Gift Guide: The Definitive Best Beauty Gifts to Give


Because these gifts are sure to impress just about anyone... (more…)
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Gift Guide: The Definitive Best Beauty Gifts to Give

My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)


(more…)
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My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)

4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet


Because we all need to help save our planet, and these are four easy (and also fun) ways to do
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4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet

Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life


You guys know I’m picky about lip gloss, but I recently tried two new (to me) products and had to
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Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life

08.30.2010
Byron & Tracey Pre-Emmy’s Beauty Bar

So it’s Emmy’s madness once again here in sunny Los Angeles.  On Friday I stopped by the Byron & Tracey salon in Beverly Hills to freshen up my highlights before the big Emmy’s weekend.  For those who don’t know, Tracey Cunningham, Redken Creative Consultant for Color, is an A-list colorist whose clients include Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Reese Witherspoon, all who always look flawless, in my opinion.

As soon as I arrived, I had to sort my way through about 15 paparazzi who were camped outside trying to catch a glimpse of all the celebs going in and out of the salon.  I walked inside and immediately saw Minka Kelly (aka Leila on “Friday Night Lights”), who probably thinks I’m stalking her since I’ve also seen her in SoHo AND at another event in LA.  Anywho, Dani, my colorist, did an amazing job freshening up my blonde locks and the time flew by as I watched a ton of celebs come in and out.  Other spottings included Jordana Brewster, Stephanie Pratt (who walked out with the biggest beehive I’ve ever seen), Rashida Jones and Mindy Kaling from “The Office.”  I have to say, I’m very pleased with my highlights and, as an added bonus, I got to check out an amazing scent- Calvin Klein’s Euphoria.  I’m really bad at describing fragrance but I will say that I know what I like and I know what I don’t like…and I like this.  The scent has seductive floral notes and the bottle is really sleek and sexy.  What’s not to like when you combine perfect blonde highlights, celeb sightings and great perfume.

08.30.2010
iVillage Makes Finding Your Fall Style Easy

So on Saturday I went shopping with India from Glam.com and Aly from SheKnows.com and I bought my first pair of jeggings.  Yes, ladies, I have to tell you…the Gap’s version is actually a lot more flattering than I thought it would be.  This little shopping excursion made me realize that yes, fall is coming.  Since LA doesn’t really have any seasons, I’ve been kind of oblivious to the season changes and hence, started feeling a little anxious about fall shopping expectations.

This is where iVillage comes in- they’re holding a “Find Your Fall Style Challenge.” All you have to do is sign up and you can submit photos of your outfits or accessories to Style Coach, Kim Johnson of Gross of Chic Simple.  She’ll give you advice on the best way to rock it…essentially she’s your free cyber stylist.  And, as a bonus, just for signing up you’ll be automatically entered to win a $100 Target gift card to begin your fall shopping.  Get on this fast.

08.26.2010
Havaianas Midnight Swim Club

So even though it’s been almost one year (can you even?) since I moved to LA, I’m still getting used to this whole super secret party thing that goes on.  And yeah…I kinda love it.  I was invited to Havaianas exclusive Midnight Swim Club’s last party of the season held at a private house (and by house, I mean mansion) in Hancock Park.

Now this wasn’t your usual LA party…upon arrival all guests were asked their shoe size and given a pair of the coveted Havainas Midnight Swim Club (MSC) navy blue and white flip flops before heading over to the bedazzling station.  Score.  Flip flops were strung over the pool and, by the time I arrived, there were plenty of drunk partygoers diving into the pool and having an awesome time.

photos by Catharine Acurso

08.25.2010
New fall lingerie from Frederick’s of Hollywood

So in the last year or so I’ve been really into fun bras.  Up until that point, I wore the very basic plain black, tan or sometimes hot pink bra that, let’s face it, isn’t very exciting.  They’re not terrible but there’s something secretly sexy about wearing a crazy bra underneath your regular clothing at work, no?  Well when I was invited to the Frederick’s of Hollywood fall press preview, I got super excited to check out their latest line.

We sipped champagne as I was taken around the store and, gotta tell you, it was my first time actually inside a Frederick’s of Hollywood.  I was really into all the leopard print and made a note that I must choose the most fun bras for my fall bra wardrobe.  No more boring bras for me!

After chatting with Jene’ Luciani, author of The Bra Book, it was time to try on some fun bras.  Every bra I tried on fit like a glove, which is fabulous.  I love when you can just know your size in a store so you don’t have to try on 30 of the same thing.  I’m now fully stocked for fall so if you see me, just know that I might be wearing a sparkly purple bra under my black dress.  😉

08.25.2010
BAND-AID Brand by Cynthia Rowley

So I’ve been a long-time fan of fancy band-aids.  I remember my mom bought me all kinds of fun band-aids when I was little and I mean, I had them ALL.  The Little Mermaid, Barbie, animal prints, metallics…I took my band-aids pretty seriously back in the day; I had quite the collection.  Strange?  Maybe.  I always thought well hey, if I’m gonna cut myself, I might as well look cute after doing so.

Over the years I stuck to the regular flesh-colored version but now…I’m thinking about switching back.  BAND-AID Brand by Cynthia Rowley, yes please.  I’m obsessed with Cynthia Rowley’s new designer version on the classic band-aid.  And, even better, for every purchase (they’re $10 for a pack), Cynthia will donate to Design Ignites Change, an organization that engages students in design and projects that address pressing social issues in their own communities.  Look out now- you might just see me strutting around town in the sequin version.

 

08.25.2010
BAND-AID Brand by Cynthia Rowley

So I’ve been a long-time fan of fancy band-aids.  I remember my mom bought me all kinds of fun band-aids when I was little and I mean, I had them ALL.  The Little Mermaid, Barbie, animal prints, metallics…I took my band-aids pretty seriously back in the day; I had quite the collection.  Strange?  Maybe.  I always thought well hey, if I’m gonna cut myself, I might as well look cute after doing so.

Over the years I stuck to the regular flesh-colored version but now…I’m thinking about switching back.  BAND-AID Brand by Cynthia Rowley, yes please.  I’m obsessed with Cynthia Rowley’s new designer version on the classic band-aid.  And, even better, for every purchase (they’re $10 for a pack), Cynthia will donate to Design Ignites Change, an organization that engages students in design and projects that address pressing social issues in their own communities.  Look out now- you might just see me strutting around town in the sequin version.

 

08.19.2010
One Bag & Three Beauty Obsessions: Moni Moni

Welcome to my second feature of One Bag & Three Beauty Obsessions, the Moni Moni edition.  And away we go…

BAG:

  • Moni Moni Gypsy Bag – This chocolate brown bag makes me want to squeal.  I’m really into the long strap these days and when I recently spotted Emmy Rossum carrying the brown wonder, my thoughts were confirmed.

 

BEAUTY:

  • Philip B Chocolate Milk Body Wash & Bubble Bath – We all know how much I love beauty products that smell like food.  This chocolate-scented body wash (and bubble bath) is a nice treat in the shower and really wakes me up in the AM.  On top of smelling delish, it also boasts good-for-you skin ingredients like cocoa butter and aloe.
  • Prtty Peaushun Skin Tight Body Lotion – As a super fair girl in LA, sometimes I’m a little self conscious about it. I recently tried out this tinted body lotion, created by celebrity makeup artist, Bethany Karlyn.  It’s fab because it has subtle light-reflecting particles that give skin a flattering glow.  As a bonus, special ingredients lift, firm, tighten and diminish the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks and varicose veins.  Score.
  • Fresh Eat Pray Love Collection Eau de parfum – I just recently wrote about my “Eat Pray Love” screening experience and I’m now officially ob-sessed with the Fresh fragrance collection for the movie.  “Eat,” my personal favorite, is Italy in a bottle.  The scent indulges in Italy’s most addictive desserts and wines and boasts notes of bright Italian lemon and basil balanced with creamy textures aimed to smell like cannoli and tiramisu.  And to top it off?  Sparkling prosecco and limoncello…ahhh, I’m brought back to my days of backpacking around Southern Italy.  I can smell the limoncello now.