Christian Siriano Gives us Fierce Style

It seems like my favorite Project Runway contestant Christian is everywhere these days. I hear that he is getting his own reality show on Bravo, and his book Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self has hit Amazon.

I haven't read it yet, but you know I've ordered it and am eagerly awaiting it's delivery. The book promises tips on personal style, sharing tips on building self-confidence, and Christian's own list of fashion dos and don'ts.

I'm sold.

L'Oreal's Telescopic Explosion Mascara Does the Trick

Honestly, there is a new mascara put on the market about every five seconds, don't you think? It's almost impossible to keep up with all of them.

However, one that stands out is the new L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion mascara, and one of the reasons it does is the funky new brush it has - it's like a spiky ball!



What makes the spiky ball so unique is it's ability to get to lashes that you didn't even know you had. Specifically, it does a great job of reaching those inner corner lashes as well as those bottom lashes that are hard to get to. It also does a fantastic job of getting the TOP of your lashes - do you remember to coat the top of your lashes with mascara? Most people don't.

If you've been around the makeup scene, you'll know this isn't necessarily a new concept. Givenchy did this earlier in the year with their Phenomen Eyes mascara, although I never got a chance to lay my hands on that one.

However, the L'Oreal version will be available in just about every mass retailer in November, and the suggested price of $9.99 certainly won't break the bank. It delivers amazing volume, doesn't clump, and the formula lasts - no smearing, smudging, or otherwise encouraging that racoon eye look by the end of the day.



It certainly satisfies my volume requirement for mascara. Above, I'm wearing the Telescopic Explosion in black with two coats applied rapidly as I was getting ready for work.

There is a bit of a learning curve with the spiky ball applicator, but you'll get the hang of it quickly. I highly recommend at least playing around with this mascara - it may become one of your go-to items. It certainly has for me.

Dior Diva Auction Live Now to Benefit American Cancer Society's Look Good Feel Good


The second annual Dior Diva Auction benefiting Look Good Feel Good is live now! They have many fabulous prizes to bid on including:

  • Cherie Diva: A day in the life of Miss Dior Cherie. Business class airfare to Paris, two nights at a luxurious Paris hotel, bike tour of Paris, lunch, chauffeured tour of the sites, and much more.
  • Professional Diva: Give your beauty career a boost with a one month marketing internship at Dior.
  • Escape Diva: Head to the countryside and enjoy a tour of the Unionville Winery, eight course dinner, and a night at the inn at Lambertville Station.
  • Preview Diva: Receive advance previews of skincare, makeup, and fragrance for an entire year - well before anyone else can get their hands on it!
  • Red Carpet Diva: You and a guest are flown to LA to attend the Grammy Awards - plus a makeover prior to the event with a Dior makeup artist.
And that's not all. Five more prizes will be revealed during the auction including Fashionista Diva, Precious Diva, Networking Diva, Lady Diva, and Glam Diva.

Head on over to the Dior Diva Auction and check it out now! And good luck!

New Facebook Page for Our New Name and Look


Since we've relaunched with a new look and a new name, we're rebuilding our Facebook page to keep up with the changes! Be sure to become a fan of Retrodiva's Beauty Bar over on Facebook! See you there!

Ken Paves Rolls Out New Professional Hair Styling Tools


He's not just into clip-in hairpieces anymore! Ken Paves is putting his styling secrets in your hand with his new collection of five heat styling tools. The collection includes:

  • Professional Styling Iron ($100): Can be used to create straight looks or waves, due to it's unique shape. Developed with Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic Plates, it provides variable temperature levels up to 410 degrees, shown on a LED indicator. 
  • 1800W Nano Silver Ceramic Technology Hairdryer ($100): This professional grade hair dryer is perfect for creating that blowout. Contains a 1800-watt motor as well as Nano Silver Ceramic Tourmaline technology for shiny, sleek hair. Boasts a two way speed setting, three way temperature setting and a cool shot function.
  • Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic 1 inch Barrel ($60): Also incorporating Nano Silver Ceramic Tourmaline, this iron maintains high temperatures and distributes heat evenly. Has a rotary temperature control and heats up to five different levels for all types of hair.
  • 1200W Turbo Ionic Travel Hairdryer ($60): Perfect for those on the go. Dual voltage 120/140 dryer includes two speed settings, two temperature settings, a cool shot function, and a built-in transparent function. Includes a travel pouch.
  • Travel Series Professional Styling Iron ($60): Slim for traveling, this mini-flat iron travels well. Nano Silver Tourmaline plates quickly heat to 410 degrees, maintaining high heat and distributing heat evenly. Mid-size portable design fits perfectly in the included thermal-lined pouch.
I had the chance to try the Travel Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic 1 inch Plate Flat Iron, and I think it's really great for those with short hair, or hair that isn't as thick and coarse as mine. It's nice and small for travel, and the convenience factor alone is good. But I don't think it gets hot enough for me - I need an unnatural amount of heat to really get my hair straight without frizz. I'd love to get my hands on the full size blow dryer, though!

Available at Ulta.

Oh, Hai! Yes, I'm Still Alive - Don't Give Up On Me Yet!

Welcome to the new digs! I know I've been absent for just about an eternity, but let me tell you, it's been crazy! I managed to catch the flu while attending NYFW, dealt with that for a week, then ended up with a bonus case of pneumonia! So, mostly I've been sleeping, which is good. Unfortunately, I haven't been posting, which is bad, but here I am! Ready to get the party started.

So, while I've been getting myself well, I've made a few changes to the old blog. What do you think? Everything from the title to the graphics has changed, and I'm loving it. And get yourself ready for a ton of beauty posts - I met some incredible people and did some incredible things in NYC last month, and I'm working on sharing all of it with you!

NARS Cosmetics Spring 2010

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About Me

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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.

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