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Avon Glazewear Lip Gloss: Steal Alert

When I first heard about Avon’s new Glazewear lip gloss with the headline ‘America’s #1 Lip Gloss’, the cynic in me somewhat rolled her eyes, thinking ‘aren’t they all?’  Regardless, I do love a good lip gloss and considering Avon sells 8 Glazewears every minute, I was curious to see what all the hype was about. Well go figure; they have a new life long customer since I have absolutely no intention of ever running out of Intense Plum, which now has a permanent home in my makeup case.

Glazewear comes in three forms, Intense (strong color impact with light sheen with medium to full coverage), Sparkle (shimmer and sparkle with sheer to medium coverage), and Shine (high luster with sheer to medium coverage), all in a variety of colors.  As I mentioned before my preference is the Intense line, however the formulas all feel the same when applied, it just comes down to your level of shine/coverage when choosing the right one for you.

What I like about Glazwear lip gloss is they are not sticky or tacky, and I’ve been wearing it all week and not once has it made it in my hair or teeth.  And yes, when I wear

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MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream

Danny Sanz, Creator of MAKE UP FOR EVER  has done it again!  When it comes to high pigment, HD (high-definition) color the woman is a goddess in my book.  The latest addition to the MUFE collection is Aqua Cream.

Sanz created the line out of deep need by makeup artists for products that can stand extreme conditions from television studios to fashion shows, that could combat high heat from spotlights and would also be resistant to water.  22 shades of pure smudge-proof, tear-proof, waterproof color, which can be worn on eyes, lips and cheeks.  The amazing burst of intense color glides effortless on all areas of the face, and a little goes a long way.  Once applied, you have about a 10 second window to

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Women’s Health Magazine Beauty Awards

Just in time for spring, the June 2010 issue of Women’s Health Magazine will report the winners of their 4th annual Beauty Awards. Featuring both reader’s and editor’s picks by category (hair, face, body, and makeup), I had the privilege of joining the publication for the announcement of their winners and received an advanced copy of the magazine.

So who won? Here’s a sneak peek at some

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Sue Devitt Hydrating Marine Minerals Destination Eye & Cheek Palette

Be-cheek my heart! Given my addiction to pink blushes and bronzers, when I came across Sue Devitt’s new Hydrating Marine Minerals Destination Eye & Cheek Palette in Solomon Islands, it was love at first site.  A perfect gradation of pink to gold, the hues can be blended together for a variety of looks which you can customize to create your perfect shade.  I greatly appreciate that since I love to mix and match or for back of a better term – play.

My personal preference is to use the light pink as a highlighter under my eyebrow while applying the more bronze shade across my face and the sheerer pink on my cheekbone for a perfect sun kissed look.  Apply with a brush and the colors blend very naturally and evenly onto skin.  The colors are sheerer then they appear in the picture, which really allows you

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The Talika Challenge: 28 Days to Longer Lashes

Recently, I attended an event at the Hudson Hotel, to hear Alexis de Brosses, President of Talika discuss their latest eyelash treatment, Lipocils Expert.  I wasn’t too familiar with Talika prior to the event, however anything designed to extend, curl and restore color to lashes naturally, I’m interested in learning more about.

As Alexis de Brosses presented the product, I was immediately intrigued by the brands history. Their story began in 1948 at the Paris Hospitals when doctor Danielle Roches developed the first plant-based healing substance to help treat war victims with third-degree burns. In doing so she had an unexpected discovery — the miraculous growth of patients eyelashes.  This uncovering led to the development of the original cult classic Lipocil ($40), which Talika has now reformulated into an even more potent mixture to create Lipocils Expert ($55).

Talika claims that participants using this product on eyelashes as instructed for 28 days garnered 50% more curl, an increase of 50% in color (for lighter lashes), and a 36% growth in length.

So here it is, while I have decent length eyelashes, there’s definitely room for growth (pun intended).  Especially after spending the weekend in DC with my sister who naturally has exceptionally long, glamorous lashes (I’m very envious). So it’s on, I’m taking the challenge and using her lashes as a benchmark. With over 50 years of research, I have high hopes for this product; so bring on strong results! I’ll report back in 28 days.

Price: $55/10 ml bottle. Sold exclusively at Sephora, visit talika.com for more information.

Affiliation: This product was given to Pretty Connected by a company representative.  Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

Ralph Lauren Summer Romance

After a long winter, spring is finally here and I’m ready for a change.  I think most people feel that way around this time of year.  A great way to start is with a new fragrance, and Ralph Lauren’s new Limited Edition Summer Romance Eau de Parfum is really doing it for me.

With notes of mandarin, passion fruit, hibiscus, exotic woods, and apricot musk, Summer Romance is really an exquisite fruity/floral combination that makes for a lovely day fragrance. Ironically, I’m not generally drawn to fruity or floral scents (let alone mixed), mainly because

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Tarte’s Natural Lip Stain with LipSurgence Technology

I was flipping through last months Sephora catalog when I came across Tarte’s new Natural Lip Stain with LipSurgence Technology pencil, and immediately went out and bought it.  If it was anything like their award winning, iconic cheek stains I needed this in my collection.  Apparently I wasn’t the only one since half the colors were sold out at my favorite Sephora located on 5th Avenue.  No matter, the nice thing about Sephora in New York, you can trip and stumble across another. I ventured to an alternate location only to find my first choices (Charmed, Lust and Moody) we’re yet again sold out.  To their defense, I recognize that most of us die-hard Tarte fans have been waiting for this product for a long time so it was somewhat to be expected.

I gave up (I’ll be back for those colors), and took what I could get. I’m a firm believer in trying new things and with spring here I was willing to experiment with a bright pink; I purchased Amused.  I went home to try my latest discovery and all I can say is WOW! Being used to ‘conventional’ lip stains, this was not what I was expecting.

I have a confession; while I do appreciate lipsticks and lipgloss my real passion is for lip liners and stains.  My only issue with both is generally they dry out my lips.  However, if you handed me a lip product, had me close my eyes and asked

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Maria Bonita Salon & Spa ‘Luck of the Irish’ Treatment

On St. Patrick’s Day, I had the pleasure of joining the Maria Bonita Salon & Spa for the launch of their ‘Luck of the Irish’ package which consists of a deep conditioning hair treatment using the spa’s new premium line, Envix Super Premium 20-in1 Multip-Action Deep Conditioning Hair Masque, a blow-out and manicure.

Considering my hair has not been cooperating lately, having a stylist handle it and help get me ready for the big evening ahead was just what I needed. Located in the heart of Nolita, this charming spa has resided at 12 Prince Street for the past 7 years.  From the moment I walked into the Maria Bonita Salon & Spa, I instantly felt relaxed and part of the family.

Rogerio, my hair dresser was fantastic, he washed my hair and applied the Envix Hair Treatment Masque; I then sat under the hair dryer for fifteen minutes before having it rinsed it out.  He then proceeded to give me one of the best blow-outs I have ever received.  The point of difference being

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Poor Little Bitch Girl by Jackie Collins

The wildly entertaining and ever so charming Jackie Collins is at it again with her latest novel, ‘Poor Little Bitch Girl’.  No one does scandal like Jackie Collins.  Having a front row seat to the Hollywood scene, she knows how to write a page-turner, which is evident if you’ve ever read any of her 26 other books.  And while Jackie is privy to all the gossip, she can keep a secret; these stories make for great characters and scenarios in her books.

In ‘Poor Little Bitch Girl’, take for instance Annabelle Maestro, the daughter of two movie stars, who later grows up and takes on the alias Belle Svetlana, Madam to the most exclusive call girl business in NYC.  Annabelle changed professions once she was too old to become an accessory to her celebrity parents, and could no longer afford supporting her boyfriend’s coke habit based on her parent’s allowance. Then there is Denver Jones, the hotshot attorney and Annabelle’s close friend in high school until Denver couldn’t keep up with Annabelle’s popularity and began hanging out Carolyn Henderson, the ‘brainy kid’.   Carolyn grows up to become the personal assistant and mistress to a very powerful (and married) Senator in Washington.  Well these ladies are no longer in high school, and mix in a murder to the already

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Making Scents for Valentine’s Day . . .

Roses are red, violets are blue, and with Valentine’s Day around the corner, ladies I have the perfect fragrances for you!  Oh and for him too.

Carbon Aimez-Moi EDT


As a child I loved violet candies.  Among my favorites were Choward’s Violet and Les Anis de Flavigny Violette. When I opened the package, an amazing scent of violets was unleashed like perfume; and I love the memory of how they made me feel every time I took them out.

You can imagine my joy when I got my hands on a bottle of the very sophisticated scent, Caron Paris Aimez-Moi (“love me”) fragrance.  Voila, the fragrance I’ve been looking for (and I didn’t even know it)!  A flawless blend of floral and woody notes –violet, bergamot, and anise, with hints of amber and wood, combine a perfect balance and synergy to create this very seductive fragrance without being too sweet.  Light and airy, this fragrance can easily be worn from day to night. J’taime!

Price: $85/50ml. For more information visit www.beauty360.com

L’Occitaine Rose de Mai


Rose Nuit de Mai (“Night Roses of May”) Roll-on Eau de Toilette by L’Occitane is a lovely fragrance for those of you who swoon over the scent of rose.  This one is like putting your nose in a bed of fresh roses.  There’s even a slight hint of a woody essence, thanks to notes of sandalwood and cedar that compliments the rose fabulously.

This scent creates a very sensual, natural fragrance that I could sniff all day.  And the packaging is tres chic!  The roll on makes for easy application on pulse points (chest, neck, and wrists), and it’s also very portable, fitting perfectly in most purses and makeup bags.  Looks like everything’s coming up roses!

Price: $16/0.33 fl. oz.  For more information visit www.loccitane.com

Sephora Deluxe Fragrance Sampler for Him


Choosing the perfect scent for your mate can be very difficult (not to mention a lot of pressure).  Fragrance can be a very personal choice for many and more times then not, it can be easier to get sucked into buying a brand name or an attractive bottle.

Sephora did a great thing when they created the Deluxe Fragrance Sampler for Him set taking the guesswork out of figuring out which fragrance would make the perfect gift for the men in your life.  Each set contains 12 samples from their top-selling fragrances along with a gift voucher that can be redeemed at any Sephora location for a full-size product. This is more thoughtful than picking a bottle at random, with less of a risk factor. Plus it’s so much more fun to play with a variety of fragrances together, and help them pick their favorite new

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