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Lisa Hoffman Launches Fragrance Jewelry Collection

Today, Lisa Hoffman is launching her new line of fragrances including a jewelery collection! Branching off of her ‘wear fragrance your way‘ motto, Lisa Hoffman created 5 base fragrances, Madagascar Orchid, French Clary Sage, Tunisian Neroli, Tuscan Fig and Japanese Agarwood and from there created 4 fragrances under each collection base for morning, daytime, evening and bedtime (and are sold as a set). Additionally, she’s created a body care line, candles and what I’m most excited for… fragrance jewelry based off these fragrances.

Unlike other brands in this category we’re not talking solid perfume rings and necklaces, but charms filled with fragrance beads. Launching with the fragrance bead bracelet (today!), in the coming months we have the earrings and pendant to look forward to (and I can’t wait, I need that necklace!).

The benefit of the fragrance beads (made of wood) is you can mix and match based on your scent preference, and they are refillable. Plus their safe for individuals with sensitive skin or allergic to perfume.

The Fragrance Jewelry collection features a proprietary delivery system that slowly releases perfume as they are exposed to air and offers a stylish, whimsical new way to personalize your scent, and look. And they are beautiful! Modeled after a pair of Victorian-era earrings Lisa was given by her husband (ahem, actor Dustin Hoffman), the story goes that during that time it was considered gauche to wear diamonds during the day; so jewelers made pieces with snap-off “fronts” on them, that could cover the jewels until the evening when when they could be removed. This concept inspired both the silhouette and the functionality of the filigreed charm. Plated with antiqued sterling silver and bronze, 14-karat gold and rose gold (depending on the scent held within), they each come with a pack of fragrance beads to be refilled every 1-2 weeks (depending on how much exposure to air).

Filled, mixed, or otherwise empty, it’s an extraordinary design and an amazing accessory. Not sure your scent preferences? Visit their website and take their diagnostic test, known as the iSecntify fragrance finder to help you find your scent.

For more information on the collection visit LisaHoffmanBeauty.com

Disclaimer: Pretty Connected was given a sample of the bead bracelet for post consideration. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

ghd and Katy Perry Partner for the New Scarlet Collection Campaign

Katy Perry for ghd campaign, photographed by David La Chapelle

Hair Straightener, extraordinaire brand, ghd is partnering with Kate Perry again this season for their new Scarlet Collection Limited Edition. The Art-Deco inspired collection was photographed by the infamous, David La Chapelle (he also shot the previous Perry/ghd campaign), in a twisted, vampy fairytale scene, of which Perry portrays

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Glow with MAKE UP FOR EVER Fluo Night

MAKE UP FOR EVER Fluo Night

I have a rather humorous story to tell that sums up to MAKE UP FOR EVER new Fluo Night is a must-have for Halloween or in your makeup collection for any occasion that deems you in Ultraviolet light.

My story begins at 10am in the bathroom of my office smothering this translucent loose powder all over my lips and eyes, turning off the lights and waiting to glow in the dark. I didn’t. I put more on, turned the lights off…nothing. I missed the part about only glowing in the dark under black-lights. Naturally, I put makeup on over the light-weight powder and chalked it up to a failed product. A whole day of work, and several events later; 12 hours to be exact, I stopped by SPiN New York to finalize my birthday reservations only to get a lot of stares. NO ONE SAID ANYTHING! Finally some overly drunk table-tennis player nearly screamed while almost tripping over me to pick up a ping-pong ball asking, “what’s the matter with your face?”

What you'll look like if you use Fluo Night

Confused for a moment, I realized it was black-light ping-pong night at the club (what are the odds?), and my MAKE UP FOR EVER product doesn’t glow in darkness, it glows under UV lights! I ran back to my date and asked what was the matter with my face? He replied, ‘nothing, why?’, I grabbed his arm and moved us under the black-light lantern –‘What about now?’. When he was finally able to compose himself from the horrific laughter we snapped a few shots, and I left mortified. Really, what got me is the amount of staff and friends I ran into there and none of them told me. Although in all fairness, knowing that I’m an beauty blogger, they probably all assumed it was

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OCC Opens Flagship Boutique in NYC

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) recently opened their first store in NYC’s Lower East Side. The Pretty Connected team hit up the 100% vegan, makeup lines grand opening for an inside peak into the world of OCC with renowned makeup artist and founder David Klasfeld.

I’ve met David on a few occasions at makeup shows, expos and industry events, but otherwise finding his products

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Dermalogica Launches Overnight Repair Serum

In the latest addition to their ever-so-popular, award-winning, Age Smart skincare collection, Dermalogica introduces their new Overnight Repair Serum. Similar in both packaging and texture as an essential oil, their new serum was created to hydrate, firm, and protect skin as you sleep.

As instructed I pressed 4-6 drops directly to skin (it can also be added to a moisturizer and then pressed in), and not only did it absorb quickly, it created this amazing barrier of hydration around my skin and the next morning my skin was noticeably smoother, softer and more plump.

Formulated with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 and Alaria Extract to help increase collagen renewal, hydrating, firmness and dermal strength; Argan Oil, Vitamin E and essential fatty acids to help restore a weakened barrier layer, lock in moisture and increase elasticity and Rose Hip Seed Oil to help minimize discoloration while helping to boost cell renewal. So while some may by hesitant to apply an oil directly to their skin (no it will not cause you to break out),

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Jackie Collins Launches Goddess of Vengeance

Earlier this month, Jackie Collins debut her 28th novel, Goddess of Vengeance ($26.99), bringing back our favorite leading lady, Lucky Santangelo. Which for any Collins fan is the ultimate. Lucky is the girl we all want to be –and ones who don’t are likely pretending. We’ve watched her character grow from young bride, rouge adolescent to powerhouse jet-set mother of three; with a movie star husband and thriving career with the popularity of her casino and hotel business. While fans may have thought her wild days we’re over, with a title like Goddess of Vengeance, I look forward to seeing her unleash her wrath; after all, you know that families famous motto — Never fuck with a Santangelo.

And if you follow me on twitter (@prettyconnected) you’re well aware that Jackie Collins novels are my not-so-secret guilty pleasure. In fact after a particularly exhausting fashion week, amidst starting my own company and keeping up with my blog; I decided my reward for getting through the 4-hour sleepless nights and never ending to-do list would be to curl up in bed, shut out the world and read her latest book.

Lara Eurdolian, Jackie Collins

I’m not entirely sure what I was thinking having a Jackie Collins book in my possession for almost 2-weeks and resisting dropping everything to read it. I just knew that once I opened it, I would not be able to stop until it was finished. And last night, with the unappealing weather and gray NYC skies it was the perfect excuse to pour a glass of wine and enter the world of Lucky and her famous family and friends, while Armoand, a misogynist prince (who I’m hoping is the subject of Lucky’s vengeance and takes down) tries to take over her hotel. Although the character I’m most excited about watching

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Patrick Melville for AVEENO: Win Nourish+ Shampoo & Conditioner

Quality hair time with Patrick Melville!

I’ve been a huge fan of the Patrick Melville Salon for some time now. I used to frequent the salon when I worked in Rockefeller Center and exercised at The Sports Club LA (where the salon is located in NYC).  Although in all my visits (and they are literally responsible for some of my best blow-outs and manicures), I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Patrick himself until Fashion Week.

Aside from running his successful salon and being one of the most sought after celebrity hair stylists, Patrick is also a consultant for AVEENO’s hair care lines. And as a major perk of being an AVEENO Ambassador (yay for me!), I was offered some one on one time with the hair guru and a blow-out. We talked about AVEENO and his role with the new NOURISH+ collection which has been receiving so much praise in what feels like a never expanding line of shampoos and conditioners with the recent addition of NOURISH+ Volumize and NOURISH+ Revitalize.  Patrick consults on everything from the formulation to the smell and considering they are all clinically proven help repair damaged hair within 3 washes (and add strength, softness and shine!) and carry a price tag of $6.99, I’d say that’s pretty incredible.

Win it! Leave a comment...

And I can vouch for it! After one use and Patrick’s generous offer of cleaning up my ends, my hair looked amazing! I walked in with a frizzy, unkempt disaster and walked out with beautiful, shiny and healthy hair. If I could bottle Patrick I would, until then I’m content with the Aveeno Nourish+ collection. Patrick is so lovely, talented and incredibly knowledgeable and approachable, it was truly an honor.

WIN IT! I’m giving away NOURISH+ Revitalize or NOURISH+ Volumize Shampoo and Conditioner (winners choice) to TWO lucky winners on my blog.

To enter leave a comment! Tell me anything about your hair to enter… like why you’d like to win, or your favorite hair trick is. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.

An extra entry will be given if you are a fan of Pretty Connected on Facebook as well as if you follow me on twitter and tweet the giveaway using @PrettyConnected. For instance tweeting: “RT & Follow @prettyconnected to win AVEENO Nourish Shampoo & Conditioner. Additional chances to win & details @ http://bit.ly/oDWeZo #win”

Official Rules:

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Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup SPF 15

This month, Clinique introduced their new foundation, Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup SPF 15. Coupling their latest foundation formula with the technology of their existing anti-aging serum, Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector to create the ultimate de-aging foundation.

As the #1 prestige foundation brand in the world and innovator of integrating technology into their foundations to address skincare concerns, it’s no wonder Clinique has taken this 360 approach to anti-aging.  Especially since anti-aging is currently the leading growth category in skincare. Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup SPF 15 helps improve skin’s texture both immediately and over time, and works to prevent future damage. The long-lasting, lightweight, moisturizing formula, which is oil-free and non-acnegenic, offers medium coverage with a smooth application yielding a picture perfect, flawless finish, which we put to the test!

I joined Clinique’s newly appointed Global Colour Artist, Jenna Menard for a makeover. It’s obvious from her book of endless editorial covers and celebrity features, Menard has a divine talent and ability to create incredibly stunning

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The NEW Bliss Fabulips DIY Treatment

For all of you obsessive lip balm appliers, lip plumper connoisseurs, compulsive scrubbers or general lip enthusiasts, I have some exciting new for you! Bliss’s NEW Fabulips in-spa treatment and at-home kit ($45). Designed to recreate the professional in-spa experience, this kit perfects your pout in just four easy steps:

1.     Refresh: Lift impurities with our one-of-a-kind foaming lip cleanser

2.     Retexturize: Exfoliate with our deliciously sweet and gentle sugar lip scrub to remove dead skin

3.     Rejuvinate: Follow up with our visibly volumizing instant lip plumper

4.     Replenish: Seal the deal with our luscious moisturizing softening lip balm

So whether you’re trying to wash away the kisses of a fizzled summer romance and refresh your pout for fall or give your lips some well deserved TLC, Fabulips

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Dr. Martens Wants to Hear About YOUR First Time

Do you remember Dr. Martens? Of course you do. You rocked a pair in High School or maybe your favorite history teacher did and you thought they we’re super cool. Few brands have that “I remember my first [pair of Dr. Martens]…” appeal and in recognition of this unique positioning, Dr. Martens has launched their #FIRSTANDFORVER Campaign. Running from their fall 2011 campaign through fall 2012, the campaign broadens it’s scope to not just your first pair of Dr. Martens (although they’d love to hear that story) but rather your first _____. That’s right, you fill in the blank. Whether it’s your first love or heartbreak, job or otherwise the brand is turning to social media to connect with their consumers to learn more about their ‘first’s’ and offer an outlet to share an opening statement of self-expression and creativity.

As I sat in a room with my fellow bloggers –lead by renouned bloggers/photographer Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) and Garance Dore we shared our first. It was something out of a fictional kids slumber party –all that was missing was us stripping down to our underwear and having a pillow fight. We heard about one girls first (and last) beauty pageant – which after the

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