ShopTalk » Beauty

This Camera Will Make You Pretty

Rhonda Reinhart — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:08:12 +0000

Or maybe just blurry. Hard to say. But after reading about the Casio EX-Z300 in the January issue of Allure, I’m willing to give it a try. With Casio’s new Make-Up Function, you can instantly touch up your photos with the push of a button. The feature is supposed to erase shininess, blemishes, dark circles, brown spots, and other skin problems. But based on the before and after pictures Allure ran, it looks like the Make-Up Function might just blur the photo so much, you can’t tell if faces are blemished or not. Either way, Casio, I like where your head’s at. Now maybe you can work on a Slim-Down Function. If you can make me look skinny, I’ll love you forever.

Lady Looks From Decades Past

Rhonda Reinhart — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:46:53 +0000

Over on Jezebel, they’ve been posting pictures from the Life (and Time) magazine photo archives featuring women from various decades. They started with the 1930s and have now reached the 1980s, my personal favorite. Looking back on Brooke Shields’ eyebrows (see left), the Golden Girls’ shoulder pads, and Jamie Lee Curtis’ swimsuit and pantyhose combo, I remember the ’80s like they were yesterday, but at the same time, the people in the pictures look like they’re from another planet. Really, Joan Rivers, really?!? And Patti Labelle? I don’t even have words to describe that hair. Only one image from the whole bunch made me miss those days: the picture of Madonna from 1984. Remember when she didn’t seem so scary? Come back, ’80s Madonna, all is forgiven!

Still on the Hunt for the Perfect Red…

Kristin Hull — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:22:25 +0000

At one of our recent photo shoots we were discussing how hard it is to find the perfect red lipstick. One of the MAC make-up artists who was doing the make-up for the shoot said she had one for me to try called Rapturous. The problem is, like Katie discussed in a previous blog, reds always end up looking pink against my fair yellow-toned skin. Plus, I alway feel I need to blot red lipstick because it is too bright on me - but I think that might be my problem. Maybe I’m just not used to wearing that much lipstick. It never looks like too much when I see someone else wearing it. At the shoot that day I felt ok wearing the red she gave me until we got outside. I was afraid I looked like a clown. Everyone told me it looked good but I still felt uncomfortable. Someone snapped a pic of me with it on. Let me know what you think…

New Scent: Diesel Fuel For Life Unlimited

Raya Ramsey — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:58:14 +0000

Diesel has launched its newest perfume, Diesel Fuel for Life Unlimited. I love the complicated mix of ingredients. It includes lemon, mandarin, pear, guava, licorice, aniseed, violet, tuberose, jasmine, Casablanca lilies, aloe, wet leaves, sandalwood, American cedar, musk, labdanum, and peach. At first spray, the perfume is fresh and fruity. As it warms up on the skin, you can smell it’s a woody-floral-musky combo. The press release describes Unlimited as “rebellious,” “feminine,” and an echo of the Roaring Twenties. With the combination of licorice core, violet, and musk, it’s easy to see why. To get your hands on the pretty bottle—wrapped in a sparkly brown net with gold chain—go to the Diesel store at NorthPark or to www.diesel.com.

20 Percent Off Spa Gift Cards

Rhonda Reinhart — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:34:26 +0000

Now through Christmas, gift cards are 20 percent off at U. Boutique & Med Spa in the Shops at Legacy. I’m pretty bad at math, but I think that means you can get a $100 gift card for 80 bucks. Stop by the spa or call 972-943-8633 to purchase the specially priced cards. Happy holidays indeed!

Martinis & Makeovers: Why Didn’t We Think of That?

Jennifer Chininis — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:31:09 +0000

Cheers to a girl’s two favorite things: getting her hair done and enjoying a cocktail with girlfriends. (Throw in some diamonds and we may just pass out.) Now you can do both–for less–at RA Sushi in Shops at Legacy. The first 25 guests to order one of RA’s new signature martinis–try the Bruce Lee-Chee, Mount Saint Melons, or Chai One On–between 5 and 7 pm on Mondays in January will be blessed with a $20 gift card to the new Avalon Salon, redeemable for any product or service.

Wave Goodbye To Flabby Arms

Rhonda Reinhart — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:00:16 +0000

While perusing the L.A. Times fashion blog, I came across this ingenious undergarment. It’s a girdle. For your arms. I’m serious.

Hello, Botox! Let’s Party!

Rhonda Reinhart — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:40:35 +0000

The New You Aesthetic Medicine med-spa wants you to be line-free this holiday season. Our no-wrinkle-having intern Christine Sracic has the goods:

I truly had to do a double take when I was informed of the following: The New You Aesthetic Medicine med-spa is hosting an all-day Botox and filler party December 23—and the Botox is only $10 per unit! Now, I’m still a ripe 23 years old, but one of my sisters (the dermatologist) insists that I have expression lines that could use a filling or two. (I agree. She’s nuts.) Even if I’m not ready just yet, this deal is just too good for you to pass up. Aside from the $10 Botox, it’s $100 off all Juvederm and Restylane as well. Deposits of $100 are required. Reserve your spot early—it lasts from 9:30 am to 8 pm. Now there’s no need to fret over all those Christmas-morning photos.

Thanks for the tip, Christine! Now, if only I could remember 23…

Mix Your Own MAC Nail Polish

Rhonda Reinhart — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:26:33 +0000

Sure, you probably already knew that MAC pigment (pictured here in Mauvement) is a multipurpose product. Use it on eyes as a glittery shadow, for instance. Or sweep across cheeks for a splash of color. But did you know you can use it to make your own nail polish? Well, I didn’t. And Katie didn’t either. So when a couple of MAC makeup artists told us this amazing news (to us, anyway), we just had to try it. Luckily, the experiment was a success! Just mix a little bit of the powder into a bottle of clear polish, and voilà—you get a brand-new shade that nobody else has. And it just so happens to match your eye shadow perfectly!

Drink to your Health….or Skin!

Jamie Laubhan-Oliver — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:21:32 +0000

While I was out Christmas shopping this weekend, I saw a huge display at Neiman Marcus for the Glowelle Beauty Drink. The drink is packed with antioxidants and vitamins and claims to nourish and hydrate the skin from the inside out. Today, I got my 7-day supply of the Pomegranate Lychee flavor. Can’t wait to see the results. I will fill you in next week.

If you want to try it out with me, you can get yours at Neiman Marcus stores. A seven-day supply is $40.

Love Your Lashes With neuLash

Jennifer Chininis — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:54:32 +0000

Actually, that statement might be a bit premature. But I do hope in three to eight weeks I can say it’s true. I just got a sample of neuLash, an ophthalmologist-tested “active eyelash technology” that promises fuller, healthier-looking lashes, thanks to a magic mix of essential proteins, vitamins, and moisturizers that fight the effects of that darned eyelash curler and mascara. It’s so easy to apply–just once across the lash line at night, before you go to bed. There’s absolutely no irritation. If you can’t wait to see if it works for me, neuLash is now available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $150.

A Gift For the Well-Groomed

Rhonda Reinhart — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:46:37 +0000

If you didn’t win the Kiehl’s gift set Jennifer gave away earlier this week, my condolences. But if you’re still in the market for a grooming-related guy’s gift, check out this kit from Anthony Logistics. The handy travel case includes a glycolic face cleanser, face scrub, pre-shave oil, shave cream, after-shave balm, body scrub, and hand and body lotion—all in airline-approved travel sizes. This set is $60 at Nordstrom, but if you’re looking for something at a higher or lower price point, check out the store’s other Anthony Logistics For Men gift sets. There’s everything from a starter kit to a bursting-at-the-seams weekender package.

December Deals at Mokara Spa

Rhonda Reinhart — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:20:16 +0000

Don’t you just love the holidays? Everywhere you look it’s sale, sale, sale! In addition to the good deals going on at Zen right now, there are also some excellent promotions at Mokara. With the Let It Glow package, if you book any makeup application between now and December 31, you will receive a free Susan Posnick lip gloss valued at $24, as well as 10 percent off any retail purchase on the day of service. Then there’s the Let It Shine package: booking any blow dry between now and December 31 gets you a free Kerastase glossing treatment valued at $35, as well as the same 10 percent off deal as the other package. Each package comes with a complimentary glass of Champagne, and if you book both of them, you will receive 20 percent off your retail purchases. Jump for details on the spa’s 25 for $25 deal.

For the rest of the month, Mokara is offering 25 items each priced at $25. Each service will be sold as a gift certificate in a mini-holiday stocking and can be redeemed any time between now and March 1 of next year. Here’s the full list:

· 25 minute Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage
· 25 minute Chair Massage
· Anti-Ageing Eye & Lip Treatment
· Brow Tinting
· Celebrity Brow Shaping
· Conditioning Hair Treatment - Shine
· Conditioning Hair Treatment - Strengthening
· Clarifying Back Treatment
· Lash Extensions
· Lip & Brow Wax
· Make Up Lesson
· Men’s Haircut with junior stylist
· Mini Facial
· Mini Sugarplum Manicure
· Mini Microdermabrasion (one pass)
· Muscle Melting Mud Pack
· Oxygen Vitamin Blast
· Penetrating Paraffin Pack
· Polish Change + French (hands)
· Polish Change (feet)
· Secret Santa Mokara Gift Bag
· Shea Butter Hydration Treatment
· Smooth Contour Eye Treatment
· Style Out/Blow Dry with Junior Stylist
· Women’s Haircut with Junior Stylist

Holiday Promotions at Zen

Jennifer Chininis — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:49:45 +0000

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Especially when it’s a good deal on something you already love. Case in point: these holiday specials at Zen Luxury Nail & Beauty Bar in Frisco, our favorite spot for a relaxing pedi. (If only owner Mai would quit her silly day job so she could open up another Zen closer to where we live!) Anyway, for a full list of promotions, hang with me after the jump. But perhaps the most exciting is if you bring a friend with you (she must be new to the Zen experience) for a pedi, both of you get 20% off. I love it so much. Or you can get a $15 Starbucks gift card—while supplies last—when you buy a $100 gift certificate ore more to Zen.

Complimentary full haircut and style with your hair highlights or referrals. When you book for a full highlight hair service or refer two (2) new hair customers to ZEN, receive a complimentary haircut and style.
25% off acrylic services. We have the best skilled nail technicians in the DFW area. To prove it, we are offering an incentive of 25% off your Ultimate or Ultimate Heaven Acrylic Service (P&W/Solar, fill/set) when you package it together with our Eternal or Eternal Heaven pedicure service.
Free upgrade to Eternal Service. Receive an Eternal Upgrade with a purchase of an Ultimate Heaven Mani+Pedi Package. Come in during the week in December and receive a complimentary upgrade to our Eternal ZEN Pedicure with the purchase of an Ultimate Heaven Mani+Pedi package. (Save $15) (note: promotion not available on Saturday and Sunday.)
Free $15 Starbucks gift card. Receive a $15 Starbucks gift card with the purchase of a ZEN gift certificate of $100 or more. (While supplies last.)
20% off your pedicures. Bring a new ZEN customer to enjoy services from now until the end of 2008 and get 20% off both pedicures

Help for the Holidays

Jennifer Chininis — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:48:47 +0000

Yes, we are all pinching pennies this year, which isn’t very fun, if you ask me. But to help you during the holiday crunch, Pranaa in Plano is offering gift cards at 20% off (minimum purchase of $50). We’ve been up there for relaxing Ayurvedic therapies, including one that really helped Kristin Hull with her allergies and congestion! So if you know someone who’s into Ayurvedic medicine, or perhaps wants to try a yog class (there’s a studio at the spa), then a Pranaa gift card might be just the ticket.

Radiesse Wrinkle Filler Day

Rhonda Reinhart — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:38:45 +0000

Ellen Turner, M.D., at the DermLaser Institute of Dallas is apparently feeling generous this holiday season. Because on Friday, December 12 from 1-4 pm, she’s offering a deal on Radiesse, a wrinkle filler that restores fullness to the face by stimulating your body to produce its own natural collagen. On that Friday, when you buy one syringe of Radiesse, you’ll receive a second syringe at half price. And, on top of that, if you bring a friend, you can get an additional $50 off. So fill those lines, girls! And save some dough, too.

Holiday Spa Party at The Stoneleigh

Rhonda Reinhart — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:50:06 +0000

On Thursday from 5-8:30 pm, swing by The Spa at The Stoneleigh for a holiday party your skin will actually appreciate. The bash is being held in honor of a special holiday treatment called the Beyond Botox Facial. If you remember correctly, that’s the kind of thing that is right up my alley. Also making an appearance is Howard Kaminsky, co-author of Beyond Botox, a guide to keeping your skin looking sexy and ageless. Besides getting your book signed, you can also enjoy tasty treats and antioxidant cocktails, plus complimentary skin analysis and sample products and—my personal favorite—goody bags! RSVP to spareception@stoneleighhotel.com

UPDATE: Please note the change above. The party is on Thursday, December 4, not Wednesday. That means I can’t make it—I have a D Beauty event that night—so you guys have to go and tell me all about it!

Perfume-To-Go! Why Didn’t I Think of This?

Kristin Hull — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:44:04 +0000

When I received the new Happy Solid Perfume Pencils from Clinique, I was so excited that I immedialte ran to show them to Raya (she’s my fellow beauty product junkie). We wondered why no one had ever made them before because they are a brilliant idea. The gift set (available for $30 at Clinique counters nationwide in December) features three scents -”Wealth of Flowers,” “Hint of Citrus” and my personal favorite, “Happy.” They come with a special sharpener and the best part is that they won’t leak all over your purse like so many of those roller ball perfume bottles do. All three fragrances are fresh and light, and I’m a sucker for packing so I can’t help but love their bright, cheerful colors. They’re convenient and uncomplicated, and will fit into even the smallest purse. Put them on your wishlist for Santa, and buy them for every female you know. They (and you) will be grateful all year long!

Polish Pick: No More War

Raya Ramsey — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:58:17 +0000

When I first caught a glimpse of this Rescue Beauty Lounge color on the web, I knew I had to have it. When it came in the mail, I began polishing immediately. It has to be one of the most unusual nail colors in existence. Indoors, it’s mostly an olive-y green. In the sun, it becomes a brighter, more vivid olive with a yellowish-brown glow underneath. Sounds totally disgusting—and a few people told me it was—but mostly, it’s just different. I really like it, though. I think it’s a trendy fall color. What do you think? To purchase No More War, click here. To peruse the Lounge’s other colors, click here. (Image courtesy of All Lacquered Up.)

Re: Friday Giveaway

Jennifer Chininis — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:37:19 +0000

While I’m thrilled about the excitement over the Kiehl’s giveaway–it’s a good one, right?–I’m sad to say that if you placed your “entry” in the comments section, then I need you to send me an e-mail to enter “officially.” Some of you find this confusing, although I thought for sure the hyperlink in my name was a dead giveaway for how to e-mail me. So if you left a comment, please send me an e-mail today. I’ll extend the deadline so everyone gets a fair shot. Thanks, ladies (and gents)!

Essie Solves Messy

Kristin Hull — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:29:01 +0000

In a recent blog, I dicussed how much I love Sally Hansen’s product that makes my nails look buffed and clean within ten seconds. But now that winter is here and the holidays are coming I found myself wanting to paint my finger nails a dark red. However, last year when I tried that I learned that dark colors are very hard to apply. Even the smallest mistake is noticable and I tend to get the polish all over the skin around my nails. But this year will be different thanks to Essie’s Nail Corrector. This miracle-worker is basically a “pen” with polish remover in it. With a thin tip (and replacement tips included!) it is the perfect shape for getting right along the edges of the nails. I used it the other night and was told the next day that my manicure looked great. This product is quickly becoming my new BFF. Buy it for $14 at essie.com.

Friday Giveaway: Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Gift Set

Jennifer Chininis — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:31:45 +0000

God I love this job. We get the coolest stuff–and now we’re passing it on to you! Today I’m giving away a Kiehl’s Since 1851 Creme de Corps Gift Set with the Original Rich Nourishing Cream, Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish, Nurturing Body Washing Cream, Lip Balm #1, and a loofah. If you don’t win today–or you’d like to give this as a gift for Christmas–you can get it at Kiehl’s in Highland Park Village. You know what to do: send me an e-mail and I’ll notify the winner next week. Good luck!

P.S. We’ll be giving away a Kiehl’s men’s gift set the week after next. (We’ll go on hiatus next week because of the Thanksgiving holiday.)

The Perfect Mask!

Kristin Hull — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:19:05 +0000

No, this isn’t a late Halloween post. It’s a blog about the new 3Lab PerfectMask. However, it might be good to warn anyone in the area before you put it on because it’s kind of creepy in a Jason from the “Halloween” movies kind of way. In fact, I decided to scare my husband with it one night. And boy did it work. I laughed and laughed and laughed. He didn’t. (But he did say my skin was smoother after I took it off so I guess he wasn’t too mad at me.) Anyway, this is the easiest mask I’ve ever used. Just take it out of the package and place it on your face. They say it is “infused with Nano-Claire GY™, the world’s first bioengineered growth hormone.” Whatever it is, it’s supposed to help boost collagen, smooth lines and give you a glow. They come in packets of six ($120 at Barneys) so you can have a beauty night with your girlfriends and try them together. Then you can all go outside and terrorize the neighborhood, or get drunk and watch the Sex and the City movie.

ZO Skin Health Launch at Nordstrom November 22

Jennifer Chininis — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:56:26 +0000

Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi will be at Nordstrom NorthPark this Saturday from 10 am-5 pm promoting his new skincare line, ZO Skin Health. So what’s different about ZO, you ask? Well, Dr. Obagi doesn’t believe in moisturizers, because he thinks your skin becomes addicted to them, which causes them to “become lazy and slow down.” (Bad little skin cells.) Instead, his 11-product system uses the highest over-the-counter concentration of retinol–10 to 25 times higher–which attaches the body converts to retinoic acid, thereby stimulating collagen production. Or something like that. For a better explanation of this out-of-the-box thinking, you can visit with Obagi yourself and get your personal consultation. All you need to do is RSVP to 214-231-3900 x. 1417 by TODAY. The cost is $50, which can go toward purchase. Those who show up will receive a travel-size Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30 while supplies last.

Woo Hoo! Free Misa Nail Polish!

Kristin Hull — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:19:33 +0000

You may remember this blog where I told you how much I loved Misa nail polish for its staying-power and its fantastic colors. Well, the fine people at Misa Cosmetics wanted to do something special for ShopTalkers so they have graciously offered to send a FREE bottle of to you if you are willing to pay $3.25 for shipping! Just click on this link, pick out your color, and call them at 1-888-733-6472. Tell them you read about their offer on D Beauty’s ShopTalk blog. Thanks, Misa!

Lip Balm to the Rescue

Raya Ramsey — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:15:29 +0000

AIDS kills one child every minute, according to the YouthAIDS website. That’s an absolutely disturbing statistic. But in honor of World AIDS Day 2008, Kiehl’s is providing a way we can help. (And we’ll get beauty out of the deal, too.) During the month of December, 100 percent of the proceeds from the Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 will be donated to YouthAIDS, an organization whose mission is to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in young people around the world. So put it in your planner and on December 1 (Worlds AIDS Day), log on to the Kiehl’s website, and purchase a tube. It’s quick and painless, and it benefits an amazing cause.

Private Botox Party at Regimens November 18

Jennifer Chininis — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:38:33 +0000

Well, I guess it’s not-so private now that I’ve spilled the beans. But why keep a good thing to yourself? On Tuesday, November 18, from 6-8 pm, Regimens in West Village is shutting its doors to the GP to welcome Eterna Med Spa staff for Botox, massage, and giveaways. Eterna is offering a discount rate of $14/unit of Botox for this night only. You can also expect complimentary chair massages, cocktails, and a 20% discount on all merchandise. Only 20 spots are available, so make your reservation now at 214-520-9740. Regimens will charge your credit card $25 to reserve your spot, but that money will go toward your Tuesday night purchase.

Friday Giveaway: Nude

Jennifer Chininis — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:23:04 +0000

Yes, I know. It sounds racy. But, sadly, it’s pretty PG. Today I’m giving away the Nude Touch gift set–”the ultimate gift of eco luxury,” if you believe the PR hype. The set includes Cleansing Facial Oil, Age Defence Moisturizer, Miracle Mask, Replenishing Night Oil, and Advanced Eye Complex, and it’s available exclusively through Barneys. All of these come tucked inside a super-cool bag made of reclaimed seat belts–the sort of thing you want to hang on to long after you’ve used the products. But here’s the real kicker: this bad boy retails for $280. I’ll notify the winner next week. Ready, set, e-mail!

P.S. Congratulations to last week’s winner of the Soap & Glory swag, Kathy Sievert!

Get Skinny With Skineez

Kristin Hull — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:11:17 +0000

Well ok, they don’t promise you’ll get skinny but they do say that this line of “skincare wear” can reduce the appearance of cellulite, moisturize skin and even serve as a Spanx-type undergarment that will hold in all that jiggly stuff. Skineez comes in several styles to target your problem areas like the Thigh Slimmer and the Waist Slimmer. I’m not even going to try to explain the science behind the product but click on the link above to get the details on their web site. For best results, Skineez are supposed to be worn 8 hours a day for 6-8 weeks. I have been sleeping in mine and they are really comfortable. My skin feels surprisingly smooth when I take them off in the morning. They’re made well too - the top and bottom edges don’t curl up (which is one of my pet peeves - I can’t stand that) and they’re machine washable. The best part is that a portion of every item they sell “funds non-profit efforts to improve women’s health.” I give them a lot of credit for doing that. They certainly don’t have to and since they’re not some giant corporation (as far as I know) I’m sure they don’t have tons of money to throw around. So kudos to them! Skineez can be purchased at Macy’s or on their web site. Oh, and Vanessa Williams, Pink and Lisa Marie Presley wear them so they must be good! Right?

Stila to the Red Lipstick Rescue

Kristin Hull — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:09:19 +0000

After reading Katie’s blog yesterday I pulled out something I recently got from Stila. “Paint Your Pout Red” is a lip palette they’ve created that actually talks you through the red lip process. (Red lips are serious business.) Just press the button in the lid and a voice tells you what to do. I hear the hard part of finding the perfect red is that some people need a warm red, some a cool red and some a true red depending on your skin tone. That all sounds so complicated but this product gives you the opportunity to try all three and see which works best. And it’s not that any look bad, it’s just that they won’t all look like red on you. So you can use the other colors when you want a different shade. Plus, you’ll be the coolest kid on the block with a talking lip palette! Oh and don’t forget about this Stila online deal that I blogged about last week!