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.