Happy New Year!

Saturday, December 31, 2011


Happy New, BBJ readers!

2011 has been a LEGENDARY whirlwind year for the books for me. In the past 12 months, I've been to:

Sundance
New Orleans
San Diego
Los Angeles
Toronto
Providence
Fort Lauderdale
The Poconos
Cincinnati
Anguilla
Turks & Caicos
Tahiti
Morocco
Rome


Can you EVEN? I'm hoping for a travel-filled 2012, as well! I hope all of you have the most magical, successful, lovely, healthy new year. Talk to you in 2012!

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New Year's Eve Beauty Must-haves

Friday, December 30, 2011


YOU GUYS. What are we wearing for NYE, the sparkliest night of the year? Personally, I loathe the holiday, but love the glittery pomp and circumstance. I'll be hitting up two parties thrown by some fab friends of mine and will be wearing enough gleam that my general glambiance will recall that of one Miss Natalie Sands in the final scenes of that cinematic gem, Girls Just Want To Have Fun. Observe:





I may or may not have "Technique" on my iPod. Here's what I'm rocking this New Year's Eve.

Lush Lustre Dusting Powder ($15) Read on...

What's On Carolina Bermudez' Vanity?

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The What's On Your Vanity Series showcases a single beauty item an industry insider 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.

Gals, I can't think of a single morning of mine in NYC that didn't start with the Z Morning Zoo on Z100. I'm so familiar with the voices of Elvis Duran, Danielle Monaro, Greg T the Frat Boy and my fave, Carolina Bermudez, that I RECOGNIZED the voice of the latter at a recent event. The first thing I noticed is that she's WAY too fly to be doing radio. So natch, I chatted her up about what's on her vanity. Here's what Carolina's using. I love that she refused to even participate in this interview until I got myself a glass of wine. In Carolina's words:

Official Mascara Correspondent: NP Set Glamorista Mascara

Monday, December 26, 2011

This time, Official Mascara Correspondent Ashleigh Ciucci lengthened her lashes with NP Set Glamorista Mascara ($15). How did she fare? Find out in her review below.

Rebecca Minkoff Online Sale Starting December 26

Saturday, December 24, 2011


The sale starts December 26th at rebeccaminkoff.com. Get involved.


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Last Minute Holiday Gift: La Mer Legendary Luxury

Friday, December 23, 2011

Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2011 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift-worthy items for everyone on your list, check out my other offerings.

When it's the eleventh hour, but you've got money to spare... the answer to your holiday gifting needs is ALWAYS La Mer. Yes the La Mer Legendary Luxury Set does coute cher, but for the ultimate lover of luxe, this gigantor (seriously--it's like, the Gulf of Mexico) tub of Creme de la Mer comes with a silver-coated applicator in a keepsake box. Never forget, in 2000, my favorite description of any beauty product ever is this by ELLE in 2000 about LM:  “Rubbing it into my face is like being kissed by a million little pink bunny noses. My skin becomes baby soft.” 


At $1650, it's steep. But it's a gift she'll never forget, n'est-ce pas? Plus, she won't have to buy La Mer again for YEARS to come. Truly the gift that keeps on giving.

The La Mer Legendary Luxury Set is available at NeimanMarcus.com.

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25 Things To Know About Charlize Theron, Plus More: Destination Procrastion

Twenty-five things to know about Charlize Theron
[Betty Confidential]

These candles do double duty as a LOTION (cra!) and The Luxury Spot's giving 'em away
[The Luxury Spot]

Five foods that had their moment in 2001
[YouBeauty]

Bebe is launching a bridal line...
[Refinery29]

Sixty-six men who wowed in 2011
[College Candy]

This fur is KIND of the business
[Fashion Binge]

Weren't you JUST wondering about the history of eggnog?
[Time]

Sammi Sweetheart of "Jersey Shore" gets a makeunder
[XOJane]

The age-old bathroom dilemma vis-a-vis the boyfriend: Is it all in our heads?
[The Frisky]

Eleven weirdest studies of 2011
[Your Tango]

What to give your boy-crazy girlfriends for the holidays
[TresSugar]

With that, I'll be TRYING to be on a holiday break next week, so posting will be lighter than usual. You and I both know I'll probably pipe in with something vital at some point before 2012. Happy holidays, BBJ readers. You all look so GORGEOUS today. May 2012 bring you the hair of your dreams.

xo,
Glamber



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Get The Look: Katherine Heigl's Makeup At The 'New Year's Eve' Premiere


Katherine Heigl looks luminous at the New Year's Eve premiere, though the movie itself certainly left something to be desired (like a plot and acting). As Carol always says, "the more stars in a movie, the worse it is." But back to Katherine--her makeup is amazing and here's how to get the look, straight from celebrity makeup artist Isaac Meyers.

Get The Look: Ashley Greene's DKNY Times Square Billboard Reveal

Thursday, December 22, 2011

I think Ashley Greene looks STUNNING with a capital STUN for her big DKNY Times Square billboard reveal today. Her hairstyle comes courtesy of my mane man Ted Gibson. Obv. Here, the deets, straight from Ted.

Holiday Gift Guide: GHD Scarlet Collection Gift Set



Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2011 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift-worthy items for everyone on your list, check out my other offerings.





It's the ELEVENTH HOUR. And you haven't found a gift for your particularly follicularly obsessed friend. How about the GHD Scarlett Collection Set? At $225, it's more of a robust gift, but it contains everything one needs for a smooth, sleek New Year's Eve 'do:

Naya Rivera Is New Face Of Proactiv Celeb Ambassador

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Naya Rivera, star Glee has signed on to be the newest face of Proactiv!

A Proactiv consumer in high school, Naya has once again turned to Proactiv products to effectively clear her skin of recent blemishes and breakouts while on set, on tour and at home. Read on...

Ficitonary: iWash Station

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


Clearasil was a major staple of my skin care regimen growing up and the brand's latest face wash innovation, Clearasil PerfectaWash, is exactly that--an INNOVATION. Its sleek, gadgety Apple-ness leads me to hail it an iWash Station, a shout-out to everyone's favorite science lab safety accoutrement AND a reference to the fact that the wash does the work for you itself. The cleanser's dispenser uses the same technology as your favorite public restroom sink (the better to eliminate germs, my dear!) and distributes the perfect amount of 2% salicylic acid-infused formula. Hence, the name PerfectaWash, and I think you'll agree that the self-inflicted rationing and results achieve a level of perfection only previously personified by the very fictional Jake Ryan of Sixteen Candles fame. Read on...

Skinterrogation: Elizabeth Grant

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Skinterrogation column is a new feature on BBJ! Here, I'll be posting Q&A seshes with major movers and shakers in the skin care industry. 

Elizabeth Grant started her eponymous skin care company in 1950s, during World War II in London, when she suffered an injury to her face from a bomb blast. As a result, she was very conscious of how she looked, covering up with large sunglasses and makeup. The incident, while tragic, propelled this lovely lady to create her very own skin care line using a new (at the time) substance used to treat war wounds. Within eight months of using it, Elizabeth’s skin improved remarkably and she was able to take off the glasses and go back to living her life. Here, I caught up with the amazing pioneering female entrepreneur to discuss her best skin care tips for women 60+, in addition to a peek into her own skin care regimen. Read on...

Matthew Williamson Sample Sale

Monday, December 19, 2011

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Holiday Gift Guide: Meet MAC Dazzlespheres



Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2011 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift-worthy items for everyone on your list, check out my other offerings.


For the futuristic gal with a penchant for silver, lucite and beauty there is no more apropos gift than MAC Cosmetics' perfectly Judy Jetson-esque Dazzlespheres. Here, the brand's holiday offerings in little bubbles reminiscent of the Jetsons' famous transportation vehicles. Don't they look as if they were custom created by Spacely Space Sprockets, Inc.? 





Here are the sets, broken down by category.

Zoya Feel Collection Review

Zoya has released their new must-have 2011/2012 collection of polishes called the Zoya Feel Collection and I've been feeling every single shade. Get involved with this one, friends. It's the talon equivalent of Urban Decay's Naked2 Palette this time, heralding grey the way the Urban Decay iteration does taupe. The Zoya Feel Winter Neutrals Collection is an EXQUISITE set of creamy neutrals in winter colors in a highly pigmented formula.

All of the colors are very, very meaningful:

Official Mascara Correspondent: Prescriptives False Eyelashes Mascara

Saturday, December 17, 2011


Official Mascara Correspondent Ashleigh Ciucci takes Prescriptives False Eyelashes Plush Mascara for a test drive. How does she fare? Read her review, in Ashleigh's words.

Holiday Gift Guide: Kate Spade Delights

Friday, December 16, 2011


Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2011 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift-worthy items for everyone on your list, check out my other offerings.

Kate Spade Bow Ring ($48)

Holiday Gift Guide: Origins Ginger To Go And Stay

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2011 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift-worthy items for everyone on your list, check out my other offerings.

I love a good holiday ginger scent, but many holiday beauty products veer too much into dessert territory. I love the brisk warmth (an effect only ginger can produce, really) of the refreshing root vegetable (though its slight sweetness compels me to classify it--in my head--as a root fruit). To that end, Origins' commitment to ginger is, as Grace of Will & Grace once said of Jews' collective love of chicken, real and DEEP. Read on...

What's Jennifer Aniston's Least Favorite Cosmetic?


I just got some scoop on Jennifer Aniston--the starlet doesn't enjoy wearing mascara and is using Talika Lipocils Expert to protect and condition lashes while she abstains. Personally, since I've joined Team Extensions, I don't love the gluey consistency of mascara either, though I love the black, voluminous, long results.


Talkika Lipocils Expert retails for $55 at sephora.com.

What are your thoughts on mascara?

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Food Blogging Junkie: Omelet Ease Pan


Yes, this could be my inaugural and final posting in the Food Blogging Junkie column. Cooking is not my forte, which is why I cook a handful of things--omelets being one of them. They are a major food group of the freelance writer, I'd posit. They taste delish, are really easy if you get one of those "just whites" mixtures, have some American cheese on hand and best of all, are totally inexpensive. I like to add spinach and some spicy green chili sauce I buy in bulk from Maoz.

But what sucks is cleaning that pan afterward. I feel I spend my lifestyle dealing with hardened egg and cheese detritus and frankly, it disgusts me. So when BARRY (my dad) gave me this lovely Omelet Ease Pan, I was actually elated. Not only does a hilarious egg scowl at me while I'm cooking my oeufs, it makes cooking frittatas and omelets a breeze with zero crust when it moves from the pan to the plate.

The Omelet Ease Pan is just $15 at joieshop.com and they have loads of other whimsical kitchen stuff, as well.

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Clinique Introduces SEVEN New Almost Lipstick Shades

Credit: Clinique
Clinique is truly like that '80s band who introduces new hits all the time--but will always give the crowd what it wants--their original favorites in their original glory. Case in point? The brand's EPIC Almost Lipstick franchise, slim lip hydrators boasting a bit of shine, a smidge of stain, a naughtily natural color--now available in seven new shades, each spun off of the original Black Honey.

Urge To Purge? Check Out Michael Craig's Home Decor Resolutions

Wednesday, December 14, 2011




I don't know about you, but I've been OBSESSED with cleaning, purging and cutting clutter before 2012. So when I scored these tips from Michael Craig, founder of dinette.com and interior design guru on how to organize your living space, I was, naturally, right on top of that (Rose). Here they are:

Pantene Hair Tweetup Tomorrow!

Got hair woes?

Follow @Pantene and use hashtag #FixMyHair to have your burning hair questions answered in real time tomorrow from 2-3pm ET.


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Holiday Gift Guide: JK By Jemma Kidd Urban Outfitters Exclusive Fashionista Kit Palette


Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2011 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift-worthy items for everyone on your list, check out my other offerings.



In need of a great gift at the last minute? I can't think of a single gal aged 13-93 who wouldn't live to be on the receiving end of the new JK by Jemma Kidd Fashionista Kit Palette above, exclusive to Urban Outfitters.  Read on...

Holiday Gift Guide: For The XY Chromosome Person In Your Lifestyle


Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2011 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift-worthy items for everyone on your list, check out my other offerings.

Dudes (and math) are a mystery, but what to buy them for the holidays ISN'T. Here's what I recommend at a broad range of price points:

New: Laura Mercier Nail Laquer in Twilight


Laura Mercier hasn't done a nail polish in eons, so when this limited edition Laura Mercier Nail Lacquer in Twilight from her Moonlight Collection emerged, I knew you guys were on a need-to-know. The deep violet shimmery shade will take your talons to the next level for your New Year's Eve fetes for sure. It effectively straddles that very important line between vampy and pretty.

Laura Mercier Nail Lacquer in Twilight is available for $18 at lauramercier.com.


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Meaningful Moment of 2011 Campaign

Guys, Meaningful Beauty was incredibly generous to offer me $200 to donate to the charity of my choice. Check out my video on my most meaningful moment of 2011 below:




I officially tag Daneen to create a video by December 26 discussing her most meaningful moment of 2011 to donate $100 to the charity of her choosing.

And tell me: What was your most meaningful moment of 2011?

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Holiday Gift Guide: The Vintage-savvy Romantic

 Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2011 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift-worthy items for everyone on your list, check out my other offerings.

Remember learning about "if-then" statements in school? I'm going to let you in on a little secret: If your giftee likes a good ruffle in muted tones, tends to favor a slightly retro style of dress (though not enough to be considered a retrophile), and pops into Anthropologie at every possible opportunity--you can bet she likes a modern apothecary-style beauty product and these holiday offerings totally fit the bill. Here, my favorite holiday offerings to dress up her boudoir (she uses that word) in style.

Meet Bond No.9's President & Founder Laurice Rahme!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011


I'll be honest--I'm straight up PSYCHED that Bond No.9 has come out with a scent that OBVIOUSLY screams me from every ATOM. It's called New York Amber (I KNOW!)  Meet Bond No. 9 President and Founder Laurice Rahme as she introduces the newest fragrance, New York Amber, at the Saks Fifth Avenue New York store this Saturday, December 17 from 1-6pm.


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Travel Blogging Junkie: The Lodge At Woodloch

This weekend, I journeyed with a group of beauty gurus with Clearasil (stay tuned for an upcoming post on the brand's latest and greatest launch) to The Lodge At Woodloch, rated one of the top ten spas by Travel + Leisure. And I'm here to tell you that cunningly quaint retreat is all you need to restore your very SOUL. It's all very Great Northern Hotel of Twin Peaks fame, plus a spa element. With its lush greenery, a serene arena awaits.

Fictionary: gIFts




This post is sponsored


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


Avon Holiday Beauty Essentials: $7
Isn't it always the case that at the eleventh hour, you find yourself gift-less at 10pm, on your way somewhere sans hostess gift OR some incredibly generous slash life-ruining delight of a human has gifted you with a lovely present and you, having had no idea, have nothing with which to reciprocate? That's why a stockpile of gIFts: presents for just-in-case situations. And you and I both know they occur. You needn't spend the earth on them, but they must be functional and fun. These three sets from Avon are all under $10 and will delight your recipient so much, they'll never know they're on the receiving end of gIFt.  

Designers Sketch "The Hunger Games" Fire Dress And More: Destination Procrastination

Monday, December 12, 2011

Designers like Christian Siriano and Tommy Hilfiger sketch designs for Katniss Everdeen's famed flame frock described in "The Hunger Games." FIERCE AND FLAWLESS
[InStyle]

Check my winter beauty tips as told to Bryce Gruber at The Luxury Spot offices (and fun photo shoot, as well!)
[The Luxury Spot]

Carey Mulligan looks super sexy on the cover of W
[The Frisky]

Foods that are anti-inflammatory and make skin glow? Sign me the eff up
[YouBeauty]

Be careful with your PILL. This gal almost had a fatal experience with Yaz
[College Candy]

There's a Rachel Comey sample sale
[Fashion Binge]

A holiday gift guide you won't want to miss
[BellaSugar]

A Muppets jewelry collab with Noir
[A Little Alytude]

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This Exists: A Twilight Flat Iron.

Guys. We share a planet with a Twilight-branded flat iron.


I just read a pitch about how the Edward Ceramic Detailer was used to style Robert Pattinson's famed follicules on the set of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn—Part 1. It's from PRO Beauty Tools Twilight Limited Edition. I can't speak to how well it works, but it does seem to have all the elements of a well-designed iron with all the technological bells and whistles we expect. Ceramic plates, heat up to 410 degrees and rapid heat recovery.

Holiday Gift Guide: Umberto Moisturizing Gift Set


Presented by Target

Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2011 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift-worthy items for everyone on your list, check out my other offerings.




When it comes to hair, I employ the language of high school course level prestige. 


I.e., you'd best be rocking some A.P. hair for the holidays. During the busy workweek, my own mane tends to look College Prep, at best. Occasionally Remedial, when it's up in a haphazard pony. On the weekends, I strive for Honors-level strands. But for festive fetes, you'd best be placing into some Advanced Placement situations and instead of arriving armed with Shakespeare study guides, your best ammo is the Umberto Moisturizing Gift Set, a total barg at $13 at Target. Here's why it'll get you to the head of the hair class.

Get The Look: Charlize Theron's Makeup At The Premiere Of 'Young Adult'

Friday, December 09, 2011


Can anyone rock a bronze eye like the lovely Charlize Theron? The starlet stunned in a Dior Beauty look created by Dior International Beauty Expert Shane Paish at the premiere of her new film "Young Adult" in New York last night.

"She wore a red leather Dior dress so I wanted to play up the sexy factor,"
said Paish. "I dragged out the eye for a soft Eighties look." Here's the beauty breakdown.

Holiday Gift Guide: NP Set Offerings



Presented by Target

Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2011 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift-worthy items for everyone on your list, check out my other offerings.


Napoleon Perdis is one of my favorite makeup mavens. He once gave me a holiday look that garnered compliments from veritable strangers on the streets of Columbus Circle AND reignited my burning flame for white eyeliner.  If you aren't yet involved with his wonderfully wallet-friendly line for Target called NP Set, I seriously don't know what you're DOING all the time. Like his eponymous Napoleon Perdis range, it boasts primers of various and sundry facial vocations (says Napoleon, "Not to prime is a crime!"), like a new Lip Primer you'll need to keep your holiday red lipstick from making a run for it, and other gems. Let's take a little looksee:



Destination: Procrastination

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Caboodles celebrates 25 years of makeup organization in contrasting neons. Mine was purple and mint. What color was yours?
[Allure Daily Beauty Reporter]

DIY nail art made simple
[Women's Health]

Cat's three cold essentials
[XO Jane]

This kiss me stamp is pretty cool
[The Luxury Spot]

In defense of the crazy I-banker who sent the crazypants email post-first date with Lauren
[The Frisky]

"Womanizer" gets the Pop Up Video treatment
[MTV Buzzworthy]

Where does your boyfriend's personality fall in the spectrum of Christmas characters?
[The Gloss]

How to survive your family over the holidays
[College Candy]

What XO Jane staffers are wearing to work
[Racked]

Twenty-five things about Elizabeth Olsen
[Betty Confidential]

The eight types of holiday hookups
[Your Tango]

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