BSB: Beauty news, makeup swatches and pictures, nail polish articles, makeup tutorials, product reviews, and how-to's from a MAC-trained makeup artist.

Five Things 11.23.10

1. Pink Friday is a new lipstick at MAC, with a twist. It was designed by hip hop queen Nicki Minaj. (No, I won't even try to pretend I know who she is - it's the lippie I'm about) Expect a creamy bright pink lip (satin finish). The twist? You have four (4!) shots at it. Four (4!) Fridays, actually. You can only buy it online, and only Friday, Nov. 26th (Black Friday) and the next three Fridays.
   PS: This coincides with Nicki Minaj's new album release; it's called Pink Friday. Duh.
   
   
2. I'm in lust with this scrummy yummy black cowl neck shirt from Athleta. Look at the sexy (and surely flattering?) cabling! $64 _via
   
   
3. The Muse is leading the search for the missing Lambie. Any clues or tips are appreciated!
   
   
4. Dear, lovely balyage, does the bell toll for you for the last time? Word from down under, from the inimitable Zoe, seems to suggest it is. She's ushering in the era of "Dessert Hair". Are you going to give it a try?
   
   
5. I'm addicted to the inspiring words and pretty lettering at the notebook doodles. Bookmark it or put it in your feed reader. You can thank me later.

What are your five things for today?

BATH & BODY WORKS Holiday '10 (really, really pic heavy)

I love Bath and Body Works (B&BW). A lot. Especially at the holidays. I'm not going to go on and on about my love for the Lambie stuff and all of the great smells. I'm just gong to start listing the B&BW agenda. OK? OK.

 


Secret Wonderland Collection
"This magical new fragrance blends bright, succulent berry notes with creamy notes of white amber and sandalwood cheer to transport the woman who wears it to a world of wonder."

TOP NOTES: Luscious Strawberry, Wild Goji Berries, Ripe Raspberry
HEART NOTES: Gardenia Petals, Jasmine, Peach Nectar
BASE NOTES: Coconut Musk Captive, Creamy Vanilla, Sandalwood, White Amber

Shower Gel ($10.50);  Body Lotion ($10.50);  Eau de Toilette ($29.50); Fragrance Mist ($12.00); Triple Moisture Body Cream ($12.00); Triple Moisture Shower Cream ($12.00); Intense Moisture Body Butter ($15.00); Bubble Bath ($12.00), Shea Cashmere Hand Cream ($10.00)

 See more pics and details after the cut.

Bath & Body Works: Halloween!

I'm tragically bad at coming up with Halloween costume ideas. I'm quite artistic and enthusiastic, but lack the creative spark, I guess.

But Halloween is my favorite holiday, hands down, and one thing I can do to celebrate is to decorate!

Cue Bath & Body Works' seasonal collection, Halloween Spook-tacular Boo-tique. It's all available now, so be sure to snap it up!

I'm pretty sure I could find an end table the baby can't reach and plop the Haunted House Luminary ($35) on it. The glow-in-the-dark hand soap is  scented in B&BW fan fave Warm Vanilla Sugar. That would work well in the upstairs bathroom.  Currently the store is having a 4-for-$10 special on Anti-bacterial products, which is great, because I'm running low on my beloved anti-bac handwashes! Speaking of anti-bac, I'll probably need one of those glow-in-the-dark handi-bac holders!

I love the scent of Fall goodies, and that's a ton better than smelling bathroom or diapers in the trashcan, so I'll get room sprays in several scents! But do I pick Caramel Apple (golden apple, brown sugar, creamy caramel, anjou pear, nutmeg, and vanilla), Creamy Pumpkin (creamy caramel, gingered pumpkin, vanilla, golden amber, and warm cream), or Pumpkin Patch (fresh pumpkin, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla cream), or Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin (spicy pumpkin puree, sweet butter, vanilla cream)? All of those scents are also available in candles and other room-scenting products.

I know the kids would get a kick out of the Ghost Hand Soap pump ($10) (also Warm Vanilla Sugar) and the expandable pumpkin towel ($2.50), but the Skull & Crossbones Tote ($40) is all for Mama!

All that said, how freakin' adorable is that Bat SCENTBUG Home Fragrance Fan ($14.50)?  Since I am a Halloween collector, I have no problem putting one in my office year-round. PS: Did you know that the SCENTBUG was the winner of The Fragrance Foundation’s 2010 FiFi Award for Interior Scent Collection? High praises!

 

 

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Feel like tossing a bunch of these in your cart? Hate the kitschy stuff? Does anyone else think it odd that the "Caramel Apple" scent doesn't have any apple notes in it?

 

How to have less ugly feet for Summer

All righty, ya'll. It's time to talk about the elephant in the room: busted feet.

It's summer. You shouldn't be wearing boots or kneesocks on the regular. It's time to be brave and bare your soles.

For the purpose of this post, I've qualified Feet into four categories according to Their Level of Busted-ness^TM.

Level 1: Princess Feet (as smooth as the day you were born)
Level 2: Just Feet (maybe a tad rough in the heel area, but not too bad)
Level 3: Jacked Up (pretty damn bad, but potentially salvageable)
Level 4: Wrecked (most of the people in this category think they can't be helped and just skipped to another blog, shaking in fear and self-loathing)

A quick note to Level 1's: Maybe you're blessed with those baby soft feet that never look bad. Maybe you've got a standing appointment with a fabulous pedicure-ist. If you are one of these types, you're excused. Go on and read some of the pithy and genius things I've previously written. This post is for the rest of us.

To read about how to fix your situation, keep reading.

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a podiatrist, so none of this should be considered medical advice. If you are in the "Wrecked" category of Feet, you may want to consider seeing a podiatrist or dermatologist or exorcist or some other kind of professional who can better advise you.

Bath & Body Works: Anti-Bacterial Line

Warning: This is not a sponsored post, but it may sound like one. ;)

I absolutely adore the Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial line of products. Completely and utterly love them and appreciate them. The line is robust, both in number of products and in scent options. As a bonus, they're nearly always on sale, so: yay! That's not to say they're expensive at regular price (they're not) but a sale is always welcome, right?

I'm not one of those people who is germ-paranoid, but I do enjoy having these products in the house for those times someone has picked-up handled a bit suspect (snakes, poop, raw pork) or has played with the drippy-nosed neighbor (at Knit Night at play group).

Which product is right for you?

Here are the kajillion forms of anti-bac products: Deep Cleansing Soaps, Foaming Soaps, Moisturizing Soaps, Pocket-Sized Sanitizers, Sanitizing Foams, Sanitizing Lotions, Sanitizing Sprays, Sanitizing Pumps, Hand Washes, Soap & Lotion Caddies. 

Favorites at our house include the Foaming Soaps (um, duh, we have an almost-4 year old in the house, so of course the product that is nutty and fun wins) and any size of straight-up hand sanitizer (referred to as "Magic Soap" in our house). I like the moisturizing version of the hand soap, though, which is creamy and has cool little Beads of Soft. I especially love the little holder I picked up (for only 50 pennies!) that lets me hang my mini hand sanitizer Pocket Bac from the diaper bag. I will be swinging back around to get another to (discretely) attach inside my purse.

Stinky Kitchen Hands

A new must-have at Meade Manse is the Kitchen line of products. These amazing soaps are just as gentle and moisturizing as the rest of the line, have the same lovely-but not-too-lingering scent power of the others, but also get a boost from B&BW's "Fresh Source^TM" technology. "What's that?" you ask. Of course I'm going to tell you. "Fresh Source^TM" technology is actually a tiny little Wizard that lives in the soap. He scrubs your hands with a magic wand that eliminates nasty cooking odors like garlic and onions and stink-ass fish. This is just a theory, but I'm sure it's 100% accurate. I'm quite clever with these things.

By the way, this kitchen wizard soap actually works. I had verified this with stringent testing on a daily basis, but recently out-sourced the testing to make sure. Hubby made garlic- and onion-laden diner a week or so ago and hours after dinner I couldn't stand his stench anymore so I made him go wash his hands "Not in the bathroom--- in the kitchen, dammit!" He came back smelling much more pleasant (like cucumbers, if you must know). This is how we thank the cooks in our house.

The spray version, because kids are gross

Let's just say there are other times when one might need a helping hand from an anti-bacterial product. I've found the Sanitizing Sprays to be helpful to have around. One example would be for your preschooler's midnight treks to the potty in the bathroom with the too-tall sink. When you have kids, you never lack for anti-bac-necessary moments...

Scents

There are a boatload of scents, too (yes, I counted). This shouldn't be surprising if you're familiar with the multi-scented ways of Bath & Body Works.

In case you were curious, we enjoy Crisp Cucumber, Warm Vanilla Sugar, and Sunburst Tangerine in the kitchen; Mango Mandarin, and Sweet Pea in the bathrooms; and Black Raspberry Vanilla and Cucumber Melon any way we can get them. Ara's favorite, though, is Dancing Waters (she picked out the scent herself at a laboriously-long sniffing session in-store one day). She's gotten her grandmother hooked on that scent, too.

Scent Blind?

I get a kick out of the fact that you can also shop online for the Anti-Bacterial products on the basis of color. This comes in handy for those of you who don't give a damn about how it smells as long as it coordinates with your hand towels.

Action Shots

No, really: we use them!  





 

_{At times, we have been lucky enough to receive some of the
B&BW line of Anti-Bacterial products to test and review.
At other times, we have delightfully browsed and purchased with our own money.
This post reflects both of those situations.
For more information on our review policies,
please check out our About page.}

Jingle Jingle: Find the perfect gift at Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works unveils their

Custom Gift Finder!

I showed you the '09 Lambie Slippers, pointed out some other great holiday-themed items, and told you how you can fight the flu while shopping by washing your hands at any B&BW location. Now you can select the perfect gift for that special someone.

PS: Read all of our previous Bath & Body Works posts here for even more ideas!

Hullo, there!

I like how the one on my right foot has jaunty ears,
while the one on my left foot is in repose...


Lambie slippers
from Bath & Body Works

Purchased. For more information, see the Disclaimer on my General Info page.

Jingle Bells: Bath & Body Works - Holiday '09

One thing that is a constant every single holiday season is the enthusiastic queue at Bath & Body Works! It's often crowded this time of year, but in my experience the staff is always friendly and upbeat, the lines move briskly, and they're rarely out-of-stock. It's a well-oiled machine full of great last-minute gifts, stocking-stuffers, and post-shopping treats for yourself!

Let's peek at the Holiday '09 selection, but keep in mind there's tons more out there! This is just the tip of the amazing-smelling, reasonably-price iceburg!

And by the way:
don't forget that every Bath & Body Works location
has a sink that you're welcome to go use.
Be sure to take advantage of their antibacterial soaps
and stay healthy while you shop!

What are you grabbing from Bath & Body Works?
I mean... as gifts.
Ahem.

Sunday Savings | 9.6.09 | LORAC, BlueFly, Sephora, Nordstrom, C&C California, OCC, Benefit, Bath & Body Works, Lancome, philosophy

Click the images below to visit the sites and take advantage of the savings!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bath & Body Works helps you choose your scent

You've gotta love Bath & Body Works! In addition to always having great sales and promotions and being the purveyor of BSB's beloved True Blue Spa, now they've got this cool Fragrance Finder that asks you questions in an effort to find out your "Signature Scent" from their collection of Signature Collection. Probably not coincidence that they're also touting "New Packaging. New Formulas. New Fragrances.".

I'm, according to the Fragrance Finder, "sexy" and my signature scent is "Vanila Noir". Gotta try it! I'll let you know how "me" it is.

PS: Always check their homepage to see what promotions are going on!

Tell us YOUR fragrance mood Signature Scent!

See also:

• Tried it. Love it. Need more. True Blue Spa - Lay It On Thick Intense Moisture Body Cream with Shea Butter 
• Sniff this: Blushing Cherry Blossom

Quite possibly the newest winner in the "Longest Product Name Ever Contest", the True Blue® Spa Lay It On Thick™ Intense Moisture Body Cream with Shea Butter Fragrance Free also wins another contest: my new favorite slather-it-on-product. And so I present to you my first Beauty School love letter:

Dear LIOTIMBCw/SBFF,

Hello, love! You've come into my life at just the right time, and I intend not to be separated from you again. My skin is dry, and my heels are cracked (ew). This is not attractive, but there are no secrets between us now, are there my dear? I itch, as dry-skinned lassies are prone to do, especially those who are pregnant.

But you -- you've saved me! I received a tester of you and immediately fell head over heels in love with your lovely, non-scented creaminess. Your shea butter-packed goodness soothes my itchy skin and softens even the driest of spots (except my heels, which really need a pedicure - and then you'll be able to work your magic!).

I can almost feel your lovely Vitamin E taking care of my fragile epidermis! Although I've only had you in my life for a few days, I know I never want us to be apart. I will be yours, and you will be mine, and nothing will come between us.

Oh wait! I just realized you have cousins (Shower Cream, Bath Cream, and Hand Cream). I may not be able to make this exclusive, but please don't let that ruin our relationship!

Love and kisses, and hugs with my now oh-so-soft arms and hands,

(True Blue® Spa Lay It On Thick™ Intense Moisture Body Cream with Shea Butter Fragrance Free is available at Bath&Body Works. Don't you dare take mine!)

Bath & Body Works has had two cherry blossom scents already - so perfect for Spring! Have you seen the Spring  Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC yet? If not, make sure you plan a trip to DC to see them next year - you won't regret it. Anyway, the earlier two scents were Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cherry Blossom - both nice scents. In fact, I very much love Japanese Cherry Blossom (it launches with soft fruit scents, shifts to florals, and ends with delicious amber/musk/cinnamon/cedarwood/sandalwood/vanilla rice - my type of scent)! 

The newest member of the B&BW cherry blossom parade is Blushing Cherry Blossom. Here it is:

Pretty, huh?

Meant to represent the first scents of Spring, this was designed exclusively for B&BW by perfumer Jane Konnyou. "I chose to explore the pink, petally, textural floral nature of the flower in springtime, introducing other red and pink tonalities from peony, rosebuds, and fresh jasmine. The results is an extremely feminine expression of blushing pink petals as joyful and uplifting as a fresh spring morning," she said about the scent.

The breakdown:

Top Notes | mandarin, leafy green accord, sparkling quince, lush berries, and fresh melon.

Heart Notes | rose damascena, super hedoine, white jasmin, and rose juliette greco.

Bottom Notes | musk, violet, soft amber and creamy sandalwood.

The review:

I like this scent, though it's more floral than I usually am attracted to. I think because it's soft, it's  something I can handle.  The time of year may also be influencing me, since early Spring has me wanting a bit of a lighter, fresher mood - and perfume. If you like florals, you should definitely try this one!

Blushing Cherry Blossom is only available at Bath & Body Works stores and at Bath & Body Works online. It comes in the typical gazillion formulas, including eau de toilette, body lotion, shower gel, body splash, and body cream, plus a limited edition Satin Body Veil.

---

Cherry Blossom sign source - thanks!

Tried it. Love it. Need more. True Blue Spa - Lay It On Thick Intense Moisture Body Cream with Shea Butter

Quite possibly the newest winner in the "Longest Product Name Ever Contest", the True Blue® Spa Lay It On Thick™ Intense Moisture Body Cream with Shea Butter Fragrance Free also wins another contest: my new favorite slather-it-on-product. And so I present to you my first Beauty School love letter:

Dear LIOTIMBCw/SBFF,

Hello, love! You've come into my life at just the right time, and I intend not to be separated from you again. My skin is dry, and my heels are cracked (ew). This is not attractive, but there are no secrets between us now, are there my dear? I itch, as dry-skinned lassies are prone to do, especially those who are pregnant.

But you -- you've saved me! I received a tester of you and immediately fell head over heels in love with your lovely, non-scented creaminess. Your shea butter-packed goodness soothes my itchy skin and softens even the driest of spots (except my heels, which really need a pedicure - and then you'll be able to work your magic!).

I can almost feel your lovely Vitamin E taking care of my fragile epidermis! Although I've only had you in my life for a few days, I know I never want us to be apart. I will be yours, and you will be mine, and nothing will come between us.

Oh wait! I just realized you have cousins (Shower Cream, Bath Cream, and Hand Cream). I may not be able to make this exclusive, but please don't let that ruin our relationship!

Love and kisses, and hugs with my now oh-so-soft arms and hands,

(True Blue® Spa Lay It On Thick™ Intense Moisture Body Cream with Shea Butter Fragrance Free is available at Bath&Body Works. Don't you dare take mine!)

Sniff this: Blushing Cherry Blossom

Bath & Body Works has had two cherry blossom scents already - so perfect for Spring! Have you seen the Spring  Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC yet? If not, make sure you plan a trip to DC to see them next year - you won't regret it. Anyway, the earlier two scents were Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cherry Blossom - both nice scents. In fact, I very much love Japanese Cherry Blossom (it launches with soft fruit scents, shifts to florals, and ends with delicious amber/musk/cinnamon/cedarwood/sandalwood/vanilla rice - my type of scent)! 

The newest member of the B&BW cherry blossom parade is Blushing Cherry Blossom. Here it is:

Pretty, huh?

Meant to represent the first scents of Spring, this was designed exclusively for B&BW by perfumer Jane Konnyou. "I chose to explore the pink, petally, textural floral nature of the flower in springtime, introducing other red and pink tonalities from peony, rosebuds, and fresh jasmine. The results is an extremely feminine expression of blushing pink petals as joyful and uplifting as a fresh spring morning," she said about the scent.

The breakdown:

Top Notes | mandarin, leafy green accord, sparkling quince, lush berries, and fresh melon.

Heart Notes | rose damascena, super hedoine, white jasmin, and rose juliette greco.

Bottom Notes | musk, violet, soft amber and creamy sandalwood.

The review:

I like this scent, though it's more floral than I usually am attracted to. I think because it's soft, it's  something I can handle.  The time of year may also be influencing me, since early Spring has me wanting a bit of a lighter, fresher mood - and perfume. If you like florals, you should definitely try this one!

Blushing Cherry Blossom is only available at Bath & Body Works stores and at Bath & Body Works online. It comes in the typical gazillion formulas, including eau de toilette, body lotion, shower gel, body splash, and body cream, plus a limited edition Satin Body Veil.

---

Cherry Blossom sign source - thanks!