Noah's Naturals

I was just thinking that I needed to exfoliate my hands when a body scrub arrived via messenger (yes -- you can use body scrubs on your hands.)
It's from a company called Noah's Naturals.
I tried out their Brazilian Body Polish. I'm not any closer to looking like Gisele Bundchen, but my skin does feel smoother. I still need to moisturize though. I'm so dry.

I'm also trying out the company's grapefruit cleansing gel. This is a great product. Light, refreshing, with a minimal scent.

Pucker Up. Again.

I tried a new Bobbi Brown lip gloss today at bluemercury. Trouble is, I didn't know it was new (the salesgirl didn't mention it was new).  It felt creamier than I remembered. Not as sticky. It felt nice on the lips. I wanted to buy the lip gloss, but I didn't because I didn't want to get stuck with a yucky Bobbi gloss. I'm a big Bobbi fan, but her glosses are tacky. Or, at least they were tacky. I took a look at the company's website. Looks like the company is still making the old glosses. But the new ones are so much better. Look for the Rich Color Gloss; $20.

unscented

This blogger's momma is kind of bummed out. Kiehl's has discontinued one of her favorite products -- an unscented body lotion. My whole family loves Kiehl's. But we tend to gravitate toward the unscented stuff. Oh well.

Alison Raffaele Cosmetics

Keeping Hands Healthy & Moisturized This Winter

If you're like me and you're addicted to Purell, your hands are likely very dry. The alcohol just strips your hands of moisture. Here's a holiday kit sure to keep your hands soft and smelling like a kitchen at Christmastime.

• JASON Holiday Gift Sets
  Available in Candy Cane Lane and Gingerbread Spice
  
• Hand & Body Lotions: $9.95

Daily Deals Continue

$$$ More Great Deals!

*If you've always wanted to try out Kinerase, now is the time.

The cult skincare line is offering 20% off products online Dec. 21st - Dec. 25th.
(A little late for holiday gifts but good for you)
Kinerase is also offering free shipping when you spend $50.

* At Ulta, Mix and match 6 Redken and Matrix Trial Size products for $11.
For the next 12 days, the company will unveil a new daily holiday special. 
Sign up here.


*Bobbi Brown is offering FREE SHIPPING on any order.
Plus, get 2 free trial-sized bestsellers with any purchase (expires 12/16) 
BB is also offering free gift wrap, a bonus for folks like me who suck at wrapping.

Code: Lux5

* L'Oreal holds its select brand sale Dec. 16th - 20th; Metropolitan Pavilion (18th between 6th and 7th Ave.)

Brands include Kiehl's, Vichy, Yves St. Laurent, and more!

*Don't forget SpaceNK is offering $10 off purchases of $50. Now is a good time to stock up on Kate Somerville's Daily Detox Cleanser and Nars. I love Nars' new mascaras. 


*Origins is offering 20% purchases through tomorrow.

DOES NOT APPLY TO GIFT SETS

Code: DecFF
Plus free shipping!

Le Sportsac fights germs/ Free Shipping/Gifts!Gifts!

*Quick update for this cold Friday morning. If you buy any Le Sportsac bag online, you will receive a free Bath & Body Works anti-bac gel

* Free shipping at Three Custom Color

*Free shipping at Fragrancenet code: FSDC9

*$20 off Ugg Classic boots at Pegasusshoes code: twentymore

Like No Other Store in the World

I opened up the mailbox tonight and what did I find? Another Bloomingdale's circular. How much does this company spend on these mailings?
This one featured fragrances like Michael Kors' Very Hollywood and Marc Jacobs' Lola. As much as I love reading about beauty products, I do wish Bloomingdale's would cut back on their circulars. Too much waste! I'm constantly running to the recycle bin to dump 'em.

Running for Rodial Skincare

I am a big fan of Rodial's skincare line. But it's very pricey.

Luckily though, there's a way to sample some of their top products without breaking the bank. 

INTRODUCING the new RODIAL LA FACE LIFT KIT

The starter set includes five travel sized products developed to rid you of wrinkles and eradicate age spots.

It includes: a-list cleanser, glamtox peel, SPF 15 glamtox eye light, SPF 18 glamtox and glam balm ; $99; Rodialskincare

Go Blue!

Today is a good day to shop at Bluemercury on the Upper West Side.

NEW YORK CITY
2305 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
(212) 799-0500

Wednesday December 2
4 P.M. - 10 P.M.

Spend $100 and save 10%
Spend $175 and save 15%
Spend $250 and save $20

Kiehl's F&F

The discounts are rolling in.
Ok, they're not rolling in, but they are trickling in.
Just got the word that Kiehl's Friends & Family kicks off Friday.
Time to stock up on some of their best basics and new favorites.
At our house we love to bathe Henry with their foaming wash for hair and body.
It's a super gentle cleanser that leaves him smelling like a baby.
My parents love Kiehl's too. My mom uses their moisturizer and body creams. My dad loves their hand creams. And my brother -- he likes the shaving stuff. 




Code: Family
Also, spend $30 and get FREE shipping!

Discounts!

An update now...I did not make it to Bloomingdale's or Sephora to buy and/or try Philosophy's kiss me lip treatment.
Instead I went to Toys R Us to buy Henry a few things.
I bought him a musical gloworm like the one he has at my mom's house.
We've nicknamed it glObama.
I will try and pick up the gloss tomorrow and report back to you ASAP.

Here's a question for you:
How much is too much for a lip balm?

Wanting Kiss Me

In classic beauty junkie style I am thinking about Philosophy's kiss me tonight intensive lip treatment. Here's how my mind works. I read about a product. I want the product. Where can I get the product?
I don't feel too bad obsessing about makeup tonight. I spent 2 1/2 hours at a health clinic waiting for the H1N1 vaccine. A little retail therapy never hurt anyone, right?

Do I need it? No. Want it? Yes.

Kiss Me Tonight!

Dear readers,
I must apologize. I missed Sephora's Friends & Family event. What kind of beauty babe/blogger/junkie and I if I can't alert my readers about F&F?

That's what mommy-hood does to the brain. As I write this post, I'm sitting on my couch next to my breast pump. The baby is sleeping and I'm multitasking. I just shaved my legs (I used a burp cloth to wipe off the shave cream) and I'm about to wipe off a Mario Badescu face mask.

I was just checking out some other beauty blogs, including one of my favorites Beauty Addict. Kristen talks a lot about Philosophy's Kiss Me Tonight intensive lip therapy.  I tried a similar product from Philosophy before and didn't like it. That was the company's Kiss Me Lip Balm. It was greasy -- oily. You know when the product separates from the oil? That's what happened? It was unappealing. Anyway, she raves about the balm. Let me know if you have tried it. I'm curious if it's worth the $20 price tag.

Go Blue!

The holidays are nearing, which means great buys for beauty junkies. I love this time of year. Lots of beauty kits and gift sets. And pfferneuse cookies.
BlueMercury is holding their annual makeup madness party.

NEW YORK CITY
2305 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
(212) 799-0500
Presale Parties Sun November 22 & Sat November 28
HOLIDAY PARTY
Wednesday December 2
4 P.M. - 10 P.M.

The Brows Have It!

Ulta Savings.

Just a reminder that college students can save money on makeup and other products at Ulta ... the 1st Tuesday of the month.

Students will save $5 off a $15 purchase.

FYI: A new Ulta just opened near the Bergen Mall in Paramus, NJ.

Denim Crisis

Folks, it was a beauty-filled weekend.
Don't ask me to explain what happened.
I got sucked in at Space NK.
Got my Poppy King Lipstick Queen lip crayon in Mystery and a new cleanser by Kate Somerville.
Will report on these purchases later.

In the meantime, if you have a minute or too, check out my friend's blog.

It's fabulous.

Beauty Contest

Mariobadescu is having a contest for acne suffers. Five winners will receive a consultation with one of the company's skin specialists and a customized regimen of Mario Badescu Skin Care products.

I've been using MB's acne line. I like the company's acne facial cleanser and glycolic cleanser. Good stuff. I also recommend their masks. Great products, reasonable prices.

For details go to http://www.mariobadescu.com/acne#contest .

A visit to Space NK

Tried a fun lip crayon today from Poppy King, Lipstick Queen.
Sadly I am not the lipstick queen.
Had lunch with a friend near 72nd street so I decided to pop into Space NK on Columbus Avenue. I really liked the crayon called mystery. It looks like a deep plum. But it is sheer and rich at the same time. A very pretty purple.
But, it was sold out.
Next time.

I also tried this Rachel Zoe-endorsed product called Glam Balm (Rodial). Very interesting product. It's supposed to give an instant lift to face and lips. But it also helps heal cracked feet -- so says the salesgirl. It felt wonderful on the lips. Very moisturizing. My lips felt well-protected. But I could not bring myself to purchase it because it was so expensive!

Later this week look for a post about Mario Badescu products. I'm using their Acne cleanser religiously -- well, sort of.

She's Here!

My own bottle of Chloe arrived via the USPS yesterday. I can't wait to sneak a spritz. So excited.

Chloe, I can't quit you.

An update on my recent post about Chloe. I have been emailing with my friend Amy about the perfume. As I mentioned, she's the one who first introduced me to the fragrance. She told me she also loves the Estee Lauder perfume Beautiful, but that she "can't stop wearing Chloe ... You find something at 16 that works for you -- you keep it, right. How rare."
Amy has two adorable little girls, Lucy and Penny. She sent me this note recently:

"I also associate Chloe with all the wonderful things that have happened to me -- living and working in Paris, meeting Jeff and now having Lucy. Lucy and I have a perfume ritual in the morning. I spray some on my arms and then rub on hers. She loves it too!
Chloe, I can't quit you!"


(What a wonderful way to start the day with your daughter. Thanks Amy for sharing.)

You, Me and Chloe.

To quote my dear friend Joanna, "I'm sweating Chloe," as in the perfume.

I first learned about this perfume from my friend Amy in Charlotte.
Poor Amy; whenever I would see her, I'd say, "you smell so nice."
Last time I saw her she said she had spritzed up just for me. What a nice gal.
I tried to buy it once, but didn't like it on me. But as of today, that is all in the past. A recent Bloomingdale's spray and sniff experience has made me realize that I can too can wear this lovely, floral fragrance.

I'd also like to give a shout out to one of my students who wears it too. Go Saskya.

40% EVERYTHING ONLINE

My friends at Three Custom Color are giving away their amazing products with a fire sale!

40% everything online!

CHECKOUT CODE: LOVE
Now through October 1st.

Now is a great time to stock up on your old favorites or try on something new for size.
One of the things I love most about makeup is that it doesn't come in sizes!

I love Three Custom's concealer trio. I use it at concealer and foundation! I also love the company's lip glosses; excellent color and never tacky! Same goes for their lipsticks. They are fragrance-free and very moisturizing.

Congrats to Three Custom for their recent appearance on QVC.

Nars Attraction

I am on a Nars kick. Just picked up a few more products including Morocco lip liner, $20 and a creamy taupe eye shadow called Corfu, $21.

Unfortunately, when I opened the box to my new bronzing powder Laguna, it looked like someone had stuck their finger in it. I'll be taking this back to Blue Mercury for an exchange. --JB

Blush & Mush

Dear readers ... a confession.

I bought the Nars Montenegro cream blush.

Love it!

I'm also enjoying Aveeno's leave-in treatment. It helps keep my hair manageable and soft. Also, I'm looking forward to trying Aveeno's Positively Ageless skin care line. The products arrived in the mail today!

I also received a sample of Banana Republic's new fragrance for women. I'll let you know what I think about the perfume in a week or so.

...A shout out to my students Diana and Angelica who tell me they like my hair curly. Thanks girls. Now get an edit!

Darling Michelle O.

Somebody tell me what lipgloss Michelle Obama is wearing tonight. She looks amazing.

Angelika!

I've never been a big blush fan. I mean, I like it on other people. But not on me. Thar's mostly because I have so-called rosy cheeks and don't need a lot of extra color. But every now and then a blush calls out to me. That's what happened with Nars' Angelika. In the container the blush appears very pink. But it's actually very flattering and not as bright as it appeared in the container. It's also nice when worn with Nars' cream blush Montenegro. (see below)


But I'd save Montenegro for fall. It's very rich and does a nice job of warming the face.

I have to say, the more Nars products I try, the more I like them.

I heart YSL.

I heart Yves St. Laurent.
One of the hottest beauty products right now is YSL's gloss stick.
Trouble is the coveted shade frozen plum is out-of-stock everywhere!
(The gloss pictured is NOT frozen plum)
I hate when this happens. You read about a cool product, you decide you want it and it's sold out.

I guess that's the real meaning behind supply & demand.

The gloss stick, by the way, reminds me of Bobbi Brown's shine sticks. But this is so very French.

Three Custom Color on QVC

Three Custom Color Specialists’ Debut on QVC! Tune in as Trae Bodge, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Three Custom Color Specialists, debuts the brand’s signature CRÈME CONCEALER/FOUNDATION formula on “Beauty Newsmakers Face-to-Face” on QVC, Tuesday, August 18th from 10-11PM
To use as foundation: Full coverage - apply with a dry sponge, foundation brush or fingers, pushing into the skin. Moisten sponge or brush for medium coverage. For sheer coverage, mix with your face cream to create a tinted moisturizer. To use as a concealer: after applying foundation layer, revisit areas that require more coverage with brush or fingers. Check out Trae in action, demonstrating more CRÈME CONCEALER/FOUNDATION application tips and tricks on “Beauty Newsmakers Face-to-Face” August 18th on QVC!

Boudreaux Baby Kisses & CVS

I've been waiting for the new CVS at 93rd & b'WAY. It opened while we were away. So far I'm a bit underwhelmed. Problem is I'm comparing it to the mega-CVS on West End Ave. Oh well. It's still convenient and the store did have a nice selection of haircare products.

And speaking of product, from the makers of Boudreaux's Butt Paste, a lip balm for babies. I've decided to test this out on my lips first. Translation: I bought this lip balm for myself under the guise of my son. It's great. Very soothing. No scent. Apparently it's made with peruvian balsam.

I'm also kind of excited about this new lip balm from EOS.

The actual product comes encased in a sphere (think melon balls). The idea is to eliminate the whole dipping finger in lip balm experience and go germ free. Nice idea.
Ingredients include vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil.
I feel like you can't manufacture a product these days if it doesn't have shea butter. But in this case, the balm is very smooth, soothing.

Fresh! New! Rose!

I can't wait to try out my new Fresh Sugar Rose lip balm/gloss.
It's in the diaper bag (so are my wipes).
Will report back.
I love sheer lip products.
So excited.

Henry Teethes

Last night was a rough one. Our 5-month old son Henry got up a lot in the middle of the night.



We suspect he's teething. Anyway, in order to lull myself back to sleep I started thinking about makeup. I'm not kidding. Somewhere between 12:45 and 5a.m. I was thinking about all of the makeup I want to buy or at least try. I found myself experimenting with different shades of nars lip liner. Did I want 'marnie' or 'rosebud?'

The more Henry cried, the more I wanted both. Funny though, because today when I was at CVS/Pharmacy, I had the opportunity to buy mascara cheaply (buy 1, get 1 free) and I didn't jump. I did, however, buy more teething toys.

Dove Keeps Underarm Hair at Bay!

I am happy to report that Dove's new Ultimate Visibly Smooth Wild Rose deodorant WORKS!

It did help to slow my underarm hair growth. It did not stop the hair from growing, but I noticed a change.

I liked the mild scent (better than B.O.) and the way the product glided on smoothly.

I will post a picture as soon as I get a jpeg. (That's a picture of the deodorant, not my pits!)

Please note that this product is a bit pricey $7.99 on drugstore.com, but it takes forever for me to finish a stick of deodorant so I guess I can live with the cost.

Strip and Sip!

I've always been picky about teeth.
I like 'em clean and straight. But I'm also fascinated with unique, imperfect smiles. Mostly though I like bright smiles with minimal tooth yellowing.

That's why I'm using Crest Whitestrips -- Advanced Seal. I'm a new mom and can use all the help I can get to keep me looking fresh.

What separates these strips from previous models? The Advanced Seal strips mold and adhere to the teeth extremely well. And they whiten effectively in 30 minutes. Also, you don't have to wait to drink water. You can actually strip and sip. The strips do not move and they cover the teeth very well.

Here's a hint -- try using strips on your top set of teeth only. Compare the top row with the bottom for whiteness. The strips take a few days to work, with full results taking 14 days. But if you want quicker results, you can wear two strips per day. I like to keep them in my diaper bag. If I'm about and about with the baby, I stick one on whenever I remember.

Please note that these strips left my teeth very sensitive. But this passes after a day or so.
Overall I've been very pleased with this product. I would recommend them to a friend.

She's Back!

I'm back!

Beginning today Product Perfect will have new weekly posts. I'm starting with a review of a new foundation from Bobbi Brown cosmetics. Her new skin foundation is so fabulous I bought two of them in warm sand.


To quote Teresa Giudice of Real Housewives of New Jersey, "Love, Love, Love it!"

Reasons to love it:
1. SPF 15
2. Sheer coverage that evens skintone
3. Ease of application -- use sponge, brush or fingers
4. Available in 17 shades
5. Looks natural -- like your own skin, only better!

Looking forward

Dear readers,

I'm still on maternity leave from my blog. But I am trying new products. I anticipate fresh posts starting in July.
Look for reviews from these brands and more ...

*Avon
*Bobbi Brown (awesome new foundation!)
*Crest (White Strips)
*Dove
*AG -- Re: Coil
*Laura Mercier
*Mario Badescu

Also, I'll be writing more about products for mother and baby and green products.

Henry Dodd

Beauty products are great -- but nothing beats the birth of your first child.
Meet Henry Asher.
He was born Sunday, March 1st at 4:16pm.
He's the reason I'm behind in my posts. I'm going to take a short break from blogging about beauty to care for my son. Look for more guest blogs.

Pucker Up!

Just a reminder that M.A.C cosmetics has free shipping right now. No code needed.


Also, if you are in a February slump and need an inexpensive gift for yourself or recently laid-off co-worker, head on over to Kiehl's to try out one of their new New York City-inspired lip glosses.

East Village Vibe - Rich, creamy milk chocolate tone
Lights on Broadway - Earthy Rose tone with light shimmer
Mahvelous Mauve- Creamy Medium soft plum tone
New York Nude - Medium sand dune tone

These lip glosses are great for winter because they are fortified with Vitamin E, Beta Carotene & fruit extracts including grape, mango and apricot seed.

Got Snaps?

The bag is sitting in my apartment and it's already getting a lot of compliments and attention.

It's called a Snapz bag.

It's made from plastic and is fun to wear. But let's get something straight -- these bags are made from a high quality polyurethane, so they are more eco-friendly than your basic PVC.

I like the VERTICAL messenger style because you can add a file folder or tall notepad. It's very roomy but not cumbersome.
You can fill your bag with whatever you want, but it's kind of fun to not feel weighted down. (Vertical bag not recommended for laptops)

You can build your own bag or order a pre-made style.

The bags are lightweight and easy to accessorize. On the inside you can add a key fob and chain purse/ID holder. All those accessories are detachable via what else? Snaps!

Personally, I suggest designing your own bag -- you can mix and match colors and patterns, even the color of the bag's strap and strap pad. Although some patterns may look like animal prints, the company uses no leather and all fur is fake.

Please note that snapzbags are water resistant but not waterproof.

Buy your bag today at snapzbags.

Goody! Goody!

An update now on the new Goody hairbrush that's infused with Jojoba oil ... I've finally had the chance to try it out.

The brush is intended to nourish hair, alleviate split ends and add shine.

I have no idea if it actually nourishes hair, but it helps reduces frizz & fly-a-ways.
It also feels good across the scalp -- and I'm able to use the brush to comb through my wet hair without worrying about damage.

One note, the company advises not using the brush with a hairdryer.

Available at Wal-Mart & other mass retailers
$11.99

New Face of Neutrogena

Emma Roberts -- star of Hotel for Dogs is the latest young actress to be recruited by Neutrogena. She's 18 now and prettier than ever. Can you guess what member of Hollywood royalty she calls her Aunt?

Hint: She's also a Pretty Woman.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY -- Save 25%

Thanks to EYE4STYLE for POSTING info on Jo Malone.
Friends and Family: SAVE 25% on almost everything.
My faves include Honeysuckle and Jasmine. Excellent fragrance. Addictive.
No code needed!

Hands On

If you're anything like me, this cold weather just attacks your skin.

Dermatologists will tell you it's from the combo of dry heat and low humidity (moisture) in the air.

Also, many of us spend a lot of time washing our hands, which also dries them out. But don't stop washing. It is the single best way to stop the spread of germs.

That said, it is also very important to keep hands lubricated. There's no shortage of products on the market -- in different price brackets.

Right now I am enjoying Goldfaden's Hands On. It's a dewy cream that aids in anti-aging and anti-pigmentation. I will be honest, I don't have a lot of age spots, although I am sure they will come one day. I like this product for its ultra-soothing feel on my dry, rough hands.
Goldfaden products are packed with vitamins and Red Tea extract, an antioxidant which helps slow the aging process. Again, this is important because our hands get so much sun damage. But I can't help noticing how smooth my hands feel after using this cream. I suspect it is also helping to keep my nail beds in good shape.


If you do try this product, let me know what you think about it. And if you want to buy it, you can find it at dermstore.

Hudson update

A few days ago I wrote about the divine Jennifer Hudson. She's getting rave reviews for her performance at Sunday's Super Bowl.
Not only did she sing like a true champion, she also looked like one.

Here is one product that was used:
Avon's Super Shock mascara.

Hudson's makeup artist Sam Fine painted this mascara on to false lashes.
$8.50

He also lined the inside rims of Hudson's eyes with Avon's Ultra luxury liner for depth and definition.

www.lippmanncollection.com

We all know that Kate Winslet is smart, sexy and talented.
Plus, she does a mean American Express commercial.
But did you know she's also a trendsetter when it comes to her nails?

I'm loving this white polish from Deborah Lippmann.

Not only does it make your nails pop, it will probably lift your spirits too.

A couple of added benefits ... the polish is infused with green tea and biotin to strengthen the nail bed.

Also, polishes in the Lippmann Collection are free of Toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.

Hello Gorgeous!

Can we just say Hello Gorgeous!

Whoever did Jennifer Hudson's hair and makeup is a genius. 

She looked and sounded like a rock star last night at the Super Bowl. 

I cried watching Hudson sing because of the enormous pain she must be going through right now. She sang with gusto and grace and impressed me greatly. I loved her in Dreamgirls and Sex and the City, but she blew me away last night.

But mostly I wondered about this young woman's heartache. I'm on the verge of motherhood and I don't know what I would do without my mom. 

Congrats to J.H. on her performance. Her family would have been very, very proud.

V-DAY SURPRISES

V-day is just around the corner. Let's be honest -- you probably don't want to go spending big bucks right now on gifts.

But you can still treat yourself or a friend or your mom to a fun treat without breaking the bank.

1) This year skip the chocolates ...

From Bare Escentuals' Buxom line ... a great cherry-colored plumping lip polish in "Charity" red that supports the fight against heart disease in women. 

$18 sephora

2) From Avon -- adorable lip balms that soothe parched lips and make you feel like a kid again.

And, at $.99 you can't go wrong. 

Tuck one in your pocket -- and keep one at work. 

These balms are guaranteed to make you feel better and they're calorie-free.

3) Need to keep your lips shiny and moist? Try Miss Oops' Pucker Protector, the balm that's dressed like a gloss. It has SPF protection and freshens the breath with a minty scent. Can be used under or over lipstick.

$14