Posts for October 20th 2006

tarte

Tarte Cheek Stains

After reading about Tarte Cheek Stain in a multitude of magazines, I finally broke down and bought some—specifically, the pinkish-red Flush shade, available for $28 here.

After reading about Tarte Cheek Stain in a multitude of magazines, I finally broke down and bought some—specifically, the pinkish-red Flush shade, available for $28 here. Now, I have to say, I'm totally hooked on this push-up gel blush. I always thought it would be too moist and gooey for my somewhat oily skin, but because it's water-based, the color actually goes on very evenly and dry.

But what I really love about Tarte's Cheek Stain is that it's easy to apply, it won't fade throughout the day, and it's perfect for travel, since it won't make a mess like powder blush can. I recommend wearing it on bare skin for
a natural-looking flush or layering it more heavily over foundation and setting it with loose powder for all-day color.

If you want to sample several shades, you can also try this limited-edition Tarte The Good Life Mini Cheek Stain Set, available for $30 here. It includes the classic True Love pink shade, as well as the peachy Tipsy and the Glitzed golden shimmer.

Handbags

Handbag Designer Spotlight: Alexis Hudson

"It" bags are great, but chasing every fleeting handbag trend can leave you broke—not to mention holding a lot of last-season styles.

"It" bags are great, but chasing every fleeting handbag trend can leave you broke—not to mention holding a lot of last-season styles. That's why the designer duo behind Alexis Hudson created a line of purses meant to be the opposite of "it" bags. These relatively affordable, classic styles are designed to last forever and occupy all of your handbag needs. Though the designs are highly functional—with details like adjustable straps and roomy compartments—they also don't skimp on details, with luxurious Italian leather and gleaming gold hardware. Here are some of the looks from the line.

Tuscana Hobo in Black, $525, available here.

Orbit Bag in Blue, $595, available here.

Mini Monarch Bag in Tan Croc, $395, available here.

To see the rest, read more

e.l.f.

Superior Slanted Tweezers

Tweezers are hands-down the most addictive tool I've got in my beauty bag.

Tweezers are hands-down the most addictive tool I've got in my beauty bag. But tweezing is a laborious process if you aren't using good tweezers. To really groom your eyebrows properly, you need a great pair of slanted tweezers.

To avoid infection and ingrown hairs, it's important to use your tweezers properly. Always tweeze when your pores are open—for instance, after a hot shower—and pull the hairs one-by-one in the direction of your hair growth. Wash your face with cool water when you are done, so as to successfully close your pores. When you're finished, be sure to clean the tweezers with astringent or rubbing alcohol. Here are the slanted tweezers likely to give you the best results.

The favorite tool of both Oprah and Kevyn Aucoin, the Tweezerman Slanted Tweezer rules! This stainless-steel tool has a hand-polished tip that works with high-precision. You can buy these cute pink, lavender, or plain tweezers here for $20 and help support the Breast Cancer Awareness Program.

The budget-friendly e.l.f. Professional Slant Tweezer is constructed from stainless steel and has a great grip, so you can really latch on and remove those unwanted hairs. Buy it here for $1.

To see the rest, read more

Friday Fab News Round-Up!

A set of Kate Moss portraits by graffiti artist Banksy sell for $95,000 — BBC News Tommy Hilfiger kicks off a major global expansion with a killer party in Paris — Women's Wear Daily Coke and Nestle plan to launch carbonated beverage that burns calories — Advertising Age Michael Kors looks to ride the Project Runway wave — Slate Cynthia Rowley designs a limited-edition stroller to benefit pediatric AIDS research — Fashion Week Daily Burberry's fragrance for toddlers helps fuel the trend in luxury baby goods — Spiegel Online Vera Wang preps a West Coast flagship store — Fashion Week Daily

  • A set of Kate Moss portraits by graffiti artist Banksy sell for $95,000 — BBC News
  • Tommy Hilfiger kicks off a major global expansion with a killer party in Paris — Women's Wear Daily
  • Coke and Nestle plan to launch carbonated beverage that burns calories — Advertising Age
  • Michael Kors looks to ride the Project Runway wave — Slate
  • Cynthia Rowley designs a limited-edition stroller to benefit pediatric AIDS research — Fashion Week Daily
  • Burberry's fragrance for toddlers helps fuel the trend in luxury baby goods — Spiegel Online
  • Vera Wang preps a West Coast flagship store — Fashion Week Daily
Travel

Come Fab Finding With Me: Fashion for a Red-Eye Flight

Call me old-fashioned, but I like to look chic when I travel, even when I'm taking a red-eye flight.

Call me old-fashioned, but I like to look chic when I travel, even when I'm taking a red-eye flight. The key is finding comfortable clothes that travel well but that are a step up from Juicy Couture velour warm-up pants and flip flops. For instance, I'd be right at home in these soft, wrinkle-free Citizens of Humanity Ingrid Belle du Jour Stretch Velvet Pants, available for $150 here. Paired with this sleek Barneys New York Classic Carry-on Duffle, available for $445 here, I'd look anything but frumpy.

Now, let's all go Fab Finding for some other red-eye flight essentials, including comfy shoes, a cozy top you can curl up in, and, of course, sunglasses to hide your bloodshot eyes. Be sure to come back and tell us that your Fab Finds are up, or just tag your Fab Finds with the phrase "Red-Eye Flight." To learn what a Fab Find is and how to make one, click here. To see some of my favorite online stores, read more

Fab Site

Fab Site: The Spoon Sisters

I have a weakness for online gift stores, and The Spoon Sisters is particularly dangerous.

I have a weakness for online gift stores, and The Spoon Sisters is particularly dangerous. This adorable Internet boutique is chock-full of cute gift items that I've never seen for sale anywhere else. I stumbled upon it after reading about this amazing Girl2Go Perfume Atomizer in the October issue of Lucky magazine. For years, I've been on the hunt for something like this, which lets you spray your favorite perfume into a travel-sized container. It's usually available here for $5, though it's currently sold out. Thankfully, the site has plenty of other great gifts to distract you in the meantime—from cute kitchen gadgets to . Here are some of my picks.

Hotheads Pot Holders, $12.50, available here.

Bug Off Herbal Bug Repellents, $30 for a set, available here.

To see the rest, read more

Sunglasses

Fab Sunglasses for Fall

Just because summer is coming to an end doesn't mean you can put away your sunglasses.

Just because summer is coming to an end doesn't mean you can put away your sunglasses. After all, the sun can be just as harsh during the fall and winter months, and a new pair will come in really handy after an overindulgent holiday party or a red-eye flight home for Thanksgiving. The trends for this Fall include big but not oversized frames in brown plastic and autumnal metallics. Here are some of my favorite finds at both designer and non-designer prices.

Louis Vuitton Soupçon GM Sunglasses Light Glitter Honey, $510, available here.

Nour Noushi Sunglasses, $198, available here.

Fendi Plastic Square Sunglasses, $225, available here.

Oliver People Candice Sunglasses, $285, available here.

To see the rest, read more

Makeup

Sensational Cosmetics For Asian Women

As a San Francisco-based makeup artist, Taylor Pham constantly found herself cutting and re-shaping makeup brushes for herself and her Asian-American clientele.

As a San Francisco-based makeup artist, Taylor Pham constantly found herself cutting and re-shaping makeup brushes for herself and her Asian-American clientele. She feels strongly that for the distinctive almond shape of Asian eyes, wide, flat brushes just don't work. Her goal was to create a tail at the end of the eye, and most brushes really don't allow for that.

Hence her line, Thi Cosmetics, was born. It's full of beautiful creamy and shimmery colors meant to compliment women with yellowy skin tones. Her tools are also pretty amazing, including a line of customized, tight-bristled brushes and curvier, shapelier applicators.

To read about her best-selling product, read more

beauty products

Cocktail-Inspired Beauty Concoctions

As we head into the weekend, why not overindulge in some cocktail-inspired beauty products?

As we head into the weekend, why not overindulge in some cocktail-inspired beauty products? Lately, I've been noticing a ton of cute, cocktail-themed concoctions, which would make a great gift for a girls' weekend or just a fun treat for yourself. Just try not to use these after you've overindulged in the real thing; I can't imagine that a gin-and-tonic perfume smells very good when you're battling a hangover. Here are some of my favorite finds.

This Ooohlala of Beverly Hills Cocktail Hour Foaming Bath smells like black currant and rose and comes in an adorable shaker-shaped bottle. You can buy it for $19.50 here.

The Urban Decay Cocktail Collection includes a body powder, body balm, and lip gloss in three fun cocktail "flavors": cosmospolitan, mai tai, and pina colada. The items range in price from $15 to $30 and are available here.

To see the rest, read more

Trend Alert

Trend Alert: Button-Front Skirts

Throwing buttons on the front of a skirt—whether it's a sexy mini or a traditional tweed style—instantly makes it more playful.

Throwing buttons on the front of a skirt—whether it's a sexy mini or a traditional tweed style—instantly makes it more playful. This Fall's button-front skirts come in all styles, with chunky plastic and brass adornments, unexpected shapes, and every length you can imagine. This smart-looking style is a great option for daytime or going out. Here are some of my favorite finds at designer and non-designer prices.

D&G Miniskirt, $212, available here.

Issho Mini in Wool, $210, available here.

Mona & Holly Tulip Skirt, $265, available here.

Tocca Iris Wool Wrap Skirt, $295, available here.

To see the more affordable skirts, read more