Beauty Blogging Junkie

Get The Look: Nina Dobrev's Makeup At The AMFAR Dinner In Cannes

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:32:00 PDT

Nina Dobrev is always stunning, but I especially love her ballerina-inspired makeup look here at the AMFAR Dinner in Cannes. P.S. One of these days I really need to make it my biz to get to the Cannes Film Festival. That is my favorite place on earth. Here, the beauty breakdown on how to get Nina Dobrev's majestic makeup look.

Face Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup in Honey Beige #040, Dior
Skinflash Primer Sheer Glow #001

Eyes Diorshow New Look Mascara in Black #090, Dior Crayon Khôl in Black
#099, Dior 3-Couleurs Smoky Palette in Smoky Brown #781

Lips Rouge Dior in Rare Amber #526

Cheeks Diorskin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder in Sunset #004

What do you think of Nina Dobrev's hair and makeup at the AMFAR Dinner in Cannes? Yay or nay?

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Get The Look: Bérénice Bejo's Makeup At The AMFAR Dinner in Cannes

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:29:00 PDT

Bérénice Bejo looked beautiful, per ush, in Dior Beauty to the AMFAR Dinner in Cannes. Here, the details on how to get the look yourself, even in a decidedly less glamorous locale.

Face Dior Hydra Life BB Cream.
Eyes Diorshow New Look Mascara in Black #090, Dior Crayon Khôl in Black
#099
Lips Dior Addict Lip Glow in Crystal Coral #003
Cheeks Diorskin Nude Tan Nude Glow Sun Powder in Amber #002

What do you think of Bérénice Bejo's makeup at the AMFAR Dinner in Cannes?

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Skinterrogation: Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:02:00 PDT

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

Um, I agree--Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank's pretty spicy.

Happy almost Memorial Day weekend, beauty friends. I hope you're bringing copious amounts of SPF with you on your jaunts. It's Melanoma Awareness Month, so get checked and slather up. To that end, I'm excited to present the latest installment of the Skinterrogation column--a Q&A with Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank. Here, he answers my burning questions about the best ways to exfoliate, addressing anti-aging and acne, among other topics.

Beauty Blogging Junkie: Tell me a little about your background.
Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank: I was born and raised in Manhattan and am the Founder and Director of The Fifth Avenue Dermatology Surgery and Laser Center. Cultivating a sophisticated clientele, I become renowned for his expertise in minimally invasive cosmetic surgery. Published by Random House in 2002, TURNING BACK THE CLOCK WITHOUT LOSING TIME: A Complete Guide to Quick and Easy Cosmetic Rejuvenation, has become the doctor's first "bible" for the consumer. In 2005, I separated skin care's myth and magic with the launch of my own line of products for the consumer market- pfrankmd skincare.

BBJ: What are your top three anti-aging recommendations?
PJF:
a) Sunscreen!
b) Start early--if something bothers you then address it early, treating it is much easier that way.
c) Keep your skincare as simple as possible staying consistent with the products you like.

BBJ: What are your top three tips for addressing acne?
PJF: Do not pick! That only causes scarring. Minimize lack of sleep, unhealthy diet, stress--they are not the cause, but they do make it worse. Also, see a dermatologist --taking treatment into your own hands can cause problems.

BBJ: For someone with normal skin, do you recommend physical or chemical exfoliators?
PJF: Physical vs. chemical exfoliants are a personal preference, there is no “best” so each person should try both to see which they like best.

BBJ: How often should one exfoliate?
PJF: Start exfoliation 2 times a week and gradually increase up to 5. Everybody has a sweet spot short of causing excess irritation.

BBJ: What's the most exciting thing that's happened to you in the course of your career?
PJF: The most exciting thing in my career has been the overwhelming advancements in technology and pharmacology which started just when I did in 2000. From botox to lasers--the playing field of cosmetic dermatology has dramatically expanded.

BBJ: What are some of your favorite over-the-counter skin care products?
PJF: I love GoodSkin Labs--I have worked with them on a consulting level for three years now. The products are simple, problem-focused, attentive to immediate and long term cosmetic improvement, and are very cost-effective.

BBJ: What's your own skin care regimen?
PJF: I use my own branded aloe vera-based skin cleanser and moisturizer called pfrankmd along with a slightly tinted sunscreen I call UVshade.

BBJ: What do you recommend for treating hyper pigmentation?
PJF: Aside from sunscreen, I generally try to stay away for hydroquinone based products. To treat specific small spots, I use the Goodskin Labs product Equinol. For the entire face, I use Elure which is a novel mushroom extract and certainly I use a lot of laser treatments with devices such as Fraxel.

BBJ: What's your desert island skin care product?
My desert island product is Skinceuticals' Daily Sun Defense 20 with micronized zinc oxide ...I literally take tons of it whenever I visit a desert island :)

Love it. Thanks, Dr. Frank!

Have a great Mem Day Weekend, everyone! What are you packing in your beach bags? Tell me everything. Go.

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Fictionary: Loilist

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:38:00 PDT

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

Rodin Olio Lusso is one of THOSE items, beauty friends. An HG skin care gem you happen upon once a DECADE. This non-prescription product changed the topography of my skin DRAMATICALLY in a Norma-Desmond-levels-of-drama kind of way. It delivers a smoother, healthier, and hydrated texture. When I don't have it on, my skin feels thirsty. After testing out the stuff, within a WEEK there was less new acne. Within two weeks? The old stuff was finito and the redness from the ghosts of acne past had faded considerably.

Olio Lusso has been clinically tested by my skin savior Dr. David Colbert, who recommends using this yellow miracle blend pre-Retin-A to stave off flakiness. I've always been a Loilist--I'm very loyal to oil. I use the stuff religiously per Courtney, my skin care sensei, to remove makeup and SPF every night. But I'm new to using it in lieu of a moisturizer (of course, I layer SPF on top--I'm not CRA) and I'm a total convert. I'll never use a regular moisturizer again. I'm using 4 drops to remove makeup at night (there's no need to moisturize after; it magically imparts the right amount of hydration for evening) and 1-2 drops in the morning after a spritz of Vichy Thermal Spa Water to moisturize. Applying it to damp skin reduces the amount you'll need to apply, which is important because it costs the earth ($150 for 1 fluid ounce). When something works this well, though? I'll spend. It is to skin what coconut water is to the system.

Created by former model/stylist Linda Rodin in her bathroom, this magical elixir boasts a blend of jasmine oil, argan oil, evening primrose oil, orange flower oil, sunflower oil and arnica, among other ingredients. There's a faint fragrance of jasmine and neroli when you apply it, but if that's not your bag (baby), relax. It dissipates within about 30 minutes.

And if you do love the scent? You're in luck, Rodin's got a new scent out, as well. Buy it here for $220. At the risk of sounding like Dame Redundancy Dame, the Rodin Olio Lusso Lip Balm ($30) is ALSO superlative. I put it on at night and wake up with it still ON MY LIPS. WHAT? YES. It imparts a lovely blush shade and yields the most incredible consistency. It's my new favorite balm--so much so that I'm doing pot for it.

Have commitment issues? Try the travel kit,
featuring samples of several Rodin items for $60 here.

As for Olio Lusso, I'm on hoarding high alert, my friends. I need the Gulf of Mexico of this stuff. I wish I could drill for this kind of oil a la Armageddon's A.J. Frost. It's pacified my peau, yields a glowiness and makes my pores look smaller.

I used to have a POSTER of Ben Affleck as A.J. Frost.

Rodin Olio Lusso retails for $150 at oliolusso.com

What's blowing your hair back, skin-carewise?

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NEW: MAC Cosmetics' Hey, Sailor Colleciton

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:55:00 PDT

I'm posting this because I love the collection, but also because I just unironically said "Hey, sailor!" to one such gentleman outside my apartment. What can I say? It's FLEET WEEK.

This year's eagerly anticipated M·A·C collection is called Hey, Sailor! It's one of my faves, packaged in navy with nautical stripes.

Set sail this summer with a colour and bronzing collection designed to drop anchor in the most sophisticated Port of Call. Decked out in stylishly sailor-striped packaging, a fabulous flotilla of Small Eye Shadows, Lipsticks, Lipglass, Powder Blushes, Pigments, Powerpoint Eye Pencils, Pro Longwear Lip Pencils, Nail Lacquers and Zoom Waterfast Lash. Get sun dipped with Bronzing Powders, Pro Longwear Bronzing Powders, High-light Powder, To The Beach Body Oil, Suntints SPF 20 Liquid Lip Balms and a 167SH Face Blender Brush. M·A·C invites you to experience the jauntiest, yacht-iest collection of the season!

Here are the details on the collection. My favorites? The bronzers and the MAC To The Beach Body Oils.

LIPSTICK - $15.50
SALUTE! Neutral peach (amplified)
TO CATCH A SAILOR Highly frosted tan (frost)
RED RACER Bright yellow red (satin)
SAIL LA VIE Bright mid-tone orange (satin)

LIPGLASS - $15.50
CUT LOOSE White gold with pearl
ORANGE TEMPERA Pale peach
RIVIERA LIFE Bright tangerine
BLESSEDLY Rich Pale coral
SEND ME SAILING Bright yellow red

PRO LONGWEAR LIP PENCIL - $19.00
SAUNTER Pale nude beige
THROW ME A LINE! Bright true red
SHORE LEAVE Light vibrant coral

EYE SHADOW - $16.00
CRYSTAL AVALANCHE White with reflects (veluxe pearl)
BAREFOOT Tarnished gold (veluxe pearl)
JAUNTY Light yellow beige (frost)
FEELING FRESH Bright green (frost)
NAUTICAL Navy Blue (satin)

PIGMENT - $21.00
OLD GOLD High frosted tarnished gold (frost)
NAVAL BLUE Deep smoky blue (frost)

POWERPOINT EYE PENCIL - $16.00
HANDFORGED Metallic yellow gold
EMERALD SEA Kelly green
BLUE STRIPE Dark navy

ZOOM WATERFAST LASH - $15.00
WATERFAST BLACK Black

BRONZING POWDER - $24.00
SOFT SAND Golden bronze with fine gold pearl
REFINED GOLDEN Finely spun golden with soft pearl finish

PRO LONGWEAR BRONZING POWDER - $28.00
NUDE ON BOARD Bronzy, yellow tone
SUN DIPPED Dirty red tone

HIGH-LIGHT POWDER - $28.00
CREW Soft peachy cream with fine shimmer

POWDER BLUSH - $21.00
LAUNCH AWAY! True peach (satin)
FLEET FAST Pinky, golden coral (satin)

NAIL LACQUER - $16.00
VESTRAL WHITE Creamy white (creme)
TOUCH OF RED Bright yellow red (creme)

M∙A∙C TO THE BEACH BODY OIL - $22.50
SEASIDE Dirty blushy pink with multidimensional sparkles (LIVING FOR THIS)
MAN RAYS Glowing tan with multidimensional golden shimmer

SUNTINTS SPF 20 LIQUID LIP BALM - $16.00
SEA MIST Peachy nude with multidimensional pearl
ABALONE See through hot pink with no pearl
AU ROSÉ Poppy coraly pink with gold pearl

BRUSH - $34.00
167SH Face Blender

M·A·C's Hey Sailor! products are available at all M·A·C stores, counters and online at maccosmetics.com.

What are your favorites from the collection?

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Shenae Grimes Shops The ELLE Cosmetics Counter

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:01:00 PDT

Check out that Ombre 3000, as my gal Lianne refers to that kind of fly dip-dye job!

Are you loving it as much as I am? The ombre in question is that of one Ms. Shenae Grimes of 90210, who was spotted shopping the ELLE Cosmetics counter at Kohl’s in Jersey City last weekend.

Shenae stopped by the store with a friend on Saturday morning in pursuit of pastel makeup for spring. After scouring the ELLE Cosmetics displays, she scored the Eyeshadow #4 and #17; Lip Gloss #4 and #11; and Nail Lacquer in “Surfer Babe” and “Some Like it Lilac." I'm also a fan of the line's gorgeous, perfectly pigmented pastel lacquers.

ELLE Cosmetics Nail Lacquers retail for $10 each at Kohls and kohls.com.

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Father's Day Gift Guide: For The Danny Tanner Type

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Wed, 23 May 2012 05:52:00 PDT

Whenever anyone mentions that their dad is neat, I'm always reminded of that time the Full House girls tried to fool Danny Tanner into not noticing a ginormous hole in his bedroom wall with their "He's Our Dad" song. You know. The song his room inspired? Let me refresh your memory with the musical stylings of D.J. and Stephanie Tanner.

Dad, dad, dad, dad, dad!
He's our dad!
And he's got a really clean room! Take it home, Steph!
He keeps it that way with a mop and a broom! Big finish!
Dad, dad, dad, dad
He's our dad!

Danny Tanner-esque dads will love to be on the receiving end of Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day's new Bluebell Gift Set ($40 for six items). The kit includes all manner of spring cleaning delights featuring the newest fragrance from the natural household cleaning brand. If cleaning is his cardio, he'll love the endorphins he gets from these lightly floral-scented cleansers which pack a powerful punch--especially the laundry detergent. It manages to toe the line between fresh and floral without being too feminine, nor cloying.

Unfortunately for Carol, Barry Katz is NOT a Danny Tanner type. He's a total mess. He takes over every single room of the house with his hoarding paraphernalia of choice, which includes electronics, CABLES, clocks, watches, books and PHONES. He has a million cell phones, portable phones that announce loudly who's calling as if you're living in Back To The Future II, etc. I'd posit that my father has never cleaned a single thing in his life, so while this gift, though fabulous, would leave him utterly depressed, it will delight the daylights out of a neat freak.

Each set includes:
Liquid Dish Soap, 16 oz
Countertop Spray, 16 oz
Liquid Hand Soap, 12.5 oz
All Purpose Cleaner, 32 oz
68 Load Laundry Detergent, 34 oz
Fabric Softener, 32 oz
Free Gift Box

Also? Being from Blue Bell, Pennsylvania (Hart of Dixie's Zoe and I have that in common--although her hometown is fictional AND in the south), it makes the whole experience even more homey for me.

The Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Bluebell is available at mrsmeyers.com.

Stay tuned for more Father's Day gift ideas! And tell me: What are you getting your dad?

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Get The Look: Cameron Diaz' Hairstyle At The U.K. Premiere of 'What To Expect When You're Expecting'

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:46:00 PDT

Though I was iffy on Cameron Diaz' short hairstyle for a long time, I'm loving her look for the What To Expect When You're Expecting U.K. premiere. And, I've just scored the deets from her stylist Sascha Breuer on how to get the look. Here, the beauty breakdown. In Sascha's words:

"Cameron is one of my favorite hair chameleons, always adapting her newly shorter hairstyle to perfection.

To get Cameron Diaz' hairstyle at the What To Expect When You're Expecting U.K. premiere, start by applying a golf ball size dab of mousse to the palm of your hand and use a wide toothed comb to pick up a small amounts and comb it through the roots in the areas where you want to add volume and hold. Then, dry it using your fingers or a skeleton brush--working with your natural texture and movement using a hairdryer that allows you to adjust the heat. (Fine or fragile hair should be dried at a lower temperature to reduce the risk of damage.) I rely on the Braun Satin Hair 7 Range in part because of the adjustable temperature feature.

For finishing products, I am not a huge fan of waxes. They give very little hold, and often the hair becomes greasy and loses the shape. I prefer instead a strong hold hairspray that dries quickly such as Wellaflex for Shiny Hold--giving the hair definition and texture without becoming stiff or hard and creating the dreaded helmet! It's important to use one you can brush through easily to restyle when transitioning from your day to evening look.

To define the texture and create an interesting twist, a great trick is to spray some of the hairspray on your finger tips , and then twist, pinch, tousel or scrunch your hair to create definition and depth to your style. Then finish it off with a light, all-over misting."

What do you think of Cameron Diaz' hairstyle at the What To Expect When You're Expecting premiere?

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Destination: Procrastination

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:48:00 PDT

What's cuter than eclectic teacups?
[The Luxury Spot]

Cat comes up with a list of her 100 favorite products. First up? The Clarisonic
[XO Jane]

Go Philly on his ass, Will Smith--the actor/rapper decks a reporter who tries to plant one on him
[Betty Confidential]

I agree with this. For the love, don't Pinterest your wedding--when you're single
[Your Tango]

That's charitable of you.. to you, Lindsay. Here, she's trying to look like Elizabeth Taylor
[The Gloss]

What to really expect when you're expecting
[You Beauty]

LIVING for this Union Jack palette by Pop Beauty
[Fashion Pulse Daily]

I Canne't even. The latest beauty looks of the Cannes Film Festival
[Beauty High]

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Get The Look: Kristen Stewart At The 'Snow White & The Huntsmen' Photo Call In Mexico City

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:22:00 PDT

Kristen Stewart looked fabulous at the Snow White & the Huntsman photo call in Mexico City last week. Mark Celebrity Makeup Artist Mai Quynh shared her tricks on how to recreate the look yourself below. Check it:

Face
"I prepped Kristen’s skin by applying mark For Goodness Face Antioxidant Skin Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 all over. Next, I applied mark Min-A-Real Cream-To-Powder Foundation in Light 3 using the mark Foundation Brush. Then, I applied mark Good Riddance Hook Up Concealer in Fair/Light under Kristen’s eyes and around her nose.”

Cheeks
“I brushed mark Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint in Cheeky onto the apples of her cheeks using the mark Foundation Brush. Next, I dusted mark Matte-Nificent Oil Absorbing Powder all over her face in Light to set the look.”

Eyes
“I applied mark I-Mark Custom Pick Eye Shadow in Fairy Dust to Kristen’s inner eyelids using the mark All Over Eye Shadow Brush. Then, I added mark I-Mark Custom Pick Eye Shadow in Tiki to the crease of her eye using the mark Angled Contour Eye Shadow Brush. Next, I smudged mark I-Mark Custom Pick Eye Shadow in Java along her upper and lower lash lines using the mark Flat Eyeliner Brush. I finished by applying two coats of mark Lash All You Want High-Volume Mascara in Black.”

Lips
“For Kristen’s lips, I applied mark Lipclick SPF 15 Color Shine Lipstick in Pinkie and mark Glow Baby Glow Hook up Lip Gloss in Girly Girl for a sweet smile.”

I'm loving that pop of pink! What do you think of Kristen Stewart's look?

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How To Get Rid Of Your Dark Shadows

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:36:00 PDT

Me, sans my signature Hydoxatone/Khuraira combo.

The number one beauty question I'm asked? How to get rid of unslightly dark circles.

I swear that without slathering on my usual daily cocktail of intensive hydration and concealer, I'd unironically resemble one Mr. Barnabas Collins of Dark Shadows (ha!) fame. In a role that seems similar from a makeup perspective to his Edward Scissorhands character, Johnny Depp portrays a 200-year old vampire based on the gothic horror soap opera of the same name from the late '60s/early '70s. I'm deeply disturbed that I wasn't around to catch that one; can you imagine the cross-section of vamp and camp?

Anywho, to address my own Barnabas-worthy dark shadows that afflict my mug on a daily, I've been using a one-two punch of hydration and concealing. The combo consists of Hydroxatone Instant Lift Eye Pads for 20 minutes, then an application via a concealer brush of Khuraira Age Control Concealer With Peptides. The latter is super-pigmented, creamy beyond the beyond and goes on smoother than Don Draper working a living room with a brown drink. Its creaminess belies its color payoff and diffuses fine lines, dark circles, veininess and discoloration in one fell swoop--so you won't look like you've been around since Barnabas' original incarnation. Available in three shades, Khuraira Age Control Concealer retails for $35 (a little goes a long way, so the large pot should last you close to a year, if not longer) at khuraira.com.

The Hyroxatone pads prime the canvas by imparting a refreshing infusion of hydration (hyaluronic acid plus an advanced peptide complex) for a visible difference. I like to use them a couple times a week (strategically, for special occasions and the like) for a much-needed moisture boost. The barrier they yield provides a robust foundation for makeup, minimizing cakiness. Hydroxatone Instant Lift Pads retail for $40 for 60 pads at Dermstore.com.

You'll love the effects more than Tim Burton loves Johnny Depp.

And tell me: What's your preferred method of covering up dark circles?

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Get The Look: Taylor Swift's Makeup At The 2012 Billboard Music Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:37:00 PDT

Taylor Swift looked criminally gorgeous at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards, so I had to share the scoop. Here's the beauty breakdown, courtesy of Taylor's makeup artist for the evening, Lorrie Turk. Lorrie stuck with COVERGIRL cosmetics to create this look. In Lorrie's words:

"At the Billboard Awards, Taylor was being honored with Billboard's Woman of the Year Award. With this in mind, Taylor wanted her look to be timeless yet still a little edgy and strong.

COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Silk Foundation was lightly applied using a damp sponge which ensures a light dewy application. I used a small concealer brush to sweep on a bit of COVERGIRL Fresh Complexion Under Eye Concealer to lighten up the under eye area, followed with COVERGIRL + Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush lightly brushed along Taylor's cheek bones to give just a touch of color and definition.

With an eyeshadow brush, I applied the cranberry color from COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 4-Kit Shadow in Blossoms all over the lid from lash line to just above the crease and out past the outer corner of the eye and below her lower lash line as well. I then lined her eyes with COVERGIRL Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Black Fire along the upper lash line and then smudged it a bit with a cotton bud. I did this just a touch on the lower lash line as well. I finished her eyes with 2-3 coats of COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara on both the upper and lower lashes.

Because we went with a stronger eye look, Taylor chose to go with her lips fairly understated and neutral, so I added only a bit of sheer color and shine with COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Peony over her lips with a lip brush."

What do you think of Taylor Swift's sultry look?

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Fifty Shades... Of Blush

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:14:00 PDT

Let's not act like we ALL didn't compulsively read it.

Yes, the writing's embarrassingly bad. Also, I've been meaning to write this post for about three months, but then, you know, LIFE happened. I'm semi-embarr to admit I finished the entire Fifty Shades Of Grey series in four days. It'll make you blush harder than the models on Michael Kors' FW 2012 runway did.

You and I both read it.

Yes, Ana Steele gives no indication that she's remotely intelligent other than Christian simply thinking she is. She drinks tea and has moderate knowledge of English Lit. References to her "inner goddess"made me acutely uncomfortable. Ana boasts an inner monologue that sounds as if it's ripped directly from the '60s television series "Batman."

"Holy cow!" thinks Anastasia!

For a complete passage-by-passage teardown of the hellacious writing, visit 50shadesofsuck.tumblr.com. But in between language that's allegedly spoken by Seattle natives that's fraught with Britishisms, the fact remains that the story IS spicy enough to keep you turning pages till 4am. So in keeping with blush's major comeback of Dynasty proportions this fall, here are 50 of my favorite blushes, designed to mimic the hue your cheeks will become upon reading the tome.

Here they are, in no particular order:

1. NARS Blush in Orgasm

2. Tom Ford Blush in Flush
3. YSL Creme de Blush in Soft Flush

4. Givenchy Blush Gelee in Candide Pink

5. Shiseido The Makeup Accentuating Color Stick in Rosy Flush
6. Ellis Faas Blush in Warm, Dusty Pink

7. Fresh Freshface Blush Powder in Petal
8. Benefit Hervana

9. Estee Lauder Pure Color Blush in Naughty

10. Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Blush Duo

11. Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-on Cheek Tint in Score

12. Stila Cherry Crush Stain

13. Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Creamy Glow In Liquifuschia

14. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips And Cheeks in Raspberry

15. TheBalm Frat Boy Blush

16.LORAC Blush in Pink

17. Make Up For Ever Blush in 8

18. Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-on Cheek Tint in Crush

19. NYX Powder Blush in Mocha

20. Topshop Blush in Neon Rose

21. Maybelline Dream Bouncey Blush in Peach Satin

22. Sephora Lush Flush in Red Wine

23. Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Thurst

24. Philosophy Healthy Cream Blush in Look On The Bright Side

25. Estee Lauder Mad Men Cream Blush

26. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Amused

27. Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in Orange

28. GlamNatural Cream Blush in Ashley Ashley

29. Almay Smart Shade Blush in Berry

30. Sunday Riley Blush in Intimate

31. MAC Tres Cheek Powder Blush in LoveCloud

32. Sonia Kashuk Escape to Paradise Palette

33. Chanel Blush in Orchid Rose

34. La Prairie Cellular Radiance Cream Blush in Peach Glow

35. Tarte Cheek Stain in Blissful

36. CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Royal Plum

37. Guerlain By Emilio Pucci Terra Azzurra Powder Bronzer And Blush

38. Korres Cheek Butter in Eros Coral

39. Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow Blush

40. Revlon Cream Blush in Rosy Glow

41. Elf Studio Blush in Pink Passion

42. Jemma Kidd Make Up School in Desert Sand/Plum

43. Jouer Mineral Powder Blush in Rose

44. Nars Multiple Tint in Turks & Caicos

45. Napoleon Perdis Barely Blushing Blush in Barely Rouge

46. By Terry Rose De Rose Sheer Liquid Blush in Amber Rose

47. Jane Iredale Cream Blush in Touch

48. Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Rouge Powder in Accento

49. Paula Dorf Cheek Color in Ballet

50. Susan Posnick COLORME Blush in Lotus Sun

What about you? Are you driving in the blush hour?

What's sending you? And have you read Fifty Shades? Do you agree that Ian Somerholder or Armie Hammer would be phenom as Christian Grey? Share ALL in the comments. Spill.

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Official Mascara Correspondent: CoverGirl Lash Blast 24HR

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Fri, 18 May 2012 05:28:00 PDT

Official Mascara Correspondent Ashleigh Ciucci lengthens her lashes this week with CoverGirl LashBlast 24HR Mascara. Is it meh, feh, or hells to the yeah? Find out.

To start, I love love love this mascara. I reviewed the straight Black version a few months back and couldn't rave enough. Great formula, great brush, great lashes, great staying power. So I was anxious to try one of their colored versions. The options were Black Brown, Blue Black and Black Gold. Because I love anything gold (jewelry, shoes, bags) I went for the Black Gold version.

While the payoff of the formula is the same, I did find a nice hint of glimmer with the addition of the gold pigment. While the product looks almost green on the brush, it looks bright and dimensional on the lashes. It's not extremely noticeable, but it gives the lashes almost a wet finish.

While there wasn't a major COLOR difference, the dial-up of the volume of black was great. I'd buy this baby for a new play of the LBM (Little Black Mascara!)
--Ashleigh Ciucci

CoverGirl LashBlast 24Hr Mascara retails for $8 at soap.com.

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Fictionary: Pigment Of Your Imagination

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:43:00 PDT

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

This week, I attended a press event held at MAC Pro where I learned about the latest nail news from the behemoth beauty brand. MAC Cosmetics is introducing 31 colors and 3 finishes in the brand's first permanent Nail Lacquer Collection beginning July 5 at Nordstrom and MAC stores; August 2 at counters nationwide.

My MAC Pigment CalGel mani

We also got to partake in a little nail trick my gal Keri Blair, senior makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics's been doing for years--using MAC Pigments mixed with CalGel to create a custom gel manicure. That's my mani, above, a melange of MAC pigment in Antique Gold mixed with a touch of 3D Gold. It's a Pigment Of My Imagination, if I do say so myself. My next gel concoction will include my beloved Frozen White pigment.

The Epcot Figment. Here for no other reason than rhyming with "pigment."

But back to the collection of nail shades--there are hues ranging from screaming brights to neutral delights, all in the creamy consistency and color payoff you expect from MAC. Here, the full list.

MAC Nail Lacquers
Skin – light peach beige (cream)
Anti-Fashion – mid-toned purple with pearlized pigments (frost)
Midnight Tryst – dark cool grey steel with pearlized pigments (frost)
Coffee Break – mid-tone cool taupe (cream)
Fiestaware – mid-tone orange coral (cream) – repromote
Flaming Rose – true red (cream)
Delicate – pale sheer ballet pink (cream) – repromote
Faint of Heart – palest milky nude (cream)
Discotheque – super glitter silver (pearl)
Screaming Bright – super glitter gold (pearl)
Girl Trouble – super glitter pink (pearl)
Snob – light neutral pink (cream) – repromote
Saint Germain – light cool pink (cream) – repromote
Girl About Town – bright blue fuchsia (cream) – repromote
Impassioned – bright warm pink (cream) – repromote
Morange – bright orange (cream) – repromote
Spirit of Truth – navy blue (cream)
Formidable – teal green with pink multi changing pearl (pearl) – repromote
Mean & Green – purple with teal multi changing pearl (pearl) – repromote
Soiree – sparkly light bronze gold (frost)
Quiet Time – beige nude (cream) – repromote
Deep Sea – deep teal (cream) – repromote
Steamy – bright mid-tone blue pink (cream) – repromote
Dark Angel – dark grape (cream) – repromote
Nightfall – blackened frosty gunmetal (frost) – repromote
Nocturnelle – rich true black (cream) – repromote
Vintage Vamp – rich deep wine (cream) – repromote
Shirelle – classic bright red (cream) – repromote
Rougemarie – dark blue red (cream) – repromote
Overlacquer – clear topcoat repromote

And tell me: What's the Pigment Of Your Imagination?

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Three Retro Lush Items You Need Now

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:05:00 PDT

As Joni Mitchell (and later the Counting Crows) sang so sagely, don't it always seem to go/you don't know what you've got till it's gone? Lush feels that, and has brought back some of your favorite Retro Lush items of yore for you to enjoy in 2012. Here, my three faves.

Lush Washday Greens Packed with mint oils and chlorphyll for a fresh sudsing experience that's ideal for reviving oily roots.

Lush Slammer Shower Gel Makes your morning shower a little easier on you. It's the shower gel equivalent of Rihanna tune.

Lush Pineapple Grunt Smells like vacation, infuses your shower with a little tropical delight.

Sometimes they pave paradise and put up a parking lot--but they bring back paradise temporarily. And that's what matters, right, beauty friends?

All are available at lushusa.com. What's your favorite Lush product?

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Side Bangs Cause Lazy Eye + More: Destination Procrastination

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:34:00 PDT

Side bangs can cause lazy eye?
[Huffington Post]

Even though Mean Betty doesn't like "Fifty Shades of Grey," she doesn't believe in the banning of books
[Betty Confidential]

XO Jane makes over Mariah Carey
[XO Jane]

Simple ways to play up your assets
[Already Pretty]

Vacation accessories for a cause
[The Luxury Spot]

Ten secret places to hook up at Disney World
[How About We]

Seven reasons to be excited about Mindy Kaling's new show
[College Candy]

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Fictionary: Marvel-ous

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:57:00 PDT

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

Growing up with a brother who was essentially Brody from Mallrats, I learned a LOT about comic books. More than I wanted to. Too much of my childhood was spent learning the trivia that differentiates Green Lantern from Wolverine and the nuances of Daredevil vs. Spiderman. While I genuinely was on board with a lot of the sci-fi I had to endure (Quantum Leap, Star Trek: The Next Generation) the canons of Marvel and DC didn't thrill me--until now. Why? Because Benefit has partnered with Marvel on a special edition comic called SpyGal (tagline: Thrills, Frills & Espionage!). Marvel-ous! Do you love it?

SpyGal's pore-zapping persona was modeled after the POREfessional pore minimizing primer, a must for those with "yawning" pores that produce excess oil throughout the day.

Jason Lee as Brody with Stan Lee

The limited edition SpyGal comic is available this month at Benefit counters everywhere. The POREfessional retails for $29 at sephora.com.

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New: Mally Face Defender Foundation Is My Favorite Foundation IN THE WORLD

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:23:00 PDT

Mally's new Face Defender Foundation with SPF 15 is INCREDIBLE, friends.

It doesn't just hide imperfections. That's glamateur stuff. It Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless MINDS them. With a B.B. cream-like consistency (and protection value with SPF 15), the velvety formula glides on like a damn dream while antiaging ingredients abound. All the while, it mattifies, evens skin tone and diminishes the appearance of fine lines.

Your hyperpigmentation is Clementine.

What are the odds that an oil free foundation could make you appear more youthful AND perfectly camouflage every speck of redness? Probably similar to the odds that I'd unintentionally watch three things featuring Richard Masur in a single day (License to Drive, Heartburn and Girls), but that happened. Believe it, beauties.

Mally Face Defender Foundation retails for $45 qvc.com, available May 26.

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Exchange Your Moisturizer For A Free Deluxe Jar Of Revive

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:50:00 PDT

Yes. You read that correctly. On May 24 from 10am to 8pm, NYC and Beverly Hills beauty gals are invited to come to Saks Fifth Avenue to exchange their current moisturizer, even if it’s been used, for a complimentary one ounce deluxe jar of RéVive’s best-selling moisturizer, Moisturizing Renewal Cream (deluxe 1-ounce jar valued at $87.50). My gal Felicia is a HUGE fan and her skin always looks incred, so I suggest you take advantage of this offer. Read on for the deets...

This hydrating night cream features RéVive’s proprietary RES technology, a collection of bio-engineered ingredients that include patented and Nobel Prize winning technology, to encourage skin cell renewal and bring younger, radiant, more luminous skin to light.

The two locations to score your beauty booty:

RéVive counter at Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Avenue at 49th Street
New York, New York 10022

RéVive counter at Saks Fifth Avenue – Beverly Hills
9600 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California 90212

There's no purchase or RSVP necessary. Good while supplies last. Offer available May 24, 2012 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. only.

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New: Goody Quik Style Paddle Brush

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:29:00 PDT

When I first laid eyes on Goody's new Quik Style Paddle Brush I thought that there is the love child of a paddle brush and muppet Sam The Eagle. Minus, you know, his signature stuffiness and pomposity. This brush looks downright whimsical while it IS useful.

Right? The likeness is uncanny.

But this brush is no basic grooming tool. It cuts your drying time, thanks to its thirsty microfiber bristles that absorb 30% of water as you style. I like giving my wet hair a good once-through with it to detangle and eliminate some of the arduous drying process before I even bust out my blow-dryer. AND antimicrobial microfiber keeps the brush fresh. Goody got it.

The Goody Quik Style Paddle Brush retails for $12 at target.com.

Disclosure: Product provided for editorial consideration.

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Fitness Blogging Junkie: Sparkly Soul Headband

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Fri, 11 May 2012 05:51:00 PDT

Oh, I say! Clearly I'm getting in touch with my inner C-3PO.

I'm going through this THING where I simply am not interested in things unless they're gold and sparkly. It started with my investment in vintage goldware, then extended to my gold sparkly iPhone cover (I've gotten two in a row), THEN my Brighton Beach manicure and my latest? Sparkly Soul headbands to rock for workouts.

Much like how C-3PO was fluent in 6 million forms of communication, this hair holder backer is fluent in 6 million forms of function and beauty. SERIOUSLY. It magically stays on your head no matter how intense your workout thanks to its patent-pending design. It never gives you a headache, won't slip, nor will it cause breakage.

Plus? It's so cute, you won't want to relegate it so(u)lely to excercise. Mine makes a cameo with my street clothes at least once a week.

The Sparkly Soul Headbands come in thin and wide iterations for $15 and $17, respectively.

What are you wearing to keep your hair out of your face when you work out? Tell me in the comments. And may the hair force be with you.

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Sarah Chloe Heartbeat Necklace

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:38:00 PDT

Though heartbeat anything reminds me, naturally, of Today's Chevrolet, and I am so loving this rose gold heartbeat necklace from Sarah Chloe. I've been rocking it nonstop since receiving it as a gift a couple weeks ago and it adds a subtle sophistication to every outfit. Behold, the very '80s-est Chevy commercial I could find. This one's a gem.

Score the Sarah Chloe heartbeat necklace at Montmartre.com for $125.

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Brad Pitt's The New Face Of Chanel No. 5

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Katz) — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:20:00 PDT

Way to go, Chanel. The brand has selected spicy actor Brad Pitt to be the face of the upcoming advertising campaign for CHANEL N°5.

What do you guys think?

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Beauty Blogging Junkie

Get The Look: Nina Dobrev's Makeup At The AMFAR Dinner In Cannes

Get The Look: Bérénice Bejo's Makeup At The AMFAR Dinner in Cannes

Skinterrogation: Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank

Fictionary: Loilist

NEW: MAC Cosmetics' Hey, Sailor Colleciton

Shenae Grimes Shops The ELLE Cosmetics Counter

Sponsored Post: Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Collection

Father's Day Gift Guide: For The Danny Tanner Type

Get The Look: Cameron Diaz' Hairstyle At The U.K. Premiere of 'What To Expect When You're Expecting'

Destination: Procrastination

Get The Look: Kristen Stewart At The 'Snow White & The Huntsmen' Photo Call In Mexico City

How To Get Rid Of Your Dark Shadows

Get The Look: Taylor Swift's Makeup At The 2012 Billboard Music Awards

Fifty Shades... Of Blush

Official Mascara Correspondent: CoverGirl Lash Blast 24HR

Fictionary: Pigment Of Your Imagination

Three Retro Lush Items You Need Now

Side Bangs Cause Lazy Eye + More: Destination Procrastination

Fictionary: Marvel-ous

New: Mally Face Defender Foundation Is My Favorite Foundation IN THE WORLD

Exchange Your Moisturizer For A Free Deluxe Jar Of Revive

New: Goody Quik Style Paddle Brush

Fitness Blogging Junkie: Sparkly Soul Headband

Sarah Chloe Heartbeat Necklace

Brad Pitt's The New Face Of Chanel No. 5