| TotalBeauty.com content: |
| Who doesn't want to be Posh Spice this Halloween? Follow these steps to copy her look |
 David and Victoria Beckham will be the couple costume of the year. Follow these step-by-step instructions from one of Victoria's makeup artists, Director of Makeup Artistry for MAC Cosmetics Gregory Arlt, and learn how to recreate her signature makeup look. Pair this with a Posh-like wig and you're set. |
Beauty Bytes: Victoria Beckham's Sultry Makeup
Estee Lauder's Newly Revamped Site
Estee Lauder's new site will be packed full of new and interesting tools to help you pick the right product, get to know the models, and shop easier.
I'm digging the interactive diagnostic tools on the site. Of course, I'm also enjoying learning how to get the Vintage Jewels look (the holiday collection this year - I'll be writing more about that later).
I'm so glad that the major beauty brands are adding information and tips to their site. It makes wearing their items so much easier!
Laura Geller Fresh Baked Beauty
Just in time for the holidays, Laura Geller has put out some of her favorites, plus a new lipgloss.
I've always thought that Laura Geller's products were excellent, if a bit on the neutral side, which isn't a bad thing at all. But some of her new eyeshadows are looking nice and bright which is a welcome change.
The "baked" items start out as a pigmented liquid which are then poured into terracotta plates and baked for 24 hours. The end result is a gorgeous powdered product that is nicely pigmented. Her balance 'n brighten products are especially popular.
The kit contains:
Kit includes:
- 0.32 oz Balance-n-Brighten (swirled tones of soft tan/ beige/ ivory)
- 0.32 oz Blush-n-Brighten in Pink Grapefruit (beige/ mauve/ pink shimmer)
- 0.06 oz Baked Marble Eyeshadow Duo in Blue Icing/ Coffee Cake (light blue/ blue/ bronze)
- 0.06 oz Baked Cake Eyeliner Duo in Blueberry/ Dutch Chocolate (shimmering dark blue/ matte dark brown)
- 0.07 oz Lip Gloss in Better Than Bare (pink beige)
Fun New Spot for Fashionistas
I just recently came across a cool site for those who are interested in fashion. www.2threads.com is a social network for all things style related. You can create wish lists, upload photos and videos, shop, and check out what others are wearing and wanting.
I believe it's based in Australia, but don't let that stop you. Getting inspiration from other places is key to creating a truly unique style. I poked around today and love it. Go check it out!
Saturday's Cocktails: Spellbound
This is the last of my Halloween offerings, and I figured I'd finish it of with a shot. Always a good way to get the party started!
Spellbound
* 1 part Hpnotiq
* 1 part Liqueur, melon
* 1 part Vodka
* 2 parts Orange Juice
* 1 part Grenadine
Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into shot glasses
.
Beauty Bytes: Recreate Amy Winehouse's Signature Makeup
| TotalBeauty.com content: |
| Her over-the-top look is guaranteed to be a hit at every Halloween party |
 In the mood to channel this infamous, disturbed rock star this Halloween? Then follow these step-by-step instructions courtesy of Gregory Arlt, director of makeup artistry for MAC Cosmetics. Complete the look with a ratty, black bouffant wig (an Elvira wig at any costume shop will work perfectly) and you're good to go. |
Beauty Bytes: Natural Homemade Beauty Care Tips
| TotalBeauty.com content: |
| Take control over your skin care (and improve your cooking skills) with easy DIY recipes you can make at home |
 We present our favorite beauty recipes so you can cleanse, moisturize and exfoliate your skin the easy way. (And for those of you who just aren't DIY-types at heart, we feel your pain; check out the natural store bought alternatives after each recipe.) |
How to Wear it Thursday: Tights
Sweaters, Tights and Boots by retrodiva
We are in a recession, my friends, and I don't know about you, but I can't afford to go out and replenish my winter wardrobe, no matter how much I'd like to. But I am in a position to spice up my wardrobe by purchasing some accessories. In this case, I'm all about tights. They are an economical way to add a pop of color (and brights are so big this year) to your existing wardrobe.
In this example, I used sweater dresses as my foundation, because I have quite a few of these. They are so comfortable and warm to wear, and you can layer them up. Last year I stuck with black tights only, but this year I'm investing in a few pairs of bright, colorful tights, and I'm mixing them up with my neutral colored dresses.
Some other accessory ideas to think about: jewelry, scarves, tights, and belts. All of these can be a great way to refresh an outfit from last season without a huge outlay of cash.
Win a $1000 Gift Card from Sephora, Lucky Magazine, and Kat Von D
I love Kat Von D's sense of style, although I haven't tried many of her cosmetics. I do have the Autograph Eyeliner
Now, Lucky Magazine is giving us a chance to get to know Kat just a bit deeper, get her makeup tips, and register to win the $1000 gift card plus other goodies!
Now click on over to Lucky and win some good stuff!
Beauty Bytes: Editor's Must Have Lip Glosses
| TotalBeauty.com content: |
| We, like you, can never have too many glosses. Here are a few of our faves from MAC, Chanel, Clinique and more |
 Lip gloss -- it's a staple in everyone's makeup bag (right?!), so the TotalBeauty.com editorial team is obsessed with finding the very best. We've tried a ton -- some even call us lip gloss whores -- and narrowed down the best for you. If you disagree though, please chime in. We'd love to know about your go-to glosses. |
Positively Beautiful by Carmindy Giveaway Winners!
Congratulations to my beautiful winners! They will be receiving a copy of Carmindy's new book, Get Positively Beautiful: The Ultimate Guide to Looking and Feeling Gorgeous
Linda S
Mary
Quitecontrary1977
Lydia
Boutique Flair
If I had access to your email, you should have received one. Otherwise, send me your address, and I'll get your book out to you ASAP!
Enjoy and thank you to everyone who entered!
Beauty Bytes: Classic Pin Up Girl Makeup Tutorial
| TotalBeauty.com content: |
| Dita Von Teese's makeup artist shows you how to master her look for Halloween |
 To win the "sexiest costume" award this Halloween, copy this bombshell makeup look. Here, Gregory Arlt, director of makeup artistry for MAC Cosmetics, shows you step by step how to recreate Dita Von Teese's signature makeup. Finish off the look with a black glam wig and '40s inspired dress. |
Product Review: Johnson's Softoil Massaging Moisturizer Melt Away Stress
This little gem was gifted to me recently, and I have been so busy using it, I haven't had time to write about it! Actually, it has gotten to be so much a part of my routine that it just slips my mind when I sit down to write my reviews.
Softoil Massaging Moisturizer, Melt Away Stress
I like to use it directly after the shower but before drying off. The scent is noticeable, but not cloying. Johnsons calls it "Aromasoothe," and it is nice. I'm sure there is a touch of lavender in it, and perhaps chamomile. I can't really figure out any of the other notes, though. It doesn't interfere with my daily fragrances.
It keeps the flaky skin at bay, and it feels wonderful directly after shaving. I've also used it after a homemade salt scrub and it was just the perfect level of moisturizing - not too heavy, but enough to keep my skin soft and supple.
I have not, however, used it as a massage oil, although I'm sure it would work just great in that capacity. I'm not fortunate enough to have anyone oil me up and rub my shoulders. I need to work on that: I'm opening up the position of personal masseuse. Not much in the way of benefits or pay, other than my satisfaction. I doubt I'll have many takers for that one, but I'll put the word out.
Book Review Tuesdays: Cheap Date Guide to Style
I picked up the The Cheap Date Guide to Style
This was an absolute steal. What a treasure this book is! Instead of pointing you to style "stereotypes" (i.e. the "American Classic" or the "Sophisticated and Chic") this book takes specific style icons (okay, I don't personally think Mischa Barton is a style icon, but we'll let that one slide) and dissects their style, so to speak. Via interviews and photos, you can get inspired by how different people developed their style. And really, developing personal style is what we should all be after.
There isn't focus on where to buy the coolest things, or even what the coolest things are. Just ideas on how to put things together and plenty of focus on being yourself and using what works for you, whatever your budget is. It's far more focused on streetwear than on high fashion, which is just as interesting, if not more so, than high fashion. You get ideas on shopping secondhand as well as the high end shops.
All in all, a really fabulous book if you are interested in fashion and style.
Beauty Bytes: 10 Quick Hairstyles
| TotalBeauty.com content: |
| Got 10 minutes to spare? That's all you need to copy one of these red carpet-worthy updos |
 So you've finally got a haircut you love, but now what do you do with it? Here's a solution: Try one of these fun looks created by stylist Rick Farber from The Argyle Salon in Hollywood, Calif. No matter what your hair length or type we have a style -- or five -- for you. Now you have no excuse for wearing your hair the same way day after day. |
Ask Me Mondays: Growing Eyelashes
Q: I've heard a lot about products that claim to make your eyelashes grow, like Jan Marini's line, but don't want to spend a ton of cash without knowing that they work. Should I invest in them? I am wanting thick and long eyelashes.
A: Girl, aren't we all looking for that?
I think what you're talking about is Jan Marini's MariniLash Eyelash Conditioner. I've heard a lot about that too. Here is what the website says:
In 2005 Jan Marini Skin Research revolutionized eyelash enhancement with a technological first that inspired a host of imitators. Now, JMSR sets the pace again by introducing a proprietary and spectacular non-prostaglandin eyelash formulation that has surpassed even our expectations.
Our research uncovered a recently discovered proprietary peptide which when combined with other essential factors produces extraordinary eyelash and brow enhancement.
Case study subjects have all demonstrated the most remarkable results yet. Now you can enjoy amazingly gorgeous, dense and lush eyelashes . . . the eyelashes of your dreams from Jan Marini Skin Research.
All well and good, but I'm not sure where to find that research. In fact, after seeing how much the product actually cost (anywhere from $114 to $160 online), I was really interested in seeing that research. Since I couldn't find anything, I went to my favorite resource, The Beauty Brains. Luckily, they had a wealth of information. Here is what apparently happened: the original Jan Marini product had an ingredient in it that was actually a drug for glaucoma (high blood pressure in the eye). This "off label" use of the drug apparently did work. However, it was a product that had not been approved by the FDA, and therefore was pulled. The new Jan Marini product does not have this ingredient in it, and doesn't seem to have the same results.
I'm inclined to believe that there currently is no cosmetic product out there that will make your eyelashes grow. We just haven't gotten to the point where we are able to make hair grow - witness all the treatments for male pattern baldness! Until that happens, we just have to make do with what we have.
There are lots of things you can do with makeup to make your lashes look longer and fuller. One of my old standbys is to lightly dust some translucent powder on my lashes, then apply a volumizing mascara. Or try an eyelash primer (my love for Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers
is well documented.) But I can't in good conscience recommend someone spend that kind of cash for a product that probably won't work very well.
Lazy Sunday Music: Snake in the Grass by Vallejo
Is anyone else watching True Blood on HBO? I wasn't planning on paying any attention to it until one of the girls at work went on and on about how GOOD it was. So I decided I'd watch one episode On Demand, and surprise! I'm totally hooked. And I'm so not a vampire person. At all.
However, one of the best things about this series, in my opinion, is the music that they have chosen. My current obsession is this one, by Vallejo. The video below is a True Blood montage, and quite well done. If HBO would just put out a soundtrack, I'd be thrilled.
Pick it up at 
.
Beauty Bytes: Halloween Makeup Tutorials
| TotalBeauty.com content: |
| From a sexy Victoria Beckham look to a gothic Vampira, watch these videos to make costume creation a cinch |
 Not sure what to be this Halloween? How about Amy Winehouse, a twinkling fairy, Twiggy or Dita Von Teese (aka classic pin-up girl). Don't want to get that fussy? Paint-on a masquerade-like mask or create a sexy cat look in minutes. We've got step-by-step guides to all of these Halloween costume ideas. |
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