Waxing poetic...

Alright - this may be an uncomfortable post for some. I am just putting that out there before we begin.

The topic of today's post?
Double dipping...
And no I am not talking about going in for some more guacamole after you have already taken a bite of your chip. I am talking about the even more unsanitary- that's right- the double WAX dip! What is the double dip you ask? When your waxer applies wax to your skin and then dips the same utensil back into the hot wax to apply more.

Now there are two sides raging a debate about this very topic. The old school estheticians believe this is no big deal. They have been double dipping for years and that is just the way they do things. And the new era estheticians are dead set against the double dip. Each group has their own beliefs and they are sticking to them (sorry- no pun intended.)

Here are my thoughts on the matter....
1) Yes, we have become a bit germaphobic as a society and there is such a thing as taking it too far.
2) I do not think wax is a case where you can be worried about taking it too far.
3) I think every woman (or man) has the right to a safe, sanitary and fabulous wax.
4) I am a firm believer in the no-double dip camp and I think you should be too!!!

Let me elaborate further and lay the scene for you....

You arrive at the salon for your monthly wax...Candles are lit, soft soothing music is being piped in...you are relaxing. Your esthetician comes in and begins to work.
All sounds good right? Sure!
But let's think about the variables here....
- You don't know who was waxed before you, or for that matter who has been waxed at that salon that day.
- Just because you are getting a new wax applicator doesn't mean much...If she double dips with you- your germs are going into that wax. You know she doesn't have a tub of hot wax for every client. In other words - One tub of wax = lots of potential germs from all the different double dips from every client.

Some questions you might be having:

Isn't the wax hot enough to kill any germs?
Well- there is no legal standard temperature that wax needs to be kept at in salons. It is what it is.
Most information you can find out there that says you have no risk of catching anything from wax gives temperature as the sole reason you could catch something. So even those who aren't sold on the concept of catching an std from a bikini wax are still saying you could if the wax is not hot enough. And I am willing to bet, not one of us has ever asked our salon how hot they keep their wax!

What's the worst that could happen?
Let me be clear - There has not been a lot of documented research in this area. At this point it is up to personal responsibility. We all know that there are things you can catch just from contact with infected skin. Are you willing to take the risk that someone else has gone to your waxer and has something you can catch? And not only that- that she has contributed her germs to the same pot of wax you will be using because your esthetician double dips?
Hopefully the answer is no. If the answer is yes - beware- you could (not proven yet) be exposing yourself to the following:
- STDS (including Herpes and HPV)
- Bacterial infections
- Various skin infections

So now you may be lost thinking...what can I do?! I need to get my eyebrows/lip/bikini etc...waxed!
Well fear not BGNDers!

If you are worried and slightly lost as to what to look for when you visit the waxer here is a great article from Vagisil to help you along your way:
http://www.vagisil.com/special_200604.shtml
This article is from a few years ago but really helps explain what to look out for and what can actually happen when you expose your skin to contaminated wax.

So sorry for the seriousness of today's topic but I want healthy and happy BGNDers!
Not people who have paid $50-$100 to catch an STD! ICK!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

P.S. Ironically I was unaware that NJ was thinking about banning Brazilian bikini waxes when I sat down to blog about this topic. But in my research online this recent news story kept popping up:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/19/brazilian-waxes-may-be-ba_n_176824.html

I do not believe a ban is the answer - just be sanitary folks!!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It is that time of year ladies and gents! In Style Magazine has released it's yearly Best Beauty Buys!

This list year after year is chock full of fabulous familiars and awesome new finds. This is the 14th year they have been doing this (wow!!) and once again the list does not disappoint. It has many a BGND approved item (MAC Eye Kohl, Smashbox Photo Finish, Essie Mademoiselle, Ped Egg, Cetaphil, Clinique Exfoliating Scrub - just to name a few!) as well as some new things I will be rushing to check out (Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil - how did I not know about this?!).

In Style's description:
Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil (Shown all the way on the right in the pic above...)
EDITORS' PICK
This smudge-free cover-up stick became a fast favorite (and desk-drawer essential) when we realized that its precise point makes covering midday acne flare-ups a cinch. It's also easy to apply to the inner corners of our undereye area.
$17; buy online now at urbandecay.com


For the full list of items and all the deets you need:

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/0,,20264011,00.html

Anything on the list you are dying to try? Something not on there that should be?
Let's discuss!

Have a great Monday and keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Product of the week - March 26th, 2009

This week's POTW is soothing, affordable and fresh.

Sephora Body Butter - $16 (Sephora stores nationwide and online at Sephora.com)
I absolutely love this Sephora brand product. I have been using the Coconut Cream scent as a luxurious night cream before I hit the sheets. The scent is coconut with vanilla, almond and musk accents and makes me feel relaxed just by smelling it.

This cream seems to be the best of both worlds- nice and thick in the container and when it first hits your skin. Then just like the name (butter) it miraculously melts into your skin leaving soft, subtle but not overpowering scent. My bf has commented many times how this is his favorite of all of my lotions in rotation and I have to agree. It heals my cracked, parched late winter skin but is light enough that I know it will be in use year round (perhaps as a perfume replacement in the hot months?)

I have only been using the Body Butter but I know that the Sephora specific scents come in a complete collection for each unique fragrance (Body Butter, Body Scrub, Bubble Bath, Shower Gel and Dry Oil Spray). So if you like this cream and want to spread out it is possible!

Affordable and chic!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Article of Attraction...

So all you BGND readers know that there are certain magazines I love...they are my lifeline at the gym!

Well one of such said publications is Marie Claire....not only is it chock full of beauty and fashion, I think the human interest articles are very well written and intelligent. I have been a fan for years. Well in the current April issue (Mandy Moore aka Mrs. Ryan Adams on the cover), they have a must-read article - Marie Claire's 25 Best Beauty Products of the Year!!

They do this list every year and there are always emerging superstars on it. (And btw, technically there are 30 products since the International Beauty Editors contributed 5 items.)
Some of the products I will be rushing out to buy this year?

St. Ives Collagen Elastin Body Polish: Renewing - $6.99 (CANNOT wait to try this- I have been on the hunt for a good body scrub for a looong time!)



Dove Heat Defense Therapy Mist - $3.96 (This sounds like it might be able to replace a current salon product I am using - and at literally a FIFTH of the cost!)



Chanel UV Essential - $48 ( A new, killer lightweight sunscreen? And one that comes with ingredients to even skin tone and give you a matte finish? Pricey but still a no-brainer - especially with the summer right around the corner.)

But don't take my word for it!
Check out the whole list yourself!

http://www.marieclaire.com/hair-beauty/how-to/tips/best-beauty-products-tested-beauty

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

I'm sale-ing away....

So the economy sucks! Blah, blah, blah..we have heard it all before. Now is time to take advantage! Most places are doing whatever they can to up the ante and get people to shop. This week's blue ribbon sale winner?

Too Faced Cosmetics!!

They are having a MEGA sale....What is mega you ask?
Up to 75% some of their most fab products!! LOVE IT.

I checked out the selection and there really are some good things to be found..
Duo Shadow Vintage - $5
Diamond Gloss Vintage Sets - $18.50 (Includes three full size glosses)
Herbal Eye Concealer Vintage - $4

And this is just what caught my eye on a quick glance!

If you are looking for a beauty fix but don't want to feel bad about spending the dough...look no further than TFC!!

www.toofaced.com

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

It's finally time for the "Inbetweeners"!

Finally!! There are products out to address the issues of a LOONG overlooked group of the skincare population!! What group am I referring to? The "inbetweeners". The group that is too old to be dealing with adolescent level acne, but still gets the occasional pimple. This is the same group who has a few fine lines and wrinkles, but does not need the level of time fighting power that women later in life do. And until now, there has not been much for these "inbetweeners" to work with. They have had to settle with mixing and matching, an acne product here, a line reducer there. Sure, there have been some individual products in the past. There are a few moisturizers and cleansers on the market that attempt to address the acne/wrinkle combo dilemma. But never has there been an entire skincare line aimed at the "inbetweeners". Till now!!

Introducing....


The Biore Skin Preservation Collection - $13.99/product (Drugstores nationwide)


The folks at Biore have come to bat for the "inbetweeners". They have created an entire line of products for this special skin care group. There are five products in all dealing with issues such as non-greasy but still effective SPF, strong but non-stripping cleanser, intermittent dryness and scaly patches, small smile/fine lines just beginning and night cream made for skin that is still doing okay. Each is totally affordable at $13.99 and you can mix and match to get all of your "inbetweener" needs met.

I have not yet road tested any of these products but I think this is a killer idea. Biore is very smart to address a population that until now has been left out in the cold to fend for themselves. If you are an "inbetweener" or know someone who is - here is the link to the Biore website. It gives full descriptions of all the different Skin Preservation products and can help explain which items might be right for you.

http://www.biore.com/usa/inbetween/Default.aspx


Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Samply Fantastic...

So we all know that Sephora loooooves to give away little free samples. (And let's be honest, we love getting them.) However, nine times out of ten the sample gathers dust and then goes into the garbage unused, or we use it - it is just kind of blah and in the garbage it goes. Well lately I have been on a free sample kick, trying all the ones I can. As a result, today I have a list for you of legitimately good - some great- free samples that I received from Sephora. Of course, the whole point of free samples is to get you to want to buy the real product. And in the case of a few of the following- I am very tempted.

I have listed the full size prices for each sample I am reviewing and they are all available at Sephora.

So, in no particular order...my favorite samples of late:

N.V. Perricone M. D. Cosmeceuticals - Face Finishing Moisturizer - $65

Initially I was slightly weirded out by this moisturizer - it seemed to light, too well...nothing. But with Perricone's reputation I had to give it a try and I was pleasantly surprised. Lightweight but plenty moisturizing, this lotion did give the impression of not only hydrating but of getting my skin ready for make-up and the rest of my day. It is chock full of anti-oxidants and it does a great job of smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. It almost feels like a moisturizer and primer in one. I can get behind that. Downside? No SPF.


Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel - $67
Here is a serum for the nature lover in all of us. Formulated without all of the garbage that goes into regular serum, this gel is still a power player when it comes to the anti-aging game. I felt the tightening almost immediately and was pleasantly surprised that the effects lasted throughout my day. (I used this for several mornings in a row.) It is made with plant oils and herbs and still has a lovely smell(although it does remind me a bit of a spa massage oil.) Overall, a great serum for anyone looking for power but something natural at the same time. A word to the wise, if you buy this- the product is meant to be tapped into the skin not spread. It won't have the same effect if you rub it in.

Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer - $20

I knew this product would be great- Smashbox rarely lets me down. This lid primer is just like their regular face primer but tinted and designed for the eyelid. It evens out skin tone, smooths out fine lines, moisturizes and gets your peepers ready for any make-up that will be applied and makes that make-up last.
My only thought on this sample? If you are trying to save money you can probably skip it. If you have the $20 and are having trouble with the eyelid area than this is your go-to product. But if you are like me and the $20 is a little bit too much right now, I recommend using your under eye concealer on your lids as well. I have been doing this for years as my lid primer and it has all the same effects as the Smashbox primer minus the anti-oxidants. However, when I can justify the $20, I will probably splurge on this item.


So are you going to get any of these samples? Who knows? Maybe some of them will permanent BGND fixtures!

Have a great weekend and keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Product of the week - March 19th, 2009

Did you all survive St. Paddy's day? I didn't go out this year, opting instead to celebrate my Irish roots at home with Dancing with the Stars and Pizza....
However, some of my friends did go out and I mean BIG TIME, all day long Irish revelry. And one fellow I know? He dyed his hair bright green. Yup. Not just a subtle forest green tinge. From the pics, it looks like he bleached it and then dyed it the color of AstroTurf. This sad hair tale brings us to the POTW.

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave in Treatment - From $14 (Specialty beauty stores and salons nationwide)

Now my loyal readers know that I hardly ever talk about hair care products. But this pretty blue bottle? Well, we have had a love affair for years. This is the one hair care product that I cannot do without. It has made the world of difference in the quality, strength and shine of my hair. It smooths the hair without being greasy, gives it shine without making it brittle- in general just amps up the health and beauty of anyone's lucky tresses. If you have never tried Anti-Snap (and I know that some of you are already on the band wagon with me) go out there and grab a bottle. You will not be sorry! Soon enough it will be spring and then summer and there will be no hiding your pretty locks under a winter hat. This leave in is THE tool to help you get ready for the warmer months.

A word to the wise on purchasing this and any other "salon" quality hair care products. I really recommend that you buy these kind of things only at a salon or a major beauty supplier. The drugstore versions are not to be trusted. They are not licensed to sell these kind of brands so I would never trust what is in the bottle you would find outside a salon or beauty supply. If you are interested in the Anti-Snap specifically- here is the link to the Redken website where you can search for the closest retailer near you.

http://www.redken.com/products/haircare/extreme/extreme-anti-snap

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Out of the box beauty bonanza!

So yesterday there was an article posted on Yahoo from this guy telling everyone drastic measures they could use to save $20,000-$30,000 a year. Some of the advice was great, some of it just not realistic. However, it did get me thinking. I know that I have already posted lots of budget-saver/recession themed posts. But what are some "out of the box" ideas that I already incorporate into my life but have not told you, my loyal readers about yet? Well, it turns out there are lots!
So here are 10 ideas for you to save a bunch of $ on products and services every year. Now I can't promise you $20,000 like the gentleman from yesterday's article but I won't ask you to live off the grid either!

1 - Stop buying shave cream/shave gel
Yes it gives us a closer shave and it smells delish and makes our legs soft. But it is an overpriced not necessary beauty item. Use a bar of soap (Dove works great to get you a good lather and still moisturize) and you will be fine.
2 - Wash your hair every other day
Some of you may already be doing this and if you are- bravo! It is a hard habit to get used to, but when you do not only will you reap the benefits of using half the shampoo you were before, but your hair will be healthier. I have very fine hair and when I don't wash it every day it looks pretty greasy by 5pm. HOWEVER, I have learned to embrace the second day up-do. I put my hair up in some kind of fun bun or messy ponytail in the morning and leave it be. I ALWAYS get compliments on my second day hair (go figure!) and I beat the grease/obvious dirty factor by putting it up first thing in the am, and leaving it alone.

3 - Think in terms of the earth and refill don't re-buy
Are you one of those folks who buys a new hand soap every time your little container in the bathroom runs out? Or do you buy brand new mini sized shampoos, conditioners and lotions every time you make a trip? SHAME! Buy big bottles of what you need and then re-fill whatever small bottles you have. That bathroom soap will work just as well if the contents came from a giant 64oz refill bottle. And there are tons of cute empty travel containers on the market. Invest the $5-$10, get yourself a set and then when you travel you will be using your own products that work on you, not what you could find in miniature.
4 - Think in terms of the earth - part two - buy in bulk
Now sometimes Costco and Sams Club do not offer the best prices. But in their beauty department they often do. So find yourself a friend who likes the same hair product, soap, lotion whatever and hit the bulk aisle together. You will each save some money and will have a lasting supply meaning less trips to the drugstore. You can also buy a couple giant containers and then refill smaller ones that fit in your shower (similar to above).

5 - Work those sales
Lately I have taken to checking out the weekly circular. I have a new motto of not buying anything at the grocery store unless it is on sale. You can have this same attitude with beauty products. CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid - they all often have deals of buy one/get one, or buy one get one 50% off. Take advantage of these sales and save big. Also, shop around. Just because the drugstore right by your house is where you always go that doesn't mean you save the most going there. Don't waste gas driving all over town, but you may have another store on one of your regular routes with better prices. Scour the Internet for even more deals. If you don't need it right away but will eventually, find it online on sale with no shipping costs and save.
6 - Get more bang for your buck
When you do have to make a full price purchase- try to get the most out of it you can. We all know that the counters have "gift with purchase" events every other day. The trick is to go to those events only when you need something. If you are running out of face wash and know that Clinique is having an event, go get your face wash even if you still have 1/4 bottle left. That way at least you get some free samples and you are buying something you were going to buy anyway. But if you wait to show up when your face wash is gone, the free samples may be gone too.
Now a word to the wise. USE those samples. Even if you only use 1/2 of what you were given, you have still saved. Most of the samples in these giveaways are best sellers so they are worth having.
Also, there are tons of free samples available daily on line. Whether through an outlet like drugstore.com or Sephora or through an actual product site. Google and see what you get.

7 - Go Old School
Some of the most effective and wonderful products with a proven track record are forgotten in today's sensory overload beauty world.
Pond's Cold Cream- amazing and only $4.49.
Nivea Body Lotion - $4.19.
Johnson's Baby Shampoo - $5.49.
Things don't need to be fancy to work.

8 - Treat yourself every other month
If you must still go out for a mani/pedi or wax or whatever your beauty treatment ritual is - don't worry. I know for a lot of people, mom's especially, this is your private time away, out of the house to just do something for yourself. So if you still need this time away, go every other month or skip every other treatment, whatever your time line. When I am cash scrapped, I maintain with my tweezers and go get my eyebrows waxed every other month. It really adds up. The same can be done with nails, hair color whatever. There are plenty of products out right now designed to bridge the salon visits. Use them and save hundreds of dollars a year.

9 - Give a student a chance
Are you willing to not go to the same place every time you get your nails done? Are you adventurous with your haircuts? If so, take advantage of the beauty schools in your area. I had a friend in NYC who used to go the Aveda training school and get a full head of color, with highlights, a cut and a blow out for $30!!! And she looked AMAZING. Now be careful and do some research lest you want to look like Frenchie with her pink hair in Grease. Make sure the reviews are good (check yelp, citysearch etc...) and then run to one of these training schools. You will be shocked to see that at the best schools there is often a wait list as long as at Warren Tricomi. This is because people know the treatments are good and are CHEAP. This can work for nails, hair, massage - you name it.
10 - Stay in
When you must indulge but can't afford to go out - make your own. We all have done at-home face masks at some point and that same idea can be translated to body and hair treatments as well. There are tons of recipes on the Internet for hair masks, shower scrubs made with simple kitchen ingredients- whatever you want. Find your new favorite at home scrub, save some money and help the environment in the process!

There you go ladies and gents. Hopefully these were some new ideas for you and if not maybe they just reminded you that just because we are all cutting back doesn't mean we have to look like it!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Spring Cleaning....

Every year spring time rolls around and I do my best to take stock and clean house. I am really going to use that Tae-Bo DVD circa 1999? Most likely not. And as for the hot pink denim skirt that I have held on to just in case ...
Well that actually may be in fashion again but alas- off to Goodwill it goes.

We all spend time cleaning out our closets, switching the winter clothes to the top shelf and taking down the summer skirts...but there is one area that often is neglected in the spring time clean up.

Yup- the make-up drawer. Ironically, this is the one drawer in the house that probably needs a good spring cleaning the most. Open make-up can breed nasty bacteria that is not only bad for the product- it is bad for your health! So take a moment, and go through your make-up and pitch the old and unused. Here is a timeline for when items should go into the garbage...


After 3 months:
- mascara
- liquid eyeliner
(Obviously these should be pitched after 3 months no matter what but sooner if shared since they are easily contaminated and no one wants pink eye.)

After 12 months:
- foundation
- concealer
- cream blush
- cream eyeshadow
- nail polish

After 24 months:
- lipstick
- lip gloss
- powder
- blush or bronzer
- powder eyeshadow
- pencil eyeliner (sharpen regularly to keep clean during this time)



And some basic rules of throwing out:
- if it is liquid and the container is cracked, busted or does not close - out it goes
- if you don't remember when you bought it - assume the worst and toss it in the garbage
- if it stinks or the color has changed - why in the world are you hanging on to it?
- natural cosmetics do not last as long so keep that in mind when purchasing and using

A good idea I have heard a lot lately- keep a sharpie in your make-up drawer or bag and write the date you bought it on each container...then you will know if you are harboring a blue eyeshadow from 1989.

And if you are hesitant about throwing things out- don't be! It makes room for the new things you now get to buy!!

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Twisted Temptation....

No I am not talking about something that is naughty....get your minds out of the gutter!
Today I am just laughing about the newest packaging that cosmetics companies roll out in order to get us to buy something....

The latest fad in the look of a product? The twist. What am I referring to? Well - have a look below...and this is just the collection of products that I could think of...

1 - Avon Anew Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum

2 - Olay Definity Eye Illuminator
3 - DDF Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer
I am not sure what the folks over in research and development are going for here. Do they think that we will buy it because it is fancy and technical looking? I suppose. We have done that before. Or are they just running out of ideas to make us enticed to plop down $50-$100 on something that may or may not make our wrinkles slightly smaller. I'm not sure.

But I will say this. Every time I see one of these new "twisted" products, I just have to laugh. Make something that works and throw it in a brown lunch bag- we will buy it. Especially now with the economy the way it is, I am less likely to buy something that looks like this. I want simple and effective. But for now I will continue to get giggles out of all the "twisted" products on the market.

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Diamonds are a girl's best friend...

Actually pearls are...your pearly whites that is!!

Anyhoo, if there is one thing other than clear skin that can make any look - it is teeth. When they are well taken care of - clean, white, fresh - they are the cherry on top of a beauty sundae. However, if they are not so well taken care of - yellow, stained, chipped, crooked - they are the death knell to an otherwise fierce ensemble.
A great smile can light up any face and make it go from so- so to stunning. So why wouldn't you want to take care of those teeth?

And yet, as far as beauty regimens go- far too many of us are not flossing, drinking way too much red wine or coffee and in some cases - the biggest no-no of them all - SMOKING. In short- destroying one of the best natural beauty elements.

So today BGND-ers, I bring you the latest arsenal in your good teeth (aka good health aka good beauty!) routine...

Announcing the latest miracle worker from our friend's at Listerine....

Listerine Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash - $3.19 - $5.89 (Available at drugstores, food and mass merchandise retailers nationwide)This lovely purple mouthwash (how much do I love the fact that it is purple- hello color of the fall season!) is truly a miracle worker for any mouth. Specially formulated as the only fluoride mouthwash to give you 6 benefits in one tidy bottle - this mouthwash:
- helps prevent cavities
- restores enamel
- strengthens teeth
- kills bad breath germs
- freshens breath
- fights unsightly plaque above the gum line.

Having all of those attributes in one place is like having your own personal dental hygienist on call! Plus the taste of Total Care is delish! Minty and fresh but strong enough to feel like it is working. I have been a Listerine user for years and this purple magic has kicked out my former Listerine product for good.

If you are looking for something simple to step up your overall health care and amp up your beauty in a natural way - I highly recommend Total Care!!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

P.S. Intrigued and want a free bottle of Total Care Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash? You are in luck!! BNGD is having a giveaway thanks to the folks at Edelman and Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products! I have 4 free bottles of Listerine to give away so if you want one...be one of the first four to email me at beautygirlnextdoor@gmail.com and claim your free booty! Good luck!!

Product of the week - March 12th, 2009

Well ladies and gents.....sorry to say that this week's POTW is not recession friendly...but man does it work...

Clarins Extra- Firming Tightening Lift Botanical Serum - $78 (Sephora stores, online at Sephora.com and us.clarins.com)
I bought this serum when I needed something new. I was unhappy with my current one and I felt 1) like splurging and 2) the need to update and experiment. This serum is AMAZING. I have noticed a significant change in all of my fine lines and have only been using it for about 3 weeks. It really is fantastic - chock full of all the good stuff you want in a potent little serum where a little bit goes a long way. If you are looking for a new line reducer and have the $80 to spare- get this!! It will change the way you look at your skin- seriously.

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

P.S. If you do decide to get this- go to Sephora or Sephora.com and use your insider rewards card....since it is pricey- you are almost guaranteed a free gift!!

Nailing down the problem...

So today I am totally digging Sephora. I mean, I always love Sephora but lately I have been routinely impressed with their "in-house" lines. I have used and loved their brushes, cases and tools for years but lately have gotten more into trying out their in-house make-up/products and I have NOT been disappointed. But considering they are the world leader in beauty- I should have know the products would be dynamite!

My love today?

Sephora by OPI - $9 (Sephora nationwide and online at Sephora.com)

I recently had an online Sephora purchase that needed just that little extra something for free shipping (don't you love that?). Well I decided to throw a bottle of this in to the mix since I had seen it in store and was intrigued. In a word- it is great. The color is beautiful and solid (just as it appears in the bottle) and not thin or runny like some other nail color brands. Pretty much just like the label says- OPI quality nail polish, in amazing Sephora colors. (There are more than 54 by the way...) And not only that - the polish is made with "green" ingredients. On my toes at the moment? Wardrobe Change. (The color shown above is Available 24/7.)

OPI and Sephora have truly delivered a good deal for anybody looking to kick-start their manicure or pedicure but not wanting to spend salon money right now.

Great quality, great colors and environmentally conscious? SOLD!

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Update....

So in honor of the New Year, all you BGND readers know that I simplified. Often times when it comes to skin care we truly over do it..thinking more is better when really with skin that is not always the case. So in honor of trying to save money and simplify my routine and oh yeah- get better skin- I have been faithfully using the good old Clinique 3-Step skin care since the start of the year. Now mind you, I have still been using eye cream, serum and sunscreen and exfoliating every other day.

And lo and behold - my skin has been amazing. Seriously, less visible fine lines and wrinkles, almost NO breakouts of any kind- even around that certain time of the month. All in all - a wonderful routine that I am going to keep up with.

So try it- if your product cabinet is bursting at the seams is - give yourself some more time and money and cut back. You don't have to go with the Clinque 3-step like I did ( I simply chose the routine because I had great results in the past), but chose a simple cleansing regimen that fits your specific care needs and see what happens. No matter what you do try to incorporate all your products from one line- whether that be Clinique, Olay, Estee Lauder, Philosophy - whomever you love. Companies design their products to work together for a reason!

And remember - simple can be beautiful.

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Trend I am digging right now....

I am a bit reluctant to call this a "trend" because honestly, black eyeliner is a common staple for most make-up wearing gals...Calling it a "trend" is like saying flour is a new pantry staple....
...."using it in a new way" or "blowing off the dust" is more fitting of our current situation don't you think?

Regardless, as a gal who loves black eyeliner and rocks it weekly I am cheering that it is coming back into the spotlight. A good black liner is classic and chic - two things you can never go wrong being described as.
My current favorite application of the "trend"? The thin but visible line all around the eye....see below:
Now the lovely Malin Ackerman is on the red carpet in this shot so the look is deeper and stronger than most people want when just heading to their cubicle for the day...However, she looks amazing and is displaying all of the other things you need to really work black eyeliner:
- glowing skin (let's face it- always a must!)
- subtle cheeks
- neutral shadow
- berry lips (another trend of the moment)

Most likely her look was achieved with a liquid eyeliner but to show something a little more subtle a good soft kohl eyeliner to smudge is appropriate or you can try a harder traditional pencil eyeliner for a thin but clear line around the eye. The thing to keep in mind is that you are showing off your black liner - do not over power it with much else.

My recommendations:

Traditional eye liner pencil - L'Oreal Micro Liner Ultra Fine Lining Pencil in Black Point
(Best for working this look with a thin defined line all around the eye)

Softer pencil - MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder, Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in Jet Black
(Best for those who want a thicker, not so crisp line)

Liquid - Lancome Precision Point Artliner in Noir, L'Oreal Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Black
(For those who want the thick Sophia Loren kind of black eyeliner look)

All of these liners are good choices but black eyeliners are a dime a dozen. Go find one that fits for you and try all three of the "trend" options till you settle on something that is your look...Just be kind and do not do this:

Little J, we love you and Gossip Girl but you are no Debbie Harry....

Keep Looking Fabulous!
BGND

Friday Fun!

Yet another cycle of ANTM has started. (That is America's Next Top Model for those of you who don't watch the show.) If you have watched you know that ANTM has a partnership with CoverGirl. All of the make-up featured on ANTM is CoverGirl and the commercial shoot later in the competition is for whatever the new "it" CoverGirl product is. (And let's not forget the winner of each cycle of ANTM becomes a CoverGirl spokeswoman with her own series of CoverGirl commercials.)

Well, this year ANTM and CoverGirl are teaming up for a BGND approved sweepstakes. You simply enter at Covergirl.com for your chance to win a designer handbag (touted as the "it" bag of the season) filled with CG products. AMAZING.

Here is the link..Good luck!!
http://www.covergirl.com/antm/cycle12/index.jsp

Have a great weekend and keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Product of the week - March 6th, 2009

This week I decided to treat myself to just a little something. I have been doing really well with my New Year's resolutions and now that I have reached one of the goals I set for myself- it seemed time for a reward. I decided I was going to head into the world on mineral makeup. Now don't get me wrong, I have of course tried minerals before. But only in the store and never have I been fully committed. I don't wear foundation on a daily basis so I didn't want to invest a chunk of change in something I wasn't going to get my money's worth from.

Well, this week I bought my first mineral foundation and I love it. I went with a drugstore brand (since this is a time for cutting corners it was easier to swallow $13 than $30). And you know what? I absolutely love it. I have already used it everyday since I have had it.

CoverGirl TruBlend MicroMinerals Foundation - $12.99 (Drugstores nationwide)

This is super affordable and works. It is light and smooth- goes well on your skin and just looks natural. You can layer it to whatever amount of coverage you want. Honestly perfect for the days when I want to have as few steps as possible in my morning routine and when I want to look fresh faced. This mineral foundation has provided that and more. I have been using it without my concealer and it still looks amazing. This is a new permanent staple for me and has paved the way for perhaps a more expensive mineral related purchase in the future. But for now, this lovely budget friendly CoverGirl gem is the way to go. It comes in 10 natural looking shades and is chock full of good for your skin minerals. Perfect for anyone who wants to save time, wants something that is good for your skin and for anyone who wants to look great. In other words- everyone!!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

The Replacement?

As you know I am now officially over the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock...I just don't think it works. Well today, while strolling the aisles of perhaps my favorite store (I love you Target!!) I saw something new that caught my eye and has the potential to be my next skincare savior.

Coppertone Nutrashield SPF 70+ with Dual Defense - $9.99 (Online at drugstore.com and drugstore nationwide)This baby may just be mine (and your!) skin care savior. It has it all - high SPF, sheer consistency, fragrance free, UVA/UVB protection with broad spectrum, designed for women, suitable for everyday use AND the newest trendy factor that I talked about yesterday - antioxidants! Seriously this might be my new favorite item EVER. I am so excited to try it out and give that lame sunscreen I was formally using proof that there are better versions out there. And all of this from Coppertone- THE go-to name in sunscreen and the makers of the sunscreen I most highly recommend (I'm talking about you Coppertone Sport Lotion SPF 50!)

One tricky marketing work to the wise...There are a two versions of this sunscreen on the shelf. The full size container which I have shown here and a smaller "facial" version. I have spent a serious amount of time looking at the two bottles and I can't tell any differences. I think it is the same exact product in both bottles which is silly because they are charging $9.99 for the 3 oz of "facial" formula and $9.99 for 6 oz of the regular formula! SHAME! So save your money and buy the bigger "regular" formula - I think the facial label is on there just to convince you it is a fancier product and therefore worth twice as much!

But anyhoo, despite this little cost discrepancy- I am PSYCHED for this sunscreen!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Trend alert!!!

Sometimes it is near impossible to keep up with all the new products on the market. I mean seriously! Things get so over saturated with the newest and greatest that it is hard to keep your head about you. How are you supposed to know what to buy? Is this a staying item or just the new soon to be disposable trend?

Well my answer to the overwhelming product craziness that I often feel is I look out for something that has a new twist on things. What new products offer something the others don't? And not only that- is that "new thing" something I think is worth my hard earned dough. Lately I have noticed a new trend that I think could be AMAZING if it actually works.

The last real big trend? Minerals of course! But as with everything in life, there is always something new on the horizon. The new trend du jour? Anti-oxidants mixed in with cosmetics. The concept isn't totally new but the level of sophistication the cosmetics companies have taken it to is. Lately two separate products have caught my eye in a great way - they have been saying "I am such a great product I am going to eliminate another one from your routine"...what?! A time and a money saver?! Sign me up!!

The first of these new potential standouts?

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 and Dermaxyl Complex - $42 (Sephora nationwide)

Now all you BGND readers know that I am a huge fan of the Smashbox primer. There really is nothing out there like it to smooth fine lines and prep your face for your make-up. It truly makes a world of difference. This new incarnation is even more exciting to me. Not only does it have all the same fab qualities as the original primer, it is now coming to bat with 2 huge additions.
1 - An SPF of 15! Hooray! Perfect for those folks who prefer a non-SPF sunscreen or are looking for a way to work that VERY needed SPF into their daily routine. 2 - It is chock full of antioxidants. So now not only is it working to smooth out those lines, it is working to prevent them and fix the ones you do have! Add the sunscreen element and this is a no-brainer! My current bottle of Smashbox primer is almost empty so you better believe this is what I will be buying as the replacement.


The second newbie to catch my eye?

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Make-up SPF 20 (Not available yet so I have no price point- but look for it at drugstores nationwide very soon)So even though I recently had to break up with my Neutrogena sunscreen - I still have faith in the folks over there. They generally do good work and this new foundation is pretty exciting. I don't wear foundation everyday (only for the special occasions) but this is a foundation I could see myself getting behind. Available in 12 great shades, an SPF of 20, lightweight and sheer - the list of attributes goes on and on. That alone might be enough to get me to try this but on top of all the other wonderful things- this foundation also has a fab blend of antioxidants. Yet another product to fix the minor skin flaws while smoothing them out. Love it!

So these are the two new products I am dying to try but you know that just like the minerals bandwagon soon everyone will be hopping on the antioxidant train! But honestly when you can eliminate a step from your routine -whether it be facial sunscreen or serum - that is a time saver (and money saver) worth investigating!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND