Calling all BGND readers!!

Hey BGND folks!!

So today my blog post is going to be a little different....instead of me blabbing on about my new favorite product or practice, I have a request for you.

I would like to know YOUR favorite products! Once again, my brilliant friend Beth gave me an idea....

I am going to start doing a "make-up bag" recurring blog...but not my make-up bag...your make-up bags! I would love to know what the products are that you can't live without and which ones are your new favorite discoveries. Then I can share all of your fabulous and hard earned beauty knowledge with my readers. Because, let's be honest....we ALL have been playing around with products and make-up for years..not just me! So I would love to know what you think!

Email me your make-up bag contents at beautygirlnextdoor@gmail.com.

And if you, like Beth, have any great blog ideas- let me know- I love the input!!

Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

And so the lion fell in love with the lamb...

Last week Quantum of Solace, this week Twilight. Yup, it's movie madness over here in BGND land. Well, I thought this week's movie du jour was the perfect springboard for the newest trend that I have been 50% scratching my head at/50% itching with curiosity to try.

What trend you ask? Why the oh so glam (oh not so glam?) and vampire trendy black lipstick. Yup...black lipstick is not just for Halloween anymore. If you have not noticed, it has been ALL over the runways and in the magazines this fall. I have not seen many big stars out and about rocking the dark hue but you know it is just a matter of time before Gwen Stefani works it and then a succession of trend loving but not as cool starlets will try the look (Yes - you Miley Cyrus and Paris Hilton!)

Well, as I said, I am not totally sold...but for those of you brave of heart (and maybe for those of you who just want to look Alice Cullen-ish at Twilight this weekend- hehe)...here are a few tips to make the black lipstick thing work for you.

1) Do not go halfway there - go all the way. If you are going to work this lipstick, you must own it...otherwise you will just get stares.

2) Match the rest of your make-up accordingly. Don't go too sparse or you will actually look un-dead and don't go too heavy or you will look like the Elvira. You want to have even skin tone, some color to your cheeks and a present but not too smokey neutral eye look.

3) Layer it over something else to get a dark look without being too severe. My favorite for this is a deep awesome red lip color. That way the black is still present and bold but not in a costume way. Another option is to don a nude lipstick, top with black and then dab some shimmery gloss in the center of your bottom lip. Think Ziggy Stardust and glam rock.

4) Don't go out and get the premiere gold standard Yves Saint Laurent version straight out of the gate (besides it has been hard to find and in some instances sold out for months). Buy an affordable lipstick or lip gloss first and get your feet wet. Then when you love the look, go get the main attraction by YSL. Or even better? Buy a Wet n' Wild black eyeliner, line and fill those lips then swipe some clear gloss. Cheap and Chic!

5) Just try it! I am sure some of you scoffed at the black nails 3 seasons ago and now it is just an everyday color mixed in with the thousands of bottles at your nail salon....who knows...black lipstick could be the same! Maybe someday it will even be the free color you get in your Clinique gift with purchase...okay maybe not....

Keep looking fabulous!

BGND

Product of the week - November 20th, 2008

I think most of you BGND readers know that I am kind of obsessed with blush. I own a lot of it. It seems to be the product that I always end up buying even when I don't need it and there are many unopened containers in my make-up case at home...you know what I am talking about you girls who always buy lipstick or eyeshadow- I know you are out there!

Well, today as I was getting ready I was reminded once again why I LOVE this week's product of the week. It is my go-to powder blush and for a gal who loves blush, that is saying something!

Covergirl TruBlend Minerals Blush - $6.56 (Drugstores and online nationwide)
(shown below in True Romance - my shade of choice)

This blush is the only one I have found out there that gives you the same gentle flush of color that a gel blush can provide. It goes on smoothly, looks amazingly natural and is made of minerals - great for the skin. It does not streak or have that dreaded stripe-like blush look. It simply looks like you have a lovely color to your cheeks with just the tiniest bit of sheen. Genius!

I actually found this blush off of a cover look in a magazine. I believe it was an old issue of Allure that had Rihanna on the cover and I loved her look so much I actually read the make-up credits page and went out and bought this blush. I could not believe it was only $7 and it is a HUGE container. I was also astounded that not only did this blush look great alone, it layered well with other colors or with gel blushes if you wanted more intense color. Plus, something that can look good on a pale freckly gal and Rihanna? I am sold. And I think you will be too! Go check it out!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND

Serum Schmearum....

Well it is official. What is the one thing I get asked about most since I have started this blog?

Serum!

Is it necessary? Will it help fine lines? Wrinkles? Age spots?

The answers - yes, yes, yes and let me think...YES. Serum is your friend. If you are not already using a serum - you should be. It is the first thing that should go onto your freshly washed skin at night before your night cream. It will give your face all the fantastic miracle workers it needs and will help your night time cream work even better than it does alone.

A good serum is the first step in your anti-aging arsenal. It locks in moisture and deposits the anti-agers and smoothers that you need to actually make a difference. Most good serums will have some of the following..Retinol, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Peptides and moisturizers. However, like most facial products, serum are not one size fits all. I myself have tried many many serums and will bounce back and forth between a few different options. However, below is my current list of faves. These serums are either accepted industry wide as the best of the best or serums I have personally tried and enjoyed. (In no particular order...)

1) Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Serum - $19.99 (drugstores and online nationwide)

Pro - Chock full of the ingredients that you are looking for and at a reasonable price. Con- I have found the scent of this serum odd- almost like maple syrup. Strange but true.

2) Clinique Repairwear Deep Wrinkle Concentrate - $55 (Clinique counters and clinique.com)

Pro - One of the best out there for deep wrinkles, prompts major collagen production. Con - could be too strong for some younger skin.

3) Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment - $155 (Online at beauty.com and elizabetharden.com, also at select department stores)

Pro - The gold standard. Created in conjunction with the company responsible for Botox. Con- expensive and perhaps too intense for some.

4) Kinerase Pro+Therapy Advanced Repair Serum - $132 (Sephora and various online retailers)

Pro - Great for those that need the help but have sensitive skin. Con- Expensive and hard to find.

5) Prescriptives Super Line Preventer Extreme - $48-$76 (Prescriptives.com and department stores nationwide)

Pro- Intensely moisturizing yet gentle. Con - Can be hard to find since it is so popular. One time went to 4 different Prescriptive counters before I found it...but then again- is that a con?

6) Boots No. 7 Restore and Renew Serum - $21.99 (Cvs.com and Target and CVS stores nationwide)

Pro- the miracle from across the pond. A best-seller in Britain for years. Con - Soothing but might be too light on the good stuff for those who need serious help. Also, a small amount for the $.

So there you have it readers. One note- many people can stand serum both morning and night but for some that may be too much and cause a bad reaction. If that is the case, apply once at night. Also, if you are someone with mature skin who needs more help - go with #2, #3 or #4. If you are someone new to serum or just looking for something to moisturize and give you vitamins - go with #1, #5 or #6.

Keep looking fabulous!

BGND

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Travel season! Yup, the long airport lines...the many many hours in the car..they are all before us. Well, today I was thinking about all the new fees that the airlines have been imposing (those baggage fees are NOT fun!) and it got me pondering ways to cut back on the amount that we all travel with.

And lo and behold, as they have done many times before, Sephora has come through with a great answer to the packing dilemma we all face.

Right now Sephora.com exclusively has some amazing holiday palettes which are not only full of beautiful shades and wondrous products from some of BGND's favorite lines, but with the code SHIPFREE25 all of the palettes will ship free of charge!! (This code is good if you spend $25 or more.) There are collections from Stila, Bare Escentuals, Too Faced, Tarte and Smashbox among others. AMAZING.

http://www.sephora.com/browse/section.jhtml?categoryId=C17625&view=all&cm_mmc=email+ret-_-news1+20081114+palettes-_-bi+hol08std-_-palettes&dicid=366750:14502686684:5757118

New fun colors, awesome products and free shipping. Plus a way to make room for all those presents in your luggage!!

Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

Beauty Girl, Beauty Girl Next Door

Here in the household of BGND - James Bond is a BIG deal. Framed posters adorn our walls, Bond soundtracks fill the air and both members of the BGND household stayed up way too late last night watching the delicious Daniel Craig on Jimmy Kimmel (hilarious!)...So today, in celebration of the release of Bond 22 aka Quantum of Solace, at the suggestion of my good friend Beth (great idea!) I am doing a James Bond themed post.....

I have decided that what better way to honor the legacy of James Bond in BGND fashion then to discuss my favorite Bond girls and the killer looks that they have rocked over the years. There have been many Bond girls as you know (there are 22 movies and counting after all) and while they all are great in their own way, there are some that are more stylish and glamorous than others. So here are my personal top 5 Bond girls, chosen not by their acting or story lines but by their classic looks that you can emulate when you are looking for a little glamorous inspiration for a night out on the the town.

1) Honey Ryder (as portrayed by Ursula Andress in Dr. No)

You really can't have any list of Bond girls without listing the original. Not only did she set the standard for all Bond girls to come, but her classic beachy look can still be rocked today.

To achieve:
- bronzer
- striking eyes (black liner and a bit of smoke)
-neutral cheeks and lips (Smashbox lipstick in Elegant is my go-to choice for this...http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P159000&categoryId=B70)
- hair should be tousled although need not be wet like this shot....a good beachy spray will achieve fullness and a windblown look (Bumble and Bumble surf spray is a good choice)

2) Solitaire ( as portrayed by Jane Seymour in Live and Let Die)

If you have never seen LALD, you are missing out on Jane Seymour in her first starring role at the young age of 22! She plays a Tarot Card reader and her look is simple and elegant. Great for a night out look for those who want drama but aren't into heavy makeup.

To achieve:
- either a professional blow out or a blow out at home (utilize a straightening serum or cream - John Freida serum is a great affordable option for all hair types)
- grey palate of shadow for the eyes with black or grey eyeliner
- light pink lipstick with sheen (Clinique's Bamboo Pink- available as lipstick or lip gloss - is a great choice for the lips here - http://www.clinique.com/templates/products/sp_shaded.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY4903&PRODUCT_ID=PROD743)

3)Paris Carver (as portrayed by Teri Hatcher in Tomorrow Never Dies)

Before she moved to Wisteria Lane, Teri Hatcher was indeed a Bond girl. And even though this movie is more than 10 years old, her looks holds up well. A great bob, dewy skin and great make-up- that never dies (hehe).

To achieve:
- volume spray for your bob (I like Cat Walk Root Boost)
- skin highlight (Benefit High Beam is one of my all time faves - http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/gp/product/B000FBNYRU/sr=1-12/qid=1226689957/ref=sr_1_12/187-5945004-1288429?ie=UTF8&n=164983011&bcBrand=core)
- thick lashes (L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara is great for super dark and thick lashes)

4) Jinx (as portrayed by Halle Berry in Die Another Day)

Oscar winner Halle Berry is the newer version of Ursella Andress's beach babe in this 20th anniversary Bond movie. She looks fabulous and is an alternate beachy look for those who do not have blond hair and blue eyes.

To achieve:
- bronzing lotion to give you the sun-kissed color and the sheen (Clinique's Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator is great)
- bronze and gold shadow palette to smoke the eyes in a non-traditional way
- clear or gently tinted lip gloss (L'Oreal Color Juice Lip Gloss would work well here - http://www.lorealparis.ca/en/cosmetics/index_colourjuice.asp)

5) Camille (as portrayed by Olga Kurylenko in Quantum of Solace)

Definitely a Bond girl for 2008. She is beautiful but natural, and looks good in rags or in couture.

To achieve:
- a great blow dry lotion to seal but give body ( I love Redken Satinwear 02 Ultimate Blow-Dry lotion - http://www.redken.com/products/styling/mild-control/satinwear-02)
- primer to smooth out lines but look natural (the classic Smashbox Photo Finish Primer works for all)
- great mascara and neutral lipstick

So there you have it BGND readers! Go out there and see Quantum of Solace this weekend and if you are looking for a new make-up or hair look, remember all the great bond girls who have come before! (For a full list - www.bondmovies.com/girls)

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Product of the Week - November 13th, 2008

As most of you BGND readers know, I am a fan of Dove soap. I think it works fabulously , it is affordable and it is kind to the environment. However, I know there are some of you out there who prefer a body wash and are always looking for the next great one to try. So today's POTW is to all of you shower poof loving BGND folk....a fabulous body wash to soothe your sad winter skin.

Olay Body Wash plus Creme Ribbons - $4- $6 (Drugstores and online nationwide)

Now even though I have switched to the Dove, this lovely body wash still tempts me every time I walk down the skin care aisle at Target. It is creamy, smells fantastic and is truly moisturizing. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a rich, smooth body wash that feels luxuriant. The only downside is that this body wash can be pricey but for all of the elements you get, I think it is worth it. You will use less lotion after your shower and be relaxed while you are showering. I love it!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND