luxury beauty trends

Cyber Monday sale on pearl jewelry

2011-11-24T19:28:00.004-05:00

Looking for an elegant gift of pearl jewelry this Christams or Hannukkah? Museum Way Pearls has a Cyber Monday sale on pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl bracelets, pearl sets and pearl pendants. Just use Museum Way Pearls' coupon code Pearls 2011 now through December 19, 2011 to take 10% off your full purchase!

Since MuseumWayPearls.com is an online retailer of pearl jewelry, we are open 24/7 and there are never any lines! Happy CyberMonday jewelry shopping!

Click here to visit MuseumWayPearls.com

MuseumWayPearls.com is run by a husband and wife team in Boston, Massachusetts. The company sells elegant pearl jewelry that ranges in price from $50 to $11,000. Museum Way Pearls sells pieces made with freshwater, Tahitian, South Sea and saltwater Akoya pearls. Each order comes with a complimentary appraisal and free ground shipping. The company has a 90-day return guarantee and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Please visit http://www.museumwaypearls.com/ to view the collection and order pearl jewelry any time of day. Or contact Museum Way Pearls by phone at (888) 817-2843.

Pink pearl jewelry set

2010-05-05T09:15:00.001-04:00

We love this pink pearl jewelry set! It makes a great gift for Mother's Day or work perfectly as a bridesmaid gift! Just $173 at MuseumWayPearls.com

Win a beautiful crystal sash

2010-02-03T11:27:00.004-05:00

Want to win a beautiful Austine crystal sash for a wedding dress or any beautiful outfit by designer Kirsten Kuehn? She is hosting a contest on her blog http://kirstenkuehndesigns.blogspot.com/. All you need to do is leave her a comment and follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kirstenkuehn.

I love her sashes and headbands. They are sparkly and elegant and she finds inspiration in celebrity styles. Her products are extremely well-made and reasonably priced.

Make sure you enter - and folow her on Twitter! @LuxuryBeauty is!

See Kirsten's full collection for sale on etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KirstenKuehnDesigns

MUSEUM WAY PEARLS FEATURED IN ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

2010-02-02T09:17:00.001-05:00

Museum Way Pearls is pleased to announce that its distinctive customer service was written up in the February 2010 edition of Entrepreneur Magazine.

An article titled “Rewarding the Repeaters” reviews the topic of loyalty programs that keep buyers coming back for more. The author quotes MuseumWayPearls.com owner Jacqui Pini talking about how the owners of the company handwrite a thank you card to send along with every order. The thank you cards always include a coupon code or shipping discount for a future purchase from Museum Way Pearls. A policy Entrepreneur says is “an example of getting it right.”

“Museum Way Pearls takes great care to communicate with customers and let them know they are appreciated. We are thrilled to have our unique loyalty program mentioned in amongst other outstanding companies in the renowned Entrepreneur Magazine,” Piper Smith, of MuseumWayPearls.com said.

The Entrepreneur article can be seen here: http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2010/february/204762.html

Boston-based pearl jewelry company Museum Way Pearls is an “A” rated member of the Better Business Bureau and is pleased to give customers a secure online shopping environment as a Comodo Hacker Proof certified site. It also sells an outstand assortment of cultured pearl earrings, necklaces, sets, bracelets made with freshwater pearls, saltwater Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls and South Sea pearls at prices that are around 75-80% less than retail.

Museum Way Pearls can be contacted at any time at 888-817-2843, CustomerService@MuseumWayPearls.com or online at http://www.museumwaypearls.com/.

Museum Way Pearls coupon code, discount code on pearl gifts

2009-12-11T09:49:00.010-05:00

Discounted pearl jewelry holiday gifts for women start under $40 during sale at MuseumWayPearls.com

Whether she has a love for lavender pearls or her style welcomes bold dark pearls, purchasing reasonably priced jewelry gifts this holiday season is easy at MuseumWayPearls.com. The company has a sale going on now that brings the cost of elegant pearl jewelry holiday gifts down to a starting price of under $40 with a coupon code used at checkout.
Museum Way Pearls Coupon

“With a special discount code ‘holiday’ all items of pearl jewelry are 10% off at Museum Way Pearls. This coupon code for the jewelry, in combination with free ground shipping and a free appraisal on every purchase, turns an inexpensive gift for you into a very impressive gift for her,” MuseumWayPearls.com associate Piper Smith said.

Many studies have shown people are looking for Christmas and Hanukkah gifts this year that have longevity, value, and sentimental importance. A set of cultured freshwater pearl earrings for under $40 or a pearl necklace under $100 are meaningful gifts that can be cared for and passed down through generations.

Discounted Christmas, Hanukkah Gifts of Pearl Jewelry

If you are looking for something a little different than freshwater pearl jewelry, MuseumWayPearls.com also offers a wide variety in its cultured pearl collection, including Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, and South Sea pearls at prices that are around 75-80% lower than retail.

Boston-based pearl jewelry company Museum Way Pearls is an “A” rated member of the Better Business Bureau and is proud to give customers a secure shopping experience as a Comodo Hacker Proof certified site. The company sells pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl pendants and pearl bracelets in many colors, including pink pearls, silver pearls, gold pearls, black pearls and more.

Museum Way Pearls can be contacted at any time at 888-817-2843, CustomerService@MuseumWayPearls.com or online at MuseumWayPearls.com. Check out our pearl blog filled with pearl news, celebrities in pearls and articles on pearl wedding jewelry.

New Ritz-Carlton wellness center

2009-12-10T08:55:00.000-05:00

The Ritz-Carlton has annouced it is opening a new wellness center on October 1.

Reflecting The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte’s commitment to using eco-friendly, all-organic products and services, the 13,000-square-foot Wellness Center will include four oversized spa treatment rooms featuring Tempur-Pedic memory foam bed-tops, a complete Fitness Center with personal televisions, a sunlit movement studio offering floor-to-ceiling city views, and a spacious Aqua Lounge with saline-treated swimming pool and whirlpool.

We'll definitley check it out next time we are in the area! Readers, if you head out there- let us know how it is!

Christmas sale at Ben Sherman

2009-12-09T12:47:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite brands these days is Ben Sherman, a clothing company out of Britain that sells shirts, suits, shoes, accessories and other items. Ben Sherman was founded in 1963 by Arthur Bernard Sugarman.

BenShermanUSA.com sells designs that are popular with the most fashionable celebrities (and the rest of us) around the world! From shorts and skinny jeans to striped tank tops their women's clothes are trendy and comfortable. They have a great collection of men's clothing, but I also love their hats, sunglasses and other accessories for men.... and don't forget the ever-popular Ben Sherman shirts.

They are having a some great sales right now and you can even get same day shipping if you order before 2pm EST… I always appreciate fast shipping!

For more details visit BenShermanUSA.com

Dresses maximize your wardrobe

2009-12-08T16:22:00.000-05:00

With the summer coming to a close you may think it is a bad idea to buy more dresses, but they are so versatile they may be your best investment. Why? Dresses can be easily paired with cute tights, boots and cardigan ... and then the warm weather rolls around again and you can still wear them with your favorite flip-flops. No matter where you live (exception being Antarctica, perhaps) dresses are the best pieces for year-round wear.

Don't believe me? I was just cruising through Apple Bottoms and found some great dresses on sale. Below are some of my favorite Apple Bottoms' dresses that most of us could pair with a basic sweater and boots or heels that you already have in your closet. This is a great way to bring your summer wardrobe into fall 2009 and even winter 2009- and save some money. they also have same day shipping!

Apple Bottoms dresses on sale:

Shop now at AppleBottoms.com to see their full collection of AppleBottoms jeans, dresses and more.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale on pearl jewelry

2009-11-25T08:11:00.005-05:00

Black Friday sale on pearl jewelry

Museum Way Pearls is holding a terrific Black Friday sale on jewelry... and it starts now! This early Black Friday sale consists of 10% off any of their black pearl jewelry!

Umm ... what a great deal when you consider you could save hundreds on Tahitian pearl jewelry! The savings also spreads to thier black freshwater pearls and black Akoya pearl jewellry. Just enter "Black Pearls" at checkout to get this great Black Friday jewelry sale!

Cyber Monday sale on pearl jewelry

And... if you are more into pink pearls or white pearls ... Museum Way Pearls is also having a Cyber Monday sale. You can take 10% off an entire purchase with code "Cyber Monday" at checkout! This sale only is good on Cyber Monday 2009 (November 30).

Winner of the Sothys giveaway

2009-09-21T11:40:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Debbie C. of Louisville, KY, who won our Sothy's giveaway.

Debbie's No. 1 tip for protecting her face from the sun: "To be very honest, my best tip for protecting your skin from the sun is AVOID IT. I quit tanning at age 30 and I am very glad I did. I have far fewer wrinkles than any of my friends of the same age. I never use tanning beds either, very dangerous."

Enjoy your Sothys Face and Body Self-Tanning Cream!

Steps to get Scarlett Johansson’s hairstyle

2009-09-19T13:27:00.000-04:00

Celebrity hairstylist David Babaii gave Scarlett Johansson a gorgeous hairstyle for her appearance at Comic-Con 2009.

How to get Scarlett Johansson’s hairstyle:

Step 1: Babaii started by applying Amplifying Whipped Mousse from her roots to ends. This gives just the precise amount of volume and hold to Johansson’s hair. 2. He rough dried her hair with his hands (not a brush- hence “rough drying”.)

Step 2: When Johansson’s hair was dry, Babaii divided up her hair into 3 sections (top, sides and back leaving the nape area free.) This is one of David's most critical styling instructions because it allows you control over the hair.

Step 3: Next, Babaii took small "V" shaped strands and wrapped the hair around the inside of the barrel of a 1 ½" FHI Heat Ceramic Curling Iron. Then he let each curl drop naturally.

Step 4: Through chosen strands, he ran his fingers up the partly curled strand to attain more volume.

Step 5: For just a little extra lift at the scalp, he put Volcanic Ash Root Amplifier on his finger tips massaging into the roots. This adds added fullness and texture.

Finish it off: To complete, he misted Mise en Plis Light Styling Spray.

Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer

2009-09-10T09:02:00.000-04:00

If exposing that rose on your ankle, butterfly on your back or those out-of-date initials is too much to bear, you're in luck. The queen of tattoos, Kat Von D, has just released a new tattoo concealer.

According to Sephora, Kat says, "If you wanna hide a tattoo just for one day, the proper concealer can make that happen! No one has to see what you don't want them to see!"

Kat Von D Tattoo Concealer, $25, is available in 3 shades at Sephora.

RealBeauty.com has launched

2009-09-03T08:51:00.001-04:00

We are very excited about the news that Hearst Magazines Digital Media has launched RealBeauty.com in beta. The site will cover both inner and outer beauty, featuring topics including hair, makeup, skin, body and fragrance, as well as diet and exercise, stress relief, sleeping better, eating well and other wellness subjects.

In November, a unique personalization feature called "The Beauty Book" will be unveiled on the site, marking its official launch. The Beauty Book, an innovative new personalization tool not found on any other beauty sites, will provide consumers with customized beauty and wellness information, product recommendations and advice based on their characteristics, such as age, ethnicity and hair color, and on their preferences for specific content, products and beauty techniques.

Prepare your face for shaving

2009-08-20T08:59:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of pre-shave lubricant? Men, if you have trouble shaving, this may be a good product for you!

Slippery Pre-Shave Lubricant, by JOCK SOAP, is said to soften up whiskers for shaving and condition your skin. Formulated with Kukui Nut, Grapeseed Oil and other gentle, natural oils, Slippery is designe dto give an extra layer of lubrication between the razor and your face.

It is $15 at http://www.getjock.com/

Do your make-up like Eva Longoria

2009-08-12T09:00:00.006-04:00

Our friends at THEVI Cosmetics have just sent us some great information on how to do your make-up similar to the way Eva Longoria has hers done on Desperate Housewives.

According to the make-up artists at THEVI, here is how you can get that gorgeous Gabrielle Solis look:

1. Lightly dust each eyelid using the THEVI Oatmeal Eyeshadow with your shadow brush. Remember to cover all of your eyelid, all the way up to the bottom of your eyebrows for that extra lighting effect which really gives your entire look an extra little something.

2. Then using the same shadow brush, gently gather some color with the same shadow brush of your THEVI Dark Brown Matte Eyeshadow.

The beauty of using the same brush throughout your makeup routine is to assist you in the blending process.

Gently apply the color, from your lash line, in upward motions towards your browline. As you approach your eyebrows, the intensity of the color should lessen.

A helpful hint from our THEVI Makeup Artists is to use pressed powder to cover any mistakes, never try to remove the eyecolor!

3.Finally, use your THEVI Mocha Mate Duo for the perfect contouring helper for some beautiful model cheek bones.

Locate the apples of your cheeks by smiling and then sweep the darker shade immediately below this region. Use the lighter color directly on the apples for a shimmery effect.

How to get Catherine Zeta-Jones' hairstyle

2009-08-11T13:06:00.006-04:00

Thanks so much to our friends at Janice McCafferty Communications, who provided us this great entry on how to get Catherine Zeta-Jones' hairstyle.

David Babaii's Hair How-To: Catherine Zeta-Jones

After gently towel-drying her hair to remove excess water, I warmed a small amount of Hair Polish in the palms of my hands before applying it through the hair. I've found warming this product actually boosts its ability to seal the cuticle, while repairing and strengthening each strand. Not to mention the shine!

Next, I dried her hair using my David Babaii for WildAid Blow Dryer with the nozzle attachment and a large round brush to smooth hair straight. Try to avoid any metal coated brushes. These brushes only generate unnecessary heat and will cause hair to be baked not dried. I sectioned her hair first: top, sides and back. To begin, I started by drying the nape area first and then proceeded until her entire head was dry.

Finally, to achieve her sleek straight look I went through her hair with my David Babaii for WildAid Styling Iron with Tourmaline and Ceramic technology. I did this by once again dividing her hair into three parts again: top, sides and back. Starting at the nape area and taking small sections at a time, I combed the hair before running the flat iron through. For the mega watt shine, I applied an additional amount of Hair Polish after the entire head was straightened. This created her mirror finish.
_____

Thanks David! View David Babaii's WildAid line

Win a pearl necklace via Twitter trivia treasure hunt

2009-08-06T09:34:00.004-04:00

On August 22, 2009, Museum Way Pearls will host a Twitter trivia treasure hunt in which one lover of pearls can show off their pearl knowledge for a chance to win a black pearl necklace valued at $1500.

Here is how the pearl jewelry contest works:

1. Follow @MuseumWayPearls on Twitter

2. Watch Tweets by @MuseumWayPearls on August 22, 2009, when they’ll post 10 pearl-related trivia questions at different points in the day. Clues start rolling in at 10am EST.

3. Keep track of all the answers as you go.

4. When you find the answer to the 10th question, go to Museum Way Pearls giveaway page. Fill out the giveaway form and type all your answers in the comments section. The company will accept all entries for 30 minutes after the final question is posted on Twitter and then will randomly draw a winner for the black pearl necklace.

5. The winner will be posted that day on Museum Way Pearls pearl jewelry blog

Great site to get deals on perfume

2009-08-03T16:43:00.009-04:00

I often get convinced to by perfume or make-up at a department store because I can try it on and it often comes with a little gift... but those department store perfumes also come with a hefty price tag. So, if you know exactly what it is you want your best bet to get a great deal is online.
I recently heard of a site called My Fragrance Room, which features tons of products- some are highly discounted, others just a little bit lower than retail- but it is definitley worth checking out if you do a lot of shopping for salon products or perfumes.

Discount fragrances:
From D&G Light Blue to Romance by Ralph Lauren, MyFragranceRoom.com sells designer perfumes at discount perfume prices. The fragrance selection is huge and they also sell celebrity perfumes such as Heiress by Paris Hilton and Harajuku Lovers by Gwen Stefani.

Good deals on beauty products:
On top of lower-priced perfumes, MyFragranceRoom.com also sells discounted make-up such as Bare Escentuals, discounted hair products including Aveda, Bain de Terre, Back to Basics and American Crew.

MyFragranceRoom.com is also a great place to buy a gift as they also sell colognes, skin care, candles, aromatherapy and many other brand name products at prices up to 80% off retail.

Click here to shop at at MyFragranceRoom.com

New study on tanning bed dangers

2009-07-29T12:21:00.002-04:00

Cancer specialists are saying tanning beds and UV radiation are both “definite distinct causes of cancer”

A new review of about 20 studies shows the risk of skin cancer soars by 75% when people (under age 30) start using tanning facilities. Melanoma is the No. 1 cancer diagnosed in Britain in women in their 20s. Usually, skin cancer rates peak in people age 75+.

If you really want a tan- use a tanning mist, cream or a bronzer. There are so many good ones on the market these days.

My favorite self-tanners under $15 are below:

Win a free Sothys Face and Body Self-Tanning Cream

2009-07-27T09:23:00.007-04:00

Sothys (pronounced So-tis) is an international skincare brand renowned for its incredible quality and outstanding results.

Sothys has been in business for over 60 years and offers full lines of face, body, sun treatments, make-up, men's skin care. As the No. 1 choice of professionals around the world, Sothys is one of those brands that once you try their products you want nothing else.

Today, our friends at Sothys have been generous enough to offer Luxury Beauty Trends a Face and Body Self-Tanning Cream to give away to one lucky reader!

How does Sothys Face and Body Self-Tanning Cream work?

In just a few hours, its non-tinted cream formula gives a long-lasting sun-kissed glow to the skin. Its smooth consistency is enhanced with moisturizing ingredients to give the user smooth skin and a brilliant complexion. It retails for $38

To enter our Sothys giveaway:

To enter our beauty product giveaway, please email me (luxurybeautytrends@gmail.com) your full name and mailing address and tell me your No. 1 tip for protecting your face from the sun. I will post the winner's first name/last initial, city and response on Monday, August 3... so be sure to check in and see if you are the winner! This contest opens Monday, July 27th at 6:00am EST and ends Friday, July 31th at 4pm EST. It is open to U.S. addresses only and those who are 18 years or older (at the time of entry.)

Click here for full contest rules.

Power pearls worn by powerful women

2009-07-23T13:00:00.013-04:00

From Nancy Pelosi to Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, the most influential women in Washington these days have one common accessory- power pearls. Necklaces, earrings and bracelets made from larger-sized South Sea and Tahitian pearls are truly statement pieces.

What are power pearls?

South Sea pearls are distinguishable by their bigger sizes ranging from just about 9mm up to 20mm – with a common size being 13mm – as well as their satiny shades of gold and white. While Tahitian pearls are recognized for their natural black color, they also come in many shades including cream, silver, green, peacock and graphite. Tahitian pearls range from 8mm-18mm.

Where can I buy power pearls?

Museum Way Pearls carries several sizes of white and golden South Sea pearl earrings and South Sea pearl pendants. They also offer a wide variety of round and baroque Tahitian pearl necklaces and round Tahitian pearl earrings. Museum Way Pearls invites fans of power pearls to use coupon code "baroque" at checkout to receive 25% off already low-priced baroque Tahitian pearl necklaces.

Click here for to see more Tahitian pearl jewelry

Click here to see more South Sea pearl jewelry

Fall 2009 shoe trends

2009-07-22T15:41:00.007-04:00

Even though I am not a fan of the fall (aka cool weather)... I am very excited about the new shoe styles for fall 2009.

Below are some of the top fall trends to look for when shopping for shoes as well as photos of my favorite shoes and boots for fall 2009.

Fall 2009 shoe styles (and see photos below):

Suede clogs with studs
Peep-toe wedges
Elasticized ballet shoes
Booties with either cut-out toes or cut out eyelets
Stacked-heel boots with some type of buckle
High-heeled Oxfords
Equestrian boots
Fringe- on anything, but I particularly like it on boots or fringe flip flops if you're in a warm climate!

See photos below of all of these styles!

Fall 2009 shoe colors to look for are jewel tones (purple, red, orange, green) shades of leather are saddle, taupe, black and finally, metallics such as bronze and dark silver! Happy shoe shopping!

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Winner of our THEVI Sheer Matte Blush giveaway

2009-07-21T16:33:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to the winner of our THEVI Sheer Matte Blush giveaway! The randomly-chosen winner is Amy M. from Charlotte, NC.

If Amy could name a blush, she'd call it "Blushing Bride."

Congratulations Amy, and enjoy your Sheer Matte Blush courtesy of THEVI Cosmetics!

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Win a fabulous vacation from Cetaphil

2009-07-21T08:43:00.006-04:00

Cetaphil is launching a magnificent contest (I just entered!!) asking users to tell to finish the sentence “I feel comfortable in my skin…”

The grand prize winner will receive a seven day, four person escape to a Marriott & Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resort destination of his or her choice, a Kate Spade bag and $500 Amex gift card to purchase their selected getaway items.

All you need to do is visit the Cetaphil contest website and make a collage (powered by Brickfish- so easy to use) that includes your choice destination, your favorite Kate Spade bag, your favorite Cetaphil products and perhaps a shot of you doing your favorite things (or you can pick from their snapshots of favorite things!)

Good luck and check out my entry below... if you like it... give me a vote! And, yes, that is me running in the corner!

Comfortable in My Skin - Round 1

Sponsored by Visit Cetaphil

Luxury Beauty Trends giveaway rules

2009-07-20T09:43:00.000-04:00

Giveaway Rules 1. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
2. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Each giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only and those who are 18 years or older (at the time of entry.)
3. ENTRY RULES: Contest opens July 27, 2009 and ends July 31, 2009 at 4pm. Luxury Beauty Trends is not responsible for failure to receive entries due to technical malfunctions of any kind. All entries become property of Luxury Beauty Trends. One entry per person per contest. Duplicate entries will not be counted.
4. WINNER SELECTION: Sweepstakes winners will be chosen in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received by deadline. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
5. PRIZES: Face and Body Self-Tanning Cream by Sothys (value $38).
6. WINNER NOTIFICATION AND AGREEMENT: Winners will be alerted at the email address given by the winner through their email entry to Luxury Beauty Trends. Return of prize notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and an alternate winner may be picked from among all remaining eligible entries.
7. PRIZE CONDITIONS: PRIZE WILL BE MAILED TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE WINNER. Winners may waive their right to receive prizes. Prizes are non-assignable and nontransferable. Winners are solely responsible for reporting and payment of any taxes on prizes. Acceptance of any prize constitutes winner’s consent to the publication of his or her first name/last initial, answer and home city/state in any media for any commercial or promotional purpose, without restriction or additional compensation. THE NAME AND CITY OF THE WINNER WILL BE POSTED ON Luxury Beauty Trends website.
8. PARTICIPATION: By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official rules... Luxury Beauty Trends reserves the right to disqualify persons found interfering with or mistreating any aspect of this promotion as decided by ... Luxury Beauty Trends. In the event the promotion is damaged by a virus, unapproved human interference, or other causes beyond the tolerable control of Luxury Beauty Trends has the right in its sole judgment to postpone, amend or cease any promotion at any time. Email luxurybeautytrends@gmail.com for further information or list of winners.

Vegan shoes for a green wedding

2009-07-20T09:37:00.007-04:00

Looking to keep your wedding attire green? One place to start is with your feet ... or the feet of your lovely bridesmaids! Elizabeth Olsen from NYC’s olsen Haus Shoe Design makes gorgeous vegan shoes that are elegant and stylish and also something you can feel good about wearing.

What are vegan shoes? According to Elizabeth, a vegan shoe means that it doesn’t have any animal products in it. olsen Haus products are created of non-animal materials, in locations that are individually examined to ensure they maintain strong ethical practices and respect and awareness of their environmental impact.

While these shoes are perfect for a vegan wedding, I can also see the many different styles of these vegan shoes as being perfect for work or a night out.

For more information, check out Elizabeth's interview on the Mother Nature Network.

Justin Timberlake's new cologne

2009-07-17T12:33:00.005-04:00

Justin Timberlake is the new spokesman for Givenchy's new men's fragrance "Play." If you'd like to check it out, just enter PLAY in the promo code box during at checkout to receive a 0.17oz sample with an online product order from Sephora.

According to Sephora this is how "Play" is broken down:

Top notes: Bergamot, mandarin orange, bitter orange, and grapefruit.
Middle notes: Amyris wood, black pepper, and a coffee flower accord.
Base notes: Vetyver and patchouli.

More details on Givenchy's new men's fragrance "Play"

Katherine Heigl's red carpet style

2009-07-17T10:54:00.001-04:00

Katherine Heigl sported a new brunette hairdo and a gorgeous nude-colored dress on red carpet of 'The Ugly Truth" last night in Los Angeles.

Click here to read more about Heigl's red carpet style and gorgeous pearl necklace!

A simple summer hairstyle by Rodney Cutler

2009-07-16T08:46:00.007-04:00

Looking for a chic summer hairstyle? We were lucky enough to chat with renowned stylist Rodney Cutler, owner of Cutler/Redken salons, who gave us the scoop on a summer hair trend that is fresh off the runway.

Featured in the Cynthia Rowley Resort 2010 show, the low side part with chignon is a the perfect look if you want to pull your hair back, but are sick of the standard ponytail. It is so low-maintenance you can wear this style to the beach or pool or even at night if you go out and want to stay cool.

Directions on the low side part with chignon, by Rodney Cutler

Spray in Redken Color Extend Sun Sparkling Shield to protect hair from color fade and to add shine.
Brush straight back and with a tail comb, creating a very low side part
Secure in low ponytail then tightly twist around itself to create a chignon

Rodney Cutler has worked with Norah Jones, Liza Minelli, Rachel Ray and more. He also has a full line of exceptional hair products that can be purchased online through the Culter Salon website.

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Yolanda’s Bridal Salon is closing

2009-07-15T13:04:00.002-04:00

The very famous Yolanda Cellucci of Yolanda’s Bridal Salon in Waltham, Mass., has announced she’ll be closing her doors next month.

The wedding boutique, opened in 1968, has grown to more than $5 million in annual sales with an event center salon and spa.

Discounts of discounts up to 75% will be offered on wedding gowns, dresses, furs, jewelry and shoes.

Depending on when delivery is scheduled on a dress you bought at Yolanda’s it may be sent to Ana Hernandez Bridal Salon on Newbury Street.

Visit Boston.com for more information on the closing of Yolanda’s Bridal Salon.

JK Soul Salts organic soap

2009-07-15T10:43:00.005-04:00

Need a little encouragement? You won’t want to
miss the gorgeous little Organic Shea Butter Herb Soaps by JK Soul Salts. They are stylishly packaged and finished off with a motivational saying.

And, while they are beautifully wrapped, they are also beautifully made. These ultra-moisturizing soaps are created using dead sea salt, organic shea butter, and aromatic essential oils. These soaps are so charming I can envision them stacked up as an accessory in the bathroom.

Organic Shea Butter Herb Soaps by JK Soul Salts retail for $8 and come in Vanilla, Rosemary, Lavender, Orange blossom and more.

Bling strands - metallic threads tied into hair

2009-07-15T09:06:00.009-04:00

Would you try this trend? Bling strands are like tiny metallic threads that are gently tied into hair. There is no glue involved so they won't harm your hair and you can wear them for weeks if you want- or switch them out everyday.

My take on this trend… if worn with just a few sprinkled in the hair they add just the right amount of sparkle. Do not overdo it!

They would be really cute and make a great gift for a girl in college or younger. If you have a job where you are allowed to be creative in your dress and hairstyle- I say go for it as well. Or if you just want to wear them on the weekends.

A 25 strand-pack of Bling Strands are $13.00. And, if you need so me help getting started, they have a great how-to video on the website.

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THEVI Cosmetics product giveaway

2009-07-13T16:37:00.011-04:00

From bright swimsuits at the beach to flowers in the backyard, we are in the height of summer and color is around every corner. In honor of the vibrant shades we see everywhere we are thrilled to recognize a company known for celebrating color, THEVI Cosmetics. The company loves colors and recently launched a new daily color lifestyle inspiration program on their site!

Now, THEVI Cosmetics wants to give you a little splash of color!

We are thrilled to announce a giveaway this week of a THEVI Cosmetics product. It is a Sheer Matte Blush in a shade called Whisper Apricot (value $16). This is a terrific blush for many different types of skintones.

To enter, please email me (luxurybeautytrends@gmail.com) your full name and mailing address and tell me if you could name a shade of blush- what would the name of it be? I will post the winner's first name/last initial, city and response on Monday July 20... so be sure to check in and see if you are the winner!

This contest opens Tuesday, July 14th at 6:00am EST and ends Friday July 17th at 4pm EST. It is open to U.S. addresses only and those who are 18 years or older (at the time of entry.)

For full rules click here.

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Luxury Beauty Trends Giveaway Rules and Regulations

2009-07-13T02:00:00.002-04:00

Giveaway Rules
1. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
2. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Each giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only and those who are 18 years or older (at the time of entry.)
3. ENTRY RULES: Contest opens July 14, 2009 and ends July 17, 2009 at 4pm. Luxury Beauty Trends is not responsible for failure to receive entries due to technical malfunctions of any kind. All entries become property of Luxury Beauty Trends. One entry per person per contest. Duplicate entries will not be counted.
4. WINNER SELECTION: Sweepstakes winners will be chosen in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received by deadline. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
5. PRIZES: 1 Whisper Apricot blush by THEVI cosmetics (value $16).
6. WINNER NOTIFICATION AND AGREEMENT: Winners will be alerted at the email address given by the winner through their email entry to Luxury Beauty Trends. Return of prize notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and an alternate winner may be picked from among all remaining eligible entries.
7. PRIZE CONDITIONS: PRIZE WILL BE MAILED TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE WINNER. Winners may waive their right to receive prizes. Prizes are non-assignable and nontransferable. Winners are solely responsible for reporting and payment of any taxes on prizes. Acceptance of any prize constitutes winner’s consent to the publication of his or her first name/last initial, answer and home city/state in any media for any commercial or promotional purpose, without restriction or additional compensation. THE NAME AND CITY OF THE WINNER WILL BE POSTED ON Luxury Beauty Trends website.
8. PARTICIPATION: By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official rules... Luxury Beauty Trends reserves the right to disqualify persons found interfering with or mistreating any aspect of this promotion as decided by ... Luxury Beauty Trends. In the event the promotion is damaged by a virus, unapproved human interference, or other causes beyond the tolerable control of Luxury Beauty Trends has the right in its sole judgment to postpone, amend or cease any promotion at any time.

Email luxurybeautytrends@gmail.com for further information or list of winners.

Keeping hair healthy this summer

2009-07-12T19:13:00.004-04:00

If you have not yet heard of Frederick Benjamin products you'll definitely want to check them out. The line of grooming products for men consists of high-end shampoos, conditioners and a daily-hydrator (leave-in conditioner), that are made from quality ingredients such as spearmint, clove and nettle. They are also free from many common irritants including drying alcohols and synthetic fragrance and colors.

We were lucky enough to get some tips from Michael James, the founder of Frederick Benjamin, on keeping hair healthy this summer:

Keep your scalp and hair cleansed and conditioned this summer to help fight of excessive drying and damage caused by the sun, chlorine and salt.

Exposure to sun, salt and chlorine over the summer will take its toll on your scalp and hair, robbing it of its natural moisture, causing dryness, irritation and damage.

· Cleanse and Condition regularly: it is always good to shampoo the scalp and hair after being in the sun and/or in the water. Use a good moisturizing shampoo followed by a conditioner will keep the scalp and hair cleansed and hydrated. Use a comb to work conditioner through the hair to prevent damage from tangling.

· Hydrate the Scalp: Direct exposure to the sun can take its toll on your scalp. Salts from the sweat can build up on the scalp and dehydrate the scalp, causing the scalp to tighten, become itchy and sensitive to the touch. Before you go into the sun, don’t forget to use sunscreen, where a hat to shield. Rinse and wash the scalp with a moisturizing shampoo and use a leave-in moisturizing conditioner to help maintain hydration.

Thanks Michael! Visit the Frederick Benjamin website

Mad Men-inspired fashion at Banana Republic

2009-07-10T12:21:00.004-04:00

Want to win a walk-on role on an episode of Mad Men? Just visit Banana Republic to pick up a ticket and enter the code at MadMenCastingCall. Once you do that you can submit a photo of yourself in your best Mad Men (or women) style.

Where does Banana Republic fit into all of this? They are promoting the third season of Mad Men through, among other fashionable characters, Don Draper and Joan Holloway-inspired window displays and style guides.

Watch for the 1960s attire to be showcased at a Banana Republic near you and view the Banana Republic Mad Men Style Guide here.

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International Massage Week 2009

2009-07-10T11:10:00.008-04:00

On of the most relaxing weeks of the year is just around the corner! International Massage Week 2009 starts July 15. It was started in 1994 to increase understanding (and appreciation) of the benefits of massage.

To kick off International Massage Week 2009 we chatted with Kim Matheson, a renowned spa expert and founder of one of my favorite spa-related websites, MySpaShop.com.

What was your inspiration behind MySpaShop.com?
Kim Matheson: As we develop luxury spas around the world I have been struck by the international language of spa and well-being. There are so many wonderful products, remedies and techniques that many people are being exposed to. Recently I saw a statistic that only 25% of the population have been to a spa. MySpaShop.com was designed to reach out to the masses that care about their health but don’t have the time, the means or maybe even a spa to access.

It’s my dream to bring the benefits of the spa lifestyle to the world. Grandiose but the world needs it.

Tell us about International Massage Week?
Kim Matheson: Everyone does deserve a massageI imagine that some of the nasty, angry people out there would be much more pleasant and feel better if they had a therapeutic massage regularly.

For us every day folk, it’s one of the best things we can do to transport us to another world without drugs, booze, doctors, etc. If you haven’t tried a massage recently, I encourage you to do so right now. You’ll feel better.
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And, as a added bonus... MySpaShop.com is taking 30% off Just Good for You Wild Rose & Jasper Body Oil, a calming body lotion. This offer is good through July.

Visit MySpaShop for other great information, featured spa news, luxurious spa products and virtual spa journeys!

UV-protective clothes, protect yourself from the sun

2009-07-09T04:00:00.006-04:00

If you are looking to wear UV-protective clothing this summer- but do not know what to look for- I am with you! I did a little research though and learned a lot from LL Bean’s SunSmart collection, which, by the way, is very stylish.

What are UV-protective clothes?
According to LL Bean: As opposed to sunscreen, which is measured by SPF, fabric is rated in terms of Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). UPF is a evaluation of a materials ability to block UV rays and I believe when you are shopping for UV-protective clothes you should look for the UPF factor. UPF ratings refer to both UVA and UVB protection

How is UPF measured?
This is how it works… a UPF 50 garment blocks 49/50, or 98% of UV rays- this is considered “excellent UV protection”. UPF 15-24 is considered “good” and UPF 25-39 is “very good”.

Why choose UV-protective clothes?
If you are outside just wearing a normal white T-shirt it is rated at about UPF 5, which means 20% of UV rays pass through the fabric to your skin. Depending on how long you are outside and how much you are trying to protect your skin, this may not provide adequate coverage.

Above data from LL Bean’s SunSmart collection.

Stars supporting sun protection:
Cold Case’s Kathryn Morris and Desperate Housewives’ Andrea Bowen will be representing a UV-protective t-shirt line being promoted by the Sun Safety Alliance (SSA).

AYANA Apparel is making these UV Protective shirts and, according to the AYANA site, funds from this t-shirt line will be donated to SSA for instructive courses to encourage skin cancer prevention.

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Body candle that turns into lotion

2009-07-09T04:00:00.005-04:00

Have you heard of these new candles that burn at a low temp and you can apply the melted oil to your body as a lotion? I recently saw this body candle by Lillian Skincare that I thought looked very interesting.

Made with shea butter, soybean wax/oil and coconut oil it works as a candle, lotion and massage oil.

All you need to do is burn the candle (it melts at 102 degrees F) and when the oils are warmed up, blow it out and apply to you skin. Don’t forget to extinguish the flame first!!

It is scented with essential oils (choose from lavender chamomile, white grapefruit and orange, lavender and anise... and more) and makes a nice gift or treat for yourself. $24 at Lillian Skincare.

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Luxury gifts that empower women ... by GIANNA

2009-07-08T04:00:00.001-04:00

It is so important to be responsible these days and that is why I was so excited when I first heard about GIANNA.

Guided by CEO Gianna Driver, GIANNA is an eco-friendly fashion and home décor business that is trying to lessen global poverty by working with female artisans in developing countries. These artisans (located in places such as India, Laos and Thailand) make beautiful items including hand-hammered stainless steel bowls and platters, scarves, shawls, decorative pillows, cozy throws, baby blankets and more.

When we talk about eco-friendly products, let’s take the scarves as an example. The women cultivate their own silk worms, use natural dyes – including berries and mud from the Mekong River - and then actually create the scarves on hand-looms in their very own homes. Hand-looming one scarf can take up to a day. By the time that amount of work is put into one scarf it should be considered a privilege to wear it, which is just one reason why I think GIANNA products make such incredible gifts. Imagine being able to present one of these gorgeous scarves to someone and then be able to tell them the extraordinary story of how it came to be. Just something to think about next time you are looking for just the right gift …

Fair trade is very important to GIANNA and the items produced by these artisans are able to bring them a sustainable income and other growth opportunities.

For more details on exactly how GIANNA develops relationships with their artisans, visit the How We Work section of their site. Also, be sure to visit the rest of the GIANNA site to check out the beautiful luxury items they have for sale.

Win a free massage from Massage Envy

2009-07-07T15:10:00.006-04:00

If you are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area you could be in for a free massage! Now through July 24th, 2009, Massage Envy is offering 1 free massage a day to winners of drawings on their Facebook and Twitter pages.

To enter, become a fan of Massage Envy (Massage Envy DFW) on Facebook or follow them on Twitter (BTW Luxury Beauty Trends is a follower!!)

Notification of winners will be through a private message on Facebook or through a DM on Twitter. Click here for full contest rules.

Discounted Massage at Massage Envy:
If you’re not in the D-FW area, Massage Envy still has remarkable prices and they are in 40 states. They offer an introductory one-hour massage session for $39.

Types of Massage at Massage Envy:
They also offer geriatric massage, Swedish massage, prenatal massage, sports massage, Cranial Sacral Therapy, reflexology and more.

For more information visit Massage Envy

Donating hair for Locks of Love

2009-07-07T09:09:00.003-04:00

Every so often a group comes along with a new idea that makes a difference in the lives of so many different people. Locks of Love is one of those organizations. They have given people of all ages the chance to donate hair to make hair pieces for less-fortunate children who have long-term hair loss due to health reasons. And, because of these generous Locks of Love donations, these children get a chance to just fit in and strive to be the best they can be without the distraction of other children commenting on their hair loss.

A few years ago a friend and I wrote a news report for the CNN Student Bureau about Locks of Love. We got the opportunity to see how the organization is run, we went to “hair drives,” we were able to meet the donors to Locks of Love, the recipients of the hair pieces and more. It is truly an outstanding organization.

If donating your hair to Locks of Love is something you are interested in, these are the acceptable donation rules for Locks of Love (please see their website for comprehensive information about donating and the process of sending in hair):

Hair donated to Locks of Love must be at least (from end to end) 10 inches. That is the minimum length needed to make hair pieces.
Hair that has been bleached (in most cases highlighted hair falls into this category) is not usable.
Make sure your hair is in a pony or braid at the time of the cut!! Hair that is brushed up off a floor is not usable- it must be bundled!
If you decide to shave your head, make sure to separate hair into ponytails to cut off. Again- hair must be fastened in a pony or braid for it to be usable.
Dreadlocks are not accepted as they cannot be made into hair pieces. In addition, Locks of Love does not accept synthetic hair.
Layered hair is fine to donate if the longest layer is 10 in.
Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails.
Curly hair is acceptable as long as it is 10 inches when pulled into a straight line.
Permed or colored hair is acceptable. Hair colored over bleached hair is not acceptable though.
If hair was cut off a while ago it is still fine to donate as long as it was kept fastened in a ponytail or braid.

Make sure to visit Locks of Love before and during your entire donation process. Above and beyond the information in this post, there are many important steps in donating hair to Locks of Love! You do not want to embark of the process of growing your hair for Locks of Love and accidentally do something to make it non-usable.

There is no maximum length.. so start growing.

If you do decide to donate your hair- send us before/after photos and we'll run them on Luxury Beauty Trends!

Eco-friendly jeans ... denim with a conscience

2009-07-06T11:00:00.002-04:00

If your devotion to the environment goes all the way into your closet then we have some jeans for you!

Where to buy eco-friendly jeans:

Good Society: This brand sells “eco-aware” jeans made from organic cotton, “certified fair-trade” and in fashionable styles. A portion of proceeds from each pair of jeans go to the workers in India who created them – and 10% of the company profits are put toward various green causes.

Arizona Jeans: We could only find about 2 pairs for sale at JC Penny, but these are jeans made from cotton that is leftover at the mill – it would normally be thrown out – but instead about 30% of the cotton goes into making these. They are on clearance for around $25.

Levis: Normally ahead of the curve, Levis created an “eco” line of denim about 2006. They are made from 100% organic cotton and come in styles for both men and women.

DelForte Denim: These jeans are made in the US with 100% sustainable cotton and finished in LA. And … when you are finished with your DelForte Denim, send it back to them and they will use them in their project “reJEANeration.” This is when they take old DelForte Denim and turn it in to a chic new design that is available on their website. You also get 10% off your next purchase if you send you old DelForte jeans in.

Loomstate: They are dedicated to organic farming and uses 100% certified organic cotton. Loomstate makes denim (and other garments for men in women) and head’s up the entire manufacturing process. Loomstate will only do business with factories that uphold the uppermost environmental and workforce standards.

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Thevaki Thambirajah of Thevi Cosmetics: Expert Interview

2009-07-06T09:08:00.015-04:00

Luxury Beauty Trends was thrilled when we heard about a line of cosmetics designed for women of many different ethnicities. It is called THEVI Cosmetics, and we were lucky enough to speak with founder Thevaki Thambirajah, who tells us a little bit about the brand and inspiration behind it!

Tell us about Thevi Cosmetics?
Thevaki Thambirajah: THEVI was created in 2008 to celebrate color influenced by our ethnic lifestyles and traditions. We embrace color in all aspects of our lives. Color is empowering and sensual.

Thevi Cosmetics is a simple vibrant everyday color collection for women to whom "Natural look is colorful."

The products work well on all skintones, but meets the needs of darker skins the best with its strong color palate which actually shows up on darker complexion!

What are your favorite products?
Thevaki Thambirajah: Mocha Mates Duo is my favorite product since its a multi-functional product. Its perfect in the summer to use as a bronzer and all year-round as a all over blush.

Also love Godiva Lipstick - such a unique color that works well with all lips.

Could you share any make-up application tips?
Thevaki Thambirajah: Contour technique is a fabulous way of adding definition to your face.

Choose a darker shade of foundation powder or face powder. If you are a Thevi Tender Mineral pressed powder, choose 2 shades darker such as Sunlit.

Work with mid-size brush such as Thevi Blush Brush from the center of the ear to about your jaw line. This would be applied just below the cheek area where you apply your blush.

You'll notice a huge difference and feel that you have higher cheek bones!

What are your inspirations for the colors of the cosmetics?
Thevaki Thambirajah: Ethnic cultures of Asian, South Asian, Hispanic, African, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influence the color palette of the THEVI collection. These cultures express color in all aspects of their lives - food, home, spirituality, fashion, and femininity. Love the bold colors of red, orange, gold, and blue which are prominent in ethnic lifestyles.

Are there any celebrities who wear Thevi Cosmetics?
Thevaki Thambirajah: Whitney Port and the cast of MTV's "The City" and America's Next Top Model winner Jaslene Gonzalez and VH1 red carpet host, Janell Snowden.

Any tips for shopping online for cosmetics?
Thevaki Thambirajah: My tips is that if the company offers samples - definitely purchase to figure out if the shade works. We offer $2.00 samples of all our blushes, powders, foundations and matte shadows.

Anything you would like to add?
Thevaki Thambirajah: Don't be scared to add color to your everyday look. Just understand that a little color goes a long way. If you accentuate one feature on your face such as your eyes, minimize the rest of the face (muted cheeks and lips) or create bold lips and minimize eyes and cheeks -that way you can use color to make a statement without looking garish.

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Free product alert: Urban Decay primer

2009-07-06T06:38:00.003-04:00

Free product alert! Want to try The latest product from Urban Decay? It's Complexion Primer Potion - Pore Perfection is now available! This product is designed to "prime" your face by minimizing the appearance of lines and pores before you apply foundation.

This offer is only available with US Sephora.com purchases online while supplies last. Enter code URBANLAB at checkout to receive your free Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion - Pore Perfection lab sample.

Try on glasses online

2009-07-05T11:09:00.001-04:00

If you have a hard time buying new glasses because you simply cannot see them- or- love to try on a bunch of them then we have a website for you! Silhouette designed a new tool on their website that works as a "Virtual Mirror." All you need to go is upload an photo of your face and select different glasses to try on. If you have no idea what you are looking for than you are in luck! Silhouette offers over 400 completely customizable options, and users can design their own pair choosing everything including the base model, accent colors and lens shape. An example of their virtual mirror is below! Happy glasses shopping!

New eyelash lengthener Latisse

2009-07-04T11:06:00.001-04:00

Does anyone know how Botox got its start? It was intended, and approved by the FDA, to reduce eye spasms and took on a new role when people realized it actually reduced the appearance of wrinkles. Fast forward to 2009 and we have a new drug that brings a welcome side effect. Lumigan, eye drops made to treat glaucoma, lessens pressure to the eye by upping drainage of fluid or by actually slowing down the making of fluids. A side effect of Lumigan is lengthier, denser eyelashes. Allergan spun-off Lumigan with a new drug called Latisse that was approved by the FDA for its purpose of eyelash enhancement when applied daily on the lash line on the lids with a disposable applicator.

Latisse costs about $4/day and is not covered by insurance. According to Allergan, results can be seen two to four months after users start it. If you stop using all together your lashes will go back to their original state, but eventually it can be used less frequently with results.

Like any drugs, both Lumigan and Latisse are not right for everyone and have many warnings and side effects, so it is best to fully read all of the fine print and speak to your doctor before using. Latisse is also not approved by the FDA for anyone under 18 or pregnant or lactating women. USA Today has a great article on Latisse that includes before and after photos.

The latest trend in yoga

2009-07-03T18:14:00.000-04:00

As you can see in the photo, YogaPaws are designed to give your hands and feet enough padding and support that you will not need to lug around a yoga mat. They have versions for both men and women and they are perfect for traveling or just day-to-day trips to the yoga studio as they are light enough to just toss your bag and go.

As another added bonus, they are eco-friendly and have a cloth on the inside designed to absorb sweat.

YogaPaws are $34.95 for the set plus a Free Yoga-Syz DVD. More information on YogaPaws.

Celebrity styles under $35 from Old Navy

2009-07-02T09:14:00.000-04:00

From Marc Jacobs to Phillip Lim, Hollywood loves high-end designers. Unfortunately for the rest of us… those brands are often out of reach. But now some of the most fashionable young women in Hollywood – including Audrina Patridge, Kristin Cavallari, Brittny Gastineau, Kim Kardashian and Brittany Snow – are showing us how fabulous they look in styles from Old Navy.

Judging from the photos these women do not have to spend a fortune to look incredible. And the best part is you can shop these looks (all under $35) at your local Old Navy!

Shop It To Me brings great deals to your inbox

2009-07-01T09:09:00.000-04:00

I love to shop … for a number of reasons.

I like looking at new clothes and accessories

I like buying new clothes and accessories

I like getting a great deal on clothes and accessories

And, it is for those same reasons that I get excited when I see my “sale mail” email (sample version in photo) from Shop It To Me. You see, I have this pesky little thing called a job and it keeps me from being able to poke around the mall as often as I like, so Shop It To Me brings me awesome deals on my favorite designers. Kind of like they are my own personal shopper … but with no pressure!

How Shop It To Me works:

At no cost, Shop It To Me let me pick the designers I like (I chose Tory Burch, True Religion, Juicy Couture and Louis Vuitton .. I am very low maintenance) and input my sizes and how often I want to get email alerts from them. The “sale mail” emails basically just send me photos of different clothes and accessories that have gone on sale (in my size and by my choice designers).

Shop It To Me designers:

Shop It To Me features luxury brands for less for men, women and children. They have over 500 designers, which also include Banana Republic, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Bebe, Ann Taylor, Puma and Jimmy Choo.

Anti-aging expert Jackie Silver Talks About "Aging Backwards"

2009-06-30T12:13:00.001-04:00

Jackie Silver is a famous beauty/anti-aging expert and judging from her expert advice and photo (right) she knows exactly what she is talking about! Luxury Beauty Trends was lucky enough to get a one-on-one with her and find out a few of her anti-aging tricks.

Tell us a little bit about the term "aging backwards":

Jackie Silver: I like to stay positive, but first I have to tell you what Aging Backwards is not. It's not a magic pill or potion or lotion (hope that's coming soon!), but it is a series of small habits that, when incorporated into daily life, can add up to big results.

What are the top-three things that cause aging?

Jackie Silver: The top three things that cause aging, in my opinion as well as the opinions of many experts are: 1) Smoking 2) Stress 3) Overexposure to the sun.

What are your favorite skincare products?

Jackie Silver: One of my favorite skincare products is not a cream or lotion, it's actually a small softgel that packs a powerful punch. It's Skin Defense Complex and I like to refer to it as, "Aging Backwards from the inside, out." Skin Defense Complex hydrates the skin from the inside, repairs free radical damage and then protects skin and prevents damage. It's one of my best secrets.

What is your top piece of advice for people in their 20s and 30s? And for people in their 40s and 50s?

Jackie Silver: My best advice for people in their 20s and 30s is the same as for people in their 40s and 50s - exercise is the Fountain of Youth! My favorite workouts are Dr. Al Sears' PACE program, The Firm, JumpSnap, the ropeless jump rope, Kettlenetics Slim & Tone and Valerie Waters' Valslide program.

What celebrity would you say has aged the best?

Jackie Silver: I recently saw Susan Lucci doing a TV interview and I could not believe how incredible she looks. She is truly aging backwards. I looked up her birth date, December 23, 1946 and I was blown away - she looks like a teenager.

How did you get into this field and where can readers see your work?

Jackie Silver: I've always been the person my family and friends (and their friends) would come to for information about the latest anti-aging and beauty products, services and procedures. I like to think of myself as the "anti-aging Petri dish." I try everything and then report back about it and I realized I could help so many more people if I made a business out of it. That's how Aging Backwards began in 2006. My book, Aging Backwards: Secrets to Staying Young is available on Amazon.com and AgingBackwards.com.

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To read more about Jackie and get other great beauty tips and anti-aging advice, stop by the Aging Backwards web site and sign up for her free weekly newsletter.

Disclaimer: Any and all content on Luxury Beauty Trends is not intended as medical advice. You should consult your doctor before starting any exercise, diet regime- or taking supplements or medication of any kind.

Slimming wedding dresses

2009-06-30T09:17:00.002-04:00

One of the most important aspects of a wedding dress is that it is flattering and comfortable! Women want to look fabulous on their big day, but they also want to dance and eat and enjoy themselves. A properly made and fitted dress is key!

We were so excited to hear designer Gilles Montezin has presented his first bridal collection which features a waist-slimming composition called “Le Cinch™”.

If you can imagine the concept of wearing a traditional corset – but much more comfortable and less restricting – that is how “Le Cinch™” is described. It is made to give the bride a perfect hourglass figure – in fact – the company says it takes 2-4 inches on the waistline instantly!

Montezin’s wedding dresses are available at Kleinfeld.
Dresses are $4K - $7K and go up to size 18W with larger sizes available upon special order.

Free beauty product: Bare Escentuals Matte Foundation

2009-06-29T12:07:00.000-04:00

Free beauty product news!

Sephora is giving away a sample of Bare Escentuals new matte foundation. This 10-day supply is available in your choice of 6 different shades for free at U.S. Sephora stores or if you are shopping on the Sephora website just enter BEMATTE when you are checking out (U.S. orders only).

More details on this free sample from Sephora!

10 pieces of clothing every woman should own

2009-06-28T11:07:00.000-04:00

Do you have a huge closet filled with clothes that you never wear? I did ... it was filled with items that were either hard to match, did not fit well or maybe were just poor quality. Having a closet filled with clothes that you never wear is a major waste of money and clutter up your home and outfit-creating abilities! That is why choosing quality pieces that are easy to match and will always look good is so important. Spend the extra money if you can because you will get much more wear out of clothes made with high-quality fabrics.

Here is a list of 10 items of clothing every woman should own:

1. Little black dress (of course!)
2. Trench coat. You'll wear it everywhere (even in the rain).
3. Black pencil skirt. (sexy)
4. Good Winter Coat. Spend on this as you'll be living in it for months.
5. Cashmere sweater. Nothing makes you feel as good.
6. White silk blouse. Goes with everything.
7. Jeans. Anywhere you can't wear them?
8. Blazer. Over everything and with everything.
9. Good well--fitting pants. To the office and out to dinner.
l0. Simple sheath dress can be dressed up or down.

Thank you to Miriam Silverberg (left), for this list of must-have pieces ever woman needs in her closet! Miriam is the owner of Miriam Silverberg Associates, a boutique publicity firm in Manhattan specializing in fashion, beauty and restaurants.

Tips to get strong, healthy hair

2009-06-27T11:27:00.000-04:00

From Eva Longoria to Catherine Zeta-Jones, Federico Cacle has styled the hair of A-list celebrities, models, journalists and more. He is renowned in the industry not only for his exceptional work and reputation, but also for his well-known Thermal Reconditioning Treatment. The treatment makes frizzy or curly hair smooth and shiny and the Federico salon had this hair-straightening method in NYC before anyone else.

Today we were lucky enough to hear from Federico on what women can do to achieve strong, healthy hair!

Do not dry out hair.
Federico: The best thing to do for healthy hair is moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. It's so important. Use lots of conditioner and moisturizer before blowdrying.

Treat your hair to SPF.
Federico: Use sunscreen on the hair always.

Tone down your blow-dryer.
Federico: The main thing women do wrong and damages the hair terribly is when blowdrying, they blowdry for too long a period, they use a setting that is too hot and they hold the dryer too close to the hair.

And… as an added bonus, Federico told us to look for long and wavy hair as one of the top hair trends for fall 2009.

Federico has also worked with, among others, Katie Couric, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Douglas, Rosario Dawson, Nicole Kidman, Meg Ryan and Alec Baldwin. Federico came from NYC from Milan and his Upper East Side salon is said to have a “relaxing and inviting atmosphere with a European edge.”

Thanks Federico for your great hair tips! More information on Federico Calce and Federico Salon.

Virtual Spa Journey

2009-06-25T09:48:00.000-04:00

If you’re looking for an exotic spa vacation ... but don’t want to break the bank, visit MySpaShop.com. They feature one destination per month in a “Virtual Spa Journey.”

From Ireland to Vail, New England to the Caribbean, expert tour guides post write-ups and beautiful photos of these featured destinations.

I live in Boston and have had rain for 3 weeks straight so I was thrilled to see this month’s journey is to the magnificent Caribbean island of Anguilla. Tour guide Linda Hauser writes “The island of Anguilla is a peaceful Caribbean escape of 33 pristine white beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters.”

Next up, professionals have searched the spas of Anguilla (or whatever the destination of the month is) to find the best products for you to purchase and use at home. These include great sun products (sun mists, gels and lotions to protect and restore skin) as well as polishers and lotions made with seaweed and algae.

The products on this site make a great gift if you know someone who loves a certain vacation spot, but just can’t make it there for some reason.

For more details, visit MySpaShop.com.

Lauderdale Spa Chic 2009

2009-06-24T17:19:00.000-04:00

If you are heading down to the Fort Lauderdale area in September (or are lucky enough to live there) you have some relaxation to look forward to! A month-long promotion titled “Lauderdale Spa Chic 2009” includes treatments from a dozen spas for just $99, a savings of up to 50%.

Some of the treatments include:

Rapid Rub Massage and Oxygen Blast at W Fort Lauderdale’s Bliss Spa
Ying Yang Massage and Citrus Manicure at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort
The Ritz-Carlton Signature Massage at The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale

And my personal favorite…

A 50-minute massage, manicure, pedicure and spa lunch at The Spa at Ocean Sands Resort and Spa

View more information on Lauderdale Spa Chic

Davi, a new skincare line

2009-06-24T10:07:00.000-04:00

Davi, a new skincare line that promises anti-again for men and women, comes from Carlo Mondavi, grandson of Robert Mondavi founder of the Mondavi Vineyards.

Davi is said to use a “Meritage” complex that includes fermented wine extracts containing polyphenols, a well-known antioxidant, along with olive leaf extracts, green tea, raspberry and more. According to the company, these ingredients guard against free radicals.

For ordering, and more information on these product, visit the Davi website.

A Colorful Cause: Celebrity Designer Program

2009-06-23T09:14:00.000-04:00

As part of “A Colorful Cause: Celebrity Designer Program” – in honor of Lilly Pulitizer's 50th anniversary, many stars (including Brooke Shields, Angie Harmon, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Gwyneth Paltrow, Debra Messing, Marcia Cross, and Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon ) designed their own limited-edition unique Mommy & Me designs to raise funds and awareness for Epidermolysis Bullosa, a uncommon hereditary skin disease which affects juveniles.

The items are available at LillyPulitzer.com and in stores!

Fall Asleep Naturally with Sweet Dreams Collection

2009-06-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Having trouble sleeping? The Sweet Dreams Collection thinks it can help! They make soft cozy flannel covers that have lavender filled inserts in them to help you relax and unwind.

The Sweet Dreams Collection includes:

Neck Wrap – This includes a posh fill insert packed with lavender buds. This neck wrap can be warmed up in the microwave. SRP: $17.99

Dream Mask – This features a light-blocking layer and soft lavender-sented filling and lavender. SRP $7.99
All Over Body Wrap –This product includes a quilted grain and lavender filled insert, which holds heat to keep you toasty. It can also be heated in the microwave and is machine washable. SRP $19.99

To view the entire line or to make a purchase visit The Happy Company.

Jessica Simpson's new reality show

2009-06-22T11:48:00.000-04:00

According to People, Jessica Simpson will star in a new VH1 reality series – titled “The Price of Beauty” – in which she'll go around the world to speak with women about distance they go for beauty, while examining (and trying out- in some cases) some of their clothing, nutritional trends and beauty routines.

Simpson starts her journey in July.

Best websites for buying beauty products

2009-06-15T15:21:00.000-04:00

ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, evaluated a wide range of websites to see which works best for shopping online for beauty products. Some of the elements they factored in include which had bad Better Business Bureau records (those were screened out), availability of contact information, how the return policies operated and how highshipping costs were. This is their ranking and Luxury Beauty Trends checked out every site and we'll tell you what we think too.

Best Overall Selection: Beauty.com
Shipping Free if you spend $49 or more.
Return policy 30 days on unopened products or, for certain items, if you don’t like the color. Returns cost $4.99 unless a product is damaged or incorrect or the color is wrong.
What does Luxury Beauty Trends think? The layout is great. If you know what you want you can get right to it, or if you are buying a gift or want ideas they have categories like customer favorites, gift finder or shop by brand. I took the skin care analysis, which was easy and interesting, but their suggestions for me were pricey. The recommended moisturizers ranged for $44-125. Not everything on their site is that expensive, but there is certainly a wide range of prices.

Great for Hard-to-Find Products: Beautyhabit.com
Shipping Free on orders of $100 or more; otherwise $5.95.
Return policy 14 days on most items. No returns on opened or used products.
What does Luxury Beauty Trends think? This is a well-designed site that is straightforward for the consumer that has an idea of what they want and wants to get in and out. I noticed they have a lot of excellent brands, Rodial and Molten Brown are two of my favorites. Not a ton of content, but enough to become knowledgeable about a brand/product before you purchase.

Great for Trendy Brands: Beautyofasite.com
Shipping Free on orders over $75; otherwise $5.95 to $8.95.
Return policy 30 days. You pay for return shipping unless the product was damaged. All returns are for exchange or store credit only. There are no refunds or returns on color cosmetics.
What does Luxury Beauty Trends think? Their “steal the look” section is really well-written and comprehensive. For example, today they feature Meg Ryan and they go through how you could get her hair (what products to use too), and the overall look of her face, eyes and lips. This site features many unique brands I had never heard of, including Crazy Rumors (lip balm), Fake Bake (self tanner) and Bee & Flower (bath and body). I may have to revisit this site for new product reviews.

Best Prices: Buymebeauty.com
Shipping Free on orders of $35 or more; $4.95 on orders of less than $35.
Return policy 30 days. Products must be unused and unopened, unless they are defective. You have to call or e-mail before returning products; you will also have to pay the costs of return shipping.
What does Luxury Beauty Trends think? This site definitely has low prices, but, are they on things that you want? Maybe. I did not see a huge selection like a lot of the other sites, but they do carry Clinique, Lancôme, Revlon, IMAN and Stila. If you are looking for a good deal you should be able to find something in that mix. They also have a clearance site where items are up to 85% off.

Great Return Policy: Cosmeticmall.com
Shipping $5.95 plus 93 cents per pound.
Return policy 30 days. You can return most products for any reason, even after they’re opened.
What does Luxury Beauty Trends think? There are a lot of brands on this site. Good luck hopping on here and not buying something. They have a comprehensive men’s section and even a pharmacy section offering everything from Advil to Zest. Checkout their tools sections for a wide variety of brushes, blow-dryers, tweezers and more. This site lacks some photos, but they have so many products you could definitely do some one-stop shopping here.

Great Drugstore Makeup Section: Drugstore.com
Shipping Free on your first nonprescription order of $25 or more; free on orders of $49 or more after that.
Return policy 30 days. Returns are free if a product is damaged, defective, or incorrect. Returns are free on certain products if you don’t like the color. Otherwise, products must be unopened and unused.
What does Luxury Beauty Trends think? This site has great prices, a fun and colorful layout and is organized well. When you go to the beauty section they break things by what is new and/or salon-quality. It makes it very easy to navigate.

Great for Freebies: Sephora.com
Shipping Free on orders over $50; otherwise $5.95.
Return policy 60 days. Free return shipping. Store credit after 60 days.
What does Luxury Beauty Trends think? I love Sephora and Sephora.com. They very rarely can do any wrong in my eyes! They have unique and beautiful products in such a great range. I get a lot of samples from them and I have also returned a lot of products to them… never any questions asked!

Great for Organic Products: Skinbotanica.com
Shipping Free on orders over $49; otherwise $5.95.
Return policy 60 days.
What does Luxury Beauty Trends think? Very informative and interesting content on what makes natural and organic products different. They also had an ingredient spotlight (shea butter) it was brief enough to stop and read, but also educational. This type of content is important on a site like this because it makes the owners of this site seem very knowledgeable about organic products and there is a lot of value in that to a consumer. They also allow you to shop by brand, ingredient, vegan, best-sellers and more.

Best Shipping Deal: Skin-One.com
Shipping Free.
Return policy 30 days. Product must be at least 75 percent full. You have to pay return shipping fees, and no returns are allowed of an opened product if you received a sample of it with your order.
What does Luxury Beauty Trends think? Clean website with good products. You cannot beat free shipping and they even have a 12% off sale going on through Sept.30. There is an “ask the aesthetician” section where you can email questions to an aesthetician. I sent in a question, so I will let you know how long it takes to hear back.

Best Online Version of a Walk-In Store: Walgreens.com
Shipping Many items qualify for free shipping of purchases of $50 or more; otherwise $5.49 for 10 pounds or less.
Return policy 30 days.
What does Luxury Beauty Trends think? I can definitely agree… it is much like the store. Standard and clean it is an easy site to navigate. I also really like CVS.com. Both sites have good deals.

Sad Site: BeautyDepot.com
This site didn’t have a wide selection of products. You have to buy $99 worth of stuff to get free shipping; otherwise you could end up paying $7.95 or more for UPS ground. Cosmetics (and many other products) were not returnable, and there’s no toll-free customer-service number.
What does Luxury Beauty Trends think? They seem like a very new site. I agree with the review of ShopSmart and I recommend BeautyDepot take a look at their competitors and think very hard about what people want when they shop for beauty products online. Unless consumers have used something already it is hard to guess what it will look/smell/feel like, and that is where having an excellent return policy gives a beauty site an edge.

Eco-friendly bathing suits

2009-06-05T15:19:00.000-04:00

Want a new bathing suit that is both good for the environment and will last a long time? Meet Eco-Panda, a company that makes stylish women's bathing suits using recycled materials that include nylon made from fish nets. Eco-Panda says by combining this with X-tra Life Nylon " each piece of swimwear will retain its shape and fit longer than other suits that are used in chlorinated waters. This results in the average suit lasting twice as long as swimwear made with other chlorine resistant spandex, and ten times longer than swimwear made with regular spandex, which means that less swimwear will be disposed of."

For details on how they make the suits they show the steps on how recycled nylon is produced.

Hats off to Eco-Panda for creating a grenn product that is also fashionable and thanks to our friends at Mother Nature Network for sharing this story with us.

Do it yourself pedicure

2009-05-29T15:18:00.000-04:00

I received an email regarding DIY pedicures recently and thought it was filled with great advice. Not only are there good safety tips in here, but also great details on how to get a nice pedicure. My favorite tip on here is to stay away from cuticle cutting. Even when I get a professional pedicure (or manicure) I do not let them cut my cuticles. It leads to infection, peeling and more. You get a better long-term impact by just gently pushing them back.

Here are the details on the DIY pedicure as sent to me by a representative for Dr. Michael Perlstein, a board certified Brooklyn-based podiatrist.

Toeing the line between long and short

Keep toenails cut to a manageable level. According to Dr. Perlstein, toenails should never be permitted to grow longer than the tip of the toe – if they do grow too long, the pressure from shoes (even sandals with straps that lay on the toes) can cause ingrown toenails. “It’s imperative that women keep toenails short and that they file them or cut them straight across, lessening the chance that pressure will force the nail to grow into the skin,” warns Dr. Perlstein.

Take a dip

This is the step that’s most often forgotten about in at-home pedicures because women don’t want to go through the hassle of filling a footbath and then cleaning it out or they want to save time. Bad move, says Dr. Perlstein, not only is a foot soak relaxing, it also softens things up. “A five to 10 minute soak softens skin, most importantly any calloused skin, as well as the cuticles,” explains Dr. Perlstein. “A way to get around it is by doing the pedicure immediately after showering.” Whichever route you choose, follow up by cleaning the toenails with a toenail brush and applying moisturizer.

Cut out the cuticle cutting

The cuticle seals the area between the actual nail and the nail bed to prevent bacteria from entering the body. Breaking that seal often leads to infection. “If a woman doesn’t like the appearance of the cuticle, she can gently push it back after the bath has softened the cuticle,” Dr. Perlstein says, adding that women can use clippers to remove hanging skin in the area of the cuticle.
Beware the blade, opt for a pumice stone instead
Dr. Perlstein cautions that using a blade to remove calluses is a surefire way to invite viruses and infections to take hold. “There’s no way for a woman to know just how deep the callused areas on her feet are, which is why so often you see women not only shave off dead skin, but nick the healthy skin under it.” Dr. Perlstein added that there are effective alternatives. “A pumice stone can work wonders on hardened skin and in the case that the pumice stone doesn’t take care of a callus after it has been soaking, you can check in with your podiatrist and let them safely shave it off.”

Nailing the at-home pedicure

Once the feet are cleaned and the nails and skin are prepped, the final step is to apply polish. Use nail polish remover to take clear the nails of any residue from the lotion or foot bath and after carefully applying some color, the result is a salon-worthy pedicure without leaving home!

Spa treatments at the Mountain View Grand

2009-05-26T09:03:00.000-04:00

I just got back from a wonderful vacation at the Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa in Whitefield, N.H., and, of course, I checked out their top-rated spa. Located on the top floor of the hotel, and ironically, about 100 feet from our room, the Tower Spa is bright, but luxurious and cozy at the same time. The reception area is a small room filled with products for sale, but in a way that is not overwhelming. The waiting room is tranquil and calming and the treatment rooms are more like bedrooms, with soft music, light green walls and gorgeous hardwood floors. The service is exceptional too; they were rated No. 1 by Conde Nast Traveler for service in North America and the Caribbean for 2008. It also took the No. 5 spot overall among resort spas.

I got a refresher facial,$65, which is 25 minutes long, by an esthetician named Jenna - I highly recommend her. She used Kerstin Florian products, which have a wonderful citrus scent. Jenna started with a clarifying spirulina cleansing gel to cleanse my skin, next, to tone, she used the clarifying skin refresher and for my treatment she used a clarifying serum. A clarifying hydrotant was used for moisturizing, and to minimize fine lines around my eyes she used a rehydrating liposome eye crème. Finally, I sat for about 12 minutes with a clarifying vita-marine masque on my face, which is deep cleansing and evens skin tone. That felt very rich, but somewhat thick, so I left wondering if looked like I just went for a jog. But, my skin looked refreshed, clean and very smooth- exactly how it felt. I would say the Kerstin Florian products are a little pricey … $108 for the starter kit of clarifying products. For the facial though they were fantastic. I also definitely recommend the Mountain View Grand- it is a fabulous hotel and the views are amazing- check out my photos below!