Archives for December 2012

December 17, 2012

Clinique Partners with Petra Nemcova and Happy Hearts Fund to Education and Making Children Happy

What is the one thing any person, and I do mean any, can do to help ensure a brighter future for our world? Help educate! Education gives us all the building blocks of our future, and is something that will never end at any age.

Education is perhaps the single greatest opportunity one can give to a child. It is the most important and empowering tool in a child’s future. Education is a gateway to brighter possibilities, making all things possible.  Education can transform not only individuals, but families and communities along the way.  Studies have shown education to promote gender equality, improve individual and community health and contribute directly to the growth of national income by improving the productive capacities of the labor force.

Petra Nemcova, Supermodel, Founder and Chair,  launched Happy Hearts Fund in 2006 with a mission to bring hope to the lives of children affected by natural disasters. As a survivor of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami in Thailand, Petra witnessed the devastation of communities, families and children first-hand.  By focusing on rebuilding and building of schools in areas affected by natural disasters, the fund helps provide a safe haven for children and restore a sense of normalcy.

Clinique, (www.clinique.com) a leader in global beauty as well as a long-time supporter of generations of women and children’s causes, joins with Petra and  Happy Hearts Fund in a multi-year partnership to develop educational institutions for children globally. Since its inception, the Fund’s programs have benefited more than 41,000 children and 340,000 community members. It is active in six countries, and growing. It has built or rebuilt over 70 schools and kindergartens. Together Clinique and Happy Hearts Fund will give more children, all across the globe, access to education- the greatest gift of all!

Clinique has introduced a limited edition Happy Heart fragrance and a limited edition “Make Someone Happy” T-shirt where a percentage of sales go directly to Happy Hearts Fund. The fragrance itself is bright and happy. It contains a hint of sweetness from mandarin orange and cassis mingled with soft floral notes of water lily, rose and geranium. Dry notes of sandalwood, musk and blondewood create a harmonious balance meant to linger and enrich the heart. At suggested prices of $37 for the fragrance, and $16 for the T-shirt, join with Clinique and Petra on a mission to spread smiles across the globe and reinforce your commitment to children and education.

I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Petra and Clinique last week to learn more on this very worthy cause! For more info on Happy Hearts Fund, go to www.happyheartsfund.org

 

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December 16, 2012

L’Occitane Arrives in Big and Small Packages and Celebrities are Loving it!

 

The Best of L’Occitane Gift Set has arrived and I couldn’t be happier. This past year, I have been enjoying many of L’Occitane’s Bath and Body products. L’Occitane carries the most luxurious bath and body line, fabulous fragrances and their hands creams containing Shae butter are incredible. If you are looking to delight this holiday, gift giving with L’Occitane has never been more fun. L’Occitane has put together some remarkable gift set highlighting their very best and most popular products.

There are some fabulous gift sets to choose from. L’Occitane Immortelle Gift of Youth, Shae Embrace, Almond Enchantment, Sparkling Verbena Delights and the list goes on at http://usa.loccitane.com/gifts. My personal favorite is The Best of L’Occitane because this set contains an assortment of my favorite L’Occitane products. I plan on delighting a few of my friends with The Best of L’Occitaine’s soft and silky Shea Butter Hand Cream and Shea Butter Foot Cream, soothing Almond Shower Oil, intoxicating Pivoine Flora Beauty Milk, Relaxing Lavender Foaming Bath and fragrant Almond Milk Concentrate. This gift set truly does contain the Best of L’Occitane.

This holiday season pamper yourself and your loved ones with fabulous L’Occitane goodies. I plan on filling some stockings with “Hugs & Kisses” and of course, some L’Occitane Hugs & Kisses too!  L’Occitane Hugs & Kisses Mango Flower Limited Edition is a Hand Cream and Lip Balm Duo. A year ago, I didn’t even know the L’Occitane brand, now I can honestly say that my family is enjoying many of the brands products.

Mango Flower Organic Shea Lip Balm EFT is enriched with Shea Butter*** and will moisturize, nourish and protect your lips. L’Occitane Lip Balms have been a favorite in my house, just as much as L’Occitane Mango Flower Shea Hand Cream. Their non-greasy shea butter hand cream will leave your hands feeling silky soft, and you will adore this delicate citrus scent .

Soaps in my stocking? I definitely want L’Occitane Solidarity Soap. This soap with a cause is simply  incredible with its rose petal scent. “100% of profits from the sale of this soap will be donated to NGOs working to fight preventable blindness in developing countries”, I have a bar right at my kitchen sink and use it at least 5 times a day ot more.

***Shea Butter, a natural beauty balm, comes from Shea trees in West Africa. L’OCCITANE harvests its Shea Butter in a fair trade agreement with women’s collectives in order to support economic recovery and a heritage of natural harvesting traditions.Whether your gifts are big or small, a package from L’Occitane will surly delight! http://usa.loccitane.com.

 

Jill Zarin: Spotted at the new L’Occitane Upper West Side Boutique! Getting into the holiday spirit, Jill Zarin shopped for many of her friends and family. She picked up some calming Lavender bath products and Shimmering Oil for herself; Cade Shaving products for her husband; and scented showergels for her daughter.

 

 

 

 

Arielle KebbelArielle was spotted a big smile on her face as she shopped the Hollywood & Highland Boutique for some Christmas gift must-haves.

 

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December 13, 2012

Today on “Your Carolina” – His & Hers Holiday Gifts

Check out my recommendations for great holiday gifts for any budget!

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December 13, 2012

These Are a Few of My “Friends” Favorite Things

 

My friends are telling me, and I must agree, that they can’t live without their Tweezernan Tweezers. Next on their list,  the Tweezerman Manicure Set and I am already on it. I found these great holiday themed manicure sets that consist of a full size Stainless Steel Fingernail clipper, a two surfaced nail file for filing and smoothing and Birchwood Manicure Sticks for caring for nails and cuticles. This manicure set contains everything my friends will need to keep their fingers and nails looking trimmed and elegant. Tweezerman has created some award winning products and you can find their complete line of tweezers and manicure essentials at http://www.tweezerman.com.

Everyone who loves beauty products knows how popular and beneficial Moroccan Oil has become. Inventive Eco Organics Moroccan Collection Gift Set is the perfecv tchoice for gift or stocking stuffer because it contains a sampling of some of their great products and they are small enough to fit in a cosmetic case or travel bag. I know my friends have this on their list too. This 4 piece collection contains Moroccan Body Wash, Moroccan Body Lotion, O2 Enriched Moroccan Argan Oil and Seven Seas Sublime Soak. Once they pamper themselves with this Moroccan Gift Set, they won’t want to leave home without them. http://www.inventiveecoorganic.com/

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream is another favorite, containing all the benefits of Sea Buckthorn. This facial cream is very soothing and contains the extremely beneficial Omega 7 fatty acids. Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream is a light, non-greasy cream which helps boost collagen production and will keep your skin feeling moisturized and rejuvenated. This light non greasy cream can be used every day and has a wonderful citrus scent. The perfect stocking stuffer. sibubeauty.com

 

 

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December 12, 2012

Indulge in one of Scandinavia’s Rich Traditions

December 13th is Santa Lucia’s Day—the longest night of the year and is considered the start of the holiday season in Sweden. Indulge in one of Scandinavia’s rich traditions – a nap on a Hästens bed. Imported from Sweden, Hästens’s beds are expertly built by hand using all-natural materials including horsehair, wool, cotton and flax. From European elite to Hollywood royalty, Hästens beds are the choice for a superlative night’s rest.

WHERE: One of Hästens’ Showrooms

WHEN: December 13th

WHY: For an authentic Swedish snooze. 

Please visit Hastens.com to locate your nearest boutique – including two in the NYC area in Flatiron and SoHo. Get that beauty sleep that we all need! You deserve it!

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December 12, 2012

Smashing Gifts From SMASHBOX Cosmetics

 Smashbox Cosmetics are a great way to start or finish up your holiday shopping. You might even find a few things for yourself like I did!

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is on my girls wish list. They are always being photographed and always want to look great when those photos get posted and Smashbox Photo Finish Primer gives them a head start. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is available in 3 finishes, but what finish do I choose? Color Blend Apricot conceals under eye circles, veins and sunspots, Color Adjust Green minimizes redness and Color Balance Lavender helps those with yellow skin tones. Select your perfect photo finish primer at http://www.sephora.com/photo-finish-color-correcting-foundation-primer.

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Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner is my personal favorite. This creamy eyeliner glides on so easily leaving a nice smooth bold line of color. It truly is a “mistake-proof” shadow liner. They are easy to use, smudging as a liner or blending as a shadow for radiant, all-over color. I will never use anythng else! Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liners are available in Bronze and Charcoal.

Airbrush Whipped Cheek Color should be a staple in everyone’s handbag. This  lightweight blush gives cheeks a natural radiant glow. With ultra-fine pigments for supreme blendability and silicone elastomers that diminish imperfections, this mousse-like formula delivers an instant airbrushed effect. Airbrush Whipped Cheeck Color offers you no hassle touch-ups throughout the day. They are available in two great shades,  Berry Bliss and Dusty Rose.

Photo Op Eye Shadow Palette is one of my daughter’s favorite palettes. She creates the most beautiful looking eyes with this palette of ultra-blendable shadows in very trendy  shades. The richly pigmented Photo Op Eye Shadow Palette contains velvety shadows that are crease and fade resistant. Also included in the palette is a double-ended brush. Shades available are Icon and Mus.

You face is primed, your eyes are alluring, your cheeks are aglow, let’s not forget those lips. Lip Enhancing Gloss Duo is the icing on the cake. Gloss your lips to perfection with this luxe, longwearing formula with an ultra-cushiony applicator. Your lips will never look and feel better. Two sets of fabulous shades are available, Fab/Snappy and Luxe/Chic.

All of the Smashbox products mentioned here are available at Smashbox.com, Sephora, Sephora Inside JC Penney, ULTA, Nordstrom, QVC, Beauty.com and select Macy’s


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December 12, 2012

Rachel’s Hard Candy eyes

Hard Candy Single and Loving It Eyeshadow in Solo.
For $3 at Walmart this is such a great deal. This is me after an afternoon movie, dinner and a hard game of basketball. The shadow stayed on all day and still looked great at 11:00 pm! – Rachel

(Reference post http://itsateenthing.itsaglamthing.com/blog/hard-candy-eye-shadow-love )

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December 12, 2012

Comfort and Joy All Day Long

Don’t you hate it when your looking all cute and sexy in those new pants and then you see that emabarrassing panty line?  Or how about when your bra strap keeps knawing into your shoulder and you keep trying to adjust them?

 

With Shibue strapless panty and shoulder savers you can now wear that cute outfit witout any embarrassment.  You are probably wondering how does Shibue strapless panties work.  Well, it is real simple really. All you have to do is make sure your skin is clean of all lotions, and oils then you peel off the plastic covering to the reusable gel adhesive and position the panty to a comfortabel position.  Do the same for the back and enjoy the comforting feel all day long. The same with Shibue’s shoulder savers.  Just plaace Shibue’s shoulder savers under your bra strap and place strap on the saver in the slit.

 

 

To discover the comfort of Shibue visit www.shibuecouture.com and feel the comfort for yourself.

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December 12, 2012

Wet 2 Straight Without Blow Drying, Unbelievable!


My daughter Adrienne is really enjoying her new hair appliances. She is trying something new, she wasn’t convinced at first it would work but she is convinced now, it’s the new Remington’s Wet 2 Straight Iron.  In her own words, “Remington’s New Wet 2 Straight Iron is a super hair tool, allowing you to straighten your hair while it is still wet and eliminating the whole blow drying process. I didn’t believe it at first, thinking that maybe my hair would get damaged from the iron. This was not the case at all. Remington’s Wet 2 Straight really worked. It actually took me less time using Wet 2 Straight than straightening my dry hair. I do occasionally use a regular flat iron because I often straighten my dry hair.  Now, with Wet 2 Straight I have the convenience of straightening my hair right after I wash it, if I am short on time. One of the tricks I learned using Wet 2 Straight is to towel dry your hair until it’s damp, then Wet 2 Straight takes care of the rest.”

There you have it, it really works.  (See photos below) Remington’s Wet 2 Straight 1″ Flat Iron with Soy Hydra Complex conditions, dries & straightens wet hair for the ultimate smooth finish. Blow drying and straightening often causes stress to your hair but with the unique steam vents on top of this new flat iron, it safely removes water from your damp hair.

Soy protein is known for nourishing and moisturizing skin and hair.  Next generation ceramic plates on this flat iron are infused with soy hydra conditioners creating healthy, shiney hair.  These conditioners last the life of the flat iron, leaving no oily residue.  This iron also heats to 425* in 30 seconds and if you forget to turn it off, don’t worry, it has an automatic turn off after 60 minutes. These are terrific features so what are you waiting for, create a longer-lasting beautiful finish with Remington’s Wet 2 Straight Iron. http://www.remingtonproducts.com  Remington’s Wet 2 Straight Iron makes a great gift, just ask Adrienne’s friends!

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December 11, 2012

Head to Toe Beauty for the Holidays

Every woman wants to be pampered this holiday season. With everything from head to toe beauty products on their list, I have a few that are sure to please even the pickiest of people. As a hairstylist I get asked a lot, “How can I achieve curling iron curls at home”?  With Remington’s T-Studio Pearl Ceramic 1″ Styling Wand, you can get salon-created waves right in the comfort of your home.  Remington’s Styling Wand offers easy-to-read digital controls and heats to 410 degrees to give you all day picture perfect curls.  This must have multifunctional tool is great for that last minute gift idea. It can be found at www.Ulta.com and Ulta Beauty Stores across the U.S. starting at $29.99

For those “everything organic” people in your family you can treat them to Weleda Organic skin Care.  Weleda’s new Holiday gift kits give some of nature’s most coveted beauty ingredients. Hand crafted 100% natural skin care made with organic and bio dynamic ingredients.  These kits feature a body wash and a body lotion and is available in 4 different scents.

Refresh & Invigorate with Citrus, Replenish and Nourish with Sea Buckthorn, Pamper and Indulge with Wild Rose or Regenerate and Inspire with Pomegranate. Weleda Gift Kits are so fabulous, you might have to choose all four.

Weleda can be found at USA.Weleda.com  for $21.50

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