The 2010 Fashion Oscars

March 8, 2010 by Erika  
Filed under Beauty, Entertainment, Fashion & Style, Featured

Did you watch the Oscars last night?  You know that I did.  It has even come to a point where I jot down notes in a notebook about which looks I love/don’t love so that I can find photos and information on it after.  I also write down my initial thoughts and impressions, as they make excellent fodder for a post like this one.  So, now that I’ve told you all of my secrets – here is a quick rundown of what I loved in my very own version of the Oscars – Fashion-style.

THE NOMINEES FOR THE 2010 CHIC SHOPPER CHICK FASHION OSCARS ARE:

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Queen Latifah and Sandra Bullock, both in Marchesa

I loved both of these looks – Queen Latifah has never looked better in an elegant lavender Marchesa gown with a sparkly twist, and Sandra Bullock was simply glowing in this golden confection of a dress (also by Marchesa).  I especially loved Sandra’s pink pouty lips and old Hollywood glamour style hair.

Mariska Hargitay in Vera Wang, and Demi Moore in Atelier Versace

Mariska Hargitay in Vera Wang, and Demi Moore in Atelier Versace

Two more nominees that made it solidly onto the “Best Dressed” list?  Markiska Hargitay in a sweeping Vera Wang dress, and Demi Moore in a blush-colored tiered Atelier Versace.  Both of them were simply stunning.

Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Couture, and Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent

Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Couture, and Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent

Rounding up the nominee list we have Rachel McAdams, for her sweeping, delicate Elie Saab Couture dress that just screamed spring.  I am especially fond of the sweetheart neckline, and that she chose to leave her collarbone bare.  And then, of course, we have Kate Winslet, who played it safe, but still looked stunning in this sleek YSL number that she accessorized with a 2.5 million dollar yellow diamond from Tiffany and Co.

Without further ado, the runner up for the 2010 Chic Shopper Chick Fashion Oscar is…

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Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta

…A red-lipped Cameron Diaz in a billowing Oscar de la Renta gown that can only be described as show-stopping.  Diaz dropped her usual easy-going beach style in favor of something much more couture, and I, for one, was thrilled to see it.

Well, here we go.

It’s time.

Ladies and … well, ladies.  The moment we’ve all been waiting for.  The  2010 Fashion Oscar goes to…

Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab

Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab

Anna Kendrick who was nominated for her role in “Up In The Air”.  She stole the show in this delicate chiffon gown by Elie Saab – I especially loved that the gown was off-the-shoulders and not just strapless.  A perfect choice for her petite frame and age – this dress wins my 2010 Fashion Oscar.  Nice pick Anna!  Call me so that I can get you your award! ;)

What were your favorites?

Mystic Tan. To Spray or Not To Spray.

January 11, 2010 by Erika  
Filed under Beauty, Skincare

Ok, I know I’m supposed to be the expert here, but I need a little help.  I have this Mardi Gras Ball coming up very soon, and well, my skin is so pale that you can practically see through it.  I plan to wear a strapless dress.  It’s a grey dress which won’t do much against my vampire-like skin.

I’m a big fan of how I look with a little glow, nothing overdone, just a little color.  My mom always said that tan fat was better than pale fat (oh yeah, welcome to my world) – and well, I don’t consider myself fat in the least, but people, c’mon – I’ve had a baby.  Wait, better yet, I should say I’ve had a baby and my name is not Camila Alves or Heidi Klum.  There are parts of me that will just look better with a tan.

Don’t worry, I’m fanatical about doing everything in my power to prevent wrinkles and sun damage, so I know better than to lay in a tanning bed for a few weeks.  Instead, I think it will be best to spray a bunch of chemicals on my skin.  That’s gotta be better, right?

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But, um.  I’m skeered.  What if it turns me orange?!  The oompa-loompa look is not good on me.  How do I know what level to choose?  What if I go from looking very French to looking very Italian in about 20 minutes flat?  That’s gonna be awkward, right?

Have you done this?  Tips/tricks/suggestions for me?

Makeup Must: Foundation Brush

December 29, 2009 by Erika  
Filed under Beauty

Picture 2You’ve heard it before – you get what you pay for.  The savvy people of the world know that it is only mostly true – there are certainly things that aren’t worth the money or investment, but then there are, of course, lots of things that are.  Here is where I cut to the chase and tell you that a foundation brush is one of those things that is worth your money.

Let me back up, in case you are reading this, scratching your head in frustration, and saying “a whoodey-whatey?”  A foundation brush is a flat, tapered brush that you use to apply – what else – foundation.  Applying foundation with your fingers is a big no-no, even well-washed hands can spread bacteria and cause breakouts.  A brush will also give you a more even application – filling in each line and ultimately giving you a more finished look.  Ever wonder how celebs always have such flawless skin on camera, or why your makeup just doesn’t look as polished as you think it should?  The answer is simply:  buy a foundation brush.

Can you hear angels singing?

Foundation brushes will work with all sorts of foundations – cream, solid, liquid – you name it.  They are great for spot applications and can be cleaned using your everyday shampoo!  Makeup is an art – give new meaning to “painting” your face.

I personally use the Sephora Brand Professional Foundation Brush but I also really like the MAC 190 Foundation Brush and the Chanel Le Pinceau Teint brush.  You should expect a decent brush will start at around $25 but can go all the way up to $50.  It’s an investment, but remember that you will use it daily, and it won’t “run out” if you take excellent care of it!

Have any makeup tips and tricks you want to share?  Questions you’d love to see answered?  Leave them in the comments!

2009 Holiday Guide: Gifts For Mom

December 17, 2009 by Erika  
Filed under Featured, Shopping, Skincare

I sat next to a gentleman when I was on a plane on my way to Womma last month who was fascinated by my arsenal of beauty and fashion magazines.  He was the smart engineering-type, so lest he think I was the most vapid human being he had ever met (clearly I’m in the top 5, but certainly not number one), I offered him a little information about what I do for a living.  Then he asked for a suggestion on what he could get his wife for Christmas.  His exact words were “she likes little gift set thingies.”  Wow.  So I’m like, um, gift sets of what?  Socks?

Then he starts thumbing through a copy of Lucky (MY copy of Lucky, that is) and pointing out things she would like.  Finally I offered for him to take it home with him, and reminded him to use it wisely – he basically had a perfect list and guide of items right at his fingertips.  He also took my card, so on the off chance that his wife is reading this post, all I can say is I TRIED.

In case you haven’t picked up a copy of Lucky lately or you just have a wife or mother that is exceedingly difficult to shop for – here is a short list of a few ideas that will hopefully make your shopping experience a bit less painful.

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momAgenda — I received my first momAgenda back in January and since then have discovered that I am unable to live without it.  It’s a one-stop source for everything I need to keep me organized – it has sections for my personal schedule, then I take advantage of some of the “Kids” column’s to keep my professional life organized as well (I only have one, so why waste all of that space?!).  Conference calls, doctor’s appointments, travel arrangements, playdates, and birthdays all have their place in my momAgenda.  The two ribbon book markers help me keep track of my current week, and my month at-a-glance, but you can use them however you want.  Even my favorite wines have a place in my momAgenda!  There is currently a sale going on site-wide at momAgenda with 15-40% off of everything in stock PLUS free shipping!

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Soft Hugwear – Soft Hugwear is the stuff my soft, fluffy cloud dreams are made of.  They make blankets, eyemasks, travel pillows, and spa wraps, like the one above (which I own and LOVE).  This new, uber-posh line is available at WalMart, and I have got my sights set on the travel set!

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Keurig Platinum Single Serve Brewing System – Let me just start my opinion of this with a WOW.  This has become the #1 item in my house that I just simply CANNOT live without.  I’ve recently become a coffee addict — which is tough in a house where no one else likes it.  I would find myself brewing a whole pot of coffee and only drinking a cup, so I started cutting it down, but it really is a good bit of effort to go through for just one cup of coffee!  The Keurig has totally changed that for me.  I keep the reservoir filled, grab the flavor of coffee or tea that I want, pick my size, and in one minute I have the perfect cup of coffee, and no more than that.  The difference is in the K cup – this little cup pre-filled with different options of coffee or tea – that you pop in the top of the brewer, then close the lid.  When you’re done, you just throw the whole cup away.  No mess at all.  Already have a type of coffee that you love?  You can create your own K Cups as well, so don’t worry!  I can also choose the size cup I’d like – which is perfect for early mornings when I’m grabbing my coffee on the go.

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Philosophy Skincare – I debated adding this under my beauty guide, but I’ve got to say – a little pampering goes a long way for moms.  Any mom would be ecstatic to find this gift set under the tree – it includes everything she could possibly want to care for her skin – including Philosophy’s signature face wash, an exfoliating scrub, their signature moisturizer “Hope in a Jar” as well as the version for the sensitive eye area “Hope in a Tube”, as well as a micro delivery peel.  This kit is skincare heaven, and probably a splurge that mom would never get for herself.  The Miracle Worker Kit that you see here includes $156 worth of products for $86 bucks – plus FREE shipping from Sephora right now!

* * *

So there you have it, a few awesome last-minute picks for mom — stay tuned for some amazing giveaways, and check our the Technology section of the guide for some suggestions for the tech-loving people in your life as well as some of our newest giveaways!

Black Is In: Beauty and Fashion Deals for Black Friday

November 26, 2009 by Erika  
Filed under Accessories, Beauty, Fashion & Style, Featured, Shoes, Shopping, Skincare

Black Friday is so often about the hottest toy or the newest Flat Screen TV…but what about all of the fashionista’s out there? Apart from the fact that most of us probably love our beauty sleep…we also can’t pass up a good deal on a great look! Here are some deals – available both online and in stores – starting tomorrow, Black Friday (don’t you feel like you should say “dun dun dun!” right after that?).  Read on to discover amazing discounts and deals, including free overnight shipping for the rest of your life!

BLACK FRIDAY – NOVEMBER 27, 2009

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H&M: On Friday, November 27th, receive 25% off items of your choice from 5AM until 10AM* and enjoy Fashion Finds all day from $5.

Store hours vary; call your nearest H&M for opening hours. Store locator.

*Offer valid Friday, November 27th from store opening until 10AM. Not valid on previous purchases, for H&M gift cards, or in conjunction with any other discounts. These three stores open at 5 am on Black Friday; 5th Ave and 52nd street, Penn Station, Herald Square stores.

Zappos: Zappos is opening the doors to their VIP Club!  From Black Friday through Cyber Monday, your readers can visit Zappos.com and join the VIP Club.  By becoming a member of the  VIP Club, members will receive free, overnight shipping – for the rest of their lives!  This invitation will only last from midnight on November 27th until midnight November 30th.Picture 22

The link to sign up for the VIP Club will be live starting at 12:01 am on Black Friday morning and will be taken down on midnight November 30th.  From that point on, anything you purchase through vip.zappos.com will arrive at your door the next day fo’ free.  You read that right.  Sign me up.

Crabtree & EvelynCrabtree & Evelyn is having a Black Friday preview sale with 20% off sitewide!   Free shipping on orders of $25 or more, Hand Therapy lotion is 50% off, and you can snatch up Body Lotion for $7.  Great stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, or girlfriend gifts!

True_Eye_Definer_AzuriteApothicaApothica is offering 20%-70% off selected items in their clearance sale. This amazing store offers beauty brands like Herve Leger, The Art of Shaving, and beingTRUE – upscale beauty products marked as low as 70% off. You’ll find anything and everything: cleanser, wrinkle cream, mascara, perfume – you name it!

e.l.f.:  This Black Friday, you can take advantage of special shipping rates at e.l.f – have your order shipped for just $1.98 with no minimum order value.  Shipping is usually $7 and their prices start at $1.  Great stuff for a great deal!!  I love their studio collection brushes and am addicted to the lip liner.  Yes, it is possible to be a lip liner addict.

Sephora:  With any $50 online purchase at Sephora, you’ll get a free metallic flower clutch stocked with eight samples. Just enter CLUTCH4U atPayless Black Friday checkout.  Valid while supplies last. (PS – need an idea of what to buy?  Try my ultimate favorite T3 hairdryer, or a gift set from one of my favorite skincare lines, Philosophy.)

Macy’sMacy’s is having a Thanksgiving Sale with 20%-50% off of thousands of amazing items.  The sale is online Thursday 11/26 through Saturday 11/28, and in-store 5 am – 1 pm on Black Friday, and 8 am – 1 pm on Saturday.

PaylessPayless is having a sale through December 1st that offers buy one, get another half off, on any item in the store.  Shoes?  Now you’re speaking my language!  Squee! See those shoes to the right, there?  Those are CHRISTIAN SIRIANO.  At Payless.  I’m just sayin’.

DJ Premium:  At DJ Premium you’ll find brands like L.A.M.B, Vivienne Westwood, True Religion, Custo Barcelona, and tons of others.  You can take 20% off of full priced items with the code:  IE20J6, and 25% off of your Black Friday order with 1FUN1U.

Arden B:  Until Noon on Friday, buy one item get another for $5 at Arden B – storewide, but in-store only!  Free shipping on purchases of $15 or more, and mix and match basics are 2 for $14.  You can also get 25% off of selected sweaters online.  Check out the Holiday Lookbook for ways to create an inspired Holiday wardrobe!

Shopbop:  Up to 70% off of items at one of my all-time faves, Shopbop.  This awesome sale includes Tory Burch Flats, William Rast denim, and Pour La Victoire boots, among other huge names.  We’re talking major wow factor over here.

Reinventing Beauty {Video!}

October 30, 2009 by Erika  
Filed under Beauty, Fashion & Style, Featured

Have I ever mentioned to you that I have no concept of time?  Really, I don’t.  It annoys the heck out of people – even people who have known and loved me since I was a child want to shake me over this ridiculous lack of time-consciousness.  I’ll say I’ll be right back and I show up 4 hours later – tell you I’ll call you in 10 minutes and call you in 10 days.  I’m not denying that it’s annoying.  I live in Erika world, on Erika time.  It’s not one of my more charming qualities.

Speaking of never doing things on time – this brings me back to why I’m here.  Remember back in September I went to NYC to attend this little thing called Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week?  Well, while I was there I was invited to the CVS Reinventing Beauty Lounge – a pop-up spa like experience where I was basically pampered by having my nails, makeup, and hair all done.  While I was there, I was able to hang out with both Robert Verdi and Nigel Barker.  If it sounds like heaven…well, that’s because it is.

The highlight of the event was having my makeup done by Cover Girl Makeup Artist Jake Bailey.  He explained all of the different Cover Girl products to me, and gave me a rather stunning makeover with all of the products.  My absolute favorite of the bunch, which I have now incorporated into my daily routine, is the Outlast Lipstain.  It looks and works much like a marker — just paint it on your lips and go!  Jake also showed me a technique using a lip brush to get a lighter color from the lipstain that just made me look like I had these fantastic, naturally flushed lips.  I also fell in love with the Simply Ageless Foundation – and I am very loyal to my Clinique foundation, so that was a big jump for me!

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Jake Bailey and Erika Lehmann

Not that you are at all surprised, but I also made this video of my experience at the CVS Reinventing Beauty Lounge – it’s a lot of fun, and a little of me being silly (imagine that!) so enjoy!

Project Runway Party Video Recap!

September 29, 2009 by Erika  
Filed under Beauty, Entertainment, Fashion & Style, Featured

My head is still spinning from covering Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and basically feeling like I had a full-time, real person’s job for roughly a week.  Don’t get me wrong, I loved every.single.second.  I am already making plans to return in February, to attend the final week in the tents at Bryant Park.  Not only did I have an amazing week at the tents, but I was fortunate to wrap up my week by covering the Project Runway Reception and Screening for Lifetime Moms.  I made the awesome video below for you, so you can feel like you were right there with me.

We were able to attend a reception at the Hearst Tower (where I totally had a “Confessions of a Shopaholic” moment when I was going up the escalator!) for Project Runway’s current season, after which we all piled into a lush executive theater to watch the 5th episode of this season!  You’ll find three of my favorite pictures below, but you can see all of my photos from the Project Runway Party in my Flickr stream.

Malvin Vien, Erika Lehmann, and Louise Black

Malvin Vien, Erika Lehmann, and Louise Black

These two were really, really nice!  I was originally standing to the left of both of them, and they insisted that I jump in the middle.   If you watched last week’s Project Runway, you saw Louise puncture her finger with the sewing machine — I asked her how she was doing, and she showed me that her fingers healed nicely.  She did share with me that she was so upset at the camera men when that happened, because there was one guy on each side of her, and both of them kept filming, neither of them made a move to help out.  Ahhh, the woes of reality TV.

Erika Lehmann and Irina Shabayeva

Erika Lehmann and Irina Shabayeva

Irina was the winner of the challenge in the Episode that we watched (where they used newspaper and she made that awesome coat with it!) and I had a great time chatting with her afterwards.  She was really nice — you can see her waving to me and my ubiquitous Flip Cam at the end of the video.

Althea Harper and Erika Lehmann

Althea Harper and Erika Lehmann

Then, of course, there was Althea Harper, whom I absoultely adored.  I talked to her mom for quite a while when Althea was on the red carpet being interviewed, and she and Althea both invited me to Althea’s Fashion Show the next night.  Unfortunately I coudln’t make it, but they were both so, so sweet – and I was really impressed with Althea in general.  We chatted about Tory Burch (I had just attended her show/presentation the day before), how it is to work for/with her, and about the fact that she designed what she was wearing.  She was so down to earth, it was like talking to an old friend!

I was so impressed with the entire cast of Project Runway Season 6 – they were all cheering each other on, supporting each other, applauding and squealing when Heidi told each of them that they were “safe”.  Watching that episode with them spoiled me, really, and just made me want to have a Project Runway party with all of them each week so that I could continue to feel the camradarie.

Think my mom will clap with me this week everytime we discover someone is “safe”?  It’s worth a try.

On the Catwalk for Victoria’s Secret!

September 28, 2009 by Erika  
Filed under Beauty, Fashion & Style, Featured

Victoria’s Secret is looking for a few good…women.  Bikini-ready beach-bod types can apply to strut their stuff on the catwalk (it’s here where I’m *so* tempted to burst into song) in the annual televised Victoria’s Secret runway show. Starting October 1st, hopefuls can enter online or you can go to one of the casting calls in various cities.

Did I mention that you have to be between 18-30 (suddenly I feel way old at 27), 5′8″ in bare feet, and available to be in NYC for the entire month of November?  So yeah, not many requirements AT ALL.  Even so, if this is a fit for you, it could be a very cool opportunity to cross something off of that “list” of things you always wished you could do.

I say go for it!

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Global Bazaar – My International Wish List

September 28, 2009 by Erika  
Filed under Accessories, Beauty, Fashion & Style, Featured

So I’m sure it comes as no surprise that I like to shop. On the internet, even. Imagine that.  I inevitably happen upon some amazingly awesome product that I am ready to add to my cart and buy right then and there.  But then, it happens.  I realize I’m on some international site, and they don’t ship to the US.

Groan.

So, seeing as how I can’t actually buy these products, I thought I would do a post to share two of the items that happened to catch my eye today.  Please, feel free to drool over them with me – maybe that will make me feel a little bit better.  So, without further ado, here are some things that I love that I JUST CAN’T HAVE.

Picture 6I’m in love with this adorable makeup bag that says, “jamais sans mon blush!” – or for those of you who are the non-francophilic types (yes, I just made up francophilic.  It’s a word now.) – “never without my blush!”.  This adorable little treasure is from Petite Mendigote – I swear, I could purchase almost the entire collection.

Picture 9A Bento is a Japanese lunch to-go.  A Bento box — well, it’s the box that your Bento comes in.  I feel like we already know of this concept … don’t we have those things called “lunchboxes”?  Right.  Anyway, these are two Bento boxes – and all I can think is that if I had an office to go to and bring my lunch, well, I’d want to bring my lunch in these babies.  How chic are they!?  From Mon Bento – sadly – they are keeping them all to themselves.  Forget international shipping.  Drool.  (This is where I take a moment and remind myself that I don’t, in fact, work in an office.  Therefore, I would have absolutely no use for these.  But oh, how I want them!)

I’m sure this is only part 1 of this list, I’ll be sure to share more awesome finds with you as I, well, find them.

Pamella Roland Spring 2010 Collection

September 16, 2009 by Erika  
Filed under Beauty, Fashion & Style, Featured

WOW.

Before I arrived at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I was only slightly familiar with designer Pamella Roland.  Yesterday, however, I had the opportunity to attend her Spring 2010 Runway Show, and I must say, I was absolutely blown away. Roland presented a collection inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe – and what an inspired collection it was.  So diverse, so imaginative – I truly believe there was something in the Spring line for everyone.  Tailored, flowing, dramatic, conservative — each piece was dramatically different than the last yet gorgeous in its own way.

The delicate florals, the red carpet looks (which are a personal favorite, though I never have anyplace remotely that fancy to go!) and the bright colors all won me over – I have emphatically told everyone that asks what my favorite show has been that it was Pamella Roland.  I think it’s because, while other shows and designs were fantastic, I could picture myself wearing almost every piece from this collection.  And for me, that is saying something.

Right before I went into the show, I ran into my friend Anna (who is the most amazing designer and has her own line of handmade jewelry!) who was taking photographs of the show.  She helped me film a part of the video below, and we also took some fun pictures together on the runway after the show. We had a bunch of fun hanging out together and it was so nice to be able to catch up!

Anna Sabino and Erika Lehmann

Anna Sabino and Erika Lehmann

Erika Lehmann and Anna Sabino

Erika Lehmann and Anna Sabino

In addition, Anna is a talented photographer, and she gave me permission to steal some of her high-quality photos from the show to post here.  Check out some of the amazing pieces from Pamella Roland’s Spring 2010 Collection.

Pamella Roland Spring 2010 - Photo by Anna Sabino

Pamella Roland Spring 2010 - Photo by Anna Sabino

Pamella Roland Spring 2010 - Photo by Anna Sabino

Pamella Roland Spring 2010 - Photo by Anna Sabino

Pamella Roland Spring 2010 - Photo by Anna Sabino

Pamella Roland Spring 2010 - Photo by Anna Sabino

And last, but not least, I made a video of my experience at the show.  I was sitting in the second row, in the middle of the runway, so I had a great view.  I was directly behind Nigel Barker and across from Amanda Bynes, Bethany Frankel, Lisa Rinna, and Luann de Lesseps (”The Countess”), among others.  I managed to catch almost the entire line on video, so watch and enjoy!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (And I’m THERE!!)

September 15, 2009 by Erika  
Filed under Beauty, Fashion & Style, Featured

Oh hai.  It’s me.  Little old Erika.  I’ve been a bit MIA lately, because, well…

I’M IN NYC AT MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK!

(Are your ears ringing from my loud shrieking?)

Lifetime has given Audrey and I the opportunity of a lifetime (no pun intended) by sending us to New York to cover Fashion Week for Lifetime Moms.  We will be updating our coverage every day on Lifetime Moms, and if you head over there to comment then you can win one of five $200 CASH prizes (that’s cold, hard cash people!!) just for leaving us a comment!  That’s it!  Simple!

In the meantime, you should check out our video recap from yesterday, when we attended Carolina Herrera, Jill Stuart, and Donna Karan.  They were all breathtaking, but, well, you can hear more about them if you watch the video below!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week September 14th Recap from Erika Lehmann on Vimeo.

Feel Like A Natural Woman

August 29, 2009 by Erika  
Filed under Beauty, Featured, Skincare

Hello.  My name is Erika and I’m addicted to buying and trying beauty products.

Hiiii, Errrikkkkaaaaa.

It’s true.  I don’t care if it is from Macy’s or Walgreen’s – I’ve tried almost every beauty product I can get my hands on.  When I discovered that I was pregnant with Little AG I suddenly realized that I had been largely slacking in one beauty product area – organic and natural makeup and skincare.  Being pregnant suddenly made me extremely aware of every single product I applied to my body, including things like sunscreen, makeup, toothpaste, and body lotion.  I spent hours using the internet to research every possible danger associated with every single product that I currently used – and it was then that my family forbade me from continuing to google information about beauty products on the internet.

They were all — um, crazy chick…step away from the laptop.  And I was all — must.do.more.googling!  After a brief intervention, they won.  It was a bit obsessive, I suppose.

So, in the absence of Google I turned to my two younger sisters, who had been using natural beauty products for quite a while, to help me figure out ways to incorporate organic and natural beauty and skincare products into my routine.  They pointed me in the direction of some fantastic products for both myself and for my then-still-a-peanut-sized daughter.  If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about these products but not really sure where to start – check out some of the awesome products I’ve suggested for you below, compiled with the help of my sister Dawn.  Most of these products aren’t completely organic, but they are all formulated without parabens and  without sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates.  Both of these have the ability to pass through the skin and to build up in the tissues of your body.  Yech.

1. Can You C Me? A makeup remover for both your visage and peepers, it combines organic carrot juice, minerals, and Dead Sea Mud and leaves my face feeling smooth and refreshed (isn’t it funny that mud makes my face feel refreshed?).  As a bonus – one of the ingredients is Aloe Vera so that it won’t irritate those pretty peepers, and will actually soothe tired eyes.

Vitamin E

2.    Burt’s Bees Lemon and Vitamin E Bath and Body Oil – For an intensive moisturizing treatment, add some of this to a bath or apply it directly onto your skin.  After the birth of Little AG I used Vitamin E oil religiously after exfoliating, and it rid my tummy body of all of those pesky pregnancy stretchmarks.

Mexican Cocoa

3.  Pacifica “Mexican Cocoa” Solid Perfume – My sister Dawn let me try this stuff at the beach a couple of weeks ago, and I have to say that it’s true – good things absolutely come in small packages!  This delicious smelling perfume is created with organic wax and all-natural oils.  I would have never thought smelling like cocoa would be sexy, but I’ve gotta tell ya, dabbing a bit of this solid perfume behind my ears did not make me feel like a walking chocolate cake.  Bonus:  since it’s tiny, you can slip it in your evening bag or clutch and freshen up throughout the evening!

Sunscreen

4.  Alba Sport Sunscreen SPF 30+ – Wearing sunscreen everyday is one of the most important things that you can do to combat aging – so next time you are in the market for more, try out this awesome broad-spectrum sunscreen.  This sunscreen is infused with all sorts of delish ingredients, including lavender, green tea, and aloe vera.

Burt's Bees

5.  Burt’s Bees Radiance Day Creme – Along with sunscreen, moisturizer is a product that should be used daily to fight off signs of aging, so why not give this one, with 134 different nutrients to nourish and protect your skin, a try?  Use it daily to help diminish the apperance of fine lines and keep your skin glowing.

Tea Tree Skin Care from The Body Shop {Giveaway CLOSED}

August 12, 2009 by Erika  
Filed under Beauty, Featured, Giveaways, Skincare

I have been shopping at The Body Shop for over 10 years now — my nose won’t let my body pass one of those awesome stores by without going in!  I discovered the Body Shop back when I was in high school when I began using their tea tree products that help prevent and control breakouts and blemishes. I used the line for years, so I was really excited to hear that they had revamped their their Tea Tree line – reformulating some existing products and adding new ones to create an entire skin care regime.

All of the products are now paraben & phthalate free – which is great news for anyone trying to be a bit more “green”.  (And a smart move, in my humble opinion!)  The line now includes products to prevent blemishes and breakouts, treat existing blemishes, and control oil and shine.  The products are formulated to not be too harsh or to overdry your skin, while still being effective.

The Body Shop's Tea Tree Skincare Regime

The Body Shop's Tea Tree Skincare Regime

Win It! To celebrate the relaunch of their new line, The Body Shop is offering 2 Chic Shopper Chick readers a prize package that includes all of the products that you see above ($115 value).  To enter to win, click on over to The Body Shop’s website and then come back here and tell me which one of their born-again Tea Tree products you would most love to try.  Leave a comment here, and stumble, subscribe, tweet (button at the top!) or blog about this contest with a link back here for additional entries. This contest ends August 20st, 2009 (ooh, on my birthday!). US entries only, must be 18 or older to enter, no purchase necessary to win.

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