathaway at the New York premiere of Love and Other Drugs on Tuesday, November 16. I adore the soft, neutral look on Anne Hathaway, who needs few cosmetics to enhance her natural gorgeosity. Incidentally, I'll be watching this movie on opening day next week JUST to figure out how she got her hair to look so glamazingly curly/natural. It's a state not easily achieved. But in the meantime, here's how to get her epic makeup look she rocked at the premiere.


How to get the look:

"Annie wore a gorgeous winter white gown, featuring lace and feathers,and a big bow at the neck. When I saw the dress I knew that the make up needed to be beautiful but approachable.

I prepped the skin with CHANEL Hydramax + Active Serum, and used CHANEL Hydramax + Active Lip Care [ed. note: One of my new faves!] on her lips. Her complexion was smoothed with CHANEL Vitalumiere Fluid Makeup, the miracle foundation. Her skin is perfect, but this base makes the skin look milky and soft, has great staying power, and is never dry or flaky.

Fictionary: Glambush

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

 Now obviously, because you read this blog, you're beauty-savvy. You're certainly not in need of a makeover. But you know those people who are. Your boyfriend whose Bert brows absolutely cry OUT for some plucking--to the point where you have to sit on your hands to keep from manually tweezing him when you're trying to be romantical.

Carol And I Are Ladies Who Lunch--With Avon And Jacqueline Bisset, Obv.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Myself, CAROL, Jacqueline Bisset and Aly Walansky!
It's not every day Carol and I both get invited to an epic luncheon, but that's just what happened recently, thanks to Avon and their new Avon ANEW Platinum Collection launch. The ever-so-mage actress Jacqueline Bisset is the face of the the new skincare line for women 60+ from Avon’s pioneering ANEW line. It was developed to recapture the appearance of youthful contours and will debut this fall through Avon Representatives.




Because this is an anti-aging item geared toward women 60+, naturally, I deployed Carol to test out the products themselves. Carol works on her own schedule, of course, so she has finally gotten back to me with her review, which she dictated to me over the phone, as she hasn't yet mastered email. She'll be sending her first to Avon social media rep Casey Carter tomorrow in the form of a thank-you note, she informed me. Without further ado, here's Carol's review:

Brilliant Color & Beauty Today Launches Local Hair Day Forecast

Brilliant Color & Beauty Today takes hair VERY seriously and to that end, they've developed a tool that produces a customized hair styling tip for you based on the day's local weather (including the humidity percentage). You simply input your zip code and voila! Hair help to the rescue.

Check out the Brilliant Color & Beauty Today Local Hair Day Forecast.




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Minnie Rose Sample Sale



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Eberjey Sample Sale!



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Destination: Procrastination

I AM SALIVATING OVER THE TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID LIP & NAIL SET
[Naag.com]

Katy Perry sells her Purr by Katy Perry fragrance out of a milk truck in NYC. Gives new meaning to the phrase "milking it for all it's worth"
[BellaSugar]


Inmates may get tanning beds to improve their health
[Allure Daily Beauty Reporter]

 A guide to which designers are pro- and anti-fur
[TheGloss]

JC Chasez blew up his attempted burglar not with his love but with his WORDS last week. Bad-ASS, JC!
[MTV Buzzworthy]

Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged! What hair and makeup concepts are you anticipating for the future Queen of England?
[US Weekly]

A good review of theBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer
[College Candy]

Beauty for a good cause: Karen test-drives the Mud Cares Palette (P.S. It's gorge)
[Makeup and Beauty Blog]

Whitney Port discusses body issues
[Crushable]

What do you think about Kate Middleton (so much for varied linkage today, but care.com, I'm not logging on) rocking Diana's ring?
[Lemondrop]

Asymmetrical hemlines: Yay or nay? (I say yay)

[College Fashion]

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New Service: LashDip At Courtney Akai

Yet another procedure that falls under the category of I Didn't Know What I Was Missing. I've long been a fan of the darling Courtney Akai's lash extension technique, so when I got an email from her asking if I'd like to try out her new procedure, LashDip. NOT for the extensioned set, it's a semi-permanent professional lash coat that maintains gorgeous lashes for up to six weeks. No mascara. No makeup remover. Your inky semi-permanent coated lashes are there when you wake up in the morning, last through your exercise routine, and are there when you go to bed at night. So if you want to try something more permanent than mascara but not as dramatic as extensions, this is for you. It's a great lash middle ground.

Sponsored Video: Aveda Smooth Infusion Line


Last week, I covered Aveda's Smooth Infusion product line to share with you why I love their frizz-fighting capabilities. But I know you gals like a little show and tell, so I put together this video to show you exactly how it looks post-style. Let me know what you think of my results and how you've fared if you've tested it out for yourself.

The Aveda Smooth Infusion shampoo, conditioner, Glossing Straightener and Style-prep Smoother are available at aveda.com.

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Twinkle By Wenlan Sample Sale

Monday, November 15, 2010

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Giveaway: Bvlgari Source Defense Serum and Emulsion: A $375 Value!

Bvlgari Source Defense Serum
You won't want to miss this giveaway, friends! Check out the end of this post for how to enter.

I adore Bvlgari for so many reasons. Allow me to enumerate:

1. The brand's commitment to both that charmingly Latin 'v'-instead-of-a'u' situation.

2. The right choice to have Clive Owen as the face of their men's fragrance.
Bvlgari Source Defense Emulsion

3. Their service portfolio spans the gamut gems, watches, fragrance, hotels, resorts and now skin care.

If you ask me, there isn't enough correlation between beauty and jewels, and Bvlgari got right on top of remedying THAT situation. I had the opportunity to sample the brand's relaxing facial using their new suite of Source Defense products with aesthetician Lorna, who left me relaxed and glowing. Seriously, glowing: more than three people commented on the state of my skin which I rocked makeupless throughout much of the remainder of the day. The facial begins with a "bonjour" massage on your decollete (to represent where you rock your necklace) and ends with an "auvoir" massage on your hands (a shout-out to the bling of your ring). In between, your face is treated to a scrub (which emulsifies to become an oil, so that you know it's done it's job--glamazing!), a mask, a serum, and moisturizer all applied so as to maximize the effect of the gem essences on your skin. Trust me, it's no overexaggeration for me to tell you that properties of the gemstones really are transferred onto your skin. The reactions I had to this facial prove it.

Holiday Gift Guide: Napoleon Perdis Great Escapes Brush Collection


Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2010 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift-worthy items for everyone on your list, check out my other offerings.
 
I am SLAIN by the WHIMSY of this teal leather encased complete brush set by famed makeup brand Napoleon Perdis! The Napoleon Perdis Great Escapes Brush Collection from his latest Swept Away collection, which evokes the glamour of Australia's sacred coral reefs with its suite of vacation-themed beauty confections like Bronze Bombshell. The latter a bronzing duo of products for a heavenly glow. 

But let's get back to these BRUSHES. In the paraphrased words of the epic Paula Abdul, "Brush, brush, hurry hurry lover, come to me." If you're not familiar with this high quality, spectacularly collectible brand, do yourself a favor and get INVOLVED. These brushes are soft, compact enough to be easily portable and enhance your makeup application. It makes an excellent starter set for a budding beauty addict or a covetable travel set for the more seasoned makeup maven. An incidentally? I've never met an Australian beauty brand I didn't LOVE. Jemma Kidd Makeup School, ModelCo and Becca are all to die, in addition to Napoleon Perdis, of course.

The Napoleon Perdis Great Escapes Brush Collection retails for $80.

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Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson Are Engaged!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Credit: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com
I'm happy for Jessica Simpson and her new fiance former football player Eric Johnson, who announced their engagement today. The blonde bombshell who's dated a myriad of dudes from John Mayer to Tony Roma since her split from hubby of three years Nick Lachey (who got engaged just two weeks ago to live-in girlfriend Vanessa Minnillo).

I'm excited to see Jessica's second-time-down-the-aisle hair concept. What about you? Dish in the comments!

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Painting My Nails With Priti Queen of the Night Tulip

Saturday, November 13, 2010


Priti Queen of the Night Tulip nail polish is a delightfully classic '60s gal red. I'm finding myself singing the ultimate diva anthem by Whitney by the same name as I apply it. I never noticed how much the beginning is a straight-up BITE on the select music stylings of Bel Biv Devoe's "Poison." Right?


Is there anything better? I think not.

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Prepare for Beauty Battle

Moshida Man just sent me this pic he took of an ad in Seoul at Muji. So cool.

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Estee Lauder Extravagant Pure Color Lip Palette

Friday, November 12, 2010


Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2010 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift-worthy items for everyone on your list, check out my other offerings.

This holiday confection from Estee Lauder screams Glamber's holiday lip concept from every gilded atom. This golden compact boasts five lip colors in varying opacities and finishes in pout-flattering shades of gold, wine, coral and brick red. I especially like to pair the matte brick red in the center with a touch of coral gloss on top for a retro beauty moment that pairs perfectly with my bare eyes (well, save for my Snuffaluffagus lashes). It somehow transforms my Cullen-sallow skin into a creamy, flawlessly rosy(!) complexion most magically.

Your recipient will use the shades for months to come and will appreciate the sophisticated berry flavor of the lip shades that's unique to Estee Lauder lip items.

Buy the Estee Lauder Extravagant Pure Color Lip Palette at Nordstrom.com for $42.


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