For The Man In Your Life: Every Man Jack

Target's new Men's Grooming Line is called Every Man Jack. They're bargain products for regular guys. Interesting packaging and unpretentious scents (or lack there-of) prove to make this brand a favorite. That's right, the boyfriend gave semi-approval. I've noticed him using the Post Shave Face Lotion now that it's getting colder. I liked the look of the wood-esque soaps and the unscented shave gel. Great grooming staples for the man in your life- at really affordable prices (and so conveniently at tar-jay).

• Shave Gel ($4)- A rich gel formula that contains menthyl, marine extracts and vitamin E. Dye and oil free. Available in Signature and Fragrance Free.
  
• Body Bar ($5)- Set of 3 wood inspired soaps. These soaps have a 100% vegetable base, are tallow free and contains marine extracts. Available in 3 scents- Signature, Tea Tree and Cedarwood.
• Body Wash + Shower Gel ($5)- A refreshing, hydrating body wash that removes dirt and grime without drying out the skin. Available in Signature, Tea Tree and Cedarwood.
• Post Shave Face Lotion (not shown, $5)- A light, non-greasy face lotion that contains Methyl, marine extracts, shea butter, aloe and vitamin E. Available in Signature and Fragrance Free.
  

I Say Yes To Carrots

Yes to Carrots is a line of face, body and hair care products committed to creating Paraben free products that contain minerals, organic fruits and vegetables and Dead Sea mud. Available at Walgreens.

• C Through the Dry Spell- Body Butter ($12.99)- A large tub of thick, white cream. I applied this all over my body before bed. It takes a little bit of rubbing in, but then it absorbs and you can't even tell you're wearing it. My skin was super soft in the morning.
• C The Difference- Exfoliating Smoothing Mask ($14.99)- This mask contains carrot seed oil, carrot juice, magnesium salts and anti-oxidants. Slater all over the face to tone, revitalize and purify the skin. I used a washcloth to remove it for extra exfoliation. Very, very good for the price. I recommend for everyone.
• C Is For Hair Care- Hair and Scalp Mud Mask ($12.99)- A hair mask that has extracts of carrot, pumpkin, orange and honey. It's moisturizing, softening, detangling, shining and volumizing. I'd never used a hair mask before but it was ok. The best part was washing it out of course. My hair seemed shinier and more conditioned.
• C Loves Your Hair- Pampering Carrot Juice Shampoo ($7.99)- This massive container of shampoo is blended with Dead Sea Mud, carrot, pumpkin, melon, orange and honey to cleanse, nourish and moisturize the hair. I use this daily, it's great for every day washing. It smells nice and will last forever.
  

Stila Sale

Did anyone shop the Stila Virtual Warehouse Sale?

I did. Amongst the sets on sale, I managed to limit myself to 2 products.

1. Vintage Shadow Pot ($20, on sale for $10)- A soft, creamy mousse that's light as air. The innovative formula blends the lightness of powder with the ease of cream without creasing. I really adore these tiny pots of cream shadow. I have Bronze and I just bought Lily (lilac). They're super blendable and provide a long-wearing wash of shimmery color. Plus the designs on the tops are cute.

2. Vintage Lip Glaze ($20, on sale for $10)- Stila's classic lip glaze in the click-pen. These glosses are rich but not sticky. I got Daiquiri (golden pink with gold and silver shimmer). I loved the BCA one they did a few years ago. However, is it me or does it seem like you don't get that much gloss in the pen?

If you're interested, there's still some great stuff left at Stila.com, like Lip Color for $13.50 (org. $16.50) and Shadow Pans for $12.80 (org. $16), oooh and the Sun 'n Highlighter for $12 (org. $24). Go. Now.

2007 Lust List

This is a list of things that I'd love to have, but carry price-tag's too hefty for my tiny pocketbook. Check out these Neiman Marcus exclusives.


ReVive Ann Craven for ReVive Limited-Edition Artbox ($550)
Includes:
Moisturizing Renewal Cream
Sensitif Cellular Repair Cream
Eye Renewal Cream
Serum Protectif

La Prairie Golden Luxuries Kit ($1,000)
Includes:
• Face Cream: Helps diminish the appearance of lines, wrinkles and age spots and restore skin's youthful texture and improves elasticity. 1.7 ounce.
• Radiance Eye Cream: Helps targets lines, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, dryness and dehydration and visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and discourages lines from returning. 0.5 ounces.
• Pure Gold: a multi-tasking super serum which Illuminates and brightens skin immediately while reducing age spots. Rapidly plumps lines and wrinkles within one hour and speeds exfoliation to reveal fresh, younger-looking skin. 1.0 ounce.

Exclusive Pink Quartz Deluxe Trunk ($2,000)
Includes:
• Sand Creamy Concealer Kit
• Sand Luminous Moisturizing Foundation
• Sand Foundation Stick
• Bone Eye Shadow
• Taupe Eye Shadow
• Mahogany Eye Shadow
• Heather Eye Shadow.
• Rose Gold Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow
• Bellini Long-Wear Cream Shadow
• Ballet Pink Long-Wear Cream Shadow
• Sandy Gold Long-Wear Cream Shadow
• Galaxy Long-Wear Cream Shadow
• Tawny Blush
• Pale Pink Blush
• Medium Bronzing Powder
• Blushed Rose Pot Rouge
• Pink Truffle Pot Rouge
• Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick Compact
• Buff Lip Gloss
• Petal Lip Gloss
• Rosy Lip Gloss
• Pink Brightening Lip Gloss
• Peach Brightening Lip Gloss
• Mimosa Shimmer Lip Gloss
• Rose Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss
• Pink Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss
• Ruby Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss
• Brown Lip Color
• Slopes Lip Color
• Cranberry Lip Sheer
• Rosy Lip Sheer
• Plum Lip Shimmer
• Raspberry Lip Shimmer
• Brown Tinted Lip Balm
• Raspberry Tinted Lip Balm
• Chocolate Shimmer Ink Long Wear Gel Eyeliner
• Black Long Wear Gel Eyeliner
• Indigo Long Wear Gel Eyeliner
• Black No Smudge Mascara
• Black Everything Mascara
• Smoke Lash Glamour
• Instant Long Wear Makeup Remover
• Hydrating Eye Cream
• Extra SPF 25 Moisturizing Balm
• Overnight Cream
• Intensive Skin Supplement
• Beach Fragrance 50ml
• Beach Body Lotion
• Lathering Tube Soap
• Buffing Grains for Face
• Concealer Brush
• Foundation Brush
• Blush Brush
• Face Blender Brush
• Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush
• Shader Brush
• Cream Shadow Brush
• Bronzer Brush
• Eyelash Curler
• Tweezers
• Empties

New Product: Bourjois Liner Clubbing

The newest addition to the Bourjois collection is Liner Clubbing ($16). This is a sweat-proof, tear-proof and friction-proof liquid eye liner that will last 8 hours without running or smudging. Available in Absolute Black, Black Fever, Electro Blue, Brown Vibes, Violet Laser and Bronze Dance Floor.

Best of the Beauty Blog Network

Bionic Beauty shares her mineral makeup look of the day: "Rockin' the Glow".

Lipsticks are Like Men: Makeup Moxie Reviews Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick.

Beauty and Fashion Tech has a list of makeup palettes that are perfect for holiday gifts.

The Muse shares her collection and reviews of Be Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful Perfumes.

Savvy Skin covets all of Oprah's Favorite Things 2007

Temptalia reviews MAC's Metal-X Collection with swatches!

Elke reviews the ColorPro stick on eye shadow stencils, with somewhat iffy results.

Stylish Opinion finds a new 'green' beauty skincare line, "Green By Nature".

The Beauty Blog Network welcomes newest member Scandalous Beauty to it's team.

Beauty Banter muses about the hot new trend: Cat Eyes... Who is wearing it and how you can achieve the look too!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic checks out Prescriptive's Holiday 2007 Sets

A Touch of Blusher can't live without this hand cream!

Beauty and Personality Grooming - Herbal after shampoo hair rinses

SugarShock finds a bath and shower gel that's worthy of Cleopatra.

Makeup Loves Me is seduced by sunsilk' get hairapy commercials, but not it's shampoos.

Scandalous Beauty delivers an exclusive interview with Celebrity Make-Up Artist Sam Fine!

Face Candy gets a new holiday look and reviews Marc Jacob's newest scent- Daisy.

Review: BECCA Cosmetics

Started in 2001, the Australian BECCA Cosmetics has become a huge success here in the states. (But for some reason Sephora stopped carrying it). The range of products aims to perfect and enhance skin in a multi-step process, in the most natural way. The complexion products are available in so many shades, you're sure to find the one that suits your skin tone.

• Waterproof Mascara ($19)- A waterproof lengthening and thickening mascara that contains Vitamin E.

• Luminous Skin Color Sheer Colour Make-up SPF 25+ ($40)- A sheer foundation that protects against over 96% of UVA + UVB rays. Anti-oxidant Vitamins A, B, D and E increase collagen renewal and the skin's water holding capacity. The lightweight formula is available in 15 colors.

• Stick Foundation ($39)- A soft, creamy, non-powdery foundation that provides sheer to medium coverage. Contains maximum broad spectrum SPF 30+ to protect the skin. Available in 30 colors.

• Compact Concealer ($35)- I would say this is the *star* of the show, this concealer compact combines 2 formulations. The Extra-Cover version is more opaque and drier providing exceptional camouflage ability and adheres well to the skin. Great for spots or blemishes. The Medium-Coverage version is sheer and creamy, perfect for under eye circles. Use them separately or mix them together. Available in 33 colors.

• Creme Eye Colour ($25)- Highly pigmented, rich, creamy shadows that can also be used as face highlighters. I used Rose Gold (gold with pink sheen).

Available at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

Cetaphil- Good For Everyone

If you don't know, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($7.63) is the #1 dermatologist-recommended brand of moisturizers and facial cleansers. Stars like Kate Hudson and The Hills' Whitney Port credit their beautiful skin to this gentle cleanser. It's non-soap, non-irritating, fragrance free and hypoallergenic. The mild formula hydrates as it removes impurities. This cleanser feels like a lotion, I like to use it in the morning and sometimes I use a washcloth to rub it off in the shower.

Another dermatologist staple is the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream ($12.50). The light weight, pillowy cream is completely non-greasy and absorbs into the skin very quickly. Great for face or body. My boyfriend's mom always has like 3 tubs of this stuff around the house, and now I know why. You just can't have enough.

Review: Marc Jacobs Daisy Gift Set

MARC JACOBS Daisy Gift Set ($87 value for $60)- Includes a 1.7 oz. Eau de Toilette Spray and a 5.1 oz. Body Lotion in a signature gift box.

Notes: Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Jasmine Petals, Musk, Vanilla, White Woods.

I have to say, I bought this new MJ fragrance on a whim, without having ever let its delightful scent waft up my nostrils. It was a chance, but when it comes to MJ, chances are I'll like it. And like it I did. (And do!) I describe this as a vintage floral bouquet with a touch of youthfulness. It's my new favorite, scent of the moment. I can't stop wearing it. The lotion is a very rich, white, sparkly liquid that provides the glowiness of a shimmer powder.
If you're at all tempted by this- go get it! I'm glad I did!

Best of Splendicity

From the Splendicity community, comes the best posts of the week.



BEAUTY
Style...a work in progress discovers how Dr. Brandt's products stack up when applied to her beauty as architecture theory...and her face.
Take a look at Mineral Makeup's Graduation Picture FOTD.
Savvy Skin talks about Skin Care For Everyone.
Beauty Secrets Revealed shares a Blueberry Age-Defying Face Pack Recipe.
Viva Woman asks if higher SPF in sunblocks are better.
Spa Beautifully says Get yourself in the holiday spirit with some festive treatments.
Makeup Minute gets a makeover from Prescriptives.
A Girl's Gotta Spa! is in heaven with bobe Bath Essentials.
Aging Fabulous has the list of the Top Five Surgical and Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures.
Temptalia reviews MAC's latest collection -- Of Beauty, complete with swatches and photos!

FASHION
Beauty and Fashion Tech Reviews Nina Garcia's Little Black Book of Style.
Laya's Eye shows us some Thoughtful Tee's.
Indie Style File find the perfect skirt for Tetris addicts.
Girls love Glamorous Gucci at Shoe Blitz.
CelebLOOK takes a look at Jennifer Garner in lunch time chic.
The Petite Fashionista polls some of her readers. Come see what they had to say.

SHOPPING
Chloe from Her Accessories has put together a drool-worthy list of suggestions for Christmas shopping.
Stiletto Jungle has found a huge stash of C&C California tops on sale for 75% off retail.
Diva's Deals found some great cashmere cami's for a price you won't believe.
All That and a tries on a new look for the site.
ShopDiary is obsessed with Gryson's fabulously au courant boots!
Shopalicious finds peace in this necklace crafted from recycled vinyl records.
NY $pender lists her favorite snow boots for this coming cold season.

KORRES: A New Store + New Makeup Line

Korres Natural Products was a brand previously only known for its decadent skin care products. The Greek company uses products like Greek honey, wild rose, rye, sugar and Eyebright to name a few, along with natural products in place of commonly used harmful ingredients. They now have a makeup line! And a brand new store at 110 Wooster Street in Soho, NY to store it in. So far the collection includes intriguing items like Mango Butter Lipstick SPF 10 ($15), Cherry Full Color Gloss ($16), Ginger & Vitamins Foundation SPF 10($28) and Vitamin Concealer ($20) amongst a few more basic things like eyeliner, lipliner, eye shadow and mascara. All available at Sephora.

For your best friend (or yourself, hey it's ok to splurge on yourself too!):
+The Korres Love Your Lips Gift Set ($57 value for $29)- Limited edition, online, only @ Sephora- 3 Cherry Full Color Glosses, rich in cherry and jojoba oils, in Neutral Pink, Pink Shimmer and Nude. 1 Lip Butter that provides sheer color and moisturization from shea butter, in Quince.

For the man in your life (I know mine would certainly be interested in this):
+Absinthe Shave Cream ($25)- A luscious shaving cream that contains Absinthe extract and has a milder pH than lathering creams to prevent skin roughness.

Dry Nail Polish?

When I first received these Incoco Dry Nail Appliques ($5.99), I was skeptical. It's a self-adhesive nail enamel that goes on dry, contains an actual basecoat, color coat and topcoat and lasts for 14 days. There's 10 stickers for each hand so you can find the right size for all your fingers. I wasn't too thrilled by the directions, or maybe I'm just stupid, but after I peeled off the backing to the polish strip, I didn't realize there's another clear top layer you have to peel off. That made a huge difference. These are really cool. Once I figured it out, I decided I wanted more. And luckily they're available in 20 colors and 6 french manicure shades at Walgreens. I've been wearing it around for a few days now and it's fantastic! No smudging, no having to touch up with nail polish remover- no mess!

Review: Make Up For Ever Eyebrow Pencil

Make Up For Ever Eyebrow Pencil ($18)- A unique, hard leaded, highly pigmented pencil designed to darken and reshape brows. I tried this in Brown 3, the darkest color next to Black. In this photo, it looks deeper than it is in reality. I was somewhat disappointed when it arrived, because it was... auburn looking. (But who looks good with black eyebrows?? No one.) So I used it anyway, and while it is a good eyebrow pencil, is it really worth $18, when I could have gotten a Wet 'n Wild one for the bargain price of $.99?
Next time... I'm hopping over to Rite Aid.

Fresh Gift Sets

Who doesn't love fresh products? I certainly do... I like the Sugar Lemon Shower Gel (read a previous post about it) and the Satin Luster Face Palette (read a previous post about it). Here's a list of other fresh sets anyone would love to receive.

fresh Sugar Star Treatment($102 value, for $85)- Brown Sugar Body Polish, Sugar Lip Treatment and Sugar Blossom Hand Treatment.

Sugar Tart Gift Set ($72.50 value, for $58)- 1 oz. Sugar lemon Eau de Parfum, a 10.5 oz. Sugar Lemon Bath and Shower Gel and a 10.5. oz. Sugar Lemon Body Lotion.

Are You A Sugar Fairy? Lip & Lash Combo ($42)- Full sized Sugar Lip Gloss in Sugar Fairy and Supernova Mascara in Black.

Are You A Sugar Lover? Lip & Lash Combo ($42)- Full sized Sugar Lip Gloss in Sugar Shag and Supernova Mascara in Black.

Tess Skincare

Tess products are made for teenage girls, but when I got them I decided I had to have them. So I took the mini bottles on vacation with me. Here's what I tried.

• Scrub It off Strawberry-Jojoba Facial Cleanser For Problem Skin ($18)- Uses jojoba oil and jojoba beads to remove dirt, oil and dead skin. Aloe vera moisturizes and refreshes the skin. At first I didn't like that it smelled like strawberry, but I got used to it and I like the exfoliating quality.
• Ooh-Refreshing! Apple Facial Toner For Combination Skin ($14)- A soothing, mildly astringent toner that reduces excess oil. Alcohol-free.
  
• Time For Some ZZZ's Vanilla Moisturizer For Combination Skin ($20)- A night-time moisturizer with avocado and jojoba oil to hydrate, Vitamin E and chamomile to soothe and green tea extract and Vitamin C to exfoliate and renew skin.
• Shimmer Smile Peppermint Healing Lip Gloss ($14)- A moisturizing clear lip gloss with white sparkles. Scented with peppermint.
• Magic Mud Mask- Eucalyptus Blemish Reducing Face mask For Problem Skin ($20)- A paraben-free, oil-absorbing, purifying mud treatment that diminishes the appearance of blemishes and prevents breakouts.
  
• Perfect Pout Strawberry Healing Lip Gloss ($14)- A moisturizing, strawberry scented gloss that prevents cracking and peeling. Yum.
  

Best of Splendicity

From our Splendicity members, comes some of the best posts of the week.



BEAUTY
Shades of U dishes out her reviews of MAC's upcoming Curiositease pigment and glitter sets, including swatches and product pictures.

Kyle falls in love with Revive Moisturizing Renewal Cream at Face Candy.

The one-year-old A Touch of Blusher brings you highlights from the past 12 months.

Makeup Loves Me gives all the details of Mac's Antiquitease Holiday Collection.

Who doesn't like free beauty products?! Beauty Banter combs the web for the best beauty discounts and freebies this week!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic discovers Bond No. 9's Newest Fragrance, Andy Warhol's Silver Factory.

Check out the luxurious Acca Kappa 8 piece Solingen Steel Manicure Set, and Beauty Gizmo wonders if it's worth the investment.

Vanity Vibe shares her Kerastase Vita Ciment Salon Experience.

Wardrobe Oxygen tries out and reviews Sephora's Smokey Eye Kit.
FASHION
STYLEnosh shows WhatWentWrong when bad jeans happen to good people.

She Knows Best compiled a comprehensive list of Men's Fashion Don'ts.

StyleTots found Ralph Lauren Under $30 Items For Boys and Girls.

TeenStyleLounge is hosting a contest where the prize is beautiful skin!

Snarkstress gets verclempt over the reunion of some Friends-ly stars.

Spork Fashion Exclusive! Actress Shannyn Sossamon shares Her Style.

Haute and Bothered says These Prints are Poutrageous.

The Fashionable Kiffen asks "what are the top ten must-haves in your wardrobe?"

Who made UsMagazine.com 's Best Dressed Bumps list? Check out Hot Mama Daily to find out...


SHOPPING
Style Goodies needs no excuse to shop at Sephora!

Style It Less Dug 30 Under $30 Brand Name Items From Nordstrom.

The Latest Luxe plays innocent with these Christian Louboutin Penny Loafers.

The Scented Life has Five Can't Miss Perfume Presents for Her.

Let's Go Shopping found 3 Fabulous SkinCare Kits.

Chic by Nature wonders if you are still searching for that perfect winter coat? Check out grace & cello’s latest additions.

Kikay Kits has the Kikay Girl of the Week: Ms. Juniorproblogger!

Have a splendid week!

Weekend Beauty Read

Best of the Beauty Blog Network:

The Beauty Blog Network Blog welcomes newest member Rouge Deluxe to the group!

Elke reviews Aussie's Hair Products. on her blog.

Makeup Moxie's fave new find: MAC lipstick meets Modern Art in these personalized "Kiss" Portraits from DNA 11.

All Lacquered Up's Nail Tip Of The Week; a solution for the horror that is Toes & Hose.

A Touch of Blusher reviews Chanel Ombre D'Eau Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow.

Beautynomics reviews Clinique's Holiday 2007 Makeup and Fragrances.

The Mineral Makeup Blog reviews Mineralogie Pressed Mineral Powder and Matte Finishing Powder.

Temptalia has a tutorial for a bold, jewel-toned eye.

Beauty and Fashion Tech reviews the Star 50 Handbags Collection featuring a handbag for every state.

Savvy Skin says Infomercials - Fool Me No More!.

SugarShock gets the royal treatment with MAC Royal Assets palettes.

Hello Dollface hope to look like Heidi Hello Dollface and Heidi Klum’s new makeup!

Musings of a Muse reviews the Bare Escentuals Pure Platinum Collection with Product Photos

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic tries Bond No. 9's new Andy Warhol's Silver Factory Fragrance

Beauty and Personality Grooming's The luxury called 'oil bath'

makeup loves me explores prescriptives' fabulous custom blend foundation.

Beauty Banter reviews MAC's Royal Asset's Lip Compacts, revamping her image for a night out on the Sunset Strip!

All Natural Herbaria Soaps get a glowing review from Bionic Beauty.

Pop-Up Makeup Brushes on Mystical Beauty's Musings.

At DivaShop, Gloria tries an Aqua/Teal Eye Look.

Green is the new Blue

The hottest nail color is no longer dark blue. It's now dark green. Check out the new, limited edition, Beauty Insider Exclusive, online only NARS Zulu Nail Polish. This debuts the new, improved formula of NARS Nail Polish that provides a tough, chip-resistant finish with UV protection to prevent discoloration. The deep vine green is yours for $15 at Sephora.com.

Profound Beauty- Structure Hair Care

State of the art polymers and resins adds control, body, hold and flexibility, allowing a wide range of styling possibilities. Build sets, finger waves, updos and the latest trends while defining your own individuality.

-Luxe Cream ($)- A rich and modernized interpretation of a classic setting lotion that makes the hair pliable. Creates luxurious flowing designs with lasting memory. My boyfriend also refers to this as semen for your hair (because of its unbecoming appearance). Ew.

-Stucco ($)- This is in-between a liquid and a cream. About the texture of Redken's Rewind Pliable Styling Paste ($18). Provides intense hold, texture, flexibility and natural shine. Possibly my favorite of the Structure Collection. I stick my finger in, pull a dab out and then "pinch" out sections of my hair.

-Matte Hold ($)- A precision styling cream that thickens, chunks and molds with a matte finish.

-Structure Shine ($)- A glistening and smoothing serum that provides shine and a forceful resistance to humidity. A tiny drop of this will have people seriously, staring at your hair. I quite liked the attention.

So, all in all, I looove these hair products. My favorites are the Stucco and the Matte Hold, they are the ones that keep me looking presentable for work, day to day. I've even grown accustomed to the smell- which I can't put my finger on, it kind of reminds me of hemp though.
I personally use these items fresh out of the shower, right when my hair is still a bit damp and I love the results.

ReVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream

"They" say that if you buy one ReVive cream, it should be the Moisturizing Renewal Cream ($150). The incredibly rich, snow-white cream exfoliates, retexturizes uneven skin, improves skin clairity and creates a luminous, firm and youthful complexion within two weeks. Contains glycolic acid and a highly active solution of EGF (epidermal growth factor- a naturally occurring protein molecule that increases skin cell regeneration) to bring skin alive and reverse signs of aging.

I've been using this cream for a couple weeks, and I have to say that I've found myself looking forward to nighttime, when I strip off my makeup and get to apply this rich lotion. And maybe I'm just crazy, but I swear I could be seeing a slight difference in the appearance of my skin. It seems less red and smoother and pores? What pores? Miracle cream? Perhaps not, but gee, it's going to be hard when this stuff runs out.

Philosophy Kiss Sets

1. Limited-Edition Kiss Me Lip Trio ($25)- A flavor for every kiss. Includes Melting Chocolate Lip Shine, Cinnamon Buns Lip Shine and Cranberry Lip Shine.

2. Limited-Edition Kiss Kiss Kiss ($25)- Includes Raspberry Sorbet, Powdered Sugar Cookie and Melting Chocolate Lip Shine.

NARS Blush

NARS Blush ($25) is a very fine powder blush made with transparent pigments for a soft and sheer look. I used this in Crazed (raspberry red with shimmer) and am still unsure of how I feel. It provided a bright, almost fluorescent glow to my cheeks that made me feel kind of silly. I loved the texture and packaging, but next time I might try it in a different color. I'd like to try the new Luster (sheer golden apricot). Do you use NARS blush? What's your favorite?

Splendicity Reads

Here are the week's best posts from our Splendicity members.



Beauty

Beauty Secrets Revealed announces a spectacular contest that she will be running soon.

Savvy Skin reviews the new book Beauty Junkies.

Spa Beautifully shows us how to do our own at home facial.

Beauty and Fashion Tech is giving away MAC's Antiquitease Collection.

Viva Woman reviews Keys Solar Rx.

Temptalia has a thorough review of the MAC Curiositease Collection.

Fashion

Petite Fashionista shows us how to spice up our wardrobe.

Painfully Hip has some of the most outrageous street styles on the web.

CelebLOOK takes a look back through the celebrity looks of the month.

Style...A Work in Progress has a problem that not even the best doctor can cure.

Her Accessories shows us her favorite Cocktail Ring, perfect for the upcoming Christmas parties.

All That and A... crushes on this Tango and Valssi purse.

Indie Style File points us to this Bon&Ging Skirt.

Shopping

The Latest Luxe has her eye on this Tribal Spy Bag from Fendi.

Shoe Blitz lists her shoes that she says are divine and down to Earth.

Shopalicious has us lusting over this pendant from SpoonFedArt.

Layas Eye has us all eyeing this Hayden Harnett bag.

Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle shares with us a great deal on this Kenneth Jay Lane beauty.

NY $pender shares with us some warm winter coat picks.

Shop Diary is giving away the must-read The Little Black Book of Style.

New Product Alert: Dior Creme de Gloss

Drench your pucker in lush, sensuous color with rich sexy shine with Dior's new Creme de Gloss ($24.50). The moisturizing and nourishing lipstick-gloss has a refreshing white tea fragrance and is available in 8 chic colors.

Bridal Beauty

This blushing bride is my boyfriend's best friend Steve's wife, Corinne. Okay, obviously in these pictures she was not yet Mrs. Bowen, but you get the idea. She asked me to do the honor of applying her makeup for their very special day. I was a little nervous, being a bridal makeup newbie, but everything went smoothly.

I first asked Corinne what her daily makeup and skincare routine was. She admitted that she didn't usually wear anything other than moisturizer and thought her skin was "combo." Here's a run through of what we did.

1. After washing her face, I applied moisturizer and Elizabeth Arden's Eye Fix Primer above and under the eyes.
2. I dabbed on MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer around nose and mouth and all over the eye area.
3. Using MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Medium, I very gently set the concealer.
4. I mixed MAC Paint in Bare Canvas (shimmery champagne) and Paint Pot in Painterly (nude beige) with MAC #239 Eye Shading Brush and applied to the eyes, all the way up to the brow bone.
5. On top of the cream shadows, I applied MAC Retrospeck (a pale bleached blonde with shimmer). To define the crease, I used MAC Romp (chocolate laced with gold). I lined eyes (top lid only) with Bobbi Brown's Liner Brush and Bobbi Brown Shadow in Smoke.
6. For cheeks, I added definition with Sonia Kashuk's bronzer. Cheeks popped with pale peach (Benefit Shangri-la Sheers in Love & Mirage).
7. For a little gleam, I used MAC Barbie Beauty Powder in Pearl Blossom (shimmery pink) on the brow bones and cheekbones.
8. Corinne curled her own eye lashes and I applied waterproof Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Black.
9. Not being a lipstick or gloss girl, Corinne chose to use her own Aveda Lip Tint SPF 15 in Verbena.