Favorite beauty stories of 2012

I admit that I haven’t been blogging about beauty that often.  For that reason, I got dropped from Beauty Blogazons and other beauty blogger networks.  Still, I had several serendipitous events with respect to The Style Page.  Here are my favorite beauty stories from 2012:

Sulwhasoo ShineClassic compacts
One was the invitation to introduce Sulwhasoo ShineClassic compacts to the U.S.  I love Asian aesthetics, and the compacts were inspired by traditional Korean symbols and artistry.  They are truly works of art.

Sulwhasoo commemorated 10 years of limited edition compacts in an elegant cloth bound coffee table book featuring traditional Korean artistry.  Flip the book over, unfold the pages, and lo! it features all LE compacts!

Sulwhasoo ShineClassic 2003 LE compact - lattice pattern

The invitation also had extra meaning for me, as I admire Korea for the way it has lifted itself up and I have fond memories of my trip to Korea ten years ago.

Softlips giveaway
Another event was the LE Softlips giveaway.  I have to say that I didn’t think that this would be a successful giveaway; however, it exceeded my wildest expectations.  I have record visits to my blog and a spike in new followers on Twitter.

BTW I still have one prize to claim.  The first person to write to me at thestylepage[at]ymail[dot]com and respond with his/her mailing address will win the prize.

LuMESH beauty from Costco
I enjoy bringing stories about beauty in unexpected places to readers.  Beauty is truly where you find it.  I’ve been in touch with Lu Camerena Meshulam, and I hope that I played a small role in moving product at Costco.

Karen Murrell lipsticks
I love the demi-matte finish of Karen’s lipsticks, and I am proud to have played a role in introducing her lipsticks to the U.S.  Karen introduced 4 lipstick shades in 2012, and plans to introduce more in 2013. I’m anxiously anticipating the new introductions. I’ve seen previews of Karen’s new Rumba Red lipstick.

Those whom we lost in 2012 #MusicMonday

In addition to Andy Williams and Hal David, here are other musical luminaries from different genres whom we lost in 2012:

Stage and film composer Marvin Hamlisch died August 6, 2012. This video is a treat for both red-blooded men (Carly Simon) and the Lisa Lupners (Marvin Hamlisch) of the world:
Jazz pianist Dave Brubeck died December 5, 2012, one day shy of his 92nd birthday:
R&B singer Fontella Bass died December 26, 2012. Great song, great voice. I'm proud to claim her as a St. Louis native:

The view from our living room window

Seasons Greetings from our house to yours!

Here's to a Happy Healthy & Prosperous 2013.

Julie and Amit

David Bowie & Bing Crosby (!) - Little Drummer Boy #MusicMonday #Christmas

Happy holidays from my home to yours!

LuMESH #beauty from Costco

The Style Page is all about finding beauty in unexpected places: see my past features on Beauty from Aldi and Bed Bath and Beauty.   Costco, the members-only warehouse club that can literally take care of you from cradle to grave, has teamed up with makeup artist Lu Camarena Meshulam of LuMESH Cosmetics to market two sets of lip glosses.

Coming from a Latin background, Lu found that finding colors that flattered her skin tone was next to impossible. She had clients of many different ethnicities with the same complaint. Thus, her lip glosses are designed to flatter a variety of skin tones.

LuMESH lip gloss set from Costco

The Style Page purchased the blister pack containing the following LuMESH lip glosses:

• Kathlene - Peachy pink that flatters women with fair to medium skin tones.  Works on women with Latin, Mediterranean, and light African American skin tones. 
• Kim- this looks scary-bright pink in the container, but it’s a light pink.  It would lift the complexions of South Asian and Hispanic women.
• Taffi is a universal shade.  When light/dark African American women wear it, it appears to look like a beige nude color. I’m of western European heritage, with a light complexion, and Taffi gave me a “like my lips, but only deeper” (and glossier and better) look.  It was my favorite shade of the three lip glosses, while Kathlene was my second favorite and Kim was my least favorite.  I agree with Bobbi Brown's advice that the best lip color is about 2 shades deeper than your natural lip color.

There is another blister pack, which contains the following LuMESH lip glosses:

• Min - baby doll frosty pink that suits Fair, and Medium skin tones, particularly Asian skin tones.  
• Trischa – shimmery sunset radiance that suits fair and medium skin tones.
• Magaly – shimmery universal shade that suits Fair, Medium, and light African American complexions.

I liked the LuMESH lip glosses.  After the initial glossy finish fades, the color remains.  Vitamin E makes the lip gloss emollient, and there is a mild non-irritating cooling lip plumper.  LuMESH lip glosses are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrance.  Plus, each lip gloss tube has a mirror on it – very convenient.   Just don't forget to remove the protective film!

Run, don’t walk, to your nearest Costco to get LuMESH in time for Christmas!  A list of Costco locations that carry LuMESH lip glosses is available on request; however, I found my set at a Costco that wasn’t listed.  LuMESH is not available on Costco.com.

Sulwhasoo limited edition SHINECLASSIC pressed powder compacts

The Style Page lives for breaking stories to her readers. It is exciting to see Sulwhasoo, one of Asia’s top luxury cosmetics brands, come to the United States, where it is sold exclusively by Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. I want to introduce you to the way science and traditional Korean knowledge of medicinal herbs is artfully fused in Sulwhasoo - a comprehensive line of high-end skin care and color cosmetics.

Sulwhasoo’s SHINECLASSIC limited edition pressed powder compacts are works of art that not only satisfy a woman’s concept of beauty but also travel easily in her purse. Every year since 2003, Sulwhasoo has released limited edition pressed powder compacts featuring traditional Korean design motifs, especially crafted to satisfy a woman’s senses at every moment throughout the day. When I saw and held its pressed powder compacts, I instantly fell in love with the sensual and seductive designs, tender composition, enchanting effects on contact, and romantic embrace.

2005 Sulwhasoo 7 Treasure "Chill-bo" LE compact

A closer look at the Sulwhasoo SHINECLASSIC 7 Treasure LE compact

For its 2005 SHINECLASSIC Seven Treasure “Chill-bo” LE compact, Sulwhasoo’s inspiration was a traditional Korean patchwork quilt. From time immemorial, quilts in Korea have signified the belief that endeavors bring good luck. The colorful strips of fabric that are stitched together represent a prayer for good fortune. It represents WEALTH, one of the 5 traditional Korean blessings.

Korean 7 Treasure quilt

Inside the compact, there is a delicately scented soft pressed powder. The pressed powder is embossed with a stylized design motif of the Prunes Mume, or plum blossom, one of the first flowers of spring, with the powder whispering in a gentle, powdery way for a sensual aura of opulence. Beautiful!

Image of plum blossom from Wikipedia; Credit: Kakidai

Other compacts in the series of Sulwhasoo SHINECLASSIC limited edition pressed powder compacts include:

• 2003: lattice pattern – signifies the blessing of Health 
• 2008: Plum Blossom design: signifies the blessing of Virtue 
• 2010: Prunes mume floral pattern: signifies the blessing of Longevity 
• 2012: “Wa-Dang” ornamental tile design – signifies the blessing of Nobility 

Sulwhasoo SHINECLASSIC limited edition compacts

You may see pictures of the Sulwhasoo SHINECLASSIC limited edition compacts at SkinnyScoop. In the interest of space, I will describe the Sulwhasoo SHINECLASSIC 2003 lattice design compact in a subsequent article.

Sulwhasoo SHINECLASSIC pressed powder powder compacts may be purchased ($150) through bergdorfgoodman.com or niemanmarcus.com. Bergdorf Goodman is offering free 2-day shipping for the holidays: check its home page for the promo code. 

DISCLAIMER: The Style Page received two SHINECLASSIC pressed powder powder compacts from Sulwhasoo’s PR representative. It also received remuneration for this article. Opinions are The Style Page’s own.

Softlips® holiday limited edition review and giveaway!

Softlips® has released a limited edition collection of Christmas-y flavored lip balms, available exclusively at Target, purveyor of all things cute.

Softlips 2-pack Jack Frosting lip balm

The Style Page recent sampled Softlips® Jack Frosting lip balm from the LE collection. Dimethicone guarantees a smooth application, while sunscreen agents provide SPF 20 protection. Softlips® Jack Frosting lip balm also includes emollients such as squalane, petrolatum, and vitamin E. Softlips® describes its Jack Frosting lip balm as having a flavor like buttercream frosting. When I first opened the tube, it smelled like burnt sugar, like crème brûlée. On subsequent applications, I became aware of the buttercream flavor.  After applying the lip balm, you become aware of the cooling sensation of menthol: no wonder, as Softlips® is a trademark of The Mentholatum Company.

Softlips Vanilla and Winter Mint Holiday Gift Tag Pack

The Style Page is hosting a giveaway of limited edition Softlips® products! There are 4 prizes, for 4 winners:

• Softlips® Jack Frosting 2 pack with bonus Softlips® Vanilla and Softlips® Winter Mint Holiday Holiday Gift Tag Pack 
• Softlips® Jack Frosting 2 pack with bonus Softlips® Vanilla and Softlips® Sugar 'n' Spice Holiday Gift Tag Pack 
• Softlips® Jack Frosting 2 pack with bonus Softlips® Raspberry and Softlips® Sugar Cookie Holiday Gift Tag Pack 
• Softlips® Jack Frosting 2 pack with bonus Softlips® Raspberry and Softlips® Sugar Plum Berry Holiday Gift Tag Pack 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Black Friday

Source: someecards.com via Julie on Pinterest

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to our U.S. readers!

Source: beforeitsnews.com via Julie on Pinterest

Tell The Style Page: what are you grateful for?

Lisa Hoffman Japanese Agarwood Variations

Lisa Hoffman Japanese Agarwood Variations is a set of four fragrances for different times of the day: Morning, Daytime, Evening, and Bedtime.

Lisa Hoffman Japanese Agarwood Variations

Source: lisahoffmanbeauty.com via Julie on Pinterest

Here is how the Lisa Hoffman website describes its Japanese Agarwood fragrance:

“The rare, woody scent of Japanese Agarwood is accented with the refreshing zest of Bergamot, the zen-like ambiance of Spiced Ginger, and the comfort of Warm Amber to inspire feelings of clarity and warmth as your journey of Japanese Agarwood unfolds.”

What is Agarwood?  Wikipedia describes agarwood, variously known as aloes wood, oud (a popular note in Middle Eastern fragrances), and aguru, अगुरु, in Sanskrit, as “a dark resinous heartwood that forms in Aquilaria and Gyrinops trees (large evergreens native to Asia) when they become infected with a type of mold.”  Who knew?  Surely there has to be a metaphor somewhere: something beautiful (fragrance) coming  from something ugly (mold).  Kind of like the lotus arising from the mud.

When I tried the Morning and Daytime Lisa Hoffman Japanese Agarwood Variations, however, the most obvious note is bergamot.  If you like citrusy fragrances, these are for you.  I prefer the sensuousness of the Evening and Bedtime fragrances.

Don’t box yourself in! Lisa Hoffman encourages play, so don’t restrict yourself to wearing a particular fragrance at a given time of day.  Layer the fragrances, or blend with other fragrances.

The Lisa Hoffman Japanese Agarwood 4-Vial Set in a leather wallet costs $95.00. You may purchase the set of 4 roller balls at lisahoffmanbeauty.com.

What about you?  Have you tried any of the Lisa Hoffman fragrance variations?  What do you think about Lisa Hoffman’s concepts and products?

beauty.com friends and family event ends November 12

This event from beauty.com has to be one of the most attractive of all the Friends and Family events that I've seen:



And I'm not saying this just because I'm a beauty.com affiliate!  Beauty.com offers many premium brands, with terms more attractive than those of Sephora:

• Single checkout with drugstore.com
• Free shipping for orders of $25.00 or more, whereas Sephora has a $50.00 minimum
• Credits of 5% off every order that you can redeem later.  Sephora offers a crummy sample for 100 points earned (or $100 spent) - I say "crummy" because invariably I don't care for the samples offered.

I took advantage of the beauty.com Friends and Family event myself!  I purchased a two-fer set of Beautyblender sponges and two Lipstick Queen Sinner Lipsticks, one in Rouge and the other in Rust.

Hurry, the event ends Monday, November 12!

Marilyn and Ella #MusicMonday

Ella Fitzgerald wanted to play at Mocambo, a very popular club in the 50’s but they wouldn’t book her because she was black. Marilyn Monroe called the owner and said she would sit at the front table every night Ella sang. And she did.

Brava, Marilyn!  Ella, as you know, is part of the Holy Trinity of female jazz vocalists that also includes Billie Holiday and Dinah Washington.

Source: dodsonandross.com via STYLE on Pinterest

Source: todaystruffles.com via STYLE on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Julie on Pinterest

Can you imagine a female jazz vocalist CD compilation that features both Ella and Marilyn?

Divas of Jazz

Divas of Jazz features performances by Ella and Marilyn (although not together :-).  It also features Lena Horne and her signature song "Stormy Weather" and Peggy Lee in a live version of "Fever."  Add Billie and Dinah to the mix, and it's a complete collection!   I found Divas of Jazz at my local Hallmark store - seriously!

Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads

I love alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). They’re instant skin care gratification.

AHAs work by destroying the “glue” that holds dead skin cells to the skin’s surface. Dead skin cells are then sloughed off, and the skin immediately appears brighter. Sunscreen, moisturizer, face primer, and makeup apply more smoothly after an AHA treatment.

 AHAs are typically derived from fruits or sugar cane. Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads use AHAs derived from sugar cane. Get it? Cane + Austin? :) Austin refers to dermatologist Dr. Craig Austin, MD.

Source: beauty.com via STYLE on Pinterest

Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads are saturated with a 10% glycolic acid solution, a fairly high concentration for an AHA product sold outside a doctor’s office. I like this product. I do object to the recommendation for use: daily, both morning and night. A 10% AHA product should be used only once or twice a week. This seems to be a ploy to get the customer to buy more, more often. It’s the same thing as the shampoo-rinse-repeat myth.

Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads may be purchased through its website or Beauty.com. The Cane + Austin website provides for auto-shipment of a 30-day supply of 60 pads: surprise!

NOTE:  The Style Page is an affiliate of beauty.com and receives a small commission for sales through this blog.
  
NOTE: Samples of Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads were furnished by the PR rep.  Opinions are my own.

Jazzy #Halloween playlist

hip hip gin gin  @HipHipGinGin put together a great playlist with Halloween themes that I put on Spotify:


Enjoy, and Happy Spookin' Halloween!

I love Dinah Washington playlist #MusicMonday

The Holy Trinity of female jazz vocalists: Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Dinah Washington:

Dinah Washington (1925-1963)

You will need to download and install the Spotify player to enjoy the Dinah Washington playlist. Remember - Spotify inserts commercials, which can be irritating.

Argania 1640 100% pure argan oil

Argan oil is all the rage now. Think Moroccan Oil and Josie Maran’s argan-oil infused cosmetics line. Moroccan Oil, in actuality, is mostly silicones.

Argan oil is an organic oil pressed from the seeds of the Argan tree (Argania Spinosa), which grows only in southwestern Morocco. Argania 1640 works directly with Cooperative Agricole Argan Mogador in Had Draa, Morocco to support female artisans who grind the seeds and press the oil by hand.

The argan nuts are cracked to release the seeds

Argan oil is pressed from the seeds

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I was delighted to receive a 15-ml bottle of Argania 1640 100% pure argan oil from the company. With my package, I received a note that the argan oil was hand-pressed only weeks earlier. The bottle is made of brown glass with a dropper in the cap.

Argania 1640 100% pure argan oil

I use Argania 1640 100% pure argan oil to smoothe and add shine to my hair, treat dry patches, and moisturize my dry, ratty cuticles. In my experience, plant oils are the best for moisturizing cuticles. Argania 1640’s web site describes other ways to use argan oil. I want to try the recipe for strengthening nails.

Nancy Sinatra - These Boots Are Made for Walkin' #MusicMonday

Time to bring out the go-go boots!


You keep lyin' when you oughta be truthin'
You keep losing when you oughta not bet
You keep samin' when you oughta be a'changin'

Lola Naughty/Nice limited edition two tone lipstick

Lola is the retail line founded by infomercial pioneer Victoria Jackson.  It disappeared from the shelves of Victoria's Secret and Ulta.  However, it's still available online at www.lolacosmetics.com.  It's not clear what involvement Victoria Jackson still has with Lola.  Some Lola products are available on the Victoria Jackson Cosmetics website.

The Lola Naughty/Nice limited edition two tone lipstick caught my eye, as it brought back fond memories of Helena Rubinstein's Splitsticks. OK, the Splitsticks were beige and white and had the sixties written all over them, while the Lola Naughty/Nice limited edition two tone lipstick features coral pink and siren red:

Lola Naughty/Nice LE two tone lipstick

Lola Naughty/Nice LE two tone lipstick swatches

The coral pink is for Brigitte Bardot, while the siren red is for Rita Hayworth.  Sex symbols from two different eras.  Naughty or nice?

I can't say that I'm smitten with this product.  The coral pink takes away lip color, while the siren red has shimmer (I can actually see the sparkles).  For me, red should not have shimmer and the finish should be demi-matte.   This feels more like a stick gloss.

Source: charlottegcse.blogspot.com via STYLE on Pinterest

However, I'm a nut for great packaging.  Unclasp the lid from the tube, and a mirror pops up!  How cute is that??!!

Lola Naughty/Nice two tone lipstick tube

Andy Williams #MusicMonday

Lately, it's seemed the death of music.  Composer Marvin Hamlisch died August 6; Burt Bacharach's lyricist Hal David died September 1; and smooth crooner Andy Williams died September 25.

Here's Andy singing his signature song Moon River, on his television show:

You will recognize Moon River as the song that Audrey Hepburn sang in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

And here is Andy singing in a very special duet:

Weekend natural #makeup look

View this SkinnyScoop List

Weekend natural makeup look

My favorite skin care products

A rewind of my January 2012 post Seven fave skin care products, using SkinnyScoop to display the list:

View this SkinnyScoop List

My favorite skin care products

Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel

Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel by Alek Wek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had some time to spend before a meeting in DC, and decided to take a walk. It was then that I happened upon the clearance rack that was outside the World Bank bookstore. In the clearance rank, I found the book Alek: My Life from Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel. At $3.00, the book was a steal.

The fashion angle is what drew me to Alek: My Life from Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel initially. Alek Wek is a trailblazing model. Before her, there had been many models of color, but most of them had “acceptable” features, that is, European-like features, but with darker skin. Alek Wek is said to have an “African” look; however, she rightly notes that there is no typical African look. Appallingly, as you key in “Alek Wek” in Google, one of the top results is “Alek Wek is ugly.”

My fascination and curiosity about world cultures are what drew me into the book. Alek Wek is from southern Sudan, and is an ethnic Dinka. She relates many customs of her Dinka culture. The cow is central to Dinka culture: in this way, I was reminded how central the cow is to villagers in India.

As an aside, she talks about what happens to the clothes that we dump into collection boxes.

The civil war between Arabs in northern Sudan and blacks in southern Sudan goes back decades, but never had the high visibility of the human rights catastrophe in Darfur. Alek Wek and her family fled their town to find shelter in a village where distant relatives lived, but had to trek to another village after learning through bush telegraph that fighting had spread to their original destination. She later bluffed her way to Khartoum, and from Khartoum, she went to London, where she was discovered in a London park.

In the second half of the book, Alek Wek discusses her career as a model. Her big breakthrough was making the cover of Elle, and she talks about the fight to put her on the cover. In the last quarter of the book, she talks about using her fame to bring awareness to the humanitarian crisis in southern Sudan. The book concludes with an emotional homecoming to Sudan.

Alek Wek comes across as a well-grounded person, and this can be attributed to the influence of her father and her resourceful mother.

I hope that I haven’t shared too much of Alek: My Life from Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel to dissuade you from reading the book. On the other hand, I hope that I’ve whetted your interest in reading the book.

View all my reviews

New Karen Murrell lipstick shades

In last week's article Karen Murrell ECOCERT-certified lip color, I promised to show readers Karen's latest shades.  Here they are:

New Karen Murrell lipstick shades

L to R:

• Coral Dawn
• Carnation Mist
• Sandstorm
• Fuchsia Shock

Karen's latest lipstick shades features the demi-matte finish that I liked so well in her original shades.  

Karen says that she will have another 10 shades out in 2013. I can't wait.

Karen Murrell ECOCERT-certified lip color

Karen Murrell's self-named product line is a product line that has obtained ECOCERT certification for organic ingredients. Karen draws her inspiration from the natural beauty of her native New Zealand.

I was pleased to receive Karen’s elegant presentation box, which contained four lipsticks, a lip conditioner, and her skin and body care products. The outer boxes for the products are made of recycled paperboard and feature romantic, sensuous illustrations.

Over and over, I write that I am not a purist when it comes to cosmetics ingredients. When I try natural or organic cosmetics, I want to find out if they perform as well as conventional products. More often than not, I am disappointed.

When, however, I had read in Thread (NZ), that Karen Murrell lipsticks compare favorably with MAC in look and feel, I took notice.

Karen Murrell lipsticks.  Credit: Thread (NZ)

I've said it before, I'll say it again: makeup-wise, there's nothing as glamorous as opaque lipstick with a creamy to demi-matte finish.  And Karen's lipsticks have great color payoff.  They compare favorably with other lipsticks, such as those from Australian Poppy King.

Here are swatches of Karen's first lipstick collection:

Karen Murrell - the first lipstick collection

Colors (L to R) are:

• Cordovan Natural (nude)
• Pink Starlet
• Red Shimmer – not as shimmery as the name might suggest, but that’s a plus: real reds should not be shimmery
• Violet Mousse

Karen now has secure online shopping on her site. And yes, she ships internationally.

Watch out for an upcoming feature on Karen's latest lipstick shades: Coral Dawn, Carnation Mist, Sandstorm, and Fuchsia Shock.

Mica Paris - My One Temptation #MusicMonday

Last week's #MusicMonday feature of the Hal David/Burt Bacharach song I Say a Little Prayer for You, as performed Dionne Warwick, inspired me to select My One Temptation, which has a Bacharach-esque intro, as this week's feature:


My One Temptation was composed by Peter Vale, Mick Leeson, and Miles Waters.

Although My One Temptation received play time on VH1, Mica Paris never really broke out as a star in the U.S.  In her native England, she continued to perform, succeeded Trinny and Susannah on the Beeb's What Not to Wear, and even wrote a self-help book.

Dionne Warwick - I say a little prayer for you - #MusicMonday

I pay tribute to lyricist Hal David, who died last week at age 91, in this week's #MusicMonday feature.  Hal David was best known for his collaborations with Burt Bacharach.  In the 1960s, Dionne Warwick interpreted many of their songs.  Here's a video, actually a montage of pictures of Dionne from the sixties, that features Bacharach/David's "I Say a Little Prayer for You":


And the relevance to what's ostensibly a beauty blog? Check out the opening verse:

The moment I wake up 
Before I put on my make up 
I say a little prayer for you 
While combing my hair now 
And wond'ring what dress to wear now 
I say a little prayer for you.

Lebanese Blonde - Thievery Corporation #MusicMonday

I present Lebanese Blonde by electronica duo Thievery Corporation as this week's #MusicMonday feature:


According to a comment on YouTube,

the title is in reference to a particularly potent strain of hashish from Lebanon. the color is a light shade(blonde, not black/tar colored). no doubt they were really baked when they made this tune :)"

However, the instrumentation features a sitar, which is distinctly Indian.  If they wanted authentic Middle Eastern instrumentation, they would have chosen an oud (lute) - not to be confused with the fragrance :-)

Bobby Short for Charlie #MusicMonday

Following on my last #MusicMonday feature Mel Tormé for Charlie #MusicMonday, I present Bobby Short for Charlie.  Bobby Short was a fixture at New York's Carlyle Hotel.  In 1980, heiress-turned-jeans mogul Gloria Vanderbilt (now perhaps better known as Anderson Cooper's mom) charged that a co-op wouldn't sell to her because of her friendship with Bobby Short.

Once again, the video features an effervescent Shelley Hack with her confident long strides:

Four months her senior

Happy birthday Madonna

Now you know.

Mel Tormé for Charlie #MusicMonday

If Giorgio was the signature fragrance of the 1980s, if Calvin Klein Escape was the signature fragrance of the early 1990s, and if Chanel No. 5 is the forever classic fragrance, then Charlie by Revlon was the signature fragrance of the 1970s.  A lot of Charlie's appeal came from its TV commercials featuring a confident, carefree and full of joie de vivre Shelley Hack. Here's Mel Tormé aka "The Velvet Fog" for Charlie:


That was when songs for TV commercials were tuneful, memorable, and original.

Fun fact: did you know that Mel Tormé penned The Christmas Song ("Chestnuts roasting on an open fire ...")?

Exclusive discount with The Skinny flash sale site

First, our exclusive discount with gloss48. Next, our giveaway of 3 Bésame lip color sets, in conjunction with gloss48.  Now The Style Page is running a promotion with members-only beauty flash sale site The Skinny, which re-launches today.

The Skinny members (no invitation needed, just register) get access to high-end skin care products at up to 65% off.  If they are skin care newbies, acne sufferers, or have questions about their skin, The Skinny has educational videos and personalized recommendations to help them find the perfect products.

The Skinny has featured products from brands like Perricone MD, Lisa Hoffman Beauty, 100% Pure, International Orange, and Organic Apoteke, as well as cosmetic services like Botox from renowned dermatologists... all at affordable prices.

For details on the discount with The Skinny:

Exclusive @thestylepage 10% off coupon at shoptheskinny.com. Valid August 9-23.Code StylePage10.Must join The Skinny.
— thestylepage (@thestylepage) August 7, 2012

Giveaway of Bésame lip color sets with gloss48

The Style Page is delighted to partner with gloss48 on a giveaway of Bésame lip color sets for three lucky winners. Makeup-wise, there's nothing as glamorous as opaque lipstick with a creamy to demi-matte finish. And then there's Bésame's vintage-inspired packaging: Bésame founder/CEO Gabriela Hernandez has had the distinction of having her products featured on Mad Men and the Oscar award winning film The Artist.

The prizes are:

Bésame Cherry Red Lipstick mini + Crème Rouge

Bésame Voluptuous lip color set in Champagne

Voluptuous lip color set in Rose

Enter via Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway And don't forget to take advantage of our exclusive discount with gloss48!

Positively 4th Street #MusicMonday

Positively 4th Street: The Lives and Times of Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Mimi Baez Fariña and Richard Fariña by David Hajdu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Positively 4th Street

A better for Positively 4th Street might be Positively 4th Street: The Lives, Loves and Times of Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Mimi Baez Fariña and Richard Fariña. It chronicles Bob Dylan and Joan Baez's romance and the causes of its dissolution.

More interesting, however, are the life, loves and times of Richard Fariña, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident, on the day of the 21th birthday party he threw for his wife Mimi Baez Fariña (Joan's younger sister).   Why there isn't a cult surrounding Richard Fariña, I don't know. I came away wanting to know more, read Richard's one novel Been Down So Long It Looks Up to Me, and discover the recordings by Richard and Mimi Farina.

View all my reviews

Exclusive discount with gloss48.com

The Style Page is partnering with gloss48 to bring our readers a special promotion.   gloss48 is a new beauty flash sale site dedicated to new and cult beauty brands. It brings beauty lovers a daily dose of new, exciting, and cult brands at the best prices online. It combines brand stories, product demos, editorial reviews, and limited time sales.   gloss48 founders Laura and Jill like to think of themselves as Daily Candy meets Gilt Groupe for beauty.

Please RT @thestylepage promotion: join @gloss48 and get 10 dollars off your purchase.Promo code SPGLOSS10.Good through August 2012.
— thestylepage (@thestylepage) July 30, 2012

As my tweet indicates, you need to register with gloss48.com to take advantage of this offer.

Also, watch The Style Page for an upcoming giveaway with gloss48 for not one, not two, but three Bésame lip color sets (Bésame means "kiss me" in Spanish).  Makeup-wise, there's nothing as glamorous as opaque lipstick with a creamy to demi-matte finish.  And then there's Bésame's vintage-inspired packaging: Bésame founder/CEO Gabriela has the distinction of having her products featured on Mad Men and the Oscar award winning film The Artist.

Norah Jones's Top Murder Ballads #MusicMonday

Norah Jones is one of the top selling recording artists of the past 10 years.  She is featured in Lucky Magazine's first music issue (August 2012).

Norah Jones

I used to belong to an Indian women's discussion forum, in which someone waxed indignant about Norah's alienation from her Indian roots (her father is Pandit Ravi Shankar).  I wrote, what positive incentive does Norah have to embrace her Indian roots, given that her father was out of her life during her childhood and youth?  To which someone agreed.

On the other hand, Norah is a champion of American music, and this playlist of murder ballads compiled for Lucky demonstrates this.  You will need to download the Spotify player to listen.  The ads between the songs are irritating, but that's Spotify's business model.

We had hoped to see Norah Jones in concert at Wolf Trap, but the concert was sold out before we could buy tickets.  It seemed only right, as we have seen her sister Anoushka Shankar perform live three times - and we got to chat with Anoushka at CD signings following two of the concerts.

10 Commandments of Cell Phone Use

July is nearly over, but only on Tuesday I did I learn that July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, through PR for CableOrganizer.com, an eTailer of cell phone, electrical, telecom/datacom, home theater, cable and wire management products.

Let it be known that I hate mobile telephony.  I think that it's invasive.  I am really behind the times on technology: I have never scanned a mobile tag, never downloaded an "app."


CableOrganizer.com offers these "10 Commandments of Cell Phone Use," which should be only common sense and courtesy:

1. Respect those you’re with.

At some point or another, we’ve all been out with someone who has checked out of the one-on-one live conversation for a number of minutes to casually shoot the breeze with someone else via cell phone. If you make social plans with someone, they are the first priority and deserve your undivided time and attention.

2. Let voicemail handle non-urgent calls when appropriate.

Voicemail exists for a reason…it allows you to take note of non-emergency incoming calls without disrupting the environment you are currently in. If you’re at a teacher/parent conference, a meal with your family, a social function immersed in conversations, and other such situations, rest assured your voicemail will be there when a more suitable time to return the call presents itself.

3. Set a good example to the younger generation.

It’s no surprise that kids learn by example, so keep that in mind when you’re modeling cell phone behavior in front of the younger set—whether your kids or others. You teach them to say “please” and “thank you,” among other social graces, so why stop there? Mind your cell phone Ps and Qs in front of children and teens alike, and you’ll give them a better shot at becoming model, tech-savvy citizens themselves.

4. Wait to text, and save a life (yours).

When you drive and text at the same time, whether reading or composing, you’re not only taking your hands off the wheel, but your eyes off the road as well. No text message is worth the risk of injuring, or killing, yourself or others. Wait until you are safely parked to send and return text messages.

Don't multi-task and drive

See the remaining 5 tips:

Psssssst!

Recently, I received an email from PR for Freeman Beauty, and one of the Freeman brands that she promoted was Psssssst! the original spray dry shampoo.

Psssssst!

Psssssst!  That takes me back.  As I told PR for Freeman Beauty, I'm old enough to remember the classic Psssssst! radio spot, when Psssssst! was a Clairol brand:

Psssssst! – there’s something new / Psssssst! – instant spray shampoo / Clairol freshens your hair – instantly / with P-s-s-s-s-s-s-t / Psssssst! – is not a wet shampoo / oh, no / Psssssst! – is not a dry shampoo / oh, no / spray and brush is all you do / then go / ’cause Clairol freshens your hair – instantly / with P-s-s-s-s-s-s-t.

She wrote back:

Haha, I loved your response! That's right...the ORIGINAL! ... Also, I quite like your blog, you keep hinting at your "seasoned" age, but it's enlightening and refreshing to get perspectives other than the 20-something age group (this is coming from a 24 year old!).

I don't know whether to feel better or worse.  The last time I heard someone described as "seasoned," another person muttered, "yeah, like compost." :-)

Nina Simone - Love Me or Leave Me #MusicMonday

In my #MusicMonday feature Nina Simone performs Leonard Cohen's Suzanne, I promised that I would feature her cover of Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn's "Love Me or Leave Me."  Here she demonstrates her skills as a pianist, with a fugal interlude worthy of Glenn Gould!

Beauty #blogazons Weekly Roundup - July 20

A long list this week:

The Beauty Blogazons Weekly-Roundup

Sincerely Stephanie: Ever heard of a jelly gradient sandwich? Check out how Sincerely Stephanie combines these two techniques!
Beauty Thesis: Love + is an appropriate name for this gorgeous red (!?) eye shadow. Beauty Thesis shares the good, the bad and the awesome!
My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura is hosting a GIVEAWAY! 3 lucky readers will win the Smashbox Softbox Palette!
Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is all starry-eyed about the new Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Twilight Night Shimmer Ink because it is so gorgeous and complex!
Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: The beautiful jellies of the Zoya Gloss collection are spotlighted on Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom
Mani Curiously: Check out E's yummy swatches & review of the NEW Zoya Fall Collection, Gloss!
Geniabeme Beauty Blog:: What is your favorite bright lippie? See which ones are Genia's favorite!
Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: How I (used to) style my long hair with a curling iron to create smooth waves. Added bonus....an easy messy side updo tutorial.
Mama Fashionista: Mama Fashionista is ecstatic over the new LUSH storefront at the Mall of Georgia! Find out why, and see if there is a LUSH coming to mall near you too!
The Beauty Book: Does your face resemble a slip-n-slide at the end of the day? Here are some GREAT tips and advice on how to combat oily skin!
Midnight Manicures shares with you the hottest new Independent polish company - Sea Lore and it's first release, Triton's Daughters Collection.
Beauty by Miss L: Have you used Korres Yoghurt Face Sunscreen SPF30? Miss L did and shares her thought about it.
Très Beau Glamour: Ever wondered what eye and lip combos you could create? Nay Denise shows four different lip and eye combinations that can be worn throughout the seasons.
Lisa's Nail Obsession: Do you like your moon's to show in a nail design? You've got to see this one!
Patty and Goldie's Day off: The Invention of the Jelly Sandwich, the possible truth about how this sandwich came to be.
Beauty Professor: Ever enchanted by multitasking products, The Beauty Professor reviews the lovely Le Metier de Beaute Creme Fresh Tints in Coral Nymph and Mystique.
Beauty Product Review: Have sensitive eyes? Check out MUFE Sens'Eyes Makeup Remover and see if it's right for you!
Ray Connect: No time for facial?? Get the glow of a facial... Now at Home only with Garnier Light 3 in 1 fairness facial. One product does it all!!
Ishah x Beauty: What's in the Influenster Summer Beauty VoxBox? Come and check out Ishah x Beauty to find out!
Captivating Claws: Are you a fan of pink + black?? Check out Captivating Claws' Weekly Water Marble!!
Spontaneous Chick: We've found great bath products from Clean Logic to make your skin look amazing and to save you time.
adore-a-polish: Wondering what Julep's latest lip product looks like? Check out swatches and a review on Camellia.
Vicerimus: Russian nail polish meets American one! Yulia is being a good girl, so she shows off her soft, ladylike duo manicure.
Cosmetics Aficionado: Red holo? Yes please! Read the review and check out the photos of Jade Vermelho Surreal nail polish.
All Things Beautiful: All Things Beautiful is hosting a Become Giveaway! Enter to win a Become Beauty Tinted Mineral Foundation quick!
Lacquered Lover: Glitters, metallic and even two holos make up the gorgeous new Butter London Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection!
Makeup Chronicles: Looking for the perfect summer highlighter? Check out this review for NARS' Illuminator in "Super Orgasm".
Amber Did It!: Swatches of the Sally Hansen Magnetics Collection.
Pinked Polish: This week Challenge is Gradients:) and don't forget to enter my 2 giveaways
Miakhymai: Check out what products Kae-Toya is reaching for most often!
DeyiMizu: See swatch of Essie's Off The Shoulder nail polish and find out how you can win one!
Perilously Pale: Does the new Pure Chromatics Palette from the Fall 2012 Yves Saint Laurent Collection finally make a khaki lover out of Perilously Pale? Let's find out!
Beauty Binge: Don't let the summer heat frazzle your tresses! Beauty Binge gives you some tips on caring for and styling your hair during the long, hot summer.
Shades Of Beauty, Inc.: REVIEW: Sinful Colors...Not just Nail Polish anymore...
Baking Beauty: Tame your frizz and flyaways with Foxy Curls!

32 fashion and beauty terms that should be banned

Kiss and Tell had an article on 30 fashion and beauty terms that should be banned, based on overuse/abuse:

RT @kissandtell: 30 fashion and beauty terms that should be banned bit.ly/MilAMq make that 32: add "iconic" "curated"
— thestylepage (@thestylepage) July 11, 2012

"iconic" was defs on my shortlist ! RT @thestylepage: RT @kissandtell: make that 32: add "iconic" "curated"
— Kelly (@Kissandtell) July 11, 2012

• Curated: Does this pertain to one who has the care and superintendence of something, especially one who is in charge of a museum, zoo, or other place of exhibit? See curator.  "Selected" and "chosen" are better, less pretentious words.
• Iconic Does this pertain to an image used in religious devotion or worship?  Oh, wait, in the case of Marilyn Monroe, it does:

Dinah Washington - What a Difference a Day Makes #MusicMonday

As I wrote, I got hooked on Female jazz vocalists, especially the classic women jazz singers.  I remember Ella Fitzgerald as an older woman appearing on network TV, and I knew that she was renown for her scat singing.  I didn't know how silky her voice could be.  Then, of course, there is Billie Holliday.

When I first heard Dinah Washington, I wondered "Who is she?" "Where has she been all my life?" which betrays my ignorance more than anything else. Here she sings what is probably her best known song 'What A Difference A Day Makes' and picks up the tempo with 'Makin' Whoopee.' Louis Jordan and his band back her in this TV segment.

And the announcer is none other than our prez Ronald Reagan!  What could be better??!!