PRIMP And Circumstance: The Latest Offerings From Royal Apothic

Sean O'Mara's latest Royal Apothic Societies of Scent collection includes beautifully packaged confections boast a slightly snotty, bureaucratic vibe that draws on his English upbringing but combines a uniquely Los Angeles whimsical lightness. His made-up exclusive societies inspired by English social clubs in the Victorian age come with very formal monikers. Put on your ascot and walk with me through the fragrances--each comes in a eau de parfum, rich hand creme, luxury soap and travel candle, respectively. The hand creme is especially lush and perfectly sized for on-the-go application from your purse. Read on for a run-down of the Societies of Scent fragrance deets and a review of some more of my favorite Royal Apothic items (shit's about to get very formal)...

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BACK IN MAC: Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle! Is Available Again + Bloggers' Obsession Shade Photos

Ohai, gals!

Big news, my MAC Cosmetics eyeshadow shade, Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle! is back on MAC's virtual shelves and is available once again via maccosmetics.com for another limited time run. I'm learning via Twitter that this is THE shade for women of color, BTW. I've gotten tons and tons of emails about this shade looking GORGEOUS on my dark and lovely friends. Check out my dedicated page and video about my experience making the shade on MAC's website.


ALSO, you know I don't typically do FOTDs or makeup shots on BBJ, but I did implore my dear friend Keri Blair (a MAC Cosmetics Senior Makeup Artist, to boot) to do a few applications of the shadow shades from the collection. Behold moi in Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle! (And in other shades after the jump)

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Ryan Gosling Goes Bleach Blonde

Ryan Gosling is truly exceptional.

He remains the only light-haired dude in my "laminated card" (remember that Friends ep?) as I typically like my men tall, dark and handsome. My strat (to quote the great Felicia Sullivan) is always that I'll be the blonde one, just as I'll be the decorative one. We're not peacocks. If you and your xy chromosomes are ALSO interested in wearing nail polish, for instance, I'm not FEELING that. But once in a while, a man can pull off platinum while still looking virile and spicy. And evidently, that man is Ryan Gosling. I do prefer his sandy-colored 'do, but this DOES have a certain Billy Idol circa Rock The Cradle Of Love vibe.

Guess who's already bought tickets on Fandango for Crazy Stupid Love?

Moi.


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Elemis Teams Up With Alice Temperley

In '86, Aerosmith and Run DMC collaborated on a remake of the former's 1975 jam called "Walk This Way." And it's truly an example of two greats coming together to create something flipping FIERCE. In the case of Run and Aerosmith, it was two musical giants--one rock, one rap--to synergistically infuse new life into each's respective vibe. And now, two British titans--Elemis in the beauty world and Alice Temperley in the fashion realm--are doing the same. They've joined to create a gorgeous travel collection featuring Elemis' best selling anti-aging products for face and body. I love the very "me Tarzana!"-style bag, studded details and blingy zipper. Let's peek and see what's inside, shall we? Walk this way...

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Makeup Bag Advice From La Prairie's Raychel Wade

I recently took my makeup bag to La Prairie HQ so La Prairie Color Ambassador Raychel Wade could assess my on-the-go cosmetic situation and teach me how to eliminate excess product. Turns out? I have a TON of excess product--specifically lip paraphernalia. Read on...

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Brow University

Idol, Allsaints Spitalfields, The Office and Topshop...  the BEST things start out in England.

Now, Blink London Eyebrow Bar (found in Selfridges, Harvey Nick's--as Ab Fab's Patsy Stone always called it-- and SpaceNK) crosses the pond from London straight to our own little retail "Ellis Island," Henri Bendel. I totally lift my lamp beside THAT golden door. Blink is a walk-in brow bar (threading is their thing) and the brain child of founder Vanita Parti. Once I started threading my brows in 2004 I NEVER went back. The precision and shape you can get with threading is so much better AND it causes much less damage to your delicate skin around the eyes. Read on...

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NARS Cosmetics Fall 2011 Collection Photos And Info

You guys are going to lose your MINDS over that Outremer cobalt shadow, I guarantee it. Just got the deets on the new NARS Fall 2011 collection. Ready?

The NARS Cosmetics Fall 2011 collection is resolutely avant-garde. Daring shots of color are tempered with softer, subtler tones. Eyes range from bright true blue to silvery taupe, dazzling peach and matte dove gray. Lips run the gamut from statement-making matte red to sophisticated plum and sparkling champagne pink. A stormy gray nail color adds a mysterious finishing touch. Read on...

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Andre Walker Total Keratin Obsession Review

I've mentioned before that I grew up with an older brother of five years who treated me as a visitor to his fun party of boy activities, from a television and video game standpoint. He had the unique experience of being an only child for much of his young life but then also got to reap the benefits of NOT SHARING THE TV AT ALL that people sans siblings are used to. While I hated being able to watch what I wanted only for short spurts until he returned home and once again monopolized the TV, it turned out to be a blessing as I cultivated substantial knowledge of things girls barely tolerate, let alone watch and play. One of those things is Mike Tyson's Punch-out, for the old school Nintendo Entertainment System. The numbers 007 373 5963 are forever embedded in my subconscious as they allowed you to skip past all the other opponents taking you directly to Mike. P.S. I'm still confused as to how Mario moonlighted as a referee.

When you beat Mike, the words TKO (Total Knock Out) flashed on the screen and it was MAD satisfying. Similarly satisfying is the total knock out your frizz will endure when you try out longtime stylist-to-Oprah (you know, no big) Andre Walker's new line of hair products called TKO. In this case, it stands for Total Keratin Obsession.

The collection includes Andre's Keratin Shampoo ($23), Keratin Conditioner ($23), TKO Total Keritan Obsession Deep Conditioning Pak and my personal fave, Q-Oil Quench Essential Oil ($35) for styling pre-heat tools or air-drying, as we're wont to do in this weather. The line is infused with keratin for sleek, smooth, heat-wave proof locks. PLUS, do you have a question only Oprah's mane man can answer? Well, you're in luck because Andre Walker is hosting a Hair Twitterview today, Tuesday July 26th at 6pm to 7pm. Andre will answer (by replying and retweeting your twitter handle) any questions that you tweet with the official #AskAndre hashtag.

Andre Walker Hair products are available at andrewalkerhair.com.

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Get The Look: Olivia Wilde At The "Cowboys And Aliens" Premiere

Celebrity makeup artist Melanie Ingelssis created Olivia Wilde’s red carpet look for the premiere of Cowboys and Aliens. To off-set Olivia’s romantic gown and simple hair, Melanie and Olivia decided the focus on the eyes. Using CHANEL products, Melanie created a strong smoky eye balanced by soft, luminous skin. Read on...

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Get The Look: Sofia Vergara At The "Smurfs" Premiere

Makeup artist Kayleen McAdams created Sofia Vergara's beautifully bronze makeup look at the premiere of the "Smurfs" movie in New York. 

Says Kayleen, "Sofia had the most beautiful purple dress so I wanted to do a shimmery bronze eye so the makeup would be more subtle and the dress could take full focus. Because of the heat we layered bronzers on both the cheeks and eyes with other products so it would have staying power all night. For products used, read on... 

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Fictionary: Mor-Atorium

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



Stop everything. I'm imposing a Mor-atorium on all your bath and body needs--save for, of course, Mor.  Trust me, you'll be happy I'm making all your [fragranced item] decisions for you, much as Friends' Monica did for Rachel. The Aussie brand has created a new collection called Mor Essentials that's so beautifully scented and packaged, you'd be a fool to outfit your bathroom with anything else.  Read details on the collection...

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Carey Mulligan Goes Back To Blonde

Carey Mulligan debuted her new blonde hairstyle at Comic Con last week. Thanks to her celebrity colorist Negin Zand of Sally Hershberger Los Angeles, Carey made the switch from medium brown to a more natural, soft blonde.

Says Negin, "I love the new color on her. Her hair now has a lot more dimension! I stripped her brown color and gave her a dark blonde base before highlighting it using balayage, a mix of golden and baby blonde. The color is for her role in a movie she will be filming in Australia this month."

I think Carey's pulling a little Jean Seberg circa A Bout De Souffle with that pixie in that shade. What do you think? Yay or nay?

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Destination: Procrastination

In celebration of James Franco's single status, here are some stalking stats you need to know for your Franco ensnaring strat
[College Candy]

Check my post on the latest fragrances from Cartier (Baiser Vole) and Estee Lauder (Sensuous Nude)
[Elle's Fashion Blog]

You know I love a nostalgic trip to the '80s and '90s
[Tressugar]

Ten brides arrested on their wedding days
[The Frisky]

Give some good compliments, dolls
[Already Pretty]

Fashion inspiration by Disney's Tangled
[College Fashion]

A post on amaze apartments in movies
[Flavorwire]

This interview with PR princess Alison Brod is fantastic. P.S. She got her first client in an elevator
[The Cut]

Celebrities--they're NOT just like us. Here they're doing some pretty odd things
[The Luxury Spot]

Prince William gives gay couples some pretty fierce wedding-planning advice
[Betty Confidential]


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Hourglass Script Precision Liquid Liner Review

Carol is the liner queen.

One of our oft-uttered conversations revolves around how she doesn't like how I don't "taper" the ends of my eye liner enough. Full disclosure: I CAN'T. I try, but it involves lifting the pressure of the pencil just slightly at the ends, a maddeningly tiny nuance of movement far too delicate for my cra-insane morning routine. And liquid liner--well, I've straight up been AVOIDING it my nearly entire makeup career. I'm frightened of it.

A photo of Carol in her perfectly
applied tapered liquid  liner in the 1960s. 

Answer me this: Am I the only one who plum can't apply a liquid liner--be it in a pot or a pen--without getting that ish all over my eyeball? That's why I ACTUALLY shrieked when I tried the new micro-fine felt-tipped liquid liner pen from Hourglass, called quite cleverly, the Script Precision Liquid Liner. I can now line with wild abandon--and more importantly, EASE, drawing on a razor-thin line along my lashes, curved up at the outer corners--and, yes gals, TAPERED. I can't wait to show Carol next weekend when I'm home to fete my bro's beeeday. Get INVOLVED, liquid liner fans (and wannabe-fans).

The Hourglass Script Precision Liquid Liner retails for $32 at Sephora.com.


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Get The Look: Stila for L*Space Swim 2012

Check out this fresh, pretty look makeup artist Sarah Lucero for Stila created for the L*Space Swim Show last week at Mercedes-Benz Swim Week. Here, the beauty breakdown.

What do you think of this look?

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Handle A Heatwave

Guys, I'm MELTING.

Seriously. I leave my apartment for five minutes and I'm, to quote my gal Tamar, DIMOS (Drowning In My Own Sweat). I'm NERVE because it's supposed to be like 300 degrees on Friday. ICK! I don't know about you, but I've been turning to the selected musical stylings of Martha & The Vandellas to help me through this sticky bout of weather. Behold:

And OBV, you know I've got some product recs for steamy, steamy climes for your hair, bod and face. Check it:

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Official Mascara Correspondent: Sorme Extreme Volumizing Mascara

Official Mascara Correspondent Ashleigh Ciucci tests out Sorme Extreme Volumizing Mascara ($16). How does she fare? Read on and find out...

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Get The Look: Mila Kunis' Makeup At The Friends With Benefits Premiere

Andddd here's the makeup breakdown for Mila Kunis at the premiere of Friends With Benefits on July 18.
Celebrity makeup artist Tracey Levy had a vision of screen siren Gina Lollobrigida en route from a summer beach holiday when creating Mila’s premiere look. Translation: bronzed skin, eyes that popped (complete with extreme lashes) and muted lips. Lancome products used:

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Mila Kunis' Hairstyle At The Friends With Benefits Premiere

Mila Kunis looks sleek and sexy as hell with her ironed locks at the premiere of Friends With Benefits on July 18, doesn't she? P.S. I caught a screening last week of the film through PopSugar and just about DIED laughing. Seriously, it's no No Strings Attached part two. Sample hilar line from Justin Timberlake: "I KNOW you can take care of yourself. You're not a baby in a hot car."

Can you even? Anywho, the deets on how to get Mila Kunis' Friends With Benefits premiere hairstyle. The inspiration: Hair looks sexy and chic, yet refined. Read on for the how-to...

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Travel Blogging Junkie: The Viceroy Anguilla

I'll just SAY it: The Viceroy Anguilla is, bar none, THE NICEST place I've ever stayed. I feel as if I'm, you know, CRYING WOLF or something, because that exact phrase flew out of my mouth just a few short weeks ago when I stayed at the positively epic Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort (which was utterly relaxing and gorgeous). But it's a very luxe party at The Viceroy and a very well DESIGNED one at that (courtesy of famed designer Kelly Wearstler, whose eclectic furnishings touches of luxury are absolutely spot-on gorge). My travel companion extraordinaire Dina pointed out that The Viceroy even impressively symmetrical, which, while unexpected, adds an extra dash of glamour. One has to wonder if the belief that beauty can be quantified in terms of facial symmetry doesn't hold true in real estate as well. Sferra linens (the chic purple/grey towels provided for use in our PRIVATE PLUNGE POOL--see video below--gave me a case of the vapors) and FULL SIZED NEIL GEORGE PRODUCTS complete this holiday haven's astoundingly opulent (in a good way) vaca experience.

But of course, you didn't think I'd skip a room tour, did you? Never! As the great Vivian Ward said about her hotel bathroom at the Reg Bev Wil, it's BIGGER THAN THE BLUE BANANA. Check the video, below:

Get involved at viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/anguilla.


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CVS.com Deals Of The Week--Including 20% Off Sitewide

Ladies, majah sales going on on CVS/Pharmacy's website. A little tour of three ways you can save:

1. It’s time to refresh: Now through Sunday 7/24, pamper yourself with make-up and nail products 25% off on CVS.com! Pick up brushes, gloss, mascara, bronzer and more. Get involved here.

2. Get radiant skin: Now through Sunday 7/24, all Lumene skin care products are 25% off on CVS.com, including the new Excellent Future product line. Check it out here.

3. Stock up on beauty essentials:  Now through Sunday 7/24 stock up on your summer beauty essentials including cotton swabs and make-up remover with CVS.com 20% off sitewide! Enter coupon code: GET20SITEWIDE to begin saving. Click here to check out the offerings.

Also, are you aware that people are TRASHING their CVS money quite frequently? Many shoppers throw their receipts away without realizing they should be checking them for ExtraBucks-- even if you don’t buy anything on sale, as a cardholder you will automatically get back some ExtraBucks at the end of every quarter. Check those receipts and don't miss out on future sales! Follow CVS/pharmacy on Twitter and like them on Facebook to learn about upcoming promotions.

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Fictionary: CoGLOSSal

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

A sultry smile in one fell super-sized swoop of gloss. Why shouldn't you be a size queen about your lip accoutrements (or accoutreMA as the Winnebago Man famously said)? If you want a gleaming pout pronto, you need to go coGLOSSAL with your application, and that requires an absolutely enorm gloss moment. Start lifting finger weights; you'll want your lip gloss hand ready for this madness. I've got two larger-than-life glosses for you to get involved with. Ready?

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Free Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skin Tone Illuminator Sample July 21st

Want a gleaming, hydrated complexion? Want it FOR FREE? On July 21st, Estee Lauder counters will offer a free sample of their new Idealist Even Skin Tone Illuminator.

Happy Sunday!

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Destination: Procrastination

I MUST get my hands on this eucalyptus-infused deo from Malin + Goetz immed
[Naag]

Four ways to rock Toms shoes
[College Fashion]

The Katherine Kwei Donna Clutch is giving me a case of the vapors.
[The Luxury Spot]

Refinery29 has recently launched Reserve, offering exclusive offers on brands, stores and experiences. This week, they've partnered with Futurenatural, an organic beauty brand.
[Refinery29]

Jonah Hill's slimming down! Check out his transformation in five seconds
[Crushable]

Stop schvitzing--here's a round-up of sweat-proof makeup for under $10 each
[College Candy]

The highlights of the Tiffany 2011 collection
[Fashion Pulse Daily]

Check my gal Dina's thoughts on the fabulous Parfumerie Tiki Monoi Oil, one of my personal favorite items
[Eye4Style]

Getting married in August? Patrice has got some beauty inspirashe for brides!
[Afrobella]

Karen's giving away the True Blood limited edition MAJOR eye palette
[Makeup And Beauty Blog]

Sam Edelman's got a seductively spiky pair of booties in a beautiful blush
[Fashion Binge]


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Sponsored Post: Post-LensCrafters Accufit

Compare your new glasses options your DAMN self! 

Earlier this week, I headed up to LensCrafters on 45th Street and Fifth Avenue for my Accufit experience, which was speedy and quite painless, despite my INSANE squeamishness about eyes. Seriously. After nearly 20 years of wearing contacts, I STILL can only put them in if I look to the side and drop 'em on in toward the bottom of my eye. If I see my own finger coming toward my eyeball straight on, I get nauseous for the rest of the day. Read on for more deets about LensCrafters' Accufit experience.

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Fabulous Reformulation: L'Oreal Paris Le Gloss

I believe in reincarnation. Remember that epic scene in Defending Your Life when they went to the Past Lives Pavillion to see who they've been in former existences?

So I fully support reincarnation when it comes to beauty products. L'Oreal Paris has given their gloss a makeover (but don't worry, Colour Juices are still available if you like a sticker, more robust gloss) and unveiled a more balm-like, less sticky, hydrating iteration. Read on...

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Murad Absolute Bronzing Boost SPF 15 PA++ Review

Look. I'm hard-working and I want my bronzer to be, too.

I'm not reaching for the stars here. I want everything that goes on my cheeks to be skin-care grade. That's my new thing. Because my adult acne situation has gotten OUT OF CONTROL (mama's got an appointment with Dr. Colbert on Monday, lest you worry too much), I have to be extraordinarily careful about that with which I slather my face up. Which is why I'm loving Murad Absolute Bronzing Boost SPF PA++. It imparts a little color, won't clog pores AND protects my mug from the sun. This dream formula's even oil-free, so I can relax and bronze with abandon. Read on...

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Get Involved: Yumi Kim Romper

Thank you to Dina for introducing me to the WONDER that is a Yumi Kim jumper (their term for a romper). After checking out Dina's new digs on NYC's Lower East Side, we swung by the Yumi Kim boutique, which houses all manner of glamazing silk clothing gems (Dina even brought home pillowcases, as well). Lately, I don't even feel DRESSED unless I'm swathed in silk. I left with two silk rompers--one in a vibrant bright blue called the Leah Romper, the other in a '70s hot Crayola 8-pack purple hue called the Liz Romper ($196, pictured on model, above). It's a VERY Mrs. Roper meets Charlie's Angels moment every time I wear it in that it's a Farrah cut--but a Mrs. R fabric and I LOVE that.

Check out the full selection of Yumi Kim jumpers at yumikim.com.


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Scrub of Glamber: Malie Organics Polish

Remember when Seinfeld's George Costanza declared it "Summer of George?"

Well, this summer is officially Summer of Glamber. I'm freaking DUE. Last summer, I took my first real vacation in two years. Before that, I'd been on a 3-year rotation per vacation. That blows. Because for 3-4 years, writing this blog in addition to working full time allowed me zero off-time for anything other than blog-related activities like Fashion Week. And while greaaaaaaat, they're still work. Better work, but work. So this summer, now that I'm fully freelance, I decided to make this THE Summer of Glamber. It's been travel up the whazoo. All the places and things I've been wanting to do for the past five years but either didn't have the vaca time or money to do? Happened THIS summer. Fort Lauderdale, Tahiti, Tikehau, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos and finally the Summer of Glamber swan song San Diego. When I skipped a hair care brand's dinner last night and the PR gals were asking my friend Andrea where I was, she answered "She's probably at some volcano somewhere far flung right now." Actually, I was on my couch watching True Blood, but it was a good guess. Read on...

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Fictionary: Fat Girl Finger

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

Oh, let's not act as if we ALL haven't been there. You know. You've perhaps had a weekend of indulgence, gastronomically speaking. I don't know your life, but say MAYBE you took a few days off from the gym. You get your jeans out of the wash (lately my faves are my Diesel Clushy white ones) and you find you need to be two-pronged about your approach.

You need to lie on the bed whilst zipping, then do the squat/shimmy to stretch 'em on out a bit before they relax and stretch a bit. But during step 1, the zipper won't move as easily as, say, if you HADN'T enjoyed truffle fries at brunch the morning before and your index finger gets a little... peely and dry from the experience. And THAT, my friends, is Fat Girl Finger. Read on for its remedy...

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Primping Poll: What Do You Guys Do During Your Two-Minute Break Between Alpha Beta Peel Pads?

SO: You know the two-minute interval between using your Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel Pads? You know, you swipe the first pad on, which refines. But THEN--you must wait two minutes before following up with the enriched neutralizing pad. Being totally Rain Man about directions, I freak out on a daily basis about letting exactly 120 seconds pass before applying the second pad. Typically, I brush with my Sonicare toothbrush or start my Keurig for coffee in the interim.

Tell me: What do you do in between Peel Pads?

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RGB “1996″ for Need Supply Co.

Nail brand extraordinaire RGB Cosmetics has teamed up with  retailer Need Supply Co., to create a limited edition nail color in honor of Need Supply Co.’s 15th Anniversary. Appropriately named “1996,” the year Need Supply Co. opened, this deep rich denim blue hue commemorates the store’s modest beginings selling vintage Levi’s. Don't you love Need Supply Co.'s name? I love how it indicates a deep-down requirement, as if purchasing amazing jeans were on Maslow's hierarchy of them (which, let's be real, could be argued). 


And PS did anyone ever have a better 1996 than Jay-Z? He talks about that year more than I talk about my hair. For the love.


RGB “1996″ is sold exclusively at Need Supply Co. and NeedSupply.com for $16.

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Destination: Procrastination

A MARTY MCFLY PAPER DOLL.
[Crushable]

Educate yourself, '90s children. Here are ten '80s movies you need to see
[College Candy]

The best travel sets of summer
[Naag]

Per ush, Cat presents us with an unorthodox beauty tip--this one's about how to self-tan sans self-tanner
[XOJane]

A super-cute tie-dye vest
[Almost Pretty]

The great debate: organic beauty products
[TheGloss]

Don't pull a Britney circa 2004: Here's how to ditch your denim shorts
[College Fashion]


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Dialogue: Skin Care Standards

The scene: Dina's and my PHAT (it's so epic, it requires bringing that expression back from its mid-'90s lexicological grave) room at The Viceroy Anguilla. 

Dina: What skin care are you into these days?
Amber: Well, lately--it's all about Dr. Dennis Gross Skin Care Alpha Beta Peel Pads, which I'm freaking psyched come in individual packets so I can stop worrying about them drying out obsessively. AND Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream, which is so freaking phenomenal. It's THE BEST. I want NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY OTHER MOISTURIZER OR FOUNDATION EVER.
Dina: Whoa, that's quite the testimonial. For you, it seems to be all about the derm products.
Amber: It's true. My motto for skin care (and possibly other realms) lately is that you've got to have a medical degree to come on my face.

End scene.

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Fictionary: Glamsses

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

Few things are more exciting than a new pair of glasses--when they're glam ones, Jim and I refer to them as Glamsses. For me, they're an accessory. Most of the time I rock my contact lenses, but there are certain occassions and outfits, even, that call for a more serious, more sophisticated look. I frequently don spectacles when I work at my financial writing gig. If you want to intimidate someone who's irritating you at the office? Simply drop the phrase "value proposition" look disturbed a lot and DEFINITELY show up bespectacled. Works every time.

Next week I'm going to LensCrafters (my longtime glasses savior since I moved to Manhattan nine years ago) to get some new ones to switch off with the black Prada frames I purchased a couple years ago there. I'll be experiencing at the store a complete eye exam, consultation and complimentary set of frames and lenses. I'm thinking tortoise shell, as I'm inspired by Bobbi Brown's new amazing Tortoise Shell limited edtion collection (more to come on that soon).

Are you a glasses wearer? Tell me about your latest pair! INSPIRE a gal!

Also, get involved: LensCrafters’ back-to-school Semi-Annual Lens Event starts today, July 8 and lasts through September 12. Take advantage and find out more on LensCrafters' site.

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Official Mascara Correspondent: Essence No Limits Waterproof Volume Mascara Review

The latest from Official Mascara Correspondent Ashleigh Ciucci? Essence No Limits Waterproof Volume Mascara. This lash lushifier will set you back just $3 at ulta.com. The deets on this mascara:

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Eau de HTML? Frederic Malle's Revamped Website

Prince of Perfume Frederic Malle has given his website a little makeover. The e-commerce component has been overhauled for easier purchasing for US customers and Frederic is even blogging on the site! The design is just as elegant as his fragrances.

Check it out at fredericmalle.com.

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Bliss Fabulous Skin-reviving Rubberizing Mask Review

Bliss' skin care always impresses the pants off of me, sometimes literally, like when I've experienced their No Zit Sherlock facial at Bliss49 and left my pants in a locker so I could spa it up in a robe. I can attest to both Olivia and Dee purging my face of impurities and pore clogging GUNK, leaving me with the facial equivalent of Tabula Rasa and even treating my depleted skin to customizable amounts of vitamins A, C and E applied via an air tube. One of my favorite parts of the treatment? The rubber mask left on your skin for about ten minutes before it hardens and is removed in a few chunks. I always envisioned that I looked like Tom Cruise in Vanilla Sky (and in the words of Planet Unicorn, me, too, Tom Cruise) when his mask was removed post-surgery where he was absolutely restored. Even though it was his Life Extension reality, which later turned out to be fakakta for a host of other reasons, few things beat that moment of relief when he reveals his old face, perfectly intact.

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Travel Blogging Junkie: Manava Resort Tahiti Review

Tiki a vacation! And do yourself a favor and make it at the Manava Resort in Tahiti, via Air Tahiti Nui. This beautiful hotel boasts a crazypants ocean view, infinity pool that boasts a pool bar (the better to enjoy a Hinano Beer whilst taking a swim!) and an amazing restaurant that fuses everything you love about French cuisine with Polynesian flair. My recommendation: the mahi mahi with American sauce (which curiously means lobster sauce--I asked). More to come later on my Tahiti trip of a lifetime, but in the meantime, check out my video review of my hotel room at the Manava Resort in Tahiti.

The Manava Suite Resort Tahiti is located at Cote Ouest de Tahiti (PK 10,7)| BP2851, Punaauia 98703, French Polynesia. Call +689508445 to reserve a room.

Disclosure: As this was a press trip, room and airfare were sponsored by the tourism office but all opinions are my own.

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Three Aqua Eye Pencils That'll Make You Lose Control

I'd posit that 1988 was the BEST year for phenomenal Drugstore Jamz. 

I got a great taste of them because in the summer of 1988, I had the good fortune to be riding back and forth to day camp in the van of Shari, a counselor who had amazing taste in music and would put on Sunny 104.5 (Philadelphia's then easy listening station) for our ride which exposed me for the first time to SO MANY songs the likes of which only grace the aisles of CVS/Pharmacy now. The musical stylings of Duran Duran, Gloria Estafan (that was the summer of 1,2,3, 4) and... most importantly, Eric Carmen. You may know him as the singer of Dirty Dancing's "Hungry Eyes." But do you remember his OTHER hit, which reached #3 in 1988, "Make Me Lose Control?" If you grew up in the '80s, I'll bet you will once you listen to it below. It's one of those drugstore jamz that is so rare, that despite its top 5 status during its heyday, you'll be lucky to hear it in a TJ Maxx fitting room a single time in the past decade. Walk with me, talk with me back to 1988:

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FEED 15 Clarins Pouch

Nourish your skin, and while you're at it, 15 children.

Lauren Bush's FEED program partners for the first time with epic skin care brand, Clarins.

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Katy Perry's Dyed Her Hair Red!

Credit: Getty

Katy Perry has dyed her hair RED! What do we THINK? I have very Tevye feelings about this. On the one hand, I think she's so pulling off that Jessica Rabbit shade of red, especially with her pin-uppy features. On the other, I'm concerned it will clash with her preferred wardrobe of candy-colored clothing.

What say you? Do we like Katy Perry's new red hairstyle? Or do you prefer her with her signature dusky locks? OR with her various and sundry pastel wigs? Weigh in, BBJ Nation.

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Random Beauty Product from Another Country I'm Irrationally Obsessed With: Lanolips Lip Ointment With Color SPF 15

Lanolin!

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 already sense myself becoming one of those cranky "get off my lawn" folks. I enjoy quiet, alone time more than most people my age. Barely into my 30s, I've developed a healthy appreciation of a wine spritzer. And you know I love to talk of eras past. I already find myself saying to various and sundry children, "When I was YOUR age, there was NO DVR." When my brother and I were little, you had to wake up to watch your show, or you simply had to catch it the next week. I distinctly remember waking up in the 6s to catch this ridiculous program, Zoe's World (sort of a sketch comedy) on Saturday mornings. Even as late as 2003/4, I was setting my alarm for 4am so I could catch the reruns of My So-called Life on the Noggin network to get my Jordan Catalano fix before the series was released on DVD a few years later.

One of my favorite shows in my early Glamber years? Garfield and Friends. I loved that shit. My favorite character was Lanolin, sort of the Smurfette of the bunch, as she was the only girl. A running gag throughout the series is Lanolin threatening to have the Farmer's wife turn Roy (the rooster) into a feather duster. Hilarious. I have a point, and I'm getting to it. Read on...

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