http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/beauty_style/ The woman's guide to living, loving and relationships en sassybeaneditor@sassybean.com Copyright 2008 08 22 2008-08-22T00:01:00-05:00 http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/beauty_and_the_blogs/bonnie http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/beauty_and_the_blogs/bonnie#When:21:57:00Z Women are looking to the blogosphere for their makeup and fashion cues. How many times have you had a mini-meltdown in Sephora while searching for new mascara? Or shopped for hours for that perfect first date outfit only to come home empty-handed? With so many choices being offered up by the beauty industrial complex it’s become impossible for a girl to choose. And when it comes to seeking guidance, don’t bother looking to advertisers and women’s magazines. Advertisers could care less if the $30 lipstick you just bought rubs off after only five minutes and newsstand glossies are hardly the authority on "real women." But don’t despair—today there are places where a girl can go to get the honest dish on beauty and fashion, and have loads of fun doing it: Blogville.  Since the blogosphere exploded a few years ago, a number of blogs devoted to fashion and beauty have sprung up online. Many of them were started by self-proclaimed makeup or fashion junkies who wanted to share their enthusiasm with the Internet community. Some beauty bloggers are completely unaffiliated with the beauty/fashion industry, while others are involved with it in some capacity. For instance, some makeup bloggers earn a living as makeup artists. On their blogs, these women share everything from their excitement about a particular product to makeup tips to product deals that they’ve stumbled upon. Others share their own tried-and-true beauty secrets or document their shopping escapades.  These divas serve up their beauty/fashion advice in a fun, witty style, while always shooting straight from the hip. But, most importantly, there’s no airbrushing involved—they’re all real women. “I like to inject my own personality into my blog,” says Lianne Farbes, who writes a popular blog called The Makeup Girl. In addition to delving out priceless beauty and fashion advice, these blogs generate a sense of community among readers. Readers begin logging onto the blogs for beauty research. At first, they just want to know what the bloggers thought of the fall makeup trends or whether they had tried a particular beauty product. But before long, readers are eager to log on to find out if So-and-So enjoyed her weekend getaway or how So-and-So made out on the blind date she was dreading.  When it comes to the makeup blog world, no one does a better job of fostering community than Elke von Freudenberg, who hosts the Beauty Blog Network, a network of handpicked beauty blogs. If anyone’s qualified to be the mayor of Beauty Blogville, it’s von Freudenberg. She’s a photography makeup artist whose clients include top magazines, advertisers and celebrities. She launched her own personal makeup blog about three years ago as a creative outlet. Initially, her blog had only about 200 hits a day, but it wasn’t long before word spread. Today her blog gets upwards of 3,000 hits per day. Von Freudenberg started the BeautyBlogNetwork.com as a way for other beauty bloggers to mingle. For the bloggers, being a member of the Network is a great way to gain credibility, exposure and drive traffic to their sites. For readers who are newbies to beauty blogs, the Network’s Web site is a great place to start exploring the beauty blog world. By logging onto the Beauty Blog Network’s Web site, anyone can gain access to the members’ blogs. Not all beauty/fashion blogs are written by individuals who are simply passionate about the topic, some blogs are tied to other endeavors. Indeed, it’s hard to find a media entity that doesn’t have a blog: everyone from CBS to the New York Times to CNN has a resident blogger or bloggers. For their part, several makeup companies have follwed suit by appointing their own resident bloggers. Many of these blogs are extremly useful and informative, especially if their tie-in entity is a small, boutique business, like Beth Bender’s Beauty Blog. “At the end of the day, if a beauty or fashion oriented blog has made a woman smile—that is what truly matters,” says Dana Prigge, author of the popular Dailyfashionista blog. Whether someone’s blog originates with a person or a commercial entity, or a person who is part of a commercial entity, what’s most important is that after reading the site the woman feels informed and empowered.” The bottom line, and the true beauty of the blog medium is that the only way a blogger can be successful and attract readers is to blog from the heart. My Favorite Blogs: Daily Fashionista Elke von Freudenberg’s Makeup Blog Liberty London Girl Top Button’s Star Style Blog Top Button’s Beauty Blog The Makeup Girl Faking Good Breeding Beth Bender’s Beauty Blog All About The Pretty Blogdorf Goodman California Style The Fashionator Lookin Good, Beauty & Style 2008-07-16T21:57:00-05:00 http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/eye_creams_of_the_crop/bonnie http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/eye_creams_of_the_crop/bonnie#When:00:00:00Z These are anti-aging items you've gotta see... Hi ladies! The area under our eyes is super-delicate and seems to age faster than any other part of the face. That’s why any anti-aging skin care regimen has to include a quality eye cream.  If you’re in the anti-aging phase like me, a quality eye cream is a must. I’ve done extensive research and concluded that these two products are superior to anything else out there in the market place. But, keep in mind, everyone’s skin is different, and if you’ve found a product that is working for you, by all means stick with it! However, if you’re like me and are still shopping around my research might come in handy. The Two Eye Creams of the Crop are: Prevage Eye Aging Moisturizing Treatment: $98 Kinerase Pro+Therapy Ultra Rich Eye Repair: $85 Here’s the low down on Kinerase Pro+Therapy Ultra Rich Eye Repair: It’s a deeply hydrating intensive treatment that improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This velvet rich cream smoothes and moisturizes, leaving the eye are perfectly prepped for flawless makeup application Here’s what Prevage Eye Aging Moisturizing Treatment promises: “This exclusive eye treatment with I-Seryl Complex and clinically proven Idebenone fights the effects of environmental damage, fine lines and wrinkles, crow’s feet, dark circles and puffy skin. It visibly smoothes, brightens and lifts the look of the eyes.” I’ve decided to give the Kinerase eye cream a try. I’ll follow up about a month after I’ve started to use it to let you know what I think. xo, BB Lookin Good, Beauty Blog 2008-07-14T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/the_mystery_of_mineral_powder/sassybean http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/the_mystery_of_mineral_powder/sassybean#When:23:31:00Z Multi-Media Makeup Artist Michele Spooner has more...Just the other day a friend of asked me “What’s the deal with mineral powders?” Funny she should ask, since I just happened to be writing this article. I get this question a lot, so I decided to do some research. Good news is, I have the scoop, bad news is that mineral powder may not be all that it’s cracked up to be. Mineral powders are generally defined as “finely milled powder” composed of all natural elements which clear the skin of toxins while promoting healthy skin care growth and fight the aging process.” Sounds like a miracle, right? Not so fast, here is what I found” 1. almost all powders through history have contained these ingredients 2. these minerals have never been found to have any special health or beauty properties 3. the heavy concentration of the minerals can actually increase the look of fine lines 4. skin sensitivities can be increased because of this concentration 5. application of the product with a short, dense brush can actually enhance fine lines as well as clog pores Don’t get me wrong, mineral powders can be a wonderful cosmetic for the right person with the right skin. If it is applied lightly, it can create a beautiful, flawless look. Bottom line: mineral powders are NOT the be all, end all, cosmetic that companies would have you believe, it is just some really creative marketing. Test it first before you commit. Just like a man, make sure your powder is right for you! Lookin Good, Beauty & Style 2008-07-12T23:31:00-05:00 http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/rent_an_it_bag/bonnie http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/rent_an_it_bag/bonnie#When:20:03:01Z Want that new bag, but don't have the dough? Rent your favorite designer handbag for a fraction of the price. Think of it as Netflix for your wardrobe. Several online companies offer a service that allows customers to rent handbags instead of buying them. And not just any ol’ bags-- think designers like Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo, and Louis Vuitton. Companies like bagborroworsteal.com, frombagstoriches.com and allthatbags.com are all capitalizing on the bag-leasing market with fees that are cheaper than purchasing the products, but still reflective of the high-end luxury market. Bag Borrow or Steal charges a monthly membership fee of $5 to $10 as well as a weekly or monthly rental charge per bag. The more expensive the bag, the higher the charge. For instance, a Chloe Satchel from the “Couture” collection rents for $95 a week or $275 a month, whereas a Perlina bag from the “Trend Setter” collection goes for $6 a week or $20 a month. The most popular bags--such as the $1,420 Louis Vuitton embroidered speedy satchel or the $1,895 Chanel rock-and-chain patent flap bag--have waiting lists and limits to the amount of time they can be rented. Allthatbags.com charges a membership fee of $4.95 plus a rental fee based on the level of bag chosen. A high-end Chanel, Prada or Chloe goes for $275 a month, while a Coach bag will cost you $25 a month. From Bags to Riches sets itself apart by not charging a membership fee, with monthly rental fees range from $22.95 to $299.95. Fashion experts are generally positive about the rent-an-“It” bag trend. “I think it’s a great way for consumers to ‘rent’ designer status on a budget and for a short period of time, find something for a special event, try out a new look, or just satisfy that never-ending craving for something new,” says Lauren Parker, editor of Accessories Magazine. “Overall, it’s a fun idea and a useful service.” But, Parker adds that the concept isn’t for everyone. “I do think accessories are a great way for women to develop and exhibit their personal style--particularly by owning and wearing distinct ‘signature’ pieces,” she says. Parker says she gets very emotionally attached to her favorite accessories, and items that always receive compliments. Constantly having to part with an accessory she’s fallen for might prove difficult, she says. And for most women, “renting to own” defeats the purpose. Julie Rome, founder of Wardrobe Wizards, a wardrobe consultancy and personal shopping service, says she believes the service works best for bagaholics, women who are passionate about handbags, and like to incorporate a variety of high-end bags into their wardrobe. The service is also beneficial for women who need a high-end bag for a special event, she points out.  “But,” she says, “if you’re a person that likes to invest in a bag, this strategy is not for you.” In order to reach a wider market, bag-leasing companies are expanding their product selection beyond luxury handbags. Bag Borrow or Steal now allows members to rent luxury belts and jewelry, and hopes to add categories such as shoes, evening gowns, furs, sunglasses, wedding dresses, men’s watches and golf clubs over the next few years. But, that doesn’t mean giving up its handbag focus. The company has just ended its search for “America’s Ultimate Bagaholic.” The winner was chosen from a host of essay and video submissions. The chosen bagophile will serve as the company’s “chief bag officer” beginning in October. She’ll receive free handbags for an entire year and blog about her experience. On top of that, the firm is committed to an effort to nab the queen of all handbags for its site—the coveted Hermes Birkin bag, which starts at $7,000 and has a waiting list that spans years. Lookin Good, Beauty & Style 2008-07-07T20:03:01-05:00 http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/bond_girl_beauty_tips/Tamsen Fadal http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/bond_girl_beauty_tips/Tamsen Fadal#When:08:54:00Z Make men drop to their knees with some simple beauty tricks... She is the girl who made James Bond fall to his knees, so what does it take to be as stunning as a Bond Girl.  You don’t need to be a movie star to be gorgeous, instead just use a few of these beauty tricks to take command of any man!  If you are not accentuating your positives, you are wasting every day of your life. It’s not hard to have a come-hither eyes, soft, sexy skin and a sassy smile.  Eyes It’s all in the eyes. They really do tell a lot about a woman. If you wear makeup, make sure you don’t cake on the concealer. There is nothing worse than seeing a woman’s eyes crack everytime she cracks a smile. To avoid this look, make sure you use a gentle concealer to eliminate any under-eye circles and add brightness to your face. When your eyes pop, it can literally take 5 years off your look. And, don’t get crazy with eye shadow, a little goes a long way. Unless you are going out for the night and looking to give yourself a dramatic look, use neutral colors that don’t look too harsh. Finally, we have saved the best for lash! A few “individual” eyelashes on the corners of each eye can do wonders for your look.  The lashes will open up your face and make you look brighter. Hair Long hair is great, but it can be a turn-off if it’s over processed or unnatural looking. Trim your hair regularly and make sure and get thee to a salon if your grays are a little too overbearing. Skin Drink plenty of water and get your beauty sleep! Make sure you use an amazing moisturizer and have a facial every 6 to 8 weeks. Teeth White teeth are a must. We all love our daily fix of java, but if coffee is staining your teeth, make sure you get them whitened.  There is no need to spend a lot of money on this process, drugstore brand whitening strips can do the trick unless your teeth are too far gone. Lookin Good, Beauty & Style 2008-06-30T08:54:00-05:00 http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/three_skincare_ingredients_that_stop_the_clock/bonnie http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/three_skincare_ingredients_that_stop_the_clock/bonnie#When:00:00:00Z If you want to stop the clock on aging, you must incorporate the following three ingredients into your skincare regimen, says top Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. Shirley Madhere.There’s no doubt about it, turning 30 is fabulous—what with the self-awareness and the sexual peaking and all. But there is a downside: the wrinkles and fine lines that used to make guest appearances in our 20s when we laughed, cried or got mad begin to dig in for the long haul. It’s in our 30s that our skin starts to age. Physiologically, we begin to produce less collagen, which makes skin less elastic. On top of that, we sweat less. Less sweat translates into less natural moisturizer for the face. All of this adds up to the creation of fine lines and wrinkles. The good news is that years ago scientists took up the cause of finding ways to turn back the clock on the aging process. In the field of dermatology, scientists have isolated three active ingredients that help slow the clock, says Dr. Shirley Madhere, a top Manhattan plastic surgeon. You can purchase products with these three ingredients at the drugstore or at your dermatologist’s office. It doesn’t matter where you purchase them or how much they cost, the important thing is that the necessary active ingredients are in the products, says Madhere. The three ingredients are: Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Alpha hydroxy acids help to chemically exfoliate skin to produce a more radiant glow. For women with oily skin or women who are prone to acne, products with beta hydroxy acids are the way to go. A good way to fit this active ingredient into your skincare regimen is to use an alpha hydroxy face wash. Antioxidants: Antioxidants help to fight off the acceleration of aging due to sun damage, pollution or stress. Antioxidants are the active ingredients in many moisturizers.  Retinol or a Vitamin A product: This component can actually help stimulate collagen production, which helps decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Madhere recommends three tiers of products with these active ingredients to her patients. In the less expensive tier are Neutrogena or Cetaphil products, which can be purchased at drugstores. The next tier up: the SkinCeutical line, which for the most part, can only be purchased in a dermatologist’s office. And lastly, the third tier: SkinMedica. This product line is the most expensive because it consists of a specifically tailored serum that is mixed at a dermatologists’ offices.  Lookin Good, Beauty & Style 2008-06-16T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/spa_receipes/sassybean http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/spa_receipes/sassybean#When:17:49:00Z Fashion site Topbutton.com spills the beans on using everyday ingredients to pamper your body.   TOP BUTTON Defines It!   Is it possible to walk by a fruit stand and not have your mouth water at the thought of perfect blueberries, strawberries, and avocados? We all know the health benefits of eating fruit, but the truth is that fruit can also give you spa-worthy beauty results in the comfort of your own home. So get out that fruit before it molds in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, and read on for our fruity beauty tips. Raechel Cunningham, licensed aesthetician and director of New York Laser & Aesthetics spa in New York City (www.nylaskin.com), specializes in in-spa treatments, but she also has no problem telling us how to best use that produce at home for "skintastic" benefits. Simply choose a body part that needs some TLC and follow her recipes or mix up your own, from our list—the choices really are endless. Vanilla Tarte Cleanser For Normal/Acneic/Oily 1 Tablespoon of plain or vanilla yogurt 1/4 lemon juice. To Do: Mix ingredients together and apply directly onto skin. On Your Face: Massage on to skin and rinse with warm water.   Sweet Lycopene Exfoliate For Normal/Acneic/ Oily 1 tablespoon of tomato juice 1 ½ tablespoon of sugar To Do: Combine and massage in tiny circles all over face and neck. Avoid using near eyes. Rinse thoroughly.   Green Guacamole Exfoliate For Dry Skin 1/2 avocado To Do: Slice avocado meat away from the skin. Use the inside of the skin with avocado residue & massage into small circles over skin. Once you have completed the whole face, turn the avocado skin to the rough side and gently massage in tiny circles. Rinse thoroughly & prepare to apply mask.   The Mama Mia Mask For Acne 1 clove of garlic minced ½ tomato with seeds finely chopped 1 tablespoon tomato juice 1 egg white To Do: Whip all ingredients together and apply to skin.   The Blue Banana Mask For Normal/Dry 3-5 blueberries 2-3 circular slices of a banana 1 tablespoon of wheat flour To Do: Mash together and apply. Leave on 3-5 minutes If mask is to firm add a drop of apple juice.   Mojito Hand Scrub For Rough Hands 1 Tablespoon of sugar 1 Tablespoon of olive oil 1/2 small lime 3-5 mint leaves To Do: Chop up mint leaves and squeeze 1/2 of a lime into mixing bowl. Combine remaining ingredients together. Massage scrub into the palm of your hand working the product around. This is a great cuticle treatment!   Benefits of Fruits Avocado: Full of natural fatty acids, protein, Vitamins A and C. Hydrating. Banana: Vitamins A, B, and C. Soothing and healing. Blueberry: High in Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and antioxidants. Revitalizes dull skin. Egg White: Acts as a tightening agent and is great for oily skin. Garlic: Purifying and antibacterial properties. Great for acne. Honey: High in Vitamins C, D, E and B complex. Honey has natural effects on the kin and is known to be an antiseptic salve. Lemon: Packed with Vitamin C and AHAs. Great for oily skin and acts as a natural skin lightener. Olive Oil: High in natural fatty acids, hydrates well. Strawberry: High in AHAs, BHAs, and Vitamin C. A great cleansing astringent for oily skin. Helps to even skin tone. Sugar: A natural AHA and a great exfoliator. Tomato: Removes surface impurities, exfoliates, shrinks pores, and regulates skin tone. Yogurt: It’s enzymes aid in removing dirt and dead skin cells. Cunnigham’s Tips for Maximum Produce Precision Go organic—good in your stomach, good on your skin. Once you made it, use it—toss the leftoevers. Leave fruits out of the fridge for up to an hour before mixing.   Lookin Good, Beauty & Style 2008-04-27T17:49:00-05:00 http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/bra_llejulah_bra_llejulah/bonnie http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/bra_llejulah_bra_llejulah/bonnie#When:00:00:00Z New Spanx undergarment allows you to give your girls a break. Sure, I’m thrilled that I now own bras that fit, but that doesn’t mean I like wearing them. Truth is I hate wearing a bra. They’re uncomfortable, they poke, they stab, they grab. All the same, I have no intention of looking like a centerfold from National Geographic, so I won’t be burning my brassieres any time soon. Luckily Spanx has offered my girls a bit of a reprieve from their harnesses. The genius minds over at Spanx have created the All Hosiery Comfort Bra. It’s the first in the company’s Bra-llejulah line, and it’s beyond fantastic! There’s absolutely no metal involved. It slips right on--no clasps, no adjustable anything. You just pull it up and it supports the girls while at the same time feeling super-duper soft, smooth and comfortable. It’s made of a heavenly nylon fabric, and wearing this thing is actually more comfortable than going bra-less. In addition to giving your boobs a break around the house, it comes in handy when you’re having a grown-up sleepover, like when you’re visiting your in-laws or friends that live in another town. But, I don’t recommend wearing this bra outside of the privacy of your own home. Even though it offers great support, it doesn’t really give you that smooth, clean, cupped shape that a regular bra gives. And it’s not an undergarment you want to be parading around in in front of your significant other. It’s really meant to be a muu-muu for boobs. The good news is Spanx is coming out with a sister-Bra-llejulah that is meant to serve as an out-in-the-world bra. It’s not out on the market yet, but is available for pre-order. It’s called the Bra-lleluja Full Coverage Front Closure Bra. According to the Web site, it “has naturally adjusting shoulder and back straps” and “the front closure design eliminates uncomfortable metal hooks and clasps in back.” Unfortunately, it sounds like there is an underwire involved, but the site promises that a “unique channel design guarantees the under wire never peeks or pops through.” I’m more concerned about the underwire poking me. But, I am planning to give it a try, and of course I’ll let y’all know what’s up. xo, BB Lookin Good, Beauty & Style 2008-04-02T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/star_stuck/Tamsen Fadal http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/star_stuck/Tamsen Fadal#When:00:00:00Z Hollywood Fashion Tape...don't leave home without it... It doesn’t matter how long I take to get ready for a big event, something always goes wrong. Last night, I had a fabulous event to attend with the purrr-fect little black dress [it took my 5 days and way too much money to find]. As I climbed into my tight-fitting new number, my heel got caught on my on the hem [don’t dare tell me you haven’t done this!] and ripped it from the bottom of my dress. I couldn’t believe it.  With 20 minutes to go, and no other options [or dresses that i wanted to wear] I started flying through my junk drawer looking for help. Masking tape. Gross. Needle and thread? Can’t even thread the needle fast enough. Hollywood Fashion Tape? Get serious, someone gave me this a long time ago, but I thought it was just great marketing. I am here to say, I was wrong. Literally in just seconds, I put it on the hem, slipped into my dress and felt ready for the red carpet. Love this stuff! If you don’t have it...get it!!! Plus, they have stuff for bras, your seams, even nipple concealers. I am getting them all! Will let you know! Hollywood Fashion Tape No Shows, Disposable Self-Adhesive Nipple Concealers, Nude Beauty Blog 2008-03-26T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/locked_and_loadedfinally1/bonnie http://www.sassybean.com/index.php/blog/article/locked_and_loadedfinally1/bonnie#When:00:00:00Z Beauty & Style Editor Bonnie Bauman says if the bra doesn't fit, don’t wear it! Old friends are the best kind, for many reasons. For one thing, they are the most honest. I had the pleasure of spending a long weekend in NYC recently with my two oldest friends. (I’ve been friends with one for 30 years and the other for 20!) Over brunch one morning, we got to talking about boobs. Mine, they informed me, needed some reining in. The news didn’t come as a shock. I knew there was a problem, but after trying time and again to find a solution and spending a small fortune on bras at Victoria’s Secret, I feared my boob dilemma was beyond fixing. My problem: I’m a petite 5’1”, but I have curves. The truth is the bras that I’ve worn my entire life have never fit. I’m one of those girls who are constantly pulling up her bra straps. And while my bras were always too big in the shoulders and around back, cup-wise they didn’t do a good job of holding my girls steady and in place. So my braziers were too big and too small! After I saw an Oprah show about bra fittings, I got one at Victoria’s Secret. Turns out I was one of those weird sizes that Vikki S. doesn’t stock, so the sales girl told me that I could simply substitute by going a size up in number and down in letter. Turns out she was WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! So in NYC with my old friends in tow I took a trip to Bloomingdales, got a bra fitting from an expert there who then proceeded to load up my dressing room with bras that were my off-the-normal-bra-chart size! That’s right Bloomies actually had bras that were my crazy size, and lots of ‘em! So, finally, at the age of 34, I am wearing a bra that fits! And it has changed my life! I never have to do the bra strap pull up, and my girls aren’t falling out! They’re locked in place and loving it! Best of all, I totally feel like I look thinner. My waist is much more defined because my tops don’t poof out below my bust line. The moral of my story: get a bra fitting (they’re free!). And if the store doesn’t have your size, DO NOT TRY TO SUBSTITUTE WITH ANOTHER SIZE! IT DOESN’T WORK THAT WAY!!! If you’re one of those crazy sizes: a 30/E or a 32/DD or a 54/H then that’s what you are! If they don’t have your bra size, get thee online and order it! Start with the Bare Neccesities Web site, it carries zillions of bra styles in sizes 30AA-54H:  www.barenecessities.com. xo, BB Beauty Blog 2008-03-24T00:00:00-05:00