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Hand Cream Award: Golden Gloves

I have a new hand cream crush. Now, I call it a “crush” because my infatuation with a hand cream is almost always temporary. I rarely find one to which I feel I can make a long-term commitment. And I think we’re all looking for the same thing in a hand cream, right? Super hydrating. Not greasy. Clean scent. So here’s a winner: Golden Gloves by Billy Jealousy, a men’s beauty line. Or, because men hate thinking they’re involved with any sort of beauty product, we’ll say “grooming line.” The scent is subtle, the formula moisturizing, and there’s no greasy aftermath. Places to purchase are plentiful, including but not limited to Barneys, Face Salon, ZaSpa, and Nordstrom at NorthPark. For more, go here.

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.)
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I’m in Love With My Xtreme Lash Extensions by Michelle Vi

My lashes before...

...and after.

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Friday Giveaway: His and Her Burberry 2009 Special Editions Perfumes

For her, eau de parfum, for him, eau de toilette, but they’re both housed in beautiful Burberry limited edition bottles with glossy fabrics in metallic with a hint of pink and charcoal. (So they’ll look good next to each other on the dresser.) The scents are a “glamorous and festive variation of the classic London line.” Both contain similar notes to the original scents. For women, you’ll find notes of pink pepper, two different roses, cyclamen, and lily of the valley, with a woody, musky feel. For men, you’ll notice lemon, green pineapple, blackcurrant buds, plum, lavender, and woody notes. His-and-her fashion statements are usually pretty lame—think matching tracksuits—unless it’s his and her houses (like Diane von Furstenberg, which is brilliant), but with scents, it’s sexy, right? These two hit shelves this month and cost $84 for her and $70 for him. Fill out the form and good luck.

*Update: Congrats Matt!

Twist on Consignment Shopping: The Ultimate Exchange

I think I like this concept. It’s a little complicated, so I’m going to do less talking and let you read it for yourselves, but here’s the general idea: consign or donate your designer label clothing then shop other’s designer clothing for serious discounts at scheduled shopping events. Interesting, right? Check it the Dallas company at www.theultimateexchange.com.

Trick or Treat Happy Hour and Spa Goodies The Ritz-Carlton Spa

For the first 75 people who reserve a spot, the spa at the Ritz will offer a free happy hour Halloween event, which will include complimentary mini-margaritas, guacamole, gelato, chair massages, make-up consultations, trick-or-treat bags with spa and salon samples, and a 25 percent discount on retail purchases and treatments booked during the evening. We’ve been to these Ritz spa events before, and we’ve told you we love them. They’re worth your while for an hour or two during the week. Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 pm. Ritz-Carlton Spa.

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.

Friday Giveaway: NaluWaver

This is the greatest hair tool I’ve ever used in my life. Ever. I love it so much that I got in touch with the media relations person the day after I first used to see if I could get one to give away to one of you. The good news is she said yes. So I present this to you, ShopTalkers: The Nalu Waver, which as you can probably guess is for making waves. (The good kind—in your hair.) Nalu, is Hawaiian for wave, by the way, which is guess means the name is a bit redundant: wave waver. I digress. This iron looks like a double-barreled curling iron, but without a clamp. It heats up instantly and lets you choose the temperature, but it makes it easy for you by giving you hair texture options: thin, normal, thick, and coarse. To use, basically, you put a glove on the hand handling the hair (rather than the one holding the tool) and you wrap figure-eights with your hair around the barrels. Sounds complicated, but practice for five minutes, and it’s a piece of cake. I must also tell you this: I am hair-challenged. Big time. Like, I can barely use a flat iron correctly. Seriously. But I spent 20 minutes with this bad boy, and I had an amazing head full of serious waves that lasted through the morning, through the day, through the evening, through drinks at the bar, and remnants were left over the following morning. So, trust me, you want one. Fill out the form here to enter, and good luck! NaluWaver, $179.99 by R Session Tools. We’re giving away one. Picture by Sean Cunningham, borrowed from Harper’s Bazzar. NaluWaver pictured after the jump.

Update: Congratulations Amanda!

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Minx It Up at Polished in Plano

As of Oct. 15, Polished nail salon, to whom we’ve given a D Beauty award, is also offering Minx. Prices are $55 for nails and $65 for toes, but if you’re a Polished member, you’ll pay $47 and $55 instead.
Thanks, Margaret!

Friday Giveaway: Halloween Treats by Philosophy and MAC

Get in the spirit. The ghostly kind. The best holiday of the year is here, and we’re honoring it with a festive giveaway of spooky-inspired beauty supplies. We’ll start you off at bath time with Philosophy’s Haunted House set. You’ll get three 3-in-1 multitasking shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath bottles in three scents: black licorice, caramel apple, and pumpkin spice muffin. (So, shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath in one, but you’ll get the product in three difference flavors. Make sense?) They’re rich and foamy, and the fun scents are a vacation from the usual. Don’t forget not to eat it. Then get prepared for your chilling night out with Cinderfella eye shadow (get it wet for a to-die-for smoky eye), Greasepaint stick in black (with a hint of gorgeous purple glitter), Glimmerglass in Blackfire (a sheer black gloss with violet glitter—as beautiful on as in the tube), a creamy black Glimmerglass gloss in Blackware, and Midnight Media (an almost matte Mattene Lipstick in jet black), all part of MAC’s limited edition Style Black collection. So, three bath products and five MAC products. All treats here, no tricks. Fill out the form to enter. Good luck. To purchase your own, go here for Philosophy and here for MAC.

*Update: Congratulations Kileen!

Minx It Up at Troy Richard Salon

I told you you can get it here. Minx (as seen on Lady Gaga’s nails left)  is now being offered at Troy Richard Salon in Frisco, too. Prices for nails will be $45-47 (depending on your choice of a metallic or pattern set) and $52-57 for toes. The Minx application was similarly priced at Annice Spa Studio for $45 per fingernail application. Troy Richard Salon. 214-618-8071 or www.troyrichardsalon.com. Follow the jump to see Minx on nails and toes.

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American Apparel Open Call Model Search this Weekend

American Apparel is looking for models for print ads, online, photo shoots and artistic projects – which currently appear in 20 countries worldwide. If you have the figure to flaunt the brand’s daring duds and have always dreamed of gracing the pages of glossy magazine’s, now’s your chance. Stop by the open call this Saturday, October 17th from 1pm to 3pm at the Mockingbird Station location. Get more details here.

What Does the Color of your Eyeglasses Say About You?

Find out at Occhiali Modern Optics‘ Evening of Color event. So far, here’s what they say: red = outgoing, vigorous, impulsive, blue = wise, conscientious, self controlled, purple = unconventional, witty sensitive, and black = mysterious, dignified, and impressive. (I think black could just mean that you’re either a) boring or b) unaware that frames in color are cool.) If this isn’t enough, you can have your color read by aura Tarot reader Nattacia Zeviar. If you’re still not feeling the vibe, sip on a moodtini chosen to match your mood. Alain Mikli’s colorful and unique eyeglasses will be the star of the night’s events with a Alain Mikli trunk show. While you’re in the store, you can choose some eyewear in fun hues and receive 20 percent off your purchase. The event is free. For info, call 214-368-2777. Thursday, Oct. 15. 6 pm to 8:30 pm. Occhiali Modern Optics, Preston Center Plaza. 8304 Preston Center Plaza Drive, University Park. Now we’ve got sunglasses and eyeglasses covered.

*I clearly should have checked our own blog. Sorry, Rhonda.

Scent Selection: Flora by Gucci

This new(ish) scent from Gucci is delightful and feminine. Notes include rose, osmanthus flowers, peony, sandalwood, and patchouli, which Gucci describes as being “sensual and sophisticated” and “sexy” and “youthful.” I immediately think of “lovely,” which I suppose is what Sarah Jessica Parker wants you to think when you smell her perfume, but I think it with this one, too. The simple octagonal bottle with black ribbon tie is as clean as the scent, both inspired by Gucci’s classic Flora print, originally designed as a scarf for Princess Grace of Monaco in 1966. You can find the print on the inside of the perfume box. $52 for the 1 oz. bottle at most department stores.

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.

Shop for the Cure: En Pointe Skin Solutions

Founder Dr. Christine Rodgers (surgeon to be exact) is actually a breast cancer survivor herself. Her experience, in fact, is what led her to create En Pointe Skin Solutions. Her products aim to combat the damaging effects of cancer, chemo, and stress on the skin. But this line isn’t for cancer patients and survivors only. The line targets everyday damage, too, with a collection of gentle and clarifying cleansers and toners, eye cream, microderm scrub, serums, and a moisturizer. All products are free of parabens, phthalates, phyto-estrogens, soys, and sulfates. This month 10 percent of every purchase will be donated to Cancer and Careers, a nonprofit which supports working women with cancer. I have had the opportunity to test out the Balancé Clarifying Cleanser and Pirouette Bamboo Microderm. Both feel good, smell fresh, and leave my skin feeling fresh, clean, and a little livelier. To check out the line go to www.empoweryourskin.com. You can sample a trio of products for FREE by signing up on the website here.

Friday Giveaway: Renée Rouleau Mint Buffing Beads

In honor of the grand opening of the Dallas Center for Performing Arts, Renée has given us a bunch of her Mint Buffing Beads to give away to you. You know how we feel about Renée Rouleau’s products by now, but I can tell you that this exfoliator, specifically, is great. The formula has a fine, grainy feel, but the beads are spherical to prevent tiny nicks in the skin’s surface. It also includes Vitamin K for capillary repair, and peppermint oil to reinvigorate the skin. I love using it twice a week after removing makeup and washing my face and following with my regular serum/moisturizer routine. Through Oct. 18, Renee is offering a special facial to commemorate the Grand Opening, too. (For details, see after the jump.) You know the drill: the fill out the form, good luck, all that jazz. There will be 14 winners.

*Update: Congratulations to our 14 winners!

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Polish Pick: Orbis Non Sufficit

This polish is new from Rescue Beauty Lounge and part of the blogger polish collection, which I mentioned before. Now that I’ve gotten my hands on this bottle, or rather this bottle on my hands, I can tell you it’s a beauty. I’ve been on a mad hunt for a gem of a green, and I haven’t been able to find one fall-ish enough. The No More War, though I loved it, was a bit too baby-poop-ish. The Here Today Aragon Tomorrow, part of the new España collection from OPI, was slightly too black. This green, as Goldilocks would say, is just right. Get your Orbis Non Sufficit from Rescue Beauty here. $18. Follow to jump to see the color on fingernail. (more…)

Estée Lauder’s New 5-Tone Shimmer Powder

I’ve got a thing for these highlighting palettes because they’re such multitaskers. I rarely wear the same product on a consistent basis, because I’m always trying new things and wanting to wear new colors, but I’ve been using Estée’s 5-Tone Shimmer Powder in “Pink Shimmer” for almost three weeks almost every day. That’s a big deal for me. On cheeks it gives you a radiant flush in a sweet pink color. You can apply tons of it, and this silky pearl formula won’t make you look like a glitter ball. On eyes it’s a beautiful brow highlighter. Estée even suggests wearing it as a highlighter for shoulders and décolletage. Get this $36 treasure at any Estée Lauder counter. (And by the way, this image doesn’t do it justice. It’s much prettier in person.)

Shop for the Cure: Sanítas Skincare PeptiDerm Eye Treatment

Sanítas is a line created in Boulder, made by pharmacists. PeptiDerm Eye Treatment is formulated to target the signs of aging around the eyes. Key ingredients in the treatment include Acetyl Glutamyl, which relaxes the muscles around the eyes, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Oligopeptide to stimulate collagen and elastin growth, and Red Algae, which serves an anti-inflammatory to decrease eye puffiness. I haven’t tried this line yet myself, but I can’t think of a better time to try an eye cream than right now, during the month of October. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the line is donating a portion of all the proceeds from this particular product to Sense of Security, a Colorado charity, which helps breast cancer patients who are in financial need. I think the real anti-aging will come from knowing you’re helping someone else, but it surely can’t hurt to undo your crows’ feet while you’re at it. Grab one at Bella Vita Rejuvenation Center or Luxury on Lovers.

To do more shopping for the cure, check out our gift guide.

Dallas Bag Designer Bobby Schandra Unleashes His Fall Collection Online

The new arrivals feature gorgeous bags like the Faux Croc Hobo in purple (delicious!), the Animal Print Square Tote, and the eelskin bags, one featured left in brown. What better way to support local designers than by toting a beautiful bag around town? Go to AccessorySnob.com for discounted prices on even the newest styles. And if you’re not looking for a bag, check out the jewelry, like the fun purple cocktail ring and oversized watches after the jump. (more…)

The Soy of Life Skincare Line Nurtures Naturally

We drink soy milk and burn soy candles so why not use it on our skin? Sound weird? Maybe. But doesn’t anything new sound weird at first? Microwaves? The internet? Rotating mascara? It never hurts to give something innovative a try. The folks at The Soy of Life, a skin care company that offers products chock full of vitamin E-rich soy, some of the world’s finest botanicals, and therapeutic grade essential oils, truly believe in the regenerating and rejuvenating properties of these natural ingredients. I like their Grace Your Face cleanser and toner ($25 for a 4 oz. bottle). Not only do I save money buying just one product instead of two but it removes make-up, dirt and oil while improving skin’s health and appearance. And since it is concentrated it will last a long time; you’ll only need 2-3 drops per use. So get into The Soy of Life groove and, as they say, nurture with nature.

NYLO Hosts Makeup & Martinis Thursday Night

Interested in grabbing a drink after work? Already have a girls’ happy hour planned? Why not shake (or stir) it up and take it over to Plano’s NYLO hotel for Dior-tinis and Christian Dior cosmetics? The hotel is hosting the Dior makeup artist team for a night of makeup tips and sips. You can shop the cosmetic collection and even get some one-on-one time with an artist. To book an appointment with an artist, RSVP to Lindsey Murphy at 972-963-9091. Otherwise, we’ll see you there. Thursday, Oct. 1 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Drive-Through Renée Rouleau Gift Bag Service Today!, Ctd.

And looks who’s handing out said gift bags! I heart Renee Rouleau indeed.

Going, Going, Gone: Prescriptives

Estée Lauder has announced that the Prescriptives line is coming to an end. It’s a money thing, of course, but we must pay tribute. Prescriptives was launched in 1979 in large part by Estée Lauder’s Sylvie Chantecaille, now founder of the Chantecaille line. We had the pleasure of interviewing her last week about her personal line, but she did talk a bit about the birth of Prescriptives. Sylvie described the pre-Prescriptives makeup looks and companies as big, bold, and a bit obnoxious. Prescriptives, she decided, would exist to cater to the intelligent, modern (and a little hippie-ish) woman who wanted to wear makeup, but wanted it to look natural. The line became a pioneer for personalized foundation colors and makeup with a skincare emphasis. For me, Prescriptives holds some fond personal memories. When I first starting wearing makeup, my mom took me to the Prescriptives counter in our mall for my first set of quality cosmetics: shadow, foundation, and gloss. I still have the shadow case as a souvenier of that moment. (It’s probably time to throw it out, I know.) I told Prescriptives’ wonderful public relations person this story, and she told me she’s continually heard stories like this from editors. Prescriptives, you will be missed! Counters will disappear by January 2010. Go to prescriptives.com to stock up on favorites. Oh, and Calyx lovers, don’t worry. The perfume will still be sold at department store perfume counters and online.

ShopTalkers, any personal Prescriptives favorites?