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New Site

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Jeannine

New Look

BeautySweetSpot is undergoing a makeover! Sometime this week, when you visit the site you'll be directed to a brand new page with a brand new look. I've been working with a fabulous graphic designer and we're just putting the finishing touches on it now. Stay tuned and thanks for your support.

xoxo

Lancome Goes Green

Lancome has finally jumped on the green bandwagon starting with their famous Juicy Tubes! The new limited edition collection is inspired by Lancome spokesperson and environmentalist, Elettra Wiedemann.

Juicy Tubes Pure (Premium Unique Raw Elements) are made with 95% natural ingredients and 100% natural flavors certified by EcoCert. Available in six universally flattering shades, they're moisturizing and paraben free. Even the packaging is made of 100% recycled materials. Pucker up!

Juicy Tubes Pure, $18, are available here.

Jessica Biel, the New Face of Revlon

Congratulations to Jessica Biel for becoming the new face of Revlon.  Soon she'll be shooting an international ad campaign and be their spokesperson at all charitable causes and philanthropic events.  Past Revlon global brand ambassadors include Jennifer Connelly, Halle Berry, Jessica Alba and many other accomplished actresses and models.  

"Revlon represents today's modern woman and I am honored to be associated with this strong global brand and to be part of a company that has done so much for women around the world," commented Biel.

Justin must be so proud.  

VEET's Spray On Soiree in NYC Tonight

For all of my fellow New Yorkers, Veet is holding an event tonight at M2 Ultra Lounge (previously Mansion) in NYC in celebration of the launch of their new Spray On Hair Removal Cream. Pop Star, and Veet Spokes Model, Shontelle, will be performing live. Attendees will receive free drink tickets and a chance to win prizes throughout the night including a chance to meet Shontelle. The event is from 7-11pm and you must be 21 and older to attend. Click here to RSVP.

You may know her by her hit single "T-Shirt," but check out Shontelle's new video for the single from the Shopaholic soundtrack featuring Akon, "Stuck with Each Other."

Tested and True Tuesday

I received Korres Pomegranate Cleansing and Make Up Removing Wipes in my gift bag from the CEW Beauty Awards Luncheon last week and and after using them all weekend I had to share my thoughts.

Unlike most cleansing wipes I've tried in the past these actually get rid of my make up (yes, even my mascara) and cleanse. I like using them after the gym to freshen up before I head home. Besides pomegranate extract, which is an antioxidant, they contain glycerin and Vitamin E for moisturization. They're great for the girl on the go.

One pack contains 25 wipes, $12, available at Sephora.

Your Fave Kielhs Products for Less

Attention beauty addicts: if you're not already a member of HauteLook, you may want to consider signing up today because tomorrow the site will be running a sale on cult favorite, Kiehl's products.

Shopping on HauteLook.com is like going to a sample sale minus all the madness. They offer 36 to 72 hour designer sales and membership is free. I've fought vigorously for a pair of Manolos before and got beat out, but have bought a few great dresses for much less than what they would go for in Bergdorfs. Tip: get on the site as soon as the sale starts to ensure you get everything you want! Happy shopping!

Highlight Your Best Assets

A few years ago in Sin City I introduced my best girl friends to the secret behind the accenting glow that complimented my wardrobe each night.  Liquid highlighter.  It's one of my must-have finishing touches when hitting the scene.  My girls have been addicted ever since making it one of their secret beauty weapons.  

There are all different types to choose from, depending on where you want to use it and what look you would like to achieve.  If you're looking for a subtle glow on your face, I recommend Benefit Moon Beam,$24, at Sephora.  Dab a few drops underneath your eyebrow and on your cheek bones then blend.  The golden undertones will enhance your complexion and give you a radiant boost.

DEX New York Mineral Glow, $34, is a great pick for the face and body.  This reflective veil is made with a blend of antioxidants to protect your skin and is also loaded with minerals. The packaging is so clever.  The top comes off to reveal a spatula built in so you don't need to use your fingers to apply.  Accent your face, decolletage, shoulders and shins.  When the light catches these areas, all eyes will focus on your best assets.  Available in two shades at www.dexnewyork.com.

Megan Fox Lightens Up

Megan Fox was seen in Santa Monica, CA this weekend donning lighter ends in her gorgeous brunette mane.  Beyonce was one of the first celebs to rock this classy, contrasting look in 2008, which started as a Brazillian trend.  Thoughts?

Illusions of Idealism

Have you ever met someone who seemed too good to be true?  The conversations were engaging, he was beyond gorgeous... model type to be exact, he understood how to dress, was well groomed, had a successful career, got along with all of your friends and every time you were with him you felt like you were on top of the world.  Until you woke up and realized everything wrong with the equation... he was your idea of perfection.  Everything looked good on paper, but in all reality, he wasn't "it."  We're faced with situations like this every single day in the fabulous world of beauty and fashion.

If you open an issue of your favorite fashion magazine or your man's favorite mag, Maxim, splashed across each page are illusions, people's ideas of perfection. Airbrushed models who spent hours upon hours in hair and makeup after spray tans preparing for their shoots.  And then there are the celebrities, who have their own personal trainers, nutritionists, hair stylists and makeup artists who primp and prep them as part of their daily routine.  Pictured above, Jessica Alba before and after airbrushing for the Campari calendar photo shoot. Her hips and waist are slimmer in the after and her breasts are boosted to perfection. How can we possibly keep up?

Americans have become obsessed with this idea of perfection, however we know that achieving what we see in print and on TV is nearly impossible.  Everything looks better on paper.  It's important we keep our "blinders" off in this world of illusions in order to appreciate true beauty and pay attention to our real needs, wants and desires.

The Long Bob

Heidi Klum has recently been made the "Ambassador of Style" for LG's latest campaign and they couldn't have chosen a better fashionista.  Amongst many starletts sporting the long bob this spring, she has been pulling it off flawlessly.  It's a great cut for any face shape, but the key to pulling it off is to keep it blunt, right above shoulder length with absolutely no layers.  

CEW Beauty Awards Announced

Waking up this morning was like waking up on Christmas day for a ten-year-old.  The CEW Beauty Awards Luncheon finally arrived.  For those of you who don't know, this event is like the Academy Awards for the beauty industry.  Everybody who's anybody fills up the ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria in NYC with the same hopes... to go home with an award.

I sat with Dr. Audrey Kunin of DERMAdoctor, who runs the world's largest skincare advice column on the internet at www.dermadoctor.com.  Her new Ain't Misbehavin' Skin Clarifying and Mattifying SPF 30 was a finalist in the sun care category.  

Click here to check out all of the 2009 CEW Beauty Award winners.

Forbes for the Ladies

As I was getting my daily dose of morning gossip from NY Post's Page Six, I was excited to learn that Forbes is coming out with a magazine specifically geared to the ladies in the business world called ForbesWoman.

The first issue, set to hit newsstands next week, highlights an interview with NYC stylist, Sarah Shirley, who has styled models for publications such as People and Harper's Bazaar and also works with Jamie Lynn Silger. Shirley discusses the appropiate ways of primping for the office. Check it out.

Don't Sweat It

There's nothing worse than some of the stenches you may come across as the temperature continues to rise and the humidity keeps increasing to the point where you have a full blown fro. Stay dry and lightly scented this summer with Degree's Fine Fragrance Collection of deodorants with matching body mists that are scented just enough to keep you smelling fresh. And the best part is that you won't have to second guess whether or not that putrid stench is coming from you.

Degree partnered with Anne Gottlieb, who has been the "nose" behind many fine fragrances such as Calvin Klein Obsession, Covet from Sarah Jessica Parker and 212 by Carolina Herrera to create this new collection. "It's important to wear as many products as possible that carry a particular scent," Gottlieb states. Layering the same scent will make it last longer, because as one layer begins to fade the other will outlast it.

Each of the three available scents include top, middle and bottom notes just like your favorite perfume, but because they're body mists they're pleasant enough to wear in the heat and without coming off too strong.

• Sexy Intrigue - jasmine, rose and hints of vanilla
• Delicious Bliss - apple, peach and raspberries with hints of hyacinth and magnolia
• Classic Romance - rose and peony with hints of citrus and bergamot

Degree Fine Fragrance Deodorants and Body Mists retail for $3.79 each at drugstores. Click here to receive coupon for a dollar off. Talk about a deal!

O.M.G. Salon Moments

Have you ever seen the Sex and the City episode called "The Caste System?"  It's the one where Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda are getting pedicures together and think their pedicurists are talking about them in another language.  I've often thought that, but it never really bothered me.  Well, this weekend when I was getting my weekly mani/pedi with one of my girlfriends a few beyond wrong things happened.  So much for salon etiquette! 

First, as I was enjoying my extra ten minute foot massage during my pedi, I realized that the woman next to me had incredibly long toe nails that went way past the skin of her toes.  I'm talking at least an inch past!  Other people in the salon noticed too and we were all exchanging glances with wide eyes.  I know it's just beginning to be sandal weather, but who lets their toe nails grow to that extent?  How did this woman even wear shoes?

Then, in the middle of the salon in front of the window looking out to 3rd Ave. a very overweight, older woman was plopped face down into one of those massage chairs with her shirt over her head.  Yes, her shirt was up and her bra was her only form of coverage.  She was all lathered up, glistening in oil and was being groped and massaged right there for all to see for a good ten minutes. Once again, looks of horror were being exchanged from the manicure stations to the pedicure chairs.

As we were drying another customer summed up our experience by saying to my friend and I, "I'm glad I ate before coming to get my nails done." 

Beach House Hostess Gift

Four more weeks until Memorial Day Weekend!  If you're heading to a friends shore house for a weekend this summer you may want to consider gifting her with these adorable popsicle shaped soaps.  Made by Jelly Pong Pong, they're loaded with oils and glycerin to cleanse and moisturize the skin, but they're so pretty I'd suggest just leaving them out on display.

Available in eight different flavors, Jelly Pong Pong Soap Popsicles are $12 each and can be found on Beauty.com.  

OOPS! She Did It Again!

During Britney Spears' last concert one of her dancers accidentally pulled a whole track of her extensions out of her head during a stunt!  Poor Brit!  I still think she's outrageous.

Check out the You Tube video here.  The damage happens at about 16 seconds into the video.  It's a MUST see!

Have you ever had a mortifying public beauty mishap?

Contour Like A Pro

Achieve a modelesque look like the one seen on the left from the the fall '09 Bottega Veneta fashion show by sculpting your face like a pro. Makeup artist, Daniel Martin, who regulary works with models for covers and spreads in Lucky and Rolling Stone gave me some tips on how to get the look.

After applying your normal base makeup, choose a cream blush or foundation two to three shades darker than your normal skintone for contouring. Don't use a powder because it can get blochy and isn't as easy to blend. Start with your cheekbones.

"Just like the old school saying, suck in your face like a fish," comments Martin. Follow the underneath hollow area with your contouring cream and make sure you blend it in upward. Then, use your normal blush on the apples of your cheeks, above where you just contoured and blend it back into your hair line.

You can also contour your eyes to make them appear deeper. Use a small dollop of your cream or darker foundation and press it right underneath the hollow area of your brow bone. Depending on the shape of your eyes, you may just want to contour them from the middle to the outter corners.

GWP's Worth Considering

With Mother's Day right around the corner a trip to the cosmetic counter of your favorite department store might not be such a bad idea. After all, mom could use some new spring colors to brighten up her makeup bag or a lighter skin care regimen to go with the season. And let's be honest, you can use another excuse to explore, test and splurge on everything new and pretty that this overwhelming section has to offer.

Well, spend on your mom (she deserves it!), but you'll be able to escape the madness of all of the tempting packaging that surrounds you without spending a dime on yourself thanks to this year's fabulous Gifts with Purchases (GWP) that many companies are offering. They're so good you'll still leave with something new feeling fulfilled and not guilty.

Here's a list of some killer GWP's you can keep for yourself:

Estee Lauder (only at Bloomingdales)

Spend: $39.50

GWP: Two chic matching cosmetic bags with six pieces of makeup

Spend: $75

GWP: All of the above plus an over sized tote

YSL

Spend: $75

GWP: Four piece cosmetic set in a fuchsia cosmetic bag

Laura Mercier (only at Bloomingdales)

Spend: $85

GWP: Five piece set mixed with makeup and skin care with a pink cosmetic bag

Sisley

Spend: $150

GWP: Seven piece skin care set with a cosmetic case

Spend: $350

GWP: Ten piece skin care set with a cosmetic case

Clinique

Spend: Just have a consultation an purchase anything recommended

GWP: Three piece lash set

Borghese (photo above)

Spend: $45

GWP: Five piece make up mixed with skin care set in an adorable cosmetic bag

Prescriptives

Spend: $65

GWP: Five piece make up mixed with skin care set in a purple cosmetic bag

Spend: $125

GWP: All of the above plus a full size liquid powder

Giorgio Armani

Spend: $150

GWP: Three piece essentials kit in a satin pouch

Bliss

Spend: $45

GWP: Three travel sized spa products in a zippered Bliss bag

Start thinking about mom soon because these GWP's are only available while supplies last.

A Five Star Breakfast with Self

This morning I was fortunate enough to find myself surrounded by some of the beauty industry's leading ladies at Le Bernardin for the annual Self Healthy Beauty Awards Breakfast. Editor in Chief, Lucy Danziger, spoke about who the Self reader is and and what it means to win a Self readers'-picks beauty award.

"Our readers like to take control of what they can and we encourage them to make every day a five star day," Danziger proudly stated. This struck me because not only can I relate as a Self reader, but she was completely on point.

If we look to the right types of media, celebrities, and other types of influences and inspirations, we can all have five star days everyday. We make our own choices about what we eat, how often we exercise, what we wear, how we do our hair and makeup and present ourselves to the world. All of these things combined can make a huge difference in how we feel on the inside and look on the outside.

To see all of this year's Self Health Beauty Award Winners pick up the May issue and have a five star day. Visit Lucy Danziger's new blog here.

Lashing Out

Are you satisfied with your mascara or do you often find yourself testing and tossing new ones as often as you update your Facebook status?  Well it's time to say sienora to your fringe frustrations by choosing the right wand for the look you're trying to achieve.  Here are some helpful hints. If you want to...

• Thicken - Grab a wand that has very close bristles or longer bristles in the middle than on the outer edges.  Two great picks: Blinc Kiss Me Mascara, $24 and Khiel's Marvelous Mineral Mascara, $16.50
• Lengthen - Who doesn't want a stiff one?  The stiffer the better so each lash can be stretched outward with every stroke.  Try: Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Washable Mascara, $7.49
• Define - Grab a wand that comes with a comb for easy separation or use one with a pointy brush. The smaller bristles at the tip allow for more precise coating on the inner and outer lashes. I highly recommend: Rimmel London Lash Maxx Mascara, $7.29
  
• Curl - Use a brush with a curve and apply pressure to lashes when stroking upward.  Check out: Lancome Definicils Pro High Definition Curved Brush Mascara, $24

Since most mascaras are multi-taskers you can definitely expect more out of one, however to maximize your batters try layering one type on top of another.  I like using one coat of Clinique High Definition Lashes Brush Then Comb Mascara,$14, underneath MAC Zoom Lash, $12.   

Kim Kardashian tweeted this pic of her scorched face on her Twitter profile.  Looks like someone forgot her SPF and fell asleep wearing her super huge, superstar sunglasses.  

Lucky for her Clinique came out with a Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder, $32.50, that immediately soothes irritation and calms the skin hiding redness. Someone get the girl some powder!

Ladies, don't forget to wear your SPF daily!

More Than Beauty Staples

We all have our beauty staples that we can rely on to give us a look we feel comfortable in and likewise we all have a "type" of man that we tend to feel comfortable dating for many reasons. Straying from our typical beauty staples and experimenting with seasonal beauty trends is a must-do for any trendy chick, but trying to keep an open mind and experimenting by dating outside of our "type" is extremely courageous.

For example, this spring you might want to try swapping out your regular lipstick for a bright coral shade as seen on the runways of Karen Walker and Alice Temperly.  A great pick: Chanel AQUALUMIyRE Sheer Color Lipshine SPF 15 in Tangerine Dream,$28.50.  Simple enough.

However, if you're in the dating scene, would you consider dating someone who's obsessed with argyle sweaters when your "type" doesn't even know what the word argyle means?  In life, we're faced with many choices and yes, it's always good to broaden our horizons across all boards, but how far are you willing to go?

Conclusion: Guys are like beauty products, you can try on lots of different types.  If the look fits, wear it until it goes out of season or it becomes a staple.  If that new shade of lipstick isn't complimenting your pout, chuck it.  For me, I always seem to return to my staples, in beauty, in men and in life. 

Sexy Bangs

Since the beginning of my college years I've had the same look. Long, straight hair with sweeping side bangs. Yes, I've definitely had my fun experimenting with color, but overall I've had the same hairstyle forever. It was time... beyond time, I needed change.

Knowing exactly what I was seeking I found photos of Nicole Richie and Kim Kardashian from when they had them... bangs... and printed them out. Not just any type of bangs, sexy bangs. Next I laid all of my trust into stylist, Jeff Chastain at Ted Gibson, my fave salon in NYC.

Half petrified, but mostly excited I sat in the chair and showed my photos. He understood what I wanted immediately and I surrendered side bangs to him feeling completely comfortable. Don't you love it when a stylists just gets it? He chopped at various angles to create texture and kept them right at lash length. Transformed!

Jeff left me with a great bang styling tip:

First rough dry your bangs as much as possible. Then, gather them and place a small round brush on top of them at your part and wrap your bangs around the brush so they're lifted away from your forehead. Shoot them with your hair drier and pull the brush to the left or the right a little bit depending on which way your hair falls. This will give your bangs a little lift off of your forehead and enable them to lay nicely onto your face. Never blowdry them straight down onto your face.

Jessica Alba's New Do'

Spotted this weekend out and about in LA, Jessica Alba lightened her locks yet again. Reports say the look is for her new thriller, "The Killer Inside Me," which Alba costars with Kate Hudson and Casey Affleck.  The film is set to release sometime in 2010.  

Got Sexy Legs? Barbados Here You Come!

In celebration of their new Spray On Hair Removal Cream, Veet launched a "Spray On Your Summer Smooth" campaign in which you can show off your sexy legs for a chance to win a trip for two to Barbados.

It's simple, just upload a pic of your gorgeous gams, write a sentence explaining why their your best assets and tell your friends to vote for you. Prizes will be given out during each round of the contest.

Visit http://www.veet.us/legs to enter and to view your competitors. Round one ends June 10th and round two of voting ends July 1st. I suggest using Veet Spray On Hair Removal Cream, $8.59, before taking your pic to ensure your legs are photo shoot ready. Good luck.

Celebrate Earth Month

With the arrival of April showers also comes earth awareness. There are many ways throughout the year you can pay attention to making your surroundings a little bit greener, but I can't think of a better place to start than in your own cosmetic bag. Check out these green finds that give back:

Kiehl's partnered with Erykah Badu in creating their latest, limited edition Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion, $55. It's loaded with Vitamin E and moisturizing oils that absorb quickly into your skin and leave it silky smooth. 100% of the proceeds up to $100,000 will support waterkeeper alliance.

Amazon Beauty Rahua Organic Leave In Treatment, $28, is made with rain forest grown symbiotic ingredients and used weekly, quickly rebuilds dry, damaged hair. The company's mission is to preserve the Amazon rain forest (which produces over 20% of the world's oxygen) and help indigenous Amazonian tribes survive.

This year, Cargo is taking earth month to a whole new level. Their PlantLove Botanical Lipstick, $20, tube is made completely out of corn and the outer packaging is made of flower paper, which consists of real flower seeds that you can plant. They're also donating $2 from every sale to the St. Judes Pediatrics Research Hospital.

For other fab green finds pick up the May issue of Elle magazine to see their 2009 Green Star Awards.