Another Product in the Eye Arsenal: EyeLighter by Cargo

While Cargo's EyeLighter isn't a staple, it's a great addition to any beauty junkie's toolbox. Works really well to brighten up eyes using a shimmer powder for the inner corner and a matte powder for the brow and lower lash line. Super easy to use, and very effective. The shimmer powder is very similar to Benefit's Miss Popularity, but this product is cheaper and includes the matte powder for additional brightening.

Find out more about EyeLighter at Cargo's website, and read more product reviews at Total Beauty.

Rethinking Lipliner: The Reverse Lipliner by Cargo

I wasn't sure that this was going to be something that I reached for on a daily basis. I'm not much of al lipliner person, since I normally wear gloss. But with all the new dark shades coming out this fall, I was searching for something that would be more universal than investing in tons of dark liners that I might or might not ever use. Surprisingly, though, I really like it. You apply it right outside the lipline, then blend with your finger. It works extremely well holding gloss in place and with the dark colors. And the pencil will last you forever - you don't use much product at any one time, so the price isn't that bad. I'm still not a huge fan of lipliners, but I'll probably use this one more consistently than any other.

Cargo Reverse Lipliner, $14.
Read more about how to use the product on the Cargo website, and find more product reviews at Total Beauty.

And the little girl said: "WTF?!" from Melanie Favreau

And the little girl said: "WTF?!" from Melanie Favreau

I've been having days lately where this would be absolutely perfect to wear. It would save me actually having to say it or Twitter it every few minutes. (via Mel212)

Beauty Bytes: Look as Good as the Victoria's Secret Models


Look as Good as the Victoria's Secret Models

Behind-the-scenes tips to show off skin, hairstyles, makeup, legs and more


Self-conscious about your nose but love your eyes? Want people to focus on your amazing legs? We got the hairstylists and makeup artists responsible for A-list celebs -- from the Victoria's Secret gang to Angelina Jolie -- to dish on how to show off your best features.

Get expert tips

Beauty Bytes: Ted Gibson Affirmation Body Shampoo


Ted Gibson Affirmation Body Shampoo

Guest review by TotalBeauty.com editor Sarah Carrillo


If you're tired of your shower smelling like a tropical rain forest, try the Affirmation Body Shampoo from Ted Gibson.

See review

Själ Skincare to Debut on ideeli While Supporting Tibet House

själ skincare, derived from a Swedish word meaning “spirit, mind, heart and soul”, is a global concept, bridging ancient TIBETAN and Eastern medicine with European and Japanese bio-technology and cosmeceuticals. Infused with the energy of spirituality, anti-aging själ uses high potencies of nearly 100 rare, active and natural ingredients as well as Gold, Silver, Platinum, and gemstones. It combines highest quality, luminous performance, innovation and luxury, in a simple regimen for women and men. . Sold at the most exclusive stores in the world including Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys and Harvey Nichols, själ is the “it” brand of the next generation with a “cult-like” following including Jessica Biel, Naomi Watts and Helena Christensen.

Sounds good, doesn't it? ideeli.com, an online shopping experience with hand-picked luxury and beauty brands, is exclusively launching the line, and 25% of all proceeds will benefit Tibet House, an organization dedicated to preserving Tibet’s unique culture at a time when it is confronted with extinction on its own soil.

How can you get in on this event? ideeli has given DDC's readers a special invite and participation code. Simply click here and use the code "tibet".

Some of the items that will be available include:

  • Toner & Cleanser Set
  • Balans Deep Pore Cleanser & Mineral Kalla Energy Tonic Set
  • Cela Intitif (30 ml)
  • Kura Intuitif (30 ml)
  • Orbe Eye Contour Creme
  • Serum 1

Win a Free Handbag in Celebration of HandbagPlanet.com's Launch!

Handbag Planet is launching on October 15, 2008, and to celebrate, they are giving away lots of handbags! These handbags are trendy, inspired by popular designs, and are priced between $30 and $80. All you have to do is visit and enter your email address. Good luck!

Today's Eye: More Urban Decay Deluxe Goodness

I am quickly becoming an Urban Decay junkie. I really liked them before, but now I absolutely love them after playing with all their Deluxe Eyeshadows in my Deluxe Shadow Box.

I started today with Primer Potion, then used Underground all over the lid. On the outer corners I brushed Underground from the middle of the lid all the way over the browbone. Then I used Zero in the crease, blending really well. I also used Graffiti under the eyes, then lined them with MAC's Feline pencil, and used MAC's Engraved on the waterline. In the corners, I used Benefit's Miss Popularity.

It's easy to be a little intimidated by the bright shades in the box. But with good blending, and using more than one color, you can really create some great looks. I took Graffiti down a notch by blending in Zero in the crease, so it wasn't so bright. The more I play with them, the more I realize how many looks I can get out of 9 shadows!

Beauty Bytes: Wedding Hairstyle Inspiration


Wedding Hairstyle Inspiration

Celebrities like Jessica Alba and Victoria Beckham show off beautiful big-day hair on the red carpet


Of course you want to look red-carpet worthy on your wedding day. Who doesn't? There's no better way to achieve that look than by trying out a hairstyle seen on one of your favorite celebrities. We've gathered wedding-worthy looks to fit the style of any bride or wedding, from a simple ceremony on the beach to a black-tie affair. Find the one that's right for you.

See bridal hair

Holiday 2008 Collections: Urban Decay Sustainable Shadow Box

Urban Decay Sustainable Shadow Box

Just in for the Holiday 2008 collections, Urban Decay gives us another eyeshadow palette to die for. Includes an eyeshadow brush, a travel side of Primer Potion, and the following eyeshadows: YDK (bronzed mocha with golden microglitter), Midnight Cowboy Rides Again (golden beige with bronze, gold, & silver glitter), Flipside (electric teal with blue sheen), Flash (bright iridescent purple), Grifter (sheer lavender with lots of silver microglitter), Oil Slick (black with silver glitter), Uzi (metallic silver with big iridescent sparkles), Kiddie Pool (ocean blue with iridescent glitter), Twice Baked (brownie brown with gold glitter), Half Baked (subtle, lustrous bronze). What is super about this palette, unlike their others, is that the shadows are organized into duos, top matches the bottom. Not that you have to use them this way, but it does give you a starting point.

Saks Fifth Avenue is Having a Great Beauty Event

It's really too bad that there isn't a Saks anywhere near me, but this is good online too. So I'll be doing some shopping.

Beauty Bytes: Marco Pelusi Marco Color Control Gel


Marco Pelusi Marco Color Control Gel

Guest review by TotalBeauty.com editor Charli Schuler


Designed to provide natural, flexible hold, this alcohol-free gel is not to be used in gobs.

See review

The Never-Ending Search for a Lasting Eyeliner: L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner

I'm always looking for a good liner that doesn't make a huge mess on my eyes. And that can be hard to find! I was recently asked to try L'Oreal's Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner, and I really like it. It claims to stay put for 16 hours, and I have put it to the test several times over. It really stays, and it doesn't smear, flake, or otherwise do naughty things. Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner comes in black, black-brown, and brown.

What is really cool about this product, though, is the built in sharpener and smudger. The smudger, in particular, is really interesting. It's not really a sponge, and I'm not certain exactly what it is, but it smudges your liner to perfection. It really makes smokey eyes easy, and the black that I used is darkest black. Gorgeous.

Normally, I'm not a huge fan of drugstore liners, because I need them to last, and I need them to stay put, and I've had a hard time finding one that works. This is the first that I've come across that actually works, and at this price point, I plan on buying one of each color. I'd be thrilled if they came in more colors, but I won't complain with the ones I have.

I Truly Lust After This: Dior's Holiday 2008 Palette


Is this not the most fantastic thing you have ever seen? This little palette is from Dior's Holiday 2008 collection, and isn't available yet, much to my dismay. Six shadows, Diorshow Blackout Mascara, DiorAddict gloss, a blush, and their new product for the collection, Dior Black Diamond Diamond-Effect Powder. Formulated with mother-of-pearl, this finishing powder is designed to give you a glamorous glow.

I must have it.

via temptalia.com

Today's Eye: Urban Decay's Deluxe Pallette

Today I used my Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow Palette. Love!

I started with the Urban Decay Primer Potion (of course), then used Scratch all over the lid. Next I added Fishnet in the inner corners, and Ransom on the outer corners. I took Fishnet around the corner of the eye and along 1/3 of the lower lid. Ransom went around the rest of the eye, through the corner.

I lined with Glide 24/7 Rockstar, plus MAC's Engraved on the waterline. Lashes feature my typical combo of Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers and my DiorShow on my lashes. Brows are by Urban Decay's Brow Box.

Beauty Bytes: Trend Alert: Curly Hairstyles


Trend Alert: Curly Hairstyles

See how celebrities like Madonna, Leighton Meester, Hilary Duff and Jennifer Lopez make curls the year's hottest trend


As more and more celebrities embrace curls on the red carpet, it's become clear that this look is not just a passing trend. Whether long or short, naturally straight or not, everyone seems to be reaching for hot rollers and curling irons. Get inspiration to go curly by checking out these gorgeous celebrity photos.

See curls

MAC's Dark Lips Look


How much do I love this lip look? It's dark and vampy without being over the top. Okay, the glitter might be over the top, but at least it's not pure black, right?

Here is what MAC used to get the look:

Perfect for your next night out!

It's Back! Hurry! YSL's Pur Black

It's back! Yes, indeed. YSL's Pur Black is back in stock at the YSL website. If you missed it the first time, now is the time to get it. Remember, it's limited edition and has already sold out once.

Be sure to comment and let us know if you get it. I missed it last time, so I think I'm going to have to go for it.

Brown Nail Polishes for Fall 2008

Brown Nail Polishes for Fall 2008

Forget the black polish of last year. This fall, it's all about the chocolate brown. Chanel says so. If you can't afford the price tag on the Chanel polish (and really, we're in a recession, who can?) here are a few alternatives that don't break the bank.

See more of my Brown Nail Polishes for Fall 2008 list at ThisNext.


What Color Nail Polish Are You?

These things just crack me up. Sometimes they are accurate, but mostly they just waste my time. This one actually worked: I love magenta nail polish, and wear it often.




Your Nail Polish Color is Magenta



How you're unique: You're confident - and you show everyone the true you



Why your style rocks: You have the attitude to carry the most outrageous outfits off



What this color says about you: "Look at me. I know you want to!"

Today's Eye: MAC's Starflash Collection

I'm probably the only one who really loves MAC's Starflash collection, but personally, I think it's one of the best of the year. The colors are bright and colorful, you have matte choices as well as shimmer, the eyeliners are delightfully smudgy, and they are just fun to work with.

In the inner corner, I used Glamour Check!. On the outside I shaded from the lashline to the middle of my brow with Top Hat. I used Rose Boullion as a highlighter, and I wish I could link you to it, because I adore it, but it was a limited edition. I used Raven Kohl Power Eye Pencil around the top and bottom lashes, and lined the waterline with Engraved Powerpoint Eye Pencil.

Beauty Bytes: Your Best Hair Removal Strategy


Quiz: Your Best Hair Removal Strategy

Find the right process for your skin and hair type


Waxing, tweezing, lasering ... part-torture, part-godsend. But with so many choices, which method works best for you? Your skin tone, hair texture and pain threshold are all major factors we'll weed through to get your strategy set. Answer the following questions to find your ideal procedure.

Hair removal quiz

50% off at Freeze247.com


Isn't this great? So soon after raving about how fantastic this particular product is, I hear that Freeze247.com is having a blowout 50% off sale. Seriously, I'm placing my order now, since I gave up my bottle last week. And half off, baby!

Just enter code THANKS1 at checkout until October 14, 2008, and you'll get 50% off your entire order AND get free shipping if you spend over $45.

Please. That's almost too good to be true.

Lazy Sunday Music: Another Way to Die

I can't decide if I'm really into the Jack White/Alicia Keys collaboration for the new Bond movie, or if it is a huge miss. I'm a fan of both, but I'm not sure they mesh well. Listen to it here, and tell me what you think.

NARS Cosmetics Spring 2010

Total Beauty

About Me

My photo
Meredith Edwards-Cornwall is the founder of online lifestyle websites RetrodivasBeauty.com and RetrodivasCloset.com. She is also known as @retrodiva on Twitter. She specializes in drinking large amounts of espresso, shopping, and enjoying social media. In all of her free time she writes for StyleBakeryMom.com twice a week, and does various other freelance gigs involving writing, designing, and generally being awesome. While she believes that success is indeed a job in New York, she currently resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her husband, two children, and two cats and has hung on to her day job.

Followers

Facebook