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Cushion Your Tootsies With Insolia High Heel Inserts

If you knew a world-renowned podiatrist and an MIT rocket scientist had designed high heel inserts would you try them? And what if said design had received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association? Would that make you want to try them even more? I don’t know about you but I think they sound like something we heel addicts shouldn’t live without. The inserts, called Insolia, are the “only high heel insoles that are proven to shift weight.” And what does that do? Well, in simple terms, it allows us to wear our gorgeous shoes longer and more comfortably. (more…)

What is the best drugstore powder?

My sister is looking for a new foundation–in powder form–and she wants to stick to the drugstore scene. I must admit, I haven’t used a drugstore foundation in a while. (I’m currently using a mix of MAC and Makeup For Ever.) ShopTalkers, I need your help! What are your favorite foundation products at your local Walgreen’s, grocery store, etc.?

Hunting for the Perfect Shades with Jennifer Rade

How do you choose the right sunglasses for your face? We didn’t know, so we asked Jennifer Rade, Angelina Jolie’s stylist and ambassador to new sunglass boutique, ILORI. (She’s pictured left with the head of gorgeous curls.) Here’s what she had to say:

Why did you decide to partner up with ILORI?
I decided to partner with ILORI because the Luxury Sunglass Boutique has its finger on the pulse of trends in both fashion and eyewear, and is a true arbiter of style in both realms. Eyewear is that final piece that finishes off a look, and can be the extra touch of glamour and sophistication, or the edgy accessory that pulls everything together.

What is the trick to finding the right lens shape for your face?
I do feel that analyzing your face shape is a good place for consumers to start when selecting sunglasses, as a more rounded pair of sunglasses can soften a strong jaw line and a more squared style can help add definition to a rounded jaw line.  But I don’t feel that face shape is the only factor to choosing the right pair(s) of sunglasses.  (more…)

Faceoff of the Vibrating Mascaras + Friday Giveaway

This is a long overdue discussion here on ShopTalk: vibrating mascaras. There’s Lancôme’s Oscillation (right), Estée Lauder’s TurboLash (left), Prescriptives MotorEyes, Maybelline’s Pulse Perfection (center), and even a rotating contraption called Spin Lash. Are they gimmicks? Catchy tools employed by marketing departments at cosmetic headquarters everywhere? Follow the jump to get my humble opinion. (And find out what we’re giving away.)

*Update: Congratulations to our six winners!

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Tomorrow Night: $500 Gift Bag

At least, that’s what they’re saying. Don’t forget the Nicole William’s Girl On Top event at The Limited at NorthPark. If you can’t make Wednesday night’s event, there’s another one on Thursday at The Limited Galleria. If you RSVP, you’ll partake in schmoozing with the other Dallas ladies that have come to participate, free Girl On Top cocktails for three hours, career advice from author of Girl On Top, Nicole Williams, and a 40 percent discount off The Limited’s new business wear. (Yes, yes, and the gift bag.) Both nights run from 6 pm to 9 pm. RSVP here and enter D Magazine in the “How did you hear about GOT?” field. We’ll see you there.

*Update: I was just told gift bags are first-come, first served basis.

Shop for the Cause: Breast Cancer Healing & Wellness DVD

It’s mid-October and with Breast Cancer Awareness month in full-swing, we’ve been blowing up our blogs and web site with plenty of beauty loot to benefit the cause (check out our BCA shopping guide). Now, La Prairie & Guess have partnered to create a new DVD aimed at pampering the spirit of those affected by the disease called Breast Cancer: The Path of Wellness & Healing. This comprehensive guide features well-known survivors (including Sheryl Crow and Christina Applegate), the world’s top oncologists, and renowned wellness experts offering their advice for dealing with every facet of the disease, from accepting the diagnosis, considerations in choosing both holistic and traditional treatment options, entering support groups, the optimal diet, and the benefits of meditation. With 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to charity, this 2-disc set is a must for anyone battling the disease, and the caregivers, family members and friends of those touched by the illness. Get it for $31.49 at Amazon.

Thanks to intern, Kara Koloini for this blog!

La Mer’s “Ten Reasons to Believe” Free Event at Neiman Marcus NorthPark

What makes La Mer the Manolo Blahnik of the skincare world? Book an appointment with the La Mer team at Neiman Marcus NorthPark to find out. You’ll enjoy a signature La Mer skincare and skincolor treatment while learning more about the line. You’ll meet with Loretta, La Mer’s senior vice president of the Product Development and Innovation team. Appointments are available between 11 am and 2 pm, but call now to reserve your free spot. 214-363-8311, ext. 2533.

Sylvie Chantecaille, Woman Behind Prescriptives and Founder of Chantecaille, will be at Neiman Marcus on Saturday

It is rare these days that the founder of a cosmetic company is still around, choosing each palette for every season and visiting the labs and spas, making sure each product and treatment is up to par. But Sylvie Chantecaille of Chantecaille is. This amazing makeup/skincare/fragrance line relies on ingredients plucked from nature and chosen through scientific research to create luxurious products that are good for skin and the environment (like the whale palette we used in D Beauty) and make you look beautiful. The eye shadows are creamy, the fragrances therapeutic, and the skincare miraculous. And the woman behind it all will be at Neiman Marcus on Saturday, helping customers get in touch in products and choose the best foundation colors. To be part of Sylvie’s personal appearance, head to Neiman Marcus at NorthPark Saturday, September 12 from 11 am to 4 pm in the Level 1 cosmetics area.

Friday Giveaway: Kate Somerville Glow Kit

It’s nearing the end of summer, but a fresh face glow is never out of season. Congrats ahead of time to the winner of this giveaway, because this one’s a good one: Kate Somerville’s Glow Kit. Kate Somerville, esthetician to the likes of Paris Hilton, Kate Walsh, Felicity Huffman, and Jessica Alba, knows what she’s talking about, and she didn’t mind a bit sharing all the top secrets with me to pass along to you. Follow me after the jump to learn how to enter this giveaway and read up on the products. (You’ll want to, to understand the true power behind the Glow Kit.)

*Update: We’re giving away two sets! You’ve got until noon today, Monday, Aug. 31.

Congratulations Fern and Kathy!

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Where Can You Get a Quick Braid Job in Town?

I got an email from a ShopTalk reader. Here’s the question:

“I know summer is almost at the end, but I am still craving the french-braid look. I usually have a friend braid my hair because my own multiple attempts on myself have turned out awful. However said friend is not available anymore. Is there a quick, inexpensive salon in Dallas that does french braids or braiding in general?”

I’m thinking any hair salon could do a quick French (of the braiding variety) for cheap, but do you ShopTalkers do of anything specific? Help a sister out!

La Prairie Expert at Neiman Marcus

Raychel Wade, Colour Ambassador for La Prairie, will be at Neiman Marcus in Fort Worth tomorrow to share her beauty knowledge with the world. (Well, with those who will be at Neiman Marcus.) Raychel’s business, Cheek to Chic, features her Makeup Bag Rx, during which Raychel helps you clean out your makeup collection, tossing the garbage and keeping oldies but goodies. Using your own products, Raychel then gives you a makeup lesson and gives you a shopping list to let you know what you’re missing. The bad news is that Raychel does not live here, so unless you can convince her to fly out for you, you’re on your own. Here’s the good news: tomorrow you can bring your makeup bag to NM, and she’ll give you her Makeup Up Rx on the go. She’ll give you her thoughts on cosmetic crap and cosmetic capital and provide a few pointers on perfecting your punim. If you won’t catch the chance to see her tomorrow, Kristin and I met with her this afternoon and we’ll give the lowdown on key products to keep in your purse at all times. Raychel says three glosses in three different colors, like berry, champagne, and pink, blotting papers, a blush compact, highlighting powder, like La Prairie’s Illuminating Face Powder—part of the fall launch, get excited! It’s awesome!—and a travel-friendly eyeliner. Be on the lookout for the rest of La Prairie’s new fall releases, too. They’re beauties. You’ll see gorgeous new fragrances, amazing eye line filler, and sweet eye shadow palettes, lip glosses, and blushes.

Peeling Groovy Facial = Bliss

Is it ironic that the Bliss Spa in the W Hotel is named Bliss? I don’t think so. I went in last week for the Peeling Groovy Facial. It was 30 minutes of sheer delight. 

From the moment you walk into the spa you know you are in for a treat. The luxe robe, zen-like decompression area, sauna and cozy treatment rooms are all A+. During my visit, I only ran into one other client which tells me that they strive to keep it private and relaxing.

The facial itself promised to reduce large pores, wrinkles and sun-damage spots. I can’t speak too strongly about wrinkle reduction as I am still in the beginning stages of development. However, I did notice a sizeable reduction in my pores and the dry skin from this 100-degree Texas sun is gone.  It’s almost a week later and my face still looks and feels fabulous.

I can’t wait to go back!

But, in the meantime, I can keep up with treatments at home. Bliss is now offering the Peeling Groovy Facial Serum online.

Check out BridalBuzz, the Best Daily Blog for Dallas Brides

Sometimes on ShopTalk we tell you about what’s happening in the Dallas weddings scene. Well, now you can look to BridalBuzz for daily advice on planning the perfect wedding in Dallas. Come see us over there. We’ll be happy to have you.

Q&A With Expert Makeup Artist Napoleon Perdis

Napoleon Perdis, makeup artist to Australia’s Next Top Model girls, stopped by ULTA Saturday to offer free makeup consultations and expert advice.  If you missed the event, follow the jump. I had the chance to sneak in a few quick questions about getting a flawless face, adding a little color to your beauty routine, and keeping your makeup on during the hot summer months. To purchase Napoleon Perdis products, visit an ULTA or go to www.napoleonperdis.com.

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Ask the Editors: VersaSpa

Your Question: I was curious if anyone has tried the Versa Spa sunless tannning. It is similar to mystic but is suppose to look more natural. If so, did they like it and where did they go?

Our Answer: Okay, so let’s talk VersaSpa. I have to be honest here: I’ve done it a handful of times (all at Planet Tan) and have been similarly dissatisfied every time. I’ve done the sunless tanner thing at home, so I know how to use “barrier cream” to block tanner from caking under fingernails and around elbows, but the formula from VersaSpa gets—and stains—between my fingers and around my cuticles every time, no matter how much stuff I slather on for protection. I liked the color the VersaSpa provides, olive-toned, not orange, but not the uneven and splotchy tan I received. (And note, I went in exfoliated and completely clean, so I did my best to be the perfect canvas.) I had a pretty dark, although uneven, tan for about two days before it quickly faded, leaving lingering brown marks behind. I don’t suggest Versa Spa. It’s completely possible that I’ve had a few, unusual, bad experiences, but I think it’s much better (unfortunately more expensive, though) to be airbrushed by a human, rather than a machine. For those who love the spray tan, perhaps try VersaSpa and see what you think. It does have its benefits. For starters, you can breathe in the machine, unlike in the Mystic Tan booth. You have extra options, like adding a moisturizer or anti-aging boost—you pay extra, of course. And there’s a drying segment, where blow-dryers make a pass up and down the machine to dry your body off from the wet tanning solution. I say, try it for yourself and see how it works for you, but if you don’t have time to deal with Cheeto fingers for a few days, skip the VersaSpa and try something else. I suggest Xen-Tan that we’ve blogged about before or a personal airbrush experience, like the one Jennifer mentioned. If anyone has an opinion on the subject, please join in the conversation and let us know what you think!

*UPDATE: Our Nightlife gal, Kyle Kearbey, says she prefers Mystic Tan to VersaSpa, and she usually has a lovely tan.

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Get Some Time with an A-List Makeup Artist

Kyriaki Savrani, A-list makeup artist, will be in town Thursday to help us Dallas gals further perfect our faces. Dallas is one of only 10 cities on Kyriaki’s tour around the country, so take advantage. Kyriaki has worked with Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Christian Dior, Karl Lagerfield—you get the point—and now she’s willing to sit down with us regular folk to hand out pointers and consultations at the Neiman Marcus Clé de Peau Beauté counter in Northpark Center. Appointments are available from 10 am through 6 pm, but call now to reserve your spot. 214-363-8311, ext. 2106

*Update: Kyriaki is actually in town this year for the Dallas Film Festival, not as part of a tour.

Beauty on a Budget: Tips From Vi.sion Studio

Recently I ran out of everything–tinted moisturizer, loose powder, all of my facial cleansers and serums, and hair products. As you can imagine, I’m scared for my life. If I had to buy all of that in one trip, I’d drop hundreds of dollars, so I’m squeezing every last drop out of every container. Like you, I’m looking for ways to be frugal, so when I got these tips from Vi.sion Studio, a local company full of hair and makeup experts (they do special events such as weddings, as well as teach classes and offer their own makeup line), I had to share. (more…)

Good Tips From Skincare Expert Renee Rouleau

Yes, we write about Renee Rouleau a lot. But we can’t help it, because she’s one of the top skincare experts in town–and she’s always sending us good scoop. In today’s newsletter, she shares tips for how to care for your skin while exercising. I mean, haven’t you always wondered why those girls at the gym work out in full makeup? I’ve always thought that was a breakout waiting to happen. (Renee does too.) While you’re on her web site, check out other useful information about how to care for your skin. Personally, I took to heart Renee’s “prescription” for my skin, and I’ve never been happier with my complexion.