Editors' Closet
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Allison Williams at Vanity Fair’s Oscar Party: How to Get this Look

Celebrity makeup artist Lauren Andersen glammed up Girls star Allison Williams for Vanity Fair’s 2013 Oscar Party at the Sunset Tower Hotel. The star of the hit HBO series was stunning in a dramatic Valentino gown and high-volume lashes. INSPIRATION: [...]

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Eye Creams That Get the Job Done

Recently I have been sampling eye creams, and I discovered a few that are worth sharing. If you are looking for an eye cream, you will have one to give one of these a try. Our eyes are important to [...]

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Amanda Lacey

I am always in search of great skin care. On this topic, I had the pleasure and the opportunity to try some products that will transform your skin. I don’t know how else to describe them. I was breezing through BAZAAR [...]

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If you’re in Los Angeles and You Want to Be Pampered

This weekend Check out Pop-Up Beauty & Fashion Event (use CODE ‘mammablog’ from 20% off your ticket purchase) with Beachmint, Spaphile and Pose. I’ll be there. Tickets are available here use CODE ‘mammablog’ from 20% off your ticket purchase.

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By Terry

I just bought the By Terry Creme De Rose Nutri-Lift Comfort Cream to conclude my By Terry skin care. I have the Clarte de Rose Eye Serum, Refreshing Cleansing Gel, and Seve de Rose Ultra-Glow Double-Serum. These products are perfect [...]

 

Hair Removal By Nair: Get Smooth For Summer In Three Simple Steps.

Hair Removal By Nair: Get Smooth For Summer In Three Simple Steps.

It’s almost summer, time to think about smooth summer ready skin. Getting bikini ready takes a few simple steps with Nair. With summer around the corner, that means it’s time for bikinis, short shorts and overall, showing off more skin. Nair products provide professional results at home for staying smooth all summer long – at a fraction of what you’d pay at a salon.

Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Total Care Body Trio and Face Trio are the new depilatories to join the popular Brazilian Spa Clay Line inspired by the beauty secrets and hair removal expertise of Brazil. Each product is infused with mango butter and açai berry known to moisturize the skin, and mineral-rich clay known to purify the skin.

The products are easy to use, and keep the mess to a minimum as they are best used in the bathroom, applied before you shower, and simply washed off in the shower after a few minutes on the skin for the products to do the job.

If you have sensitive skin, have no fear, because these products are mild and do not cause skin irritation. I have a very sensitive upper lip and when waxing I have been left with a red area that is embarrassing and tender. This lead me to never want to wax again. The Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Face Trio allows you to remove facial hair in a few short minutes (anywhere from 7-10 minutes) and provides you with a moisturizer to apply after the hair removal process which ensures that no skin irritation occurs. The product itself is minimally irritating and removes the hair in a couple of easy wipes with a wash cloth! Loved the feel of my skin after the hair removal process, the moisturizer is cooling and feels awesome upon application. There is enough product in the kit for several (I would day 10-15) uses.

The Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Total Care™ Face Trio is the first 3-step depilatory for the face with a suggested retail price of $13.99.

Step 1: The first step is the pre-balm, which coats the skin to help minimize irritation and redness

Step 2: The second step is the depilatory. There’s no drying time so you can apply the depilatory immediately after using the pre-balm.

Step 3: After removing the depilatory product, apply the moisturizer, which is similar to a typical facial moisturizer. This will help neutralize the pH of the skin, bringing it back to the normal level.

The Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Total Care Body Trio removes hair in much the same way as the Face Trio, except it is applied to the body. I used it on my legs and bikini area. After applying I let the product work for 10 minutes, I left in on 5 minutes prior to going in the shower and was able to wash it off in the shower using a wash cloth to wipe the areas where product was applied. The hair came off in just a few easy wipes. After hair removal the kit includes a gel to be applied to the areas where the hair removal cream was used; the gel is cooling and works wonders on the skin. My skin was smooth and hair free in no time!

Nair Brazilian Spa Clay Shower Total Care™ Body Trio is the only 3-step in-shower depilatory system, including the convenient Nair Shower Power® technology that works while you shower. The suggested retail price is $13.99.

Step 1: The pre-wipe contains mineral oil and chamomile to prepare your skin before removing hair.

Step 2: Apply the depilatory, which is resistant to water through emollients similar to those found in waterproof sunscreens so it will resist runoff while you shower. Keep the area out of the direct stream of water.

Step 3: After the hair is removed, apply soothing post-use gel with Aloe Vera for a perfect finish.

I highly recommend these hair removal products, and will continue to use them throughout the summer (and winter) months. To learn more about Nair’s full line of summer hair removal products visit Nair.com

This post is sponsored by Nair, however the opinions and observations expressed herein are my own and were not influenced by Nair.

Shop These Lovelies

Cosmetology

A Few Cosmetology Courses you will Take

If your dream has ever been to work in a hair salon or maybe even to work for celebrities by doing their hair and nails, then you may want to consider cosmetology schools in Manhattan KS. While you are in school you will learn everything you need to know about the basics in hair sculpting, spa manicures and pedicures, and you will also learn how to give facials. On top of being in the classroom for several hours you have the opportunity to apply what you learned in class on actual people.

You may never have cut anyone’s hair a day in your life so you would need to start out by taking a basic course. That course will teach you the fundamentals of styling hair and cut hair in any shape of form or fashion. In many cosmetology schools in Manhattan KS you will learn the instruments and all the sources it takes to style hair the professional way. You have to complete this course before you can move on to the next one.

By learning the basics of performing spa manicures and pedicures, it may not make much sense until you actually do the hands on work. Your teacher may have class time and teach all you need to know about the subject, and then they may walk you over to the lab so you can try performing.

Giving facials may be the one thing that you know how to do especially if you have learned how to do it during your teenage years to keep your skin smooth and firm. Taking this course at a beauty school Manhattan KS may be the one course where you will fly by and end up helping others that are falling behind.

Like many schools a beauty school in Manhattan KS will give you a certain amount of competencies to take before you finish each of the hands on courses. Competencies are pretty much like taking a test, but instead of writing anything down you will be doing hands on work, just as if you were in an actual salon getting paid. Many cosmetology schools have you perform competencies because they need to see that you know how to do it before you move on to the next lesson. You may ace all the tests but when it comes to the hands on part of the course, you may not know how to do it or what you are doing. It is very important to spend your free time practicing on family and friends so you can get it down.

I love Motilo

Out and about by Alexia Shiri at Motilo.com

An Internet Presence Today

Things have changed in the last few years as far as what an internet presence means.

I remember a few (more like over 10) years ago enjoying an internet browse, and visiting the sites I used to visit on a daily basis, Vivian Lives was one of those sites – does anyone else remember Vivian Lives (or am I compeletely dating myself)? The site was masterminded by Sherrie Krantz, who ended up authoring a trilogy of books about the star of Vivian Lives, Vivian Livingston – in case you are curious the books appear below.

To provide a brief explanation, the site (image below) was the “home” of Vivian. She would go about her daily life for everyone to see. Visitors could share her daily activites, as she would lounge around her apartment, go to work, go out to drinks with her friends, etc. Visitors to the site could basically experience Vivians life with her. As a result they felt a sort of connection to her, and wanted to share in what she did. As this connection between the visitors and Vivian occurred people wanted to “do” what Vivian “did”, and therefore products she “used” became products her site visitors wanted to use.

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I feel that we as bloggers are Vivians of today. Some of us make our lives more transparent than others. But with our internet presence we are there for our readers, who visit and read our blogs on a daily basis (I should be so lucky) just to see what we are up to; they read about the products we use, and based on how we convey our experiences, maybe decide to try them out for themselves. Our readers identify with us, much like Vivian’s visitors identified with her.

Times have changed, sites aren’t exactly what they used to be. Blogs are sites, and there are millions of them strewn throughout the web. You can perform a search on any topic and you are sure to find severel blogs that cover it. An internet presence today is different from what it used to be 10-15 years ago, I often wonder how that presence will evolve in the years to come.

Tiny Tillia by Avon

Whether or not you are familiar with Tiny Tillia, Avon’s kid and mommy line, you should look into it. The items they carry are great quality and cater to mothers-to-be,

babies,

and toddlers.

My 3 year old daughter is absolutely in love with her ABC Tiny Tillia Gift Blanket (pictured below) and cozies up to sleep, lounge and rest in it. She is so cute wrapped in there, doing her thing. The blanket itself is so very soft, super plush, just perfect for her to use when she wants something to cuddle in. At only $18, this blanket is a great buy.

Tiny Tillia also carries skin care products for mothers-to-be, that would make great shower gifts. If you are not aware of this line by Avon, be sure to check it out. They offer reasonably priced, great quality products for little ones.

Allison Williams at Vanity Fair’s Oscar Party: How to Get this Look

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Celebrity makeup artist Lauren Andersen glammed up Girls star Allison Williams for Vanity Fair’s 2013 Oscar Party at the Sunset Tower Hotel. The star of the hit HBO series was stunning in a dramatic Valentino gown and high-volume lashes.

INSPIRATION: “Allison is wearing a stunning white Valentino dress, so we wanted her makeup to be a wash of pink to keep the look soft and chic,” explained Andersen.

Please see below for the complete list of products used:

Eyes:
◦ Chanel Illusion D’Ombre Eyeshadow in Abstraction
◦ Votre Vu Brow Definer
◦ Avon SuperExtend Infinitize Mascara in Black
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◦ Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Night Glisten

Face:
◦ Cle de Peau Concealer, Foundation and Powder
◦ Laura Mercier Cheek Color in Rose Petal
◦ Hourglass Ambient Lighting Power in Radiant Red

Lips:
◦ Avon Totally Kissable Lipstick in Lovey Dovey Pink

Eye Creams That Get the Job Done

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Recently I have been sampling eye creams, and I discovered a few that are worth sharing. If you are looking for an eye cream, you will have one to give one of these a try.

Our eyes are important to look after. I have always been very careful to take good care of my eyes, and as I age I notice that they need more moisture. You don’t want to get fine lines, if you start to see them you have to take action right away. I am happy with the way my eye area looks and I am aging gracefully. I have seen women who are quite a bit younger than I am with fine lines and so I know that eye care is one of the most important skin care regiments; because once your eye area ages it is visible throughout your face.

So, to keep your eyes young and vibrant, take good care of them.

AVON ANEW Genics Eye Treatment

With this is a cream you get more bang for your buck. Great for dark circles as well as line prevention. It’s also pretty light weight and absorbs rather quickly. When used in the evening I noticed that I wake up to bright eyes. This eye cream has an illuminating quality and it is great. If you are looking for a solution to dark cicles, this is your pick.

“Some women never have to lie about their age…their eyes do it for them. Now eyes can look 5 years younger.* Genics Eye Treatment is designed with Youthgen™ Technology. Undo 5 years from the look of your eyes.* Diminishes the appearance of fine wrinkles and fine crow’s-feet.** Eye area feels re-energized and restores the look of youthful brilliance, remarkable smoothness, definition and elasticity.*”

By Terry Clarte De Rose

Extremely light weight, heavy on moisturizing qualities, as the base of this cream is rose essence (the staple of the by Terry product line). I love the fresh feel of this cream, which is a partially a gel consistency. It’s easy to dispense, as it comes through a pump, and it has a very pleasant scent. It works wonders on line prevention and dark circles too. If your primary concern is aging, this is the way to go.

“An integral radiance-youthfulness eye skincare to correct signs of aging – puffiness, dark-circles, wrinkles, lack of firmness.A tensing-lift eye serum that respects and protects the sensitive area of the eye contour. Formulated from renovating natural extracts, it corrects signs of aging and restores radiance to the eye contour. A fragrance-free serum with a light and melting creamy-gel consistency to wrap the eye contour in comfort and softness. Enriched in hydrating polymeric powders, it …”

Eve Lom Eye Cream

This eye cream is particularly moisturizing but still light weight. I notice when using it that it absorbs quickly without leaving a residue and it works wonders.

“This triple action formula helps to lock in moisture, diminishes dark circles and reduce puffiness to the delicate eye area. Housed in a beautiful frosted glass jar, EVE LOM~s Eye Cream can be utilized both in the morning and evening. Key active ingredients of the new Eye Cream include: Sodium Hyaluronate helps to improve hydrationPolysaccharides extracted from Larch Trees moisturises the eye areaJiaogulan helps to enhance blood circulation and reduce puffiness Age defying Peptides help firm …”

Top 5 Baby Product Recalls of 2012

As a parent, it’s your job to keep your curious youngster safe. That can be quite a daunting task considering all the potential dangers that lie in play sight. In addition to investing in a quality home security system (check out www.totalalarmsystems.com), you can help safeguard your little angel by making sure you’re using safe baby products. Listed below are five of the biggest recalls of 2012:

Bumbo™ Baby Seats

In August 2012, the CPSC announce a recall of about 4 million Bumbo™ Baby Seats because of a manufacturing flaw that could increase the chance of injury from falling. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), at least 50 incidents have been reported, 19 of which included skull fractures. This was the second recall on Bumbo™ Baby Seats in the last five years. In October 2007, 1 million seats were recalled to provide more warnings against use on elevated surfaces.

I have this product. What should I do?

The CPSC advises that consumers should not use the Bumbo™ Baby Seat until they order a repair kit, which can be ordered for free at www.recall.BumboUSA.com. The restraint belt, which is included in the aforementioned repair kit, should always be used when a baby is placed in the seat. The CPSC also indicates that, even with the belt, the seat should never be used on any elevated surface.

Summer Infant Mother’s Touch® Baby Bathers

In August 2012, the CPSC announced a recall of more than 2 million Summer Infant Mother’s Touch® Baby Bathers in the U.S. and Canada. The CPSC and Summer Infant have received seven reports involving head injuries sustained by babies after falling from the bathers. When the product is lifted or carried with an infant in it, the wire frame can abruptly separate from the side hinge, causing the baby to drop out of the bather.

I have this product. What should I do?

The CPSC advises that consumer should immediately stop using the bather and contact Summer Infant for a repair kit. Additionally, consumers should never use the product to lift or carry an infant – even after performing the necessary repairs.

Safety 1st® Push ‘N Snap Cabinet Locks

In March 2012, the CPSC announced a recall of around 900,000 Safety 1st® Push ‘N Snap cabinet locks due to a failure to prevent young children from bypassing the lock and accessing cabinet contents. Since the lock can fail to adequately secure the cabinet, the product poses the risk of injury due to dangerous items. The manufacturer, Dorel Juvenile Group (DLG), has received 200 reports of locks that have failed to sufficiently secure the cabinet. Of the stated incidents, DLG is aware of 140 children between nine months and five years of age who succeeded in circumventing/disengaging the lock and gaining access to the contents of the cabinet.

I have this product. What should I do?

This recall pertains to Safety 1st® Push ‘N Snap cabinet locks with the model numbers 48391 and 48442. Consumers should immediately stop using recalled locks to secure cabinets and contact DLG for a free replacement lock with model numbers HS158 and HS159. In the mean time, the CPSC strongly suggests storing potentially hazardous items out of the reach of children.

Chicco® Polly Highchairs

In July 2012, the CPSC announced a recall of more than 485,000 Chicco® Polly highchairs in the U.S. and Canada. There have been 21 reports of children sustaining laceration/bruising injuries from falling on or against the pegs or back legs of the highchair.

I have this product. What should I do?

Consumers should contact Chicco for a no-cost peg cover kit, which will be sent through the mail. Prior to the repair, the CSPC recommends storing the tray on the pegs when the highchair is not being used.

Innovage Discovery Kids™ Lamps

In July 2012, the CPSC announced a recall of about 300,000 Innovage Discovery Kids™ Animated Marine and Safari Lamps. Internal wires near the circuit board can cause electrical short-circuiting and sparking, posing a fire and burn hazards to consumers. Innovage, the lamp’s manufacturer, has received 11 reports of short-circuiting, three of which involved the lamp catching fire and causing property damage.

I have this product. What should I do?

The CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using the lamps and contact Innovage to learn how to receive a full refund.

Organic Bath Products

If you like to use organic bath products for your little one Zenoobi is a great place to shop for them. The site sells natural and eco-friendly products.

I had the opportunity to try the following:

Dolphin Organics Bubble Bath

This product is hypoallergenic and tear free and smells great. My three year old daughter loves it. The bubbles are awesome and last a long time.

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Dolphin Organics Shampoo & Body Wash

This product is fragrance free, which I think works great since the other products we use in the bath have a fragrance. It doesn’t strip the hair’s natural oils and leaves hair and skin feeling super soft and clean. We love it.

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Little Twig Lavender Shampoo

Cleans really well, is easy to rinse and smells wonderful. My daughter loves it. I love that it’s clear and has a pump, which makes it easy to use.

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I was sent the above products to review, and I was super happy with them. This was also a good way to experience the great customer service provided by Zenoobi. It was a pleasant exchange.

Disclaimer: Although I was provided with products by this seller, the opinions in this post are my own.

7 For All Mankind, a division of VF Contemporary Brands