Mally Beauty Releases Signature Fragrance



Mally's Signature Fragrance (and first foray into the world of scent) pays homage to her Filipino heritage by using the Sampaguita flower, the national flower of the Philipines. The citrus/floral scent represents Mally Roncal's fresh and feminine approach to beauty. The top notes include Sampaguita, Mandarin, Red Currant, Bamboo, and Palm Leaf. The middle notes are Freesia, Jasmine, Muguet, Peony. The base notes are Peach, Coconut, Sandalwood, and Musks.

Mally's Signature Fragrance will be available just in time for the holidays on November 1. Be sure to visit MallyBeauty.com to grab yours.

Limited Edition Exotic Jewels by Heidi Klum at Victoria's Secret



Even though I clearly took this photo when I had the caffeine jitters, it shows the entire makeup line that Victoria's Secret did with Heidi Klum for the holidays called Exotic Jewels. When I was in New York, I was lucky enough to attend a breakfast at Victoria's Secret headquarters and get a preview of all the great stuff they have coming up. Part of that preview was this line, inspired by Heidi's trip to India. It's really quite gorgeous, all purple and sparkly. Here is a close up of the purple mascara that is part of the line:




It's gorgeous. The liner is also an amethyst purple, but it has gold glitter in it - just a heads up for those of us over 30 who don't necessarily need to walk around with glittered out eyes. But it's not an overwhelming amount, just enough to really add interest. Of course, you could layer it to create a lot of drama, like any liquid liner, but it's suitable for day use as well. Here is the collection laid out on my counter:






This is not the packaging that you will see at the store, obviously. They are press samples that I received last month. The collection includes an Eyeshadow Palette for $24, Glitter Liquid Liner for $12, Extra-Lengthening Mascara for $13, Perfect Lipstick for $16, Lip Gloss for $14, and Luminous Face Powder Gems for $22. So a very reasonably priced line.

The eyeshadows are nice and pigmented, and can be used for a sheer look or layered on for a more dramatic look. I used the mascara as a top coat over L'Oreal's Extra Volume Collagen Mascara, and loved the effect. Here is the finished look, again, my photography skills leave a great deal to be desired:



Grab the collection at Victoria's Secret stores or at VictoriasSecret.com. Remember, this is a limited edition line, so it won't be out forever. I suspect you won't be able to find much of it after the holidays.

How To: The Perfect Blow Out



I don't really like paying a small fortune to get my hair blown out. I know it's hard work, and I doubt I could ever get my hair looking as fabulous as it did when I walked out of Blow in New York City (mere hours before I came down with H1N1, so the whole effect was pretty much lost) (but major props to my girl Michelle, who turned me on to it!). But let me tell you girls, with some practice and some good advice, you can get a rockin' blow out going on, and still have some dollars in your wallet to spend on something else.

Before you get started, you need to assemble your tools. If you don't already have them, consider investing in the following essential tools: a 1875 watt blowdryer (I recommend the Rock Star 1875W Tourmaline Ionic Ceramic Dryer); a round boar bristle brush - at least two inches in diameter with ceramic or metal on the inside (something like the Friction Free Round Brush); a root volumizer (like Blow Up Root Lift Concentrate - holla to Blow again!); some large duckbill clips or a few 3/4" Clips, and some spray glosser (try Glisten Spray Gloss for a natural take on glossers).

Once you have all your tools assembled, wash and condition your hair. If your hair is very dry or damaged, consider a deep conditioner like Ojon's Restorative Hair Treatment. If you can leave it on overnight, so much the better. While hair is still damp, work your root lifter in well, and any other styling products you might want to use. Let hair air dry until just almost dry - don't worry about what it looks like or if it's frizzy - we will fix all that.

Next, section your hair and clip with the duckbills or jaw clips. I like to section out the top or crown of my head, each side, and two sections in the back, one along my neckline and one above that. Starting with whichever section you prefer - I always begin in the back, because the hair along my nape is the curliest and the frizziest - with your blow dryer on it's highest setting, remove any remaining moisture, and then use your round brush to pick up a two inch section of hair. Remember, styling hair well always includes two things: heat and tension. Using your brush, pull your hair away from your head (straight out will give you more volume) with your brush, and move the blow dryer and the brush slowly down your hair until it reaches the end of the strands. Do it again if it isn't as smooth as you would like.

At this point, if you're feeling adventurous, you can do what I do and roll the hair all the way up on the brush and apply direct heat with the blowdryer for about 30-45 seconds. Unroll hair gently, and twist the brush on the way out. You'll have a nice large curl for your efforts.

Some people recommend using a cold shot of air on your newly blown out sections. I've never done it, but I've seen it recommended often. Just FYI.

Move methodically through the sections of your hair. I like to start at the bottom and work up. Don't undo each section until you're ready to get to it, and use your clips to move half of the section out of the way.  This entire process really shouldn't take you longer than 15 minutes, and that's if your hair is longer than mine is.

After you have blown out all your sections, use your spray glosser to add a bit of shine and depth. Run your hands through your hair, and you're all set. You can also throw in velcro rollers at this point if you want more bounce and curl. Let them set for about 10 minutes, spray with some hairspray (I swear by Jonathan's Finish Control High Shine - Aerosol hairspray, and gently pull your rollers out.

e.l.f. Has Halloween Looks for Under $5

And who can beat that? More ideas to get your creative juices flowing:



Vampire Queen: Because vampires are so hot right now. e.l.f. recommends Plumping Lip Glaze in
Ruby Kiss
, Duo Cream Eyeshadow in Black Licorice, Nail Polish in Medium Red, and the Dramatic Lash Kit-Black.




Glowing Princess: my daughter is totally going to be this, so we'll be hooking her up with these pearlescent products. e.l.f. recommends Facial Whip in Spotlight, HyperShine Lipgloss in Fairy Pink, Brightening Eye Color in Silver Lining, and Nail Polish in Pearl Pink.

FREE 27-pc Mini Makeup Kit with purchase!

e.l.f. also has some amazing stuff going on. Did you know that beginning November 1, they will be in all Target stores? They will have $1, $3, $5, and $10 products packaged especially for Target. Now you don't have to wait for shipping! But if you don't mind waiting for shipping, you can use the code LOYAL (as seen in the image above) to get a 27 piece mini makeup kit with purchase. Perfect for travel - I'm always looking for palettes that I can just tuck into a carry-on.

L'Oreal Receives an Honorary Star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame


L'Oreal got an honorary star on the iconic walk of fame today in Los Angeles. To commemorate 100 years of beauty, they will be helping to fund the $4 million renovation of the Walk of Fame.

Attendees at the event included Kate del Castillo, Andie McDowell, Collier Strong (you've seen him on Project Runway - I just heart him), and L'Oreal USA President Karen T. Fondu.

Sharing My Secrets: Have Frizzy Hair? You Need This



One of the downsides of being a beauty blogger is that I have to share my secrets with the world. I can't just discover something and walk around looking gorgeous - oh, no. I am compelled to sit down and write a missive about said product and how I used it to completely change my life.

Well, I'm not always so dramatic.

However, with this stuff, I am, because it really has changed my hair in ways that I didn't think possible. Yes, I'm talking about Living Proof's No Frizz line. I know that I've discussed them before, but they have since added to the line and made it even better. Namely, they have added shampoo and conditioner to the line, so you have to deal with even less frizz than before.

So what's the secret? It's called PolyfluoroEster, and Living Proof claims that it's the first new anti-frizz technology in 30 years that blocks humidity. This molecule is in all the products and works like a charm. Here is a photo of the No Frizz on one side of hair, and the other is without. Can you guess which is which?



I know, it's not that hard, is it? But how do you choose which of the products are right for you? The first thing you need to do is determine your hair type. Bear with me, because this is super simple: Take your forefinger and thumb and make a ponytail around your hair. If it is the size of a dime, you have fine to medium hair; if it is as big as a nickel you have medium to thick strands; if it is the size of a quarter, you have thick to coarse hair. Because all of the products are developed for different kind of hair, you'll need to know this before you decide which products to pick.

There are products to style your hair wavy or straight. I use Straight Styling Treatment for Thick to Coarse Hair when I am planning on flat ironing. When I am blowing out my hair and leaving it in loose bouncy waves, I use Wave Shaping, Curl Defining Styling Treatment for Thick to Coarse Hair

Another little secret of mine is to spray Straight Making Styling Spray on each section that I flat iron. Works like a dream.

Luckily, the Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner are for all hair types, so anyone and everyone can use those. I love what they do for my hair, but those of you who are all about smells may find them to be a bit chemical smelling. I personally can completely overlook it, since the smell doesn't last, and the results on my hair are completely worth it.

Find all of these products at LivingProof.com or Sephora.com.

Ouidad Talks Curls for the Cure - And Not Just in October, Either!



Ouidad's co-founders are telling their story about Curls for a Cure and what inspired them to get involved in breast cancer research. Did you know that Ouidad matches donations made to Curls for a Cure year round, not just in October? To find out more, or make a donation, visit Ouidad online.

Support National Mammography Day with World Pink




I'll be tweeting! Come join me tonight from 8 to 10 PM EST - I'm @retrodiva on Twitter. See you there!

Get Flirt-y This Halloween

Have you decided what you're going to be for Halloween this year? I hear the most popular ideas are celebs like Rachel Zoe. I think I want to dress up as one of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, but I don't know if anyone would get it. Maybe if I wore a blond wig and some over the top fake lips? Anyway, the experts at Flirt Cosmetics have put together a few fun Halloween looks for us this year, and they are great for getting those creative juices flowing.



Vampires are all over the place now, but I'm not overly fond of the sparkly ones. Go for a much more seductive look instead. Flirt suggests High Wattage Intense & Creamy Lipcolor in Wicked for stand-out lips and lining the eyes in Look of Love Eye Pencil in Tipoff or Purple Rain, smudging well with fingers. Then use Dreamy Eye Eyeshadow in Ink Spell 42 and Magic Mist 30 from lashline to crease. They also suggest skipping both blush and bronzer and using Love and Matteness Oil Free Pressed Powder in one shade lighter than your usual shade for that vampiric paleness.





Rollergirl is all about mod makeup. Try I'm Whipped Eyeshadow Mousse in Snow Angel with Lash-a-delic Fast Defining Mascara in Mod Black. They suggest lightly dusting the apples of the cheeks with Peek-a-Blush in Popsie 10, a light pinkish rose. On the lips, try Plushious Liquid Velvet Lipcolor in Sweetie Pie 20.



You could use just about anything with this colorful look, but Flirt has a few favorites to try. They suggest starting with BigFlirt Mascara in Real Teal or Violet Vixen. Then experiment with some color-rich hues like Dreamy Eyes Glamourazzi 20 and Limited Edition Aztec Aqua 58. Dust Peek-a-Blush in Pink Tutu on cheekbones and use Glamorazzi Extreme Lip Lacquer in Va Va Voom 12.




Wearing a cat costume? Don't worry, Flirt has a great look for you. Liquid liner Opening Eye Liner in Black Out glides on easily and creates a great cat eye. For a more dramatic look, blend Dreamy Eyes Eyeshadow in Wild Night from lashline to crease. Then add a shimmery highlight of Dreamy Eyes Eyeshadow in Chill Out under the outside corner of your eyebrows. The cat eye isn't complete without extreme lashes - try Big Flirt Thickening Mascara. Dust apples of cheeks with Peek-a-Blush in All Dolled Up 23. Keep the lips nude with Squeeze Me Super Shiny Lipgloss in Heavenly Honey 03.

Free Shipping With Purchase of BadGal Mascara Duo at Benefit


As you know, I'm a huge fan of the BadGal line, from the mascara (hi, big inky lashes!) to the eyeliner (bigger than usual liner pencil means a wonderfully smudgy thick black line). I have not yet tried the plum mascara, but I adore colorful mascaras as a top coat, so this is right up my alley. Purchase this along with any of the other wonderful Benefit products and get free shipping. Just enter code MASCARAS at checkout. Happy shopping!

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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