Holiday Gift Guide 2012: The Drugstore Gems

Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2012 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift ideas, click here. 

On a tight budget? Don't fret: There are tons of deals to be had right from the drugstore. Mass is so not crass. Here, the best gifts under $35. As the sage Huey Lewis (and The News) once said in song, you don't need no credit card to ride this train. 

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2012 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift ideas, click here. 

By Julia Casella

Stocking stuffers of the beauty persuasion are always in order. Here, a roundup of some delightful gifts in small packages.

Inspired by the varied personalities of the Chloe woman, this rollerball fragrance is sure to be appreciated by more than one lady on your list ($25).

Tocca Sample Sale

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Meaningful Beauty: Meaningful Activity Week 2

I've talked before about how yoga calms me down in a way nothing else can. It took me years to embrace its slow pace and inherent new-ageyness but once I did, I never looked back. 

The Swedish Colorist In NYC Who Captures That Elusive Scandanavian Hue + More: Destination Procrastination

This Swedish colorist tends to the tresses of Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Elin King and more from her Yorkville salon
[NYT Skin Deep]

These old-school beauty gadgets are the primping equivalent of slips and deserve a renaissance
[Refinery29]

Yoko Ono designed a menswear line
[Betty Confidential]

How to get sensational nails for the holiday season
[The Luxury Spot]

Are xoxo signoffs in business settings just too ridic? 
[The Atlantic]

Aly attends a Disney show on ice; realizes she needs to be a princess
[A Little Alytude]

Carol would approve of Dina's astrological gift guide. Related: Let's all rejoice about Mercury no longer being in retrograde
[Eye4Style]


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Video: Talking GIFts With Robert Verdi

I talked to one of my favorites, the famed Robert Verdi, about what gifts I like to keep on-hand just in case. Check it, below.

What are your go-to gIFts to keep around?


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Emily Blunt's Makeup At The Gotham Awards 2012

Emily Blunt's bronzy glow at last night's Gotham Awards is just gorgeous, right, beauties? I'm definitely stealing this look for holiday fetes. Here's what Emily Blunt said about the look: "Last night at the Gotham Awards I was going for a pretty and feminine look with everything from my Calvin Klein Collection dress to my ck one golden hue. I felt beautiful." ck one makeup was used to create this look. Here, the rundown. 

Urban Decay NAKED Basics Palette

Urban Decay NAKED anything gets the same attention you'd anticipate nude photos of Ryan Gosling would garner. In the beauty world, these are one and the same. The nude masters have created a third installment of their best-selling franchise. If you already have NAKED and NAKED2, you'll want to add these to your arsenal.  It's an edited, pocket-sized version of your favorite new-ds. 

Holiday Gift Guide: The Ultimate Makeup Starter Set For Teens

Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2012 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift ideas,click here. 

For teens and pre-teens, it doesn't get anymore decadent (or discounted) than this Avon Ultimate Mega Palette.

Colette Malouf Sample Sale

Check out the Colette Malouf sample sale at 594 Broadway, Suite 1216. 


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Joie, Current-Elliot, Equipment Sample Sale

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Selena Gomez' Hairstyle at The Unicef Snowflake Ball

Hairstylist Sascha Breuer created Selena Gomez' stunning hairstyle for the Unicef SnowFlake Ball. I love the volume at the crown and the luxe, pinup feel. Check out the how to courtesy of Sascha below. 

Kate Middleton's BANGS

Royal fringe! 

Kate Middleton is forging ahead with a fringe! I think she looks great. A fabulous twist on a beautiful, classic look. What do you think of Kate Middleton's new bangs? 

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Holiday Gift Guide: Tarte Treat Yourself To Gorgeous 28-Piece Collection

Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2012 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. For more gift ideas, click here. 

Tarte is routinely one of the most generous of spirit when it comes to holiday gift set value. And this year is no exception. The natural beauty brand's giving you a whopping $500 value for the extra-low price of $50. YES, friends. This year, gift your gals (and also yourself) with the Tarte Treat Yourself To Gorgeous 28-Piece Collection, which includes 3 sets, packaged in a beautiful eco-chic ikat box. You get:

Fictional Fragrance Fan: Eliva Hancock

Welcome to a new BBJ feature, Fictitious Fragrance Fans. Fragrance is one of the most difficult areas of beauty to discuss and I find myself trying to convey a scent to you, more often than not, by the pop culture character it embodies to me. So why not make it a thing? 

The minute I opened my sample of the exquisite new L'eau For Her by Narciso Rodriguez, it was JUST so obvious. It was a-bunny-eating-carrot obvious, in fact. This sultry, steamy scent boasts a torrid quality that's urban and insanely glamorous. And friends, that combo is exemplified by only one person and that is one Miss Elvira Hancock of Scarface. Specifically (because we're feinschmeckers here; who else would assign fictional characters fragrances?) BEFORE she became Mrs. Tony Montana. Regular readers know it's rare that even three months pass without any mention of everyone's favorite fictional frequenter of the Babylon Club. 

Read Fictional Fragrance Fan: Diane Chambers

Pulse Laser And Skincare Center Deal On Groupon

Friends, I can't rhapsodize ENOUGH about how much better my lifestyle is since I became as hairless as an Egyptian cat (in the words of my laser wielder Jennifer Belser at Pulse Laser And Skincare Center) on my bikini and underarms. Especially since becoming a devotee to the cult of Viviscal, which is simultaneously the awesomest thing that ever happened to me and the most annoying. Awesome is finally having hair longer than my bra strap. Annoying is having to shave everything. Every. Minute. 

Cafe Au Lait Pudding + More: Destination Procrastination

Um, what sounds better than cafe au lait pudding? 
[The Luxury Spot]

Ending Movember right: 14 stars with mustaches Betty Confidential loves
[Betty Confidential]

Unicorn glitter pumps. That's all you need to know from me
[Fashion Binge]

There's a Parker sample sale. I KNOW
[Eye4Style]

The 12 most absurd allegations on the "war on men" per Fox News
[The Frisky]

This hilarious, thorough critique of "Liz & Dick" by The Fug Girls is worth reading
[Go Fug Yourself]

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Fictionary: Cutelery

Fictionary is a column showcasing beauty- and cooking-related words that don't exist, but should.

Today on Ideeli, there's an amazing set of colorful Cutelery--a six-piece collection of knives from Farberwear on sale today for only $30. Take advantage and purchase for the cook on your list! 

Score an invite to Ideeli here. 

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L'Oreal Acquires Urban Decay

Urban Decay's long been an indie brand, so this news that L'Oreal has purchased it is kind of sad for me. The French cosmetics brand acquired Urban Decay from private equity firm Castanea Partners as part of an effort to reach more upscale young consumers.

New: Benefit Fine One One

Benefit Cosmetics' new Fine One One ($30) blends a color trifecta reminiscent of everyone's favorite Jell-O Pudding Snacks in the '80s.

Nars Friends & Family Discount

Get involved at narscosmetics.com. You're welcome. 
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OriginalMineral Hair Care Review

By Julia Casella

Last week as I sipped tea and got an amazing head massage at the Alibi Salon in Soho, I was overcome with a desire to eat my shampoo. Seriously it smelled incred: a little like coconut, a little like macadamia, slightly like cake and completely edible (PS. It isn’t but remember when Jessica Simpson had that line of products that you were actually encouraged to eat on Newlyweds?) 

Meaningful Beauty Meaningful Activity: Week One

Flywheel's Jesse Alexander

Beauties, I've partnered with Meaningful Beauty (that's Cindy Crawford's skin care line to the uninitiated) on a Meaningful Beauty 30-Day Challenge where the brand is providing me with gift cards I'll use for meaningful activities and experiences. 

Bath And Body Works Black Friday VIP Bag + More

What are we doing for Black Friday, dolls? Are we NERVOUS? Do we have a game plane? Let's talk. When planning your route, you'll definitely want to include Bath and Body Works. Here's why. 

Fictitious Fragrance Fan: Serena Van Der Woodsen

Welcome to a new BBJ feature, Fictitious Fragrance Fans. Fragrance is one of the most difficult areas of beauty to discuss and I find myself trying to convey a scent to you, more often than not, by the pop culture character it embodies to me. So why not make it a thing? 

I've talked about my love of Prada Candy in this post before. It's one of my go-to fall/winter fragrances. The scent's Fictitious Fragrance Fan would be none other than Gossip Girl's Serena Van Der Woodsen. 

Why? Well, years of growing up in Lily Van Der Woodsen's sprawling Upper East Side apartment with that "Prada" sign would have impart a subconscious allegiance to the brand (not that it's hard to be loyal to Miss Miuccia) and Serena's innate warm sultriness warrants a sexy scent but one that exudes just a touch of vulnerability. Prada Candy represents exactly that. White Musks, Benzoin and a modern Caramel accord give this complicated fragrance its grown-up gourmand quality. 

Holiday Gift Guide: Fashion & Beauty Must-Haves For The Cosmopolitan Gal On Your List

Sparkle, Neely, sparkle: This is the 2012 BBJ Holiday Gift Guide. 

Last week, I went over to Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab to film this little holiday gift guide video, chock-full of fashion and beauty suggestions for the gals on your list.

My Flywheel partner-in-crime, Robert Verdi. 

Holiday Gift Guide: For The Foodie

Birchbox has been expanding their samples empire into multiple verticals and your foodie friends will be elated that the brand's embracing the home and food industries with a squeeze that rivals that of Tiny Toon Adventures' Elmyra Duff. Enter the Birchbox Limited Edition Home Box ($58), a deluxe kit boasting beautiful packaging and even more gorgeous contents. Here's what comes in the box. 

Kerry Washington's Hairstyle At The American Music Awards 2012

Marcus Francis created Kerry Washington's hot hairstyle for the American Music Awards on Sunday. Here's how to get the look, courtesy of Marcus.

Post-Thanksgiving Indulgence: Haven Spa's Taj Ma Toes

The pedicure stations at Haven Spa

No one does seasonal anything like Haven Spa in SoHo, save for, perhaps, Martha Stewart. This fall, the relaxation destination is offering a new pedicure to their service menu for a limited time: the Taj Ma Toes pedicure. 

P!nk's Makeup Look At The American Music Awards 2012

COVERGIRL P!NK stunned at the 2012 American Music Awards in a makeup look courtesy of artist Kathy Jeung. Here's how to recreate it at home, straight from Kathy. 

Taylor Swift's Makeup At The American Music Awards 2012

COVERGIRL Taylor Swift looked fiercely flawless at the 2012 American Music Awards. Makeup artist Lorrie Turk did the honors. Here's how to get the look. 

What's On Victoria's Secret Angel Miranda Kerr's Vanity ?

The What's On Your Vanity Series showcases a single beauty item a beauty insider loves because it's effective, but also she feels she must keep out on top of her vanity because the gorgeous packaging must be displayed.

This morning I interviewed the lovely Miranda Kerr, Victoria's Secret angel extraordinaire, about what's on her vanity at the Victoria's Secret store reopening in Herald Square. She was the portrait of lovely and even engaged Amber Kallor from Shape and me in a dance party to one of her favorite Latin-influenced songs on her iPhone on the spot. Here's what's on her vanity.

Fictionary: Concealer Without Borders

Fictionary is a column showcasing beauty-related words that don't exist, but should.

Last week I attended a launch event for the new Olay Total Effects CC Cream Tone Correcting Moisturizer ($22) where I hit up makeup artist to the stars Bruce Grayson and dermatologist extraordinaire Dr. Diane Berson about the very best way to cover a blemish. 

Carley Rae Jepsen's Makeup: American Music Awards 2012

Tina Turnbow created Carly Rae Jepsen’s flirty makeup look for the 2012 American Music Awards. Also, Carly's sequined gown reminds me of a Deborah Lippmann nail polish in a good way. Read on to find out how to recreate the look, in Tina's words. 

J.Crew + Madewell Sample Sale

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Mark Cosmetics Cyber Monday Deal

On November 26 only, score a FREE mark fashion and beauty gift set valued at $72 at meetmark.com with any $40 (or over) purchase by using the code MKCYBER.

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Destination: Procrastination

You'll adore this combo of plum and grey for decorating
[The Luxury Spot]

How gratitude can improve your health
[Your Tango]

Sexy gifts for your significant other
[TresSugar]

Dina tests out the new Gingerbread Wax at Strip: Ministry of Waxing
[Eye4Style]

A hundred festive nail lacquers for the holidays
[Teen Vogue]

India-Jewel waxes poetic on bikini waxing
[XO Jane]



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Sarah Jessica Parker's Hairstyle How-To At The Barney's New York And Disney Holiday Window Unveiling

Wella Professionals Celebrity Stylist Andy LeCompte took break from taming Madonna’s famed mane while on the MDNA Tour with her to give Sarah Jessica Parker a softly waved 'do at the Barneys New York and Disney electric holiday window unveiling on Wednesday (November 14^th) in New York City.  Sarah Jessica Parker even donned a pair of custom made Mickey Mouse ears to commemorate the occasion. Here's how to get the look, courtesy of Andy. 

butter LONDON Partners With Goop On Limited Edition Nail Set

butter LONDON boasts a bevy of fashion-forward polish shades in a bunch of finishes, colors and glittery adornments and now the brand has collaborated with Gwyneth Paltrow-run lifestyle website goop on a nail lacquer set.  The limited edition trio includes Hampstead Heath, Bread & Butter Pudding and Abso-bloody-lutely. Classically neutral but with a chic kick, much like Gwyneth herself, n'est-ce pas? 

The butter LONDON and goop lacquer set is available now to buy exclusively as part of The goop Collection on goop.com (MSRP: $36).

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Skinterrogation: Dr. Cheryl Karcher

The Skinterrogation column features Q&A seshes with dermatologists and other major movers and shakers in the skin care industry. 

Dr. Cheryl Karcher is a New York-based dermatologist and professional consultant for Avon and a nationally recognized expert in aesthetic medicine. She received my medical and advanced training in dermatology from New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and New York University Medical Center. She holds a masters of science in human nutrition from the University of Florida and trained in human metabolism as a fellow at Rockefeller University. I hit her up to talk about hyperpigmentation, exfoliation and some acne tips. Check it out below.

Beliebers Have A New Online HQ

Writing for MTV Buzzworthy, I'm on constant Bieber Watch. I've always been impressed with Justin Bieber and his incredible talent which manifested at such an early age--check out Never Say Never, his documentary, if you don't belieb me. I've written about his sexiness in a white T-shirt, my feelings against his mustache-growing situation, and pitted him against Justin Timberlake in a battle over whose appeal satisfies my craving for Justinance. 

Video: Marilyn Monroe And Chanel No. 5

If you know ANYTHING about perfume, you know that Chanel No. 5 was a favorite of Marilyn Monroe. This video from Chanel explores the intimate and mysterious relationship between Hollywood's femme fatale and the iconic fragrance. 

Ashley Greene's Hairstyle At The CFDA Awards: Get The Look

Ted Gibson created this sultry, rock 'n roll look for Ashley Greene at the 9th Annual CFDA Awards last night. Here's how to recreate it yourself, in Ted's words.

Fictionary: Feliner

Fictionary is a column showcasing beauty-related words that don't exist, but should.

A couple weeks ago, I journeyed with some other bloggers to Montreal with prestige Canadian makeup brand Lise Watier  and if you're not involved with them, you need to be. The range is now being sold stateside online at lisewatier.us. We got to do a bunch of incredible things like take part in a glamorous photo shoot, eat at delicious restaurants and even dine on midnight poutine and best of all, meet Madame Watier herself, but I'll get into all of that later. Right now, we need to discuss the wonder that is Lise Watier HD Feline Eyeliner, my new favorite liquid liner pen. 

Snooki Dyes Her Hair Red

Jersey Shore's Snooki dyed her hair raging red and I LOVE it.

 With the help of Bradley Moreland of Gemini 14 salon in New York City, Snooki stepped out with a  fireball red hairstyle. Bradley used Great Lengths 100% Human Hair Extensions to get the look.

What do you think of Snooki's red hair? Yay or nay?


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