Re: Is there a beauty junkie who doesn't like Sephora?

Yes, there are really beauty junkies who don't like Sephora, including makeup artist Matin Maulawizada, whom I interviewed for this blog.

Is there a beauty junkie who doesn't like Sephora?

The 22 Best Sephora Buys

Consider this the ultimate buying guide to your favorite beauty store

Sephora really is the beauty junkies' paradise. There are so many products to play with, you could spend days sampling and still not try everything. But, since most of us don't have days, or even hours, to spend in the store, we rounded up these TotalBeauty.com reader reviews and ratings for you. Now you'll know exactly which products at Sephora are worth your precious time and money. See products

No. 22: Beautyblender Sponge, $18.50

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*

Why it's great: "This is such a wonderful tool. The broad base of the sponge is..."

No. 21: CARGO Bronzer, $25

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*

Why it's great: "CARGO's bronzer is a great find and beauty bag staple. CARGO didn't leave us pale..."

No. 20: Nars Blush, $25

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 4.6*

Why it's great: "I have the award winning shade, orgasm. I was a little apprehensive..."

Want to see what's #1? Click here!

Shop these products through Sephora.com!

Viva Woman tells you 10 things to avoid when cleansing your face.

Beauty Secrets Revealed tells you about Morning Banana Diet- Japanese Way Of Losing Weight.

The Informed Makeup Maven talks green washing and cosmetics and wants you to peek inside her spring makeup bag. Don't forget to check out her giveaway this fortnight, Rimmel recover foundation and Suki UV blotting papers!

Beauty Anonymous brings you YSL Summer 2009 Limited-edition Collection.

LA Pretty's fave new skin cream is making their skin brighter, clearer, and protecting their Pretty faces from the LA sun. And did we mention it's affordable? Find out what it is here

Frappelattes has pictures of Nicole Richie with baby bump #2! Plus, discover where you can find all-natural pregnancy products to make this pregnancy a beautiful one.

This week Average Metro Joe covers an exclusive laser treatment for hair loss that is completely safe for men and women with troublesome hair loss.

Visit The Beauty Couch to read a review of Maybelline's Lash Stiletto and to enter a drawing to win one for yourself!

The Anti Hair Slave shows you how the Instyler really works. Watch the video review to check it out on a REAL person and also learn a couple tips and tricks for super sleek hair.

Check out one of the coolest nail polish innovations Beauty Junkies Unite has seen in a long time! Incoco Dry Nail Applique kits are a hit!

Daily Dose of Coffee tries out the new Jonathan Product Dirt offering: Spray Dirt. Is it worth the hefty price tag?

Are you a Bare Escentuals or mineral makeup fan? Beauty411 tries out the new Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara!

See what Fabulous Over Forty uses for her daily and weekly skincare regimen.

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog is holding a Manic Monday/April Fool's giveaway. Enter to win a Spa Sensuals set. BUT since the giveaway ends on April Fool's Day, Jamie and Beckie are throwing in the kitchen sink of beauty products as well. Don't be fooled. Enter now!

Boutique Flair is one of the first to test some mineral makeup and natural skin care products from the newly launched PRIIA Cosmetics!

eye4style loves the off-kilter luxury of Strange Invisible Perfumes. Check out her review of the three newest scents in the line!

More Than a Pretty Face reminds everyone that the 40% off introductory offer on Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics ends March 31. Take advantage of the offer now!

More Than a Pretty Face has a new giveaway: win one of two scented candles from Delirium & Co!

Indian Girl has just the lipstick for lip gloss lovers ! Also, get all your concealer questions answered by pros at Three Custom Color Specialists ! Send in your questions today!

The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are having another giveaway. Click here to enter to win a Galvanic Spa II kit, valued over $350!!!

Glossypink tells you how to get Nicole Richie's Blackbook Magazine makeup look!

The Makeup Divas reviews a few products from the new Avon Celestial 2009 Spring Collection.

The Advice Sisters Alison Blackman loves Josie Maran's Tinted MoisturizerRead the review to find out why!

Get The Look: Katie Holmes New Long Hair-by Talking Makeup!

Enter Lipgloss Break's Kitten Vixen Lipgloss Giveaway!

Hot Beauty Health loves Korres new Eco-Friendly Face Primer. Read to find out why!

Have you been looking for Cheap Strivectin? RN Guide to Skin Care found an almost identical item for a fraction of the cost.

Suzanne at Mineral Makeup Reviews reviews Mineral Hygiencis a bismuth free mineral makeup with incredible staying power.

The Beauty Blog is offering a free special report 12 ways to save money on your favorite beauty products when you sign up for The Beauty Insider, a free monthly beauty newsletter from four top rated beauty sites.

This week, Spoiled Pretty is giving away the new June Jacobs Vanda Orchid Collection: four products (shower gel, body balm, mist, and dry oil body spray) to keep the skin hydrated, glowing and beautiful.

Delirium and Co scented candle giveaway

What if your store sold coveted brands of candles such as Rigaud, Slatkin & Co., Voluspa, and DL & Co.? You might want to create your own brand of candles. That's what Los Angeles boutique Candle Delirium has done with its Delirium & Co line.

The Delirium & Co line features two collections: The Silver Period and The Blue Period. The Silver Period collection features light fragrances, while The Blue Period features deeper fragrances.

More Than a Pretty Face is giving away one candle in Scarlet Grapefruit from The Silver Period and one candle in Blue Absinthe from The Blue Period. Both Delirium & Co candles were introduced just this year.


Delirium & Co candle in Scarlet Grapefruit from The Silver Period collection

The Silver Period candle Scarlet Grapefruit is described as "a crisp sensual merger of ruby red grapefruit, red currants, apple, mandarin, jasmine and amber."

Delirium & Co candle in Blue Absinthe from its Blue Period collection

The Blue Period candle in Blue Absinthe is described as "an intoxicating masterful brew of Absinthe, vetyver, blonde woods, basil and rosemary."

One winner will receive the Scarlet Grapefruit candle, while another winner will receive the Blue Absinthe candle. To enter, indicate your preference: Scarlet Grapefruit or Blue Absinthe.

Natasha Richardson

The news that actress Natasha Richardson died, after sustaining head injuries in a skiing accident, was devastating.

Natasha Richardson is survived by her husband, actor Liam Neeson. She is also Vanessa Redgrave's daughter, but unlike her mother, she remained apolitical.

I know Natasha Richardson's work in her roles in the 1993 TV adaptation of Tennessee Williams's drama Suddenly, Last Summer and the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap.


L to R: Natasha Richardson, Dame Maggie Smith, and Rob Lowe in Suddenly, Last Summer

In Suddenly, Last Summer, she played Catherine Holly, who is administered truth serum (sodium pentathlate) to uncover the lurid nature of her cousin's death. Rob Lowe played the doctor: this was part of his "rehabilitation" as an actor, after the sex video scandal. The great Dame Maggie Smith, as she's now known, played Catherine's aunt, who is crippled after a stroke. This TV adaptation is superior to the 1959 film starring Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift, and Katharine Hepburn.


Top: Lindsay Lohan as twins Hallie and Annie;
Bottom: Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid in The Parent Trap (1998)

I like the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap better than the 1961 version, and Natasha Richardson is a major reason why I like the remake. She plays the mother of twins Hallie and Annie, who were separated after their parents' divorce. In this role, she sparkled and demonstrated a light comedic touch.

That Natasha Richardson was brilliant as two very different characters in two different genres is testimony to her gifts as an actress.

May Liam Neeson, their two sons, and extended family have forbearance to get through during this painful time. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

A special introductory offer for our readers

More Than a Pretty Face blog is pleased to offer our readers 40% off Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics. This is a special introductory offer for Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics, which launched just this month.

Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics features 3 types of foundation in 16 different shades, cover-up trios in 5 different shades, and bronzers in two different shades. There's something for every skin tone and type!

To take advantage of this 40% off introductory offer, shop Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics and enter the coupon code PRETTYFACE at checkout. This introductory offer is good from Tuesday, March 17 (that's tomorrow!) through Tuesday, March 31.

Thanks to Jenn and Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics for arranging this promotion!

Best of YouTube: Top 10 Beauty How-To Videos

From a perfect execution of Angela Jolie's classic make up look to a two-minute updo -- these videos are the ones to watch

These 10 web stars have got their hair styling, make up and camera techniques down -- so watch them! You may learn a new trick or two. See videos

A new way to rock the smoky eye

I wrote on Twitter that I couldn't rock martini olive eyeshadow. Mostly, I had been applying martini olive eyeshadow in the crease.

Today, I tried a different variant for the smoky eye, based on golden olive shades:

* I used Shu Uemura M Olive 499 eyeshadow (which appears to have been discontinued), a golden olive, in the crease. Eyeshadow in Chameleon, a matte brown with olive and gold undertones, from Zuzu Luxe would have worked well, too.

* For the lid, I used Zuzu Luxe eyeshadow in Absinthe, which is a lighter shade of golden olive than the Shu Uemura M Olive 499.

* I used martini olive green eyeshadow as an accent in the outer corner of my eye.

* For the eyeliner, I used my favorite black brown eyeshadow (this time, Sonia Kashuk single in Night). To create a smudgier look, I used a small chiseled eyeshadow brush: only instead of tracing along the lashline, I applied the eyeshadow with tiny strokes upward.

* For a softer look on the lower lashline, I dotted the dark brown eyeshadow from the CARGO Essential Eyeshadow Palette in Cool/Neutral with a pointed end eyeliner brush between my lower lashes, and then smudged to blend.

The look suited my brown eyes with green flecks.

Where to shop:

You may shop Shu Uemura from its website, boutiques, and specialty stores. Zuze Luxe is sold at some Whole Foods Markets; also Google Zuzu Luxe to find other vendors. Sonia Kashuk is sold through Target stores. You may shop CARGO at Sephora stores and Sephora.com.

LORAC Oil-Free Neutralizer

LORAC Oil-Free Neutralizer

I'm prone to windburn, and I got a nasty case of it walking between the meeting place and the Metro stop on a particularly cold, blustery day last week. That's when LORAC Oil-Free Neutralizer was a godsend. I applied this yellow-green lotion to my face, let it dry, and then applied my regular foundation over that. Redness covered!

Read what others think.

You may find LORAC Oil-Free Neutralizer at LORAC, Beauty.com, Sephora.com, and Ulta.

Completely removing makeup before bedtime is absolutely essential!

Top 14 Makeup Removers

See which products easily stripped off eye makeup (and everything else)

We makeup junkies need a good product to take it all off at the end of the day -- no clogged pores or stained pillowcases for us! The makeup removers on this list left TotalBeauty.com readers with clean skin and without oily residue or dryness. See products

No. 14: MAC Wipes, $25

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.9*

Why they're great: "These wipes are perfect for those of us who are too tired/lazy/intoxicated to wash our faces before bed, but who don't like the idea of clogged pores and dirty pillow cases either..."

No. 13: Estee Lauder Take it Away LongWear Makeup Remover Towelettes, $17.50

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9*

Why they're great: "They clean my face entirely, leaving not a trace of dirt or makeup. They are extremely portable and come in handy on any trip..."

No. 12: Lancome Effacil Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, $21.95

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9*

Why it's great: "It is so gentle and does not burn or sting your eyes. It has absolutely no oily residue..."

Want to see what's #1? Click here!

Weekly web tour

Beauty's SPOT visits an American classic, The Spa at Pinehurst, and informs you on the ultimate beauty bargain - a four star spa and resort on $40 a day or $499 for an all inclusive renewal weekend.

Check out Vivid Garden, the new summer 2009 color collection from Estee Lauder, at Makeup Bag.

Learn about Napoloen Perdis lips, dandruff, cosmetics allergies and the home Bliss Spa experience at the Informed Makeup Maven !

Beauty Secrets Revealed Shares Green Tea and Chocolate Antioxidant Facial Mask Recipe !

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog and Estee Lauder are giving away the newly-launched Vivid Garden Summer Color Collection. Enter now to put a spring -- summer in your step.

Viva Woman invites you to read all about how La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL Daily UV Protection can help you prevent hyperpigmentation.

Can a fragrance make you appear younger? Daily Dose of Coffee decides to try it out and see if it works.

Find out from Fabulous Over Forty what the only FDA approved lash enhancer is and see the actual results!

The Home Spa Goddess shows you how to dupe the colors in the Hello Kitty "Lucky Tom" quad from MAC.

Beauty Junkies Unite tries the new L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner, and has a revelation-- zero sulfates makes her hair happy!

Beauty Anonymous reviews Elizabeth Arden Pretty Eau de Parfum Spray.

Alison Blackman, aka. "Advice Sister Alison investigates some new bronzers from DIOR to help brighten your complexion, and is loving Givenchy's Bollywood beauties!

The Makeup Divas reviews Bobbi Brown Pink Platinum Collection

The Beauty Alchemist loves Dior’s new Diorskin Nude Mineral Foundation

Beauty411 is thinking spring with the new Laura Mercier Gilded Garden Makeup Collection!

Looking for a great bath bomb? Monique at Beauty Girl Musings reviews some from a new brand that she is sure you will love-- read about them here!

Boutique Flair reviews Olay Professional Pro-X and is giving away a $25 Coco-Zen gift certificate!

What beauty gadgets do you use? eye4style tests out the ANSR, a new zit-zapping LED light. Read her review here!

Dolce Beauty hosts another fabulous giveaway - this time, in the form of Montagne Jeunesse face masque gift sets! Don't miss out on this one!

Julie at More Than a Pretty Face is spreading the word about a special online charity auction of fashion and beauty items to raise funds to rescue and rehabilitate victims of human trafficking.

Christine over at Beauty in Real Life is looking for some instant redness relief. Click here to see if she found what she was looking for.

makeup loves me is giving away a ticket to Shecky's Girls Night Out! Let the shopping and cocktail drinking begin!

This week Frappelattes blogs all about Spring 2009 beauty and fashion trends that you will love. You don't want to miss it!

Average Metro Joe informs us on the side effects of smoking on your skin and hair -- as well as how much your health can improve if you decide to quit for good.

Enter to win a bunch of products in Amber of Beauty Blogging Junkie's Mirror Face Giveaway!

Attention, my chapped-lipped sisters. This week, Spoiled Pretty has teamed up with Nivea for a lip care giveaway. Enter to win Nivea's entire Lip Care collection!

Check out Glossypink's coverage of the Teen Vogue Readers' Choice Beauty Awards and enter to win an Elizabeth Arden Pretty Fragrance Set!

Introducing Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics

Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics is a new line of cosmetics: it's so new, in fact, that online shopping won't go live until Sunday, March 8, 2009!

Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics debuts with 3 different formulas of foundation (liquid, creme-to-powder, and dual wet/dry powder), each of which comes in 16 shades: in short, there's something for any skin type and skin tone. It will also feature bronzer in two different shades and cover-up trio in five different shades.


Flawless Finish Liquid Foundation from Daniel Chinchilla Cosmetics

Daniel Chinchilla is a fashion, beauty, and editorial make-up artist. He was recently featured on Get Your Face On, TLC's reality TV series starring Napoleon Pardis. By listening to his clients, Daniel learned that many of them still found it difficult to find makeup shades that suited their skin tone. Daniel sought to address their needs by starting his own cosmetics line.

A very special charity auction

Human trafficking is the second largest organized crime in the world, generating more than $12 billion a year. It has become a bigger business than drug trafficking, with 2-4 million young women and children sold into sold into sexual slavery for as little as $10. Human Trafficking victims are subject to rape, torture, forced abortion, starvation, and threats to family members.

The New York Chapter of The Somaly Mam Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit public charity whose vision is to put an end to sexual slavery, will host an on-line auction to raise money to rescue and rehabilitate victims of human trafficking. The foundation is named for Somaly Mam, a survivor of human trafficking who was sold into sexual slavery at a young age but finally escaped. She now fights on behalf of other young victims of human trafficking.


Somaly Mam

The New York Chapter is partnering with eBay Giving Works, to raise money by selling high-ticket BEAUTY & FASHION items.

On MARCH 8th, 2009, which is INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY, the eBay auction will go live, featuring beauty and fashion items at 50-75% off retail. All proceeds will go the Somaly Mam Foundation.

Highlights include:

* Cut & color with celebrity stylist David Evangelista
* Tickets to the Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2010 Runway show in September 2009
* Over $1000 in Givenchy Le Makeup, Skincare, and Fragrance
* The new Dior L'Or de Vie Skincare Collection
* Autographed Anya Hindmarch handbag
* 3-month Equinox Fitness membership
* VIP tickets to see a live taping of Rachael Ray
* much more beauty from brands including Fresh, Guerlain. Dior, Sephora, and Frederic Fekkai

Hair and the clash of cultures

March 2009 issue of Allure

The March 2009 issue of Allure features an article The Locks Market about the global trade in human hair to make wigs and hair extensions. It focuses on the Tirumala temple in India, where Hindu women have their hair shorn as a gesture of humility and thankfulness.

Tirumala

The article describes the process that the hair undergoes from being shorn to being made into extensions. The hair changes hands from temple auctions to Indian hair brokers who sell it to Indian factories that sort, clean, and fumigate hair, which in turn sell it to wig and extension makers in Italy or Tunisia. Then the finished products are sold to distributors all around the world.

We gave our hair to God, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India credit: weblogtheworld.com

It’s a fascinating read, but it’s only part of the story. Orthodox Jewish women often cover their heads with a wig. A rabbinical ruling forbade the purchase and wearing of wigs from hair that came from Hindu temples such as Tirumala, which are regarded as polytheistic and idolatrous. These rulings also apply to getting rid of the wigs – one cannot sell them, as it only perpetuates the trade. When Orthodox Jewish women in New York discovered that the human hair in their wigs came from Hindu temples, they destroyed the wigs by burning them.

This article is cross-posted at Mera Bharat Mahan.