Fridays with Felicia: An intimate look behind the curtain as I share my favorite style/ beauty discoveries and ThisThatBeauty shenanigans from previous week.

(I visited HSN last week ======> full deets soon)

Let’s kick off “Fridays with Felicia” with you. Yes, YOU!

Hey girl! How you doin? How’s your skin? As you all know, I am absolutely positively obsessed with good skin care habits. I love pretty makeup as much as the next product hoarding Beauty Blogger but a solid skincare regiment is EVERYTHING. Six months ago, my passion and never ending holy grail quest for perfect skin prompted me to pen an epic post on my personal skincare philosophy.

While the article was a little long in the tooth (nearly 3000 words long to be exact) I think it did a lot of good. The post garnered 59 comments – a ThisThatBeauty record. In fact, your responses were so heartfelt and extensive that it lead to the creation of my current ongoing series on Hyperpigmentation which currently has nine articles.

So six months later, I am compelled to check in  with you. Yes YOU!  So many of you commented to say:

• “Thank you”
• “I’m going to take better care of my skin”
• “I’ll try committing to a solid skincare regiment”
• Etc.

It’s six months later and I am curious to hear where you are with yours! Have you stepped up your skin care game? Has you skin improved? Are you taking care of YOU?

Please do me a favor – If you commented when I originally posted the Hyperpigmentation/ skin care piece, please comment today and fill me in on how you’re doing. When I wrote that article six months ago, your comments really meant EVERYTHING to me. I want to know how you are progressing.  Also, your comments help me tailor content to meet your needs.

And because I practice what I preach….and pride myself on “don’t talk about it, be about it”…I will lead by example and provide an update since writing the post six months ago:

So to recap…here’s what my skin looked like about 8 months ago (no makeup):

Here’s what my skin looked like after about 2 months of following the regiment outlined in my ThisThatBeauty vs Hyperpigmentation post (no makeup):

And here’s what my skin looks like today…6 months after writing that epic post on skincare (no makeup…or maybe I’m pulling a Jessica Simpson — I think there’s a little stray smeared eye liner that I didn’t completely remove…but there is absolutely NO foundation in these pics).

Let me start by saying this….WOW! Those original pics are still so hard to look at. I cannot believe my skin was that bad. On top of that, I was astounded at how much my skin had improved in just 2 months on my regiment. Those products really kicked butt!!!

In looking at my skin today, its hard to believe I ever had any issues at all . As re-read  the regiment I posted back in March, while the principles remain the same, the actual products have changed since then. I currently use different cleansers, toners, serums, and masks. I still use the Evoclin foam to keep my acne at bay. I’ve rotated a few different hyperpigmentation treatment products in and out of my regiment over the last few months. Again, the products may have changed but my skin care principles remain the same…and that, in my opinion, is the most important take-away. Commit to a skin care regiment that is rooted in the fundamentals…and be consistent day to day. If your products work stick with them…naturally, as a beauty writer, I am constantly trying out new stuff. But I definitely recommend that you practice product loyalty…let ME be the guinea pig!

Please leave a comment and update me on how your skin is progressing!

PS: Look out for an equally EPIC hair story that’s in the works…

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This week I was invited to tour the soon to be completed, state of the art, new and improved beauty level at Lord & Taylor – 39th Street.  The space is still a bit raw so I had to wear a brightly colored hard hat that’s certain to protect me from falling debris

The event consisted of a guided tour of the finished and unfinished space. Beauty brands like Clinique, Lancome, Estee Lauder, Nars, Mario Badescu, Bobbi Brown, Clarins, and more presented some of the amazing new beauty innovations that we can expect from L&T once the beauty level is completely renovated. I hope I have the opportunity to get more one-on-one time with the brands but here are a few highlights:

Mario Badescu will have a counter at L&T. I am as pleased as punch to see the brand expand their retail outlets and get more exposure. A simple search of this site using the key words “Mario Badescu” will yield countless product reviews. Be on the look out for an upcoming piece from ThisThatBeauty Contributor Christene Carr. She recently visited Mario Badescu for her first facial EVER. If you’re a facial virgin, you will want to hear all about Christene’s experience.

Clinique’s skincare computer marries technology and beauty

Estee Lauder promises to help you find your perfect foundation match in two minutes in six different lights. Wondering what that crimson lip will look like in daylight vs office light vs candlelight?…Estee Lauder can help!

Lancome boasts that their new state of the art “Diagnos” machine will survey your skin’s texture, pore size, hydration level, and firmness and recommend the perfect products for your skin. I would love to give this a try and report back!

Lancome is also pleased to offer 10-day supplies of their foundation, which comes in 117 shades and 6 formulas. I’m no numbers cruncher but I like those figures!

Lastly for Lancome, the beauty counter at Lord & Taylor features a mascara bar that lets you try out various mascara wands. This is incredibly innovative…no more one size fits all disposable wands. Is the mascara performance not all about the BRUSH? Kudos Lancome!

Want more info on L&T’s new beauty department? Check the Twitter timeline for  #LTFACELIFT and see what your fav beauty bloggers are saying.

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In Fashion’s Night Out News, check out this Three Custom Color Specialists and Talbots collaboration…

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Beauty360.com is the online shopping destination for CVS/pharmacy’s prestige beauty retailer and carries coveted cosmetic brands including Vincent Longo, Paula Dorf, Laura Geller, Cargo and many more.  Through August 23^rd Beauty 360 is promoting an exclusive online makeup sale.  Save 20% on your favorite prestige makeup brands by entering the special code SIZZLE at checkout!  Click the following link for additional details and to start shopping: http://tinyurl.com/29n9rum

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“Find Your Fall Style” with Style Coach, Kim Johnson Gross of Chic Simple.

Sign up to receive daily style tips on how to revamp your wardrobes for fall. When signing up, members are entered to win $100 gift cards to Target to start fall shopping. Check out the campaign http://challenges.ivillage.com/fall-style

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If you love beauty apps as much as I do, iPhone users listen up! Give yourself a virtual makeover with Pur Minerals IPur Beauty iPhone application!

Pür Minerals now offers a commitment-free way to experiment with new looks..and who doesn’t love a good “try before you buy?”

Trying out a new look on the Pür Minerals app is simple and fun:

• TAKE: upload or use a model photo to start your makeover.
• APPLY: Click a product, select a shade and experience a Pür transformation. The customized algorithm will identify the facial co-ordinates for precise application. Don’t like your new look? You have the option of adjusting the facial co-ordinates, undo or start again.
• SHARE: Once the makeover is complete, the finished look can be shared through Facebook for a polished profile picture or send to a friend via email.
• BUY: Love your new look? iPür Beauty offers a direct link to Ulta.com to order products online or to find a location near you for an in-store purchase.

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Up and coming designer Eliza Starbuck of Bright Young Things pays tribute to Coco Chanel by offering a week long sale on her versatile take of the little black dress. You will recall that I participated in the Bright Young Things Style Challenge and modeled the dress of a thousand looks.

In honor of Gabrielle “CoCo” Chanel’s Birthday, The Bright Young Things LBD will be on sale for $150 (reg $185) through Wednesday, August 25  online at www.youbrightyoungthings.com.

Of the iconic CoCo Chanel, Eliza Starbuck says this:

“Coco Chanel was the most innovative designer of the 20th Century. She dared to wear and design clothes that challenged the social standards and gender roles of the times. She broke every rule and always looked amazing doing it. She was living proof that it’s not what you wear, but how you wear it that defines style. Fabulous, determined, and outspoken, Coco Chanel made an enormous impact on society and the way people dress. Happy Birthday, Mademoiselle Chanel”

Eliza Starbuck recently experienced an opportunity that most only dream of…and by “most” I mean “me”.

Find your sacred quiet place and savor this — Eliza Starbuck’s exclusive interview with CoCo Chanel. Here is the intro:

To celebrate, I thought I’d give her a ring. She doesn’t get out much these days, and most people seem to think she’s dead, but like Tupac and Elvis, she’s virtually immortal.

Read the complete interview here: http://www.youbrightyoungthings.com/2010/08/18/eliza-starbuck-celebrates-128-years-of-style-with-coco-chanel/

I love you all for reading my lil ol blog week after week!

xo,

Felicia

PS: Happy Birthday two of my bestest friends. We partied hard. Friendship is golden and I thank God for these gals!

We all love great beauty booty. You know the routine…you spend a little and get a LOT! Starting July 16 through August 1^st, During the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, the Cosmetic department provides their devoted beauty customers the opportunity to scoop up unique limited-edition items from a wide variety of brands, which are only available during this time.

This year, over 100 beauty brands are participating. Some highlights include MAC, Chanel, Juicy Couture, NARS, Kiehl’s, Laura Mercier, Marc Jacobs, Dior and Bobbi Brown.  As of July 16^th, the sale goes live and customers both in store and online can purchase the limited-edition Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives.

Bobbi Brown “Must Haves” Collection ($75; $150 value)

Bobbi created an exclusive collection with a 5 well pan eyeshadow palette, dual ended brush, full size lipstick, Lip gloss Everything Mascara, Caviar Ink Gel Liner and Liner Brush.

Laura Mercier Fall “On the Go” Collection ($65; $163 Value)

Laura Mercier created an exclusive set featuring a full size Long Lash Mascara, Double ended exclusive lip glace, split pan exclusive cheek color duo, double ended eye brush (smudge/angled eye color) and a luxurious cosmetic bag.

MAC Look in a Box in Frisky Girl, Miss Violet and Tawny One ($49.50; $87 Value)

M·A·C Look in a Box offers one perfect, complete makeup look. Fancy yourself a fabulous Frisky Girl, a vehement Miss Violet or a totally Tawny One. Simply follow the how-to guide therein, et voila! Simplicity without duplicity—three personalities any girl would want to try on. A gift for all those wanting to make a great look, easy.

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Anniversary Gift Set ($75)

Answering the prayers of Juicy girls everywhere, Juicy Couture created this keep-sake hat box filled with their signature fragrance, body cream and compact mirror.

Deborah Lippmann All That Jazz Set ($40; $54 value)

This collection, includes 3 fashion forward colors in Razzle Dazzle, Some Enchanted Evening & Lady Sings the Blues in a silver signature box.

Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash Set ($34; $58 Value)

This supersized version of Bliss’ Fabulous Foaming Face Wash is more than double the size of the original cult favorite.  This two-in-one exfoliating face wash and fresh, fruity cleanser contains rose hip extract, milk thistle, passionflower and chamomile in a non-stripping formula that’s clean but never squeaky.

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps with Pump ($70.00; $89 Value)

With this jumbo version of Kiehl’s cult-favorite all-over body moisturizer, you are sure to not run out of stock until next anniversary sale rolls around.

Anthony Logistics Glycolic Cleanser ($35 for 32.0 oz; $80.00 Value)

The #1-selling product from Anthony Logistics For Men is super-sized for a super value. Glycolic Cleanser helps fight the effects of premature aging by helping to erase fine lines and wrinkles. It leaves the skin smooth and fresh and ready for shaving.

Chanel Quator Boutons de Chanel ($65)

Shade combinations ranging from matte to frost to satin for multiple looks, contrasting or complementary. Apply dry for subtle shadowing. Slightly moistened applicator gives a more intense shade. Organic polymer derivatives ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity. Dermatologist tested.

Dior Ready-to-Wear Palette ($54)

A deluxe palette of Ready-to-Wear shades, straight from the runway! Palette includes four eyeshadows, two lip glosses, a blush, a three-tone bronzer and mini brush applicators.

Lancome 4 Piece Brush set with black and coral bag ($59; $133 Value)

PURE Scent Spray by pureDKNY ($42)

Be the first to experience the new PURE by pureDKNY before its available anywhere else. A drop of vanilla sourced from Africa, a drop of goodwill. A soft floral scent with a signature vanilla accord. pureDKNY supports local communities by taking small steps to help make a difference, pure and simple.

Estée Lauder Pure Color Gloss by Tom Pecheux ($18)

Four limited-edition shades by Tom Pecheux, world-renowned makeup artist and Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director. Tom chooses his favorite shades of the season—the colors he keeps in his personal tool kit and uses backstage at fashion shows and photo shoots. Pure Color is lip gloss with the power to light up your face. True Vision™ technology transforms ordinary color and makes it extraordinary. You’ll want them all.

Lancôme (Free Gift with any Lancôme purchase of $32.50; over $100.00 Value)

A must-have for any Lancôme addict.  Choose your basics, serum, color product and lip color encased in a stylish black tote emblazoned with a Parisian floral design.

Estée Lauder (Free Gift with any Estée Lauder purchase of $29.50; $110.00 Value)

Be rewarded for any Estée Lauder purchase during the Anniversary Sale with this delightful gift containing an assortment of must-have products.

La Prairie Anniversary gift with purchase (Free Gift with any La Prairie purchase of $300; $120 Value)

Enjoy a luxurious gift of La Prairie essentials including samples of Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream, Anti-Aging Anti-Wrinkle Line filler, Cellular Cleansing Water & Cellular Hand Cream in a coveted La Prairie signature weaved bag.

This spring Estée Lauder has collaborated with American fashion designer Michael Kors to bring out the Very Hollywood collection, inspired by the glamorous world of Hollywood.

“The inspiration for the Estée Lauder Michael Kors Very Hollywood Color Collection is iconic Hollywood glamour, both past and present, interpreted for everyday life,” Michael Kors explained. The look reflects the timeless beauty of the Estée Lauder company and Kor’s modern fashion style, resulting in a contemporary American beauty image.

There are two key looks in the collection:
Bel Air Beige: a colour palette consisting of beige and coral tones with a sexy smoky eye and shimmery peach lips and cheeks
Rodeo Pink: a defined eye with vibrant raspberry tones of bright, bold lips and cheeks

Flawless skin with a satiny finish is important for both looks. A modern, classic colour palette that reflects the glamour of Hollywood. Lips shine in honey blondes or rose pinks while sparkling gold, beige, peach, vivid raspberry and coral tones make up the rest of the colour wheel.

Products in the collection:

• Shimmery Loose Powder: a lightweight shimmer powder to highlight eyes and cheeks
• Blush: Two new shades for cheeks in Sunset Coral and Sunset Pink
• Eyeshadow Duo: Arrives in Blonde Mink and Night Star
• Eye Pencil: One in Sepia and one in Film Noir
• Lip Sheen SPF15: Five limited-edition lip colours in Honey Blonde, Starlet Peach, Bungalow Pink, Starlet Rose and Hollywood Gold
• Lip Gloss: Five new lipglosses arriving in the same shades as the lipsticks
• Nail Lacquer: Comes in Hollywood Gold and Bungalow Pink

Today’s ThisThatBeauty Approved Holiday Gift Guide is for the Fragrance-nista on your gift list. She’s the gal who knows here top notes from her base notes. She’s a collector of fine fragrances. She loves to tastefully fill a room with her intoxicating aroma du jour. She’s a Fragrance-nista and darn proud of it! If you are in need of suggestions for the Fragrance-nista in your life, check out the:

ThisThatBeauty Approved Holiday Gift Guide: For the Fragrance-nista

Thierry Mugler Alien – $50 (1 fl oz)

Treat your BFF to an effervescent and enigmatic fragrance that she is sure to enjoy.  Alien is a floral, amber, woody composition that is luxuriously packaged in a sparkling violet talisman bottle. Tangerine essence unleashes an illuminating freshness. Jasmine Grandiflorum from Morocco is the core fragrance note. Lastly, Alien captures the timeless modernity of white amber and the mysterious sensuality of Kashmir wood. Divine!

girlie by debraRODMAN – $98 (1.7fl oz)

I love recommending products that go off the beaten path. girlie by debraRODMAN is a newly launched indie fragrance. The scent embodies a modern take on what it means to be girlie. The fragrance presents a provocative look at the eternal feminine state of being girlie. The bouquet is tough and tender, sweet and sexy, carefree and coquettish. girlie represents the freedom to decide.  “Each layer of scent has been carefully fused to paint the impression of a woman who equally loves her femininity as her edge, her seduction as her independence, her sexiness as her innocence”. girlie embraces all that is modern yet classic with the infusion of ancient ingredients with dark and mystical tones to evoke energy and mystery.

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Clove Buds
• Heart Notes: Turkish Rose, Egyptian Jasmine and Chinese Magnolia
• Base Notes: Oud, Benjoin, Labdanum, Myrrh, Amber Musk, Vanilla

girlie is available exclusively at www.girliebydebrarodman.com.  Half of all sales will be donated to benefit the children who are attending the Man-Rod Academy in Lamu, Kenya which Debra Rodman herself founded last year.

Demeter 1/2 oz Cologne Purse Sprays – $10

These adorable little whimsical purse sprays are great for gifting. They are simple, subtle, singular scents that are perfect for travel, the gym, or a pick-me-up spritz anytime anywhere! With over 200 fragrances to choose from you are certain to find something that is perfect for the bella on your holiday list. Demeter Purse Sprays are 95% natural and contain no artificial colors. Reach for fun scents like Saguaro Cactus, Laundromat, Pure Soap, Vanilla Cake Batter, Pomegranate…the list goes on and on.

Crazy Sticks – $18

Why limit yourself to spray fragrance? Try a solid! Crazy Stick is a solid perfume that can be worn anywhere and is perfect for the lady on your list who travels a lot. Crazy Sticks are airport friendly and come in a zillion scents. OK, not quite a zillion but check the website (English version) for the complete run down on the many yummy scents available! Crazy Sticks also available via amazon)

Love Etc. – $24 (1 fl oz)

Love Etc. is s unique blend of jasmine, sandalwood, and vanilla. It is the world’s first perfume to feature an alcohol that is fairly traded and organically sourced from sugar cane farmers in Ecuador. Love Etc. also comes in a body wash and body lotion. Gift give all three to enhance the Love Etc experience!

Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne – $155 (1 fl oz)

This delicate fragrance is composed of seven different types of roses from all around the globe. Jo Malone Red Roses is both clean and voluptuous with a heart of crushed violet leaves and hints of lemon and spearmint. The intoxicating blend unfolds like a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers. Wearing Jo Malone Red Roses is like receiving beautiful roses everyday!

In observation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month I am continuing my month long coverage of brands, organizations, and people doing their part to promote breast health.

Elizabeth Hurley has represented Estee Lauder as a Spokesmodel for the past 14 years. For the past nine years, she has traveled the world with Evelyn Lauder to raise awareness for breast health on behalf of the Estee Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign.

The Elizabeth Hurley Lip Design Collection is created to honor Elizabeth’s efforts and raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The collection, which is housed is a beautiful pink case, includes Elizabeth Pink lipstick, lip liner, and a gorgeous lip gloss.

The Elizabeth Hurley Lip Design Collection is available at all Estee Lauder counters in the US and Puerto Rico and at www.esteelauder.com

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month I will use ThisThatBeauty to highlight organizations, events, products, and individuals committed to raising breast health awareness. First up is a brand that is very near and dear to my heart, Estee Lauder.

In 1992, Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President of The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.,(pictured right) co-created the Pink Ribbon with SELF magazine. Today, the Pink Ribbon has become the worldwide symbol for breast health. The Pink Ribbon was originally designed in a demure shade of pale pink, but in 2003 the ribbon was revamped and changed to the attention grabbing HOT PINK we all know today:)

Estee Lauder’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign is dedicated to raising awareness and spreading the message that the early detection of breast cancer is key! As Founder and Chairman of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), Evelyn Lauder ‘s commitment runs deep. She began the foundation in 1993 to address the critical the lack of funding for coordinated translational research, especially clinical research for breast cancer.  A minimum of 85 cents of every dollar donated to the BCRF goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs. To date, the BCRF has raised over $250 million dollars!

Fifteen of Estee Lauder Comapnies’ brands offer pink products:

• Aveda
• Bobbi Brown
• Bumble and bumble
• Clinique
• Darphin
• DKNY
• Donna Karan
• Estee Lauder
• Jo Malone
• Lab Series Skincare for Men
• La Mer
• Origins
• Ojon
• Prescriptives
• Sean John Fragrances

Pink products are sold in support of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation which funds worldwide research. Over the course of the month, ThisThatBeauty will feature Estee Lauder’s Pink Products. Please think PINK and support  continued breast cancer research and awareness.

When asked the ultimate goal of the BCRF, Evelyn Lauder responded:

Our goal is to rid breast cancer from the world and put The Breast Research Foundation out of business.

Well Mrs. Lauder, we’re all behind you 100%!

When it comes to peddling posh beauty products, I imagine that it’s a constant hustle for brands to Keep It Real/Relevant while maintaining and growing their customer base. 

Well looky here! Ol Estee Lauder is working overtime to “Keep it Real/Relevant”.  Just about every brand in my makeup arsenal offers some form of cream shadow base/primer. So it is very refreshing to see Estee Lauder, an iconic cosmetics powerhouse, take the leap.  As you know, EL owns a slew of beauty brands…the list goes on and on but I’ll just note a few - 

• MAC
• Bobbi Brown
• Prescriptives
• Aveda

I specifically listed MAC because EL’s eyeshadow base bears a striking resemblance to MAC’s Paint Pot. Perhaps EL dipped into the ol Paint Pot formula vat and decided to create a few demure EL customer-friendly shades. Well regardless of how the EL eyeshadow base came to be, I’m happy to see EL trying something new and “Keeping it Real/Relevant”.

ThisThatBeauty Babes -

Have you tried Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place EyeShadow base? If so, what’s the verdict?

Leave a comment. I want to hear your thoughts!

PS: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place ShadowStick bears an uncanny resemblance to MAC Shadestick. I’m not saying, but I’m just saying…

MAC Shadestick

Estee Lauder ShadowStick

Same stick, different packaging? Yep, me thinks so!

When it comes to peddling posh beauty products, I imagine that it’s a constant hustle for brands to Keep It Real/Relevant while maintaining and growing their customer base. 

Well looky here! Ol Estee Lauder is working overtime to “Keep it Real/Relevant”.  Just about every brand in my makeup arsenal offers some form of cream shadow base/primer. So it is very refreshing to see Estee Lauder, an iconic cosmetics powerhouse, take the leap.  As you know, EL owns a slew of beauty brands…the list goes on and on but I’ll just note a few - 

• MAC
• Bobbi Brown
• Prescriptives
• Aveda

I specifically listed MAC because EL’s eyeshadow base bears a striking resemblance to MAC’s Paint Pot. Perhaps EL dipped into the ol Paint Pot formula vat and decided to create a few demure EL customer-friendly shades. Well regardless of how the EL eyeshadow base came to be, I’m happy to see EL trying something new and “Keeping it Real/Relevant”.

ThisThatBeauty Babes -

Have you tried Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place EyeShadow base? If so, what’s the verdict?

Leave a comment. I want to hear your thoughts!

PS: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place ShadowStick bears an uncanny resemblance to MAC Shadestick. I’m not saying, but I’m just saying…

MAC Shadestick

Estee Lauder ShadowStick

Same stick, different packaging? Yep, me thinks so!