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Lara Eurdolian, Pretty Connected Beauty Blog

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Birthday Makeup by Paul Labrecque

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In anticipation of my birthday this week, it triggered the usual, ‘What do I wear? How should I wear my makeup?’ freak-out.  Fortunately, I received a complimentary makeup application at Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa in the gift bag from Nicole Williams‘, Girl on Top book launch.  No time like the present to use it!

Considering the reputation of the salon, and the many beauty awards they’ve received (everyone from Vogue, and InStyle, to Allure Magazine), I plopped myself down on the chair and placed my complete trust in them.  I gave no guidelines on the application or makeup look, just a description of my outfit to my big event so the stylist could make sure they matched.

Without any hesitation, my lovely stylist Salome, who has been with the company for over 8 years, gave me a gorgeous bronzed glow, using product by NARS Cosmetics and Cle de Peau.

But see for yourself:

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My birthday look:

EYES:

eye shut

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Pandora, Kilimanjaro, and Isolde

Cle de Peau Intensifying Cream Eyeliner in #101

Cle de Peau Mascara in Volume in Black #101

FACE:

NARS Liquid Foundation in Sedona

NARS Face Powder in Mountain

NARS Concealer in Toffee

NARS Multiple Stick in Palm Beach

CHEEKS:

NARS Blush in Exhibit A

LIPS:

NARS Lipliner in Papau

NARS Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight and Stolen Kisses (NARS)
The staff was so great and warm, I had such a lovely experience and my makeup lasted all night, without any touch ups.

Thank you Salome and Paul Labrecque for making my day so special!

For more information onn Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa click HERE

Philip B pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist

pH Toning Mist

Made with apple cider vinegar, Philip B pH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist is a marvelous addition to your hair routine. Suitable for all hair types, this paraben-free leave-in mist helps combat frizz and keeps your hair clean and healthy by adjusting the pH of tap water as well as toning hair from root to tip.  I highly recommend this product for those who notice a difference in the water after showering while traveling.  For instance, when I’m in Boston, my hair is greasier and the water is harsher in comparison to when I’m in NYC.  I realize that sounds strange, but this product really helps keep my hair balanced.

Best used out of the shower as a detangler (saturate hair and comb through-don’t worry, it’s light weight and non-greasy thanks to it’s plant-based conditioners Gardenia, Lavender and Sweet Almond Oil).  I’ve also benefited from spraying it in my hair prior to straightening. Not only does it provide a protective shield but also adds a nice shine (not to be confused with grease) to my locks and mixes well with my straightening balm.

So if you can get passed the idea of your hair smelling like salad dressing (literally, think spritzing apple cider vinegar in your hair), and embrace the amazing benefits of this natural astringent,

Reese Witherspoon to Launch In Bloom in Times Square Today!

Avon's In Bloom Fragrance By Reese Witherspoon
Avon's In Bloom Fragrance By Reese Witherspoon

Today, from 12:30-1:30pm Reese Witherspoon is launching her new fragrance for Avon, In Bloom in NYC’s Times Square.

For more details click HERE

L’Oreal Paris Becomes Star Worthy as They Celebrate their 100th Birthday

loreal walk of fameL’Oreal Paris received a very special birthday present this past week when the Hollywood Chambers of Commerce presented them with a Friend of the Hollywood Walk of Fame star.  Spokeswomen Eva Longoria Parker, Andie MacDowell, and Kate del Carsillo joined brand president Karen Fondu on Hollywood Boulevard to accept the award.

L’Oreal is giving the Walk of Fame a make over by helping to fund its restoration, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year.

“Many acclaimed actors have delivered L’Oreal Paris’ iconic phrase, ‘Because You’re Worth It’,” said Karen T. Fondu, president of the L’Oreal Paris division of L’Oreal USA, Inc. “As an aspirational brand, L’Oreal Paris appreciates its close association with the entertainment industry, from our long-standing partnerships with our spokespeople to our annual presence at award shows. We’re proud to show our continued support to the community by contributing

Carol’s Daughter Lemon Ginger Mint Manicure in a Jar

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2 oz. $11.50

Directions: Rub gently and let the salt exfoliate, while the shea butter moisturizes.  Rinse off the excess salt and dry your hands.  Your hands will feel silky smooth in just a few seconds.

Holy smokes Batman! This product is serious stuff.  I scooped some out from the jar and rubbed the concoction all over my hands.  At first I questioned the ‘silky smooth’ result, considering how hard the salt was exfoliating my skin.  Then after rinsing the shea butter absorbed into my skin and BAM! My hands were the softest they’ve ever been.  Finish with a hand cream or just call it a day.

Please note, while the packaging says ‘with fragrance of vanilla, musk, and lemon balm,’ all I smell is the shea butter.  Sure if you inhale hard enough, you will get hints of the other ingredients. While I’m a fan of the restorative properties of shea butter, I’m not crazy about the smell.  But this product is so impressive; I’m willing to overlook it.  Now if only a hand massage and manicure came along with the product, I’d never step foot in a parlor again.  Until then …

This product does not contain parabens, sulfates or synthetic fragrances and dyes.

For more information click here

Affiliation: This product was not sent to me by a representative.

Dell Computers + OPI Nail Lacquer = One HOT Laptop

Dell Mini in 'I'm Not Really a Waitress' by OPI
Dell Mini in 'I'm Not Really a Waitress' by OPI

Dell Computers is partnering with OPI nail lacquer to launch a collection of Dell Mini, Inspiron, and Studio laptops based on 20 classic OPI colors such as “Big Apple Red,” “Kyoto Pearl,” and “Rosy Future,” along with six holiday shades including “Merry Midnight” and “Smitten with Mittens”.

I’m loving this trend of technology meeting beauty/fashion; first the digital clutch from HP and designer, Vivienne Tam, and now, Dell collaborating with OPI.

Unlike the HP/Vivienne Tam laptop scheduled to launch Spring 2010, the Dell/OPI models will be available next month. Just in time for the holidays — it makes a perfect gift especially for a beauty blogger (ahem).

And considering I’m kicking around the idea of moving to Hawaii for a few months, I could definitely use the “I’m Not Really a Waitress” laptop!

Available: November 2009, US Only

For more information visit Dell

L’Oreal Hair Color Advice

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Learning how to apply hair color at L'Oreal's HQ

Last month, thanks to TotalBeauty.com, I had the pleasure of joining my fellow beauty bloggers to meet with Julia Youssef, VP Of L’Oreal USA Technical Center and her team for a demonstration and tutorial on their hair color line.

Here are some of my learning outcomes from the Q&A portion:

Q: What is the difference between coloring your hair at home and in a salon?

A: Both can give you a great experience; both can give you a terrible one.  It’s about the application and quality of the product, not the price or location.  But if you do it at home, it generally helps to have someone else apply it, especially in the hard to reach areas in the back.

Q: When do you set the timer for leaving it in?

A: Do not start your timer when you begin application; you should start the clock once you’ve finished.

Q: Any  advice for gray hair?

A: If you are partially gray, start by applying

J.Crew: I Do

J.Crew Oct Catalog Cover

Having a merchandising background, I can honestly say when I saw October’s edition of J. Crew’s catalog, I was blown away.  Aside from the gorgeous clothing assortment (which I want in my wardrobe), the layouts, colors and alliances in this book are done so superbly well.

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The opening spread which features J. Crew’s Creative Director, Jenna Lyons ‘picks’, displays 14 products, including Essie’s Nail Polish in Eternal Optimist!

Marge Simpson Playboy Cover Girl

marge playboyHave you ever stopped and wondered what is under the green dress? If so, you may just have the opportunity to find out on October 16th , when natural beauty, Marge Simpson, graces the cover in a 3 page pictorial of Playboy’s November 2009 issue.  With the average reader around 35, Playboy hopes that in bringing to bare this mother of three, they will attract a 20s crowd to the magazine, while also marking the 20th anniversary of the Simpsons. Well that certainly says a lot about my generation. Either that, or she’s just trying to get some attention from her Homie.

Sotherby’s Photograph Auction: Let the Games Begin!

Ready, set, go! Bidding starts today for the Sotherby’s photograph auction, which includes works by Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, Annie Leibovitz and many more.  This is your opportunity to start a museum worthy collection featuring images of beauty icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Cindy Crawford, and Nadja Auermann (to name a few).  And if you can’t afford the original, it’s still fun to browse.  Click here to view the auction.