DevaCurl Mist-er Right

My hair's been extremely short for quite a while now--and as such my natural curls have been, well, clipped. But as it grows out, I plan to take advantage of its waviness. The problem is that it's a really fine line between "wavy" and "frizzy."

Thank goodness for DevaCurl Mist-er Right. The ingredients in Mist-er Right include lavender, balm mint, lemongrass, chamomile, rosemary and yarrow which not only nourish the hair with natural goodness, but smell so heavenly it's like a mini-aromatherapy session with each spritz!

Fans of Mist-er Right tout its multi-tasking abilities and created a top ten list of uses:

Top 10 Uses for DevaCurl Mist-er Right

1. Mix in DevaCurl One-Condition or DevaCurl Heaven in Hair into your DevaCurl Mist-er Right for the perfect beach spritz.


2. Use as a body, room, and car deodorizer.


3. Use to refresh clothing after being around smoke and BBQ’s.


4. Use in labor to give you a heavenly lift.
5. Use as a facial spritz.


6. Use it to clean mirrors and counter tops instead of Windex.


7. Mix in with DevaCurl AnGel for added moisture.


8. Spritz on bed linens.


9. Spritz on clothes in the dryer.


10. Take it on the airplane to refresh yourself and the stale air.

For me, the best use is this: spray on to nourish and give a little "lift" to your hair.

Merlot Your Skin Drinks

You're probably aware of the benefits of drinking a glass of wine: polyphenols, antioxidants, lower cholesterol--not to mention that relaxing buzz. Merlot Skin Care features those very same benefits--well, minus the hangover.

Harnessing the power of the seeds of red grapes, Merlot Skin Care helps counteract the damaging effects of free radicals. Grape seed oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and resveratrol.

I got to check out the Moisturizer with SPF 15. The rich yet light-weight cream absorbed quickly and left my skin soft and smooth. I also tried the Purifying Peel Off Mask which combines grape seeds with lemon, grapefruit, orange peel and ginseng extract to help to soften, firm and protect against stress. It also contains Vitamins E and B5 to make sure skin stays hydrated while unwanted dirt and particles are removed.

What I liked best about it, however, was peeling it off after it dried. So much fun! What can I say? I'm easily entertained. Sue me.

Merlot Skin Care contains no methyl/ethyl parabens, propylene glycol or animal byproducts and is not tested on animals. It's available at Walgreens and MerlotSkinCare.com.

Long, Lush, neulash

My co-worker Sara is guest-blogging for me today. She recently tested out a new lash conditioner from neulash. Here's what she had to say:

"When asked which makeup product they wouldn't leave the house without applying, I'm certain that a large number, if not the majority, of women would answer mascara. A little definition around the eyes can do wonders, so it's no wonder that women go to great lengths for luscious lashes. Did you know, though, that the typical lifespan of an eye lash is just 150-200 days? With all the eye lash curling, mascara, eye liner, and make up remover we use, it's really a wonder that they even last that long.

I recently learned about and tried out a new product called neuLash. NeuLash is like a conditioner made specifically for your eyelashes. It helps strengthen and moisturize your lashes, thereby extending their lifespan. Made with some natural extracts (pumpkin seed and licorice) and some not-so-natural ingredients, neuLash has been shown to increase the fullness, the width, and the dark color of lashes. After just four weeks, people (both men and women) started seeing improvements in the look and feel of their eyelashes.

The process is super simple. Right before you go to bed, apply a thin layer of neuLash just like you're applying liquid eyeliner. You can use it on your top and bottom lashes, and you can even use it to help thicken your brows. Once you start to see results, you can start using it every couple of days instead of every day. NeuLash isn't meant to be a replacement for mascara; it's more of a supplement to help strengthen your existing lashes. One tube of neuLash goes for $150, and it lasts for about three months.

If your eyes are the windows to your soul, it makes sense to put some effort into the upkeep of the curtains, right?"

Philip B. Changes Hollie's Life

This is how awesome I am: I set the gorgeous and talented Hollie up with some Philip B. hair products to review.

Last week she announced to me, "Philip B has changed my life!"

Wow. Now I'm jealous.

Ah well...at least my blog gets a review out of it!

"My hair loves Stella. Okay, actually my hair loves Philip B but it loves Stella for bringing Philip into my life. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Rewind to about two months ago. The lovely Stella asked if I wanted to receive a complimentary scalp treatment and blow out courtesy of Philip B. Due to some sort of miscommunication with the company, my treatment was canceled. As an apology, they offered to send me some products. I left feeling disappointed but the products they sent me were the best apology ever.

Seriously, ladies, my days of Head and Shoulders and Pantene Pro-V are over. I am a convert. A high end, shampoo loving convert.

My favorite product is the Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo. It’s like washing your hair with magic. It smells like heaven and cotton candy and love, with its mixture of Shea butter, rosemary and other yumminess. It goes on so smoothly and the second you rinse it off, your hair is thanking you by looking effortlessly beautiful. It retails for $140 so I treat myself with it once a week. It’s like my own mini spa vacation for my hair.

The peppermint and avocado volumizing and clarifying shampoo I use almost daily. I have always had a weird sort of build up on my hair and other clarifying shampoos tended to make it really dry or do nothing at all but this completely balances it out and it has a light, sweet scent.

The Lightweight Deep Conditioning Rinse is equally fantastic. I’m a sporadic conditioner but it’s great to use once a week to get my hair really soft and manageable.

The Katira Masque is one of the best treatments I’ve ever used. It’s most effective if you comb it in and either let it dry naturally or blow dry and then rinse clean.

The recommended treatment goes like this:

1. Peppermint and Avocado Shampoo - let set for one to three minutes and rinse
2. The Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo - Same as above
3. Use the Deep conditioner or Katira Masque or both

I’ve tried the treatment and it really does leave your hair looking like you just left a salon. I KNOW it sounds like the Philip B people have brainwashed me but this stuff is just really that good. I’m so impressed with these products; I want to shout it from the rooftops. As I’ve said before on Stella’s blog, I don’t usually buy into the more expensive products are better but in this case I’ll have to say they most certainly are.

The only product I wasn’t crazy about was the PH Restorative Detangling Toning Mist. I tried it once but it contains Apple Vinegar and the smell (for me) is simply unbearable. Being extremely fair skinned, I suffered numerous sunburns as a child and my mother’s vinegar baths came flashing back. I’m not even sure how it worked because I was so busy trying to get rid of the smell. But if you don’t mind the scent of vinegar, definitely give it a shot.

As a huge fan of these products, I now find myself rationing. I’ll alternate these shampoos with my old standbys. But who knows when it runs out, I may find myself unable to leave without Philip B.

Thanks again Stella for this fantastic discovery.

As if Hollie's fabulous mane of hair could be any more beautiful! Heaven, cotton candy and love? Sigh. I think I might have to check out Philip B myself.

Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF

I sent my friend and blogging buddy Hollie to an event at Vert recently and while she was getting an eco-friendly makeover, I was going a bit green myself reading about her experience.

Pea green with envy that is!

After lusting after the products Hollie mentioned in her write-up, I was fortunate enough to be able check out a product from one of the lines she raved about: Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF.

This translucent, light-weight powder provides UVA/UVB protection with an SPF rating of 30. You can apply it over your foundation to give you a nice matte finish--or over bare skin with a bit of concealor for a polished yet natural look. The application sponge attached to the lids dispenses the products in a clean and fuss-free manner.

What I like best about the product is that it contains just 4-5 ingredients--no long list of potentially toxic chemicals. Just the physical sunblock titanium dioxide, a pure clay that nourishes and calms the skin with minerals, and Pomegranate Extract are the basis for this great sunscreen.

How awesome is that?

Jane Iredale products, including her Powder Me SPF, are available at Vert located at 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291 or via Vert's online boutique.

It's a great way to go green--and not in the pea green with envy way!

Korres

I've been intrigued by this natural skincare line from Greece ever since I stumbled upon it at my local Sephora. I recently had the chance to test drive several of the products and while I may not have achieved "Greek goddess" status, I can definitely see improvement in the tone and texture of my skin.

Most of the products I tested were from the Anti-Ageing and Firming line, which is based around the ingredients olive and rye. Olive oil is rich in anti-oxidants and polyphenols and soothes and nourishes the skin with deep hydration. Rye oil boosts the natural defense of skin cells.

In addition to being enriched with active plant extracts, the line is:

Dermatologically Tested
Mineral Oil Free
Silicone Free
Propylene Glycol Free
Ethanolamine Free

The eye cream is 93.1% natural and, in addition to the olive and rye oils, contains avocado oil, shea butter and macadamia nut oil. The rich cream sinks in and provides deep hydration without being greasy or sticky. The fine lines were softened as the cream gently plumped up the delicate skin around my eyes.


The night and day creams are luxurious and thick and rich. Both have given my skin a porcelain luster. Although I'm not a fan of the pungent scent of the essential oils, they haven't irritated my skin and the results from using the creams are nothing short of amazing!


Finally, I checked out one of Korres' Star Products: the Yoghurt Mask. Formulated using edible yogurt, the mask is soothing and cooling to both dry and oily skin. The mask contains 10% full fat yogurt, watercress extract, natural vitamin E and olive oil concentrate. If the thought of that sour yogurt smell puts you off: never fear! The Yoghurt Mask has a delicate, powdery scent to it.

With its roots in homeopathic medicine, Korres blends science and innovation with nature in the most environmentally friendly and skin-compatible ways possible.

pūr~lisse

The combination of exotic Chinese ingredients and advanced French skincare technology comes together in a great new line called pūr~lisse. The name is a blend of the French words for "pure" and "smooth" while the line blends Blue Lotus and White Tea, two powerful anti-oxidants with anti-aging benefits, into a unique, patent-pending Lotus Lupine complex.

The Blue Lotus and White Tea are joined by three other key ingredients: Lupine Peptides which stimulate cellular activity leaving skin better oxygenated and revitalized, high-quality Soy Protein which offers superior anti-irritant properties, increasing the skin’s ability to produce Collagen and Elastin, and a blend of French marine plants and extracts which protects skin from environmental damage, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and provides skin firmness.

What's NOT in pūr~lisse:

Parabens
Petrochemicals
Propylene glycol
Chemical dyes
Fragrance

pūr~lisse is also cruelty-free and comes in smart, functional packaging.

I got a chance to test-drive pur~delicate, the gentle soy milk cleanser and makeup remover and pur~moist, the hydra-balance moisturizer. Both are gentle, soothing and extremely effective. The cleanser completely removes all traces of makeup and leaves my soft and smooth. The moisturizer not only hydrated my skin, but soothed and calmed it as well.

So if you're interested in natural, pure, effective products that PRESERVE youth, PROTECT beauty and PREVENT skin aging, check out pūr~lisse!

Forget the Chocolate--curl up with a RomCom on V-Day!

Confession time: I am not into chick flicks. Steel Magnolias makes me gag. Terms of Endearment I can't even be bothered to see. And I think Sleepless in Seattle is by far the worst romantic comedy of them all.

But there are some rom-coms that hit the right notes for me. Instead of bemoaning your solitary state on Valentine's Day or spending too much on a fancy dinner out, head over to Blockbuster and curl up with a sweet (but not TOO sweet) movie:

1. The Wedding Singer - This is the sweeter side of Adam Sandler and how can you not love a soundtrack that features originals and covers of David Bowie, Dead or Alive, Culture Club and a cameo by Billy Idol?

2. 50 First Dates - Another Sandler flick again teaming him with the terminally cute Drew Barrymore. This came out at the same time as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and (I know I'll ruffle some feathers here) I think it does a better job of exploring the connection between love and memory.

3. Ever After - Speaking of Drew Barrymore, she played a kick-ass and fiercely independent Cinderella in this unique retelling of the fairy tale classic.

4. Pretty Woman - I have at least two female friends who LOATHE this movie. And I totally get where they're coming from: sugar-coating prostitution into a Pygmalion-styled Cinderella story is a bit of a stretch. But it works for me for one reason: Julia Roberts. She is charisma, she is magic. That smile, that laugh, those big brown eyes.

And seriously--who wouldn't relish the opportunity to have someone who looks like Richard Gere as a sugar daddy? Sure it's formula--but the formula works.

5. The Truth About Cats and Dogs - Janeane Garofalo was so utterly adorable in this flick. I guess I have a thing for underdogs. And actual dogs...

6. 10 Things I Hate About You - This was the late Heath Ledger's break-through film and it also featured a young(er) Julia Stiles and Joseph Gordon Levitt. The scene where Ledger serenades Stiles with "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" on the football field is a gem.

7. About a Boy - The real love story in this film is between Hugh Grant's self-absorbed manchild and Nicholas Hoult's geeky young Marcus. No, it's not anything pedophilic--but a belated coming of age story about a man jolted out of his narcissistic existence by a child wise beyond his years:

Christine: Oh, no...it's just I thought you had hidden depths.
Will: No, no, you've always had that wrong about me. I really am this shallow.

This one also features a mortifying song performance. It's brilliant.

8. He Said, She Said - Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth Perkins are great in this battle of the sexes story which ironically was directed by Ken Kwapis who is currently riding high on the success of He's Just Not That Into You. It's one story told twice, from each of the main character's perspective.

9. Roxanne - Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah in a retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac. It's pretty predictable, but still enjoyable.

10. Some Kind of Wonderful - Eric Stolz, Mary Stuart Masterson and Lea Thompson in a John Hughes-penned love triangle where the geek girl gets the guy! This almost makes up for the fact that bland Blaine triumphed over devoted Duckie in Pretty in Pink.

Almost...

Hollie Goes Green

This post comes courtesy of the gorgeous and talented Hollie, who I sent to check out the latest happening at Vert.

Here is her report:

"Organic make-up and skin care is something Stella has been raving about. As an avid reader of her blog, I always thought it sounded good but maybe a bit new age-y for my needs.

I’m a drugstore kinda gal.

But after attending Vert’s Kiss and Make-up event, I’m a convert. Created by Renata Helfman, Vert is the place to go for all natural eco-friendly make-up and skin care products. As we sipped on champagne and snacked on tasty macrobiotic snacks, Renata, a former celebrity make-up artist, offered a step-by-step make-up lesson.

I’ve always found watching people apply make-up a bit like watching a chef prepare a great meal. It’s interesting but not something I could do. But Renata offered so many great tips as she went along I kept thinking, "I can do that!"

One thing I learned was how important it is to prep your skin before you put on any make-up. Before she even got started with the make-over, Renata moisturized her model’s face, using Ren, Vert’s latest offering for skincare. Ren is the latest in bioactive skincare and has no synthetic ingredients. It’s packaging is clean and simple and the products are scientifically tested.

As someone who’s starting to notice fine lines sneak in, finding the best anti-aging creams have become a hobby. While everything in the line looked good, my budget forced me to focus on what’s most important. I’ve been in the market for a new eye cream so I splurged for the lipovector peptide anti-wrinkle eye cream, which contains peptides and natural vitamin A.

I’m planning to replace my current eye cream Clinique Repairwear which, according to Cosmetic Database (another discovery that I can’t believe I didn’t know about), ranks at a 7. Ren was kind enough include a sample of there products including the Multi-mineral Detoxifying Facial Mask, the Rosa Centifola Facial Wash and the Active 7 Radiant Eye Maintenance Gel.

My skin is already thanking me.

Besides praising Ren skincare, Renata stressed that Vert provides a variety of products so that the eco-conscious consumer can mix and match. One item that really stood out and I’ve already added to my wish list is Josie Maran’s Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30. It’s the perfect substitute for someone like me (lazy) who doesn’t wear foundation every day but wants to look like I do.

Helping out with make over tips was Layla, a make-up artist from Jane Iredale cosmetics. I don’t know how I’ve never heard of this cosmetic line but the products are incredible. I haven’t tried it yet but in my goody bag, is their lengthening mascara and one of their 24-karat bronzer. (Is there anything better than a bronzer with gold flecks in it?)

What stands out about Jane Iredale is that this was one of the first companies to make mineral make-up and it continues to be recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Those are people I can trust. The other must have item from Jane Iredale is the In Touch Cream blush. It contains real cocoa extract and smells incredible. Normally, I’m not a big fan of scented cosmetics but this was just the right blend.

New cosmetics and skin care is exciting but the best part about the evening was the education I received. The tips from both Renata and Layla were invaluable. I had no idea that the mascara I was using from the drugstore contained such toxic chemicals as well as the damage that my “long lasting” lip color may cause. I had posted on my own blog that I hoped to be more eco-friendly by recycling and driving less, but I realized that I’ve been putting potentially harmful products on my face and body.

Definitely not the place where one should scrimp!

Of course, mineral make-up and “green” skincare is slightly more expensive than drugstore brands but paying that extra bit is worth it if I’m not only looking better but I’m not poisoning using toxic products.

You can check out Vert online to discover all the products I mentioned and so many more.

Thanks again to Stella for letting me discover the wonderful world of Vert. My make-up and skincare routine will never be the same!"

Hollie is a screenwriter, actress, blogger and twin whose pristine porcelain skin is in no need of cosmetics. But if one more person is converted to avoiding toxic chemicals and using healthier and more eco-friendly products, then I have done my job!

Have a Heart-Smart Valentine's Day!

Roses die and chocolate--well, chocolate can last a bit too long. On the hips that is...

But a nice piece of jewelry can make the perfect Valentine's Day gift. And if you purchase one of the select items from Wendy Culpepper, 15% of the sale will be donated to the American Heart Association.

I like the delicate Daisy Sterling Silver necklace with garnet (my birthstone!) bead shown at the left.

It's a Valentine's present that does double-duty: warming the heart of the recipient and helping to fight heart disease.

Green By Nature

These days, "Green" is the new black. It seems like just about everyone is jumping on the natural, organic and eco-friendly bandwagon. You can add Green by Nature to the list, but the all natural bath and body care line has a number things that makes it stand out from the rest.



First, what's NOT included in any of their products:



Parabens
Sulfates
DEA
Petroleum
Propylene glycol
Saccharine
Dioxin
Phthalates

Second, what IS in each product:

Grapefruit seed extract
Shea butter
Pistachio oil
Aloe leaf extract
Rosehip oil
Beeswax

Not only are these ingredients great for your skin, they are bio-renewable so they're good for the environment!

Finally, Green by Nature is 95-99% natural with packaging made with 100% recyclable materials and is a member of 1% For the Planet, an alliance of businesses that donates 1% of their by annual sales to environmental causes. Those are some pretty impressive numbers! Plus Green by Nature doesn't do animal testing.

You can find Green by Nature products at Target.

The Calendar says Winter, but it's Spring at Smashbox

Los Angeles readers might be shivering in their Uggs as they're reading this (In SoCal, anything below 70 is cold and anything below 50 is freezing!), but Spring has already sprung at Smashbox Studio. So head over to Fred Segal in Santa Monica tomorrow evening and check out Dean and Davis Factor's Spring Muse collection.


Here are the details:


Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, The Office and 30 Rock are all RE-RUNS this Thursday night--so check out Studio at Fred Segal instead!

Out of Africa

Out of Africa is not just a multi-Academy Award winning film, it's also the name of a shea butter based product line created by Victor Lulla. The products feature high percentages of unrefined, pure shea butter and no chemical, additives, sulfates and parabens.

One of the products I tried was the Tea Tree Shea Butter hand wash. Between putting in and taking out my contact lenses, testing my blood sugar, etc., I wash my hands a lot. The Out of Africa hand wash cleans without drying out my hands--and the tea tree oil acts as a natural anti-bacterial. You can also get the hand wash infused with Lemon or Lavendar essential oils--but for hand washing germophobes everywhere, the tea tree is a great alternative to those chemical filled anti-bacterial soaps.

I also got to test drive the Shea Butter Body Oil in Lavender. In addition to pure, unrefined shea butter, the body oil contains avocado and olive oil. It's a great moisturizer when applied to damp skin after a shower. It left my skin moisturized but not at all greasy! I also like rubbing a bit into my palms and using it to smooth down flyaway hair. The lavender is a nice calming and soothing scent--but the oils also come in grapefruit, verbena and as well as an unscented version.

The Out of Africa product line also features body butters, bar soaps and body washes. And 3% of all sales are contributed to School for Children Unite--a groundbreaking project helping to provide education to children in West Africa. In addition, the products are handmade bu women's co-operatives in Benin--which creates jobs and economic stability in one of the poorest nations in Africa.

So you've got a good cause that's also good for your skin. Out of Africa--coming soon to bathroom near you!

Ellin LaVar Leave-In Penetrating Balm

You would think that my Mia Farrow circa Rosemary's Baby haircut would be no hassle at all.

You would be wrong.

Even chopped into submission, my hair has a tendency towards frizz and fly-aways. Imagine my surprise when I found a miracle product that does double duty--a balm that both conditions my hair and acts as a styling product.

Loaded with exotic and nourishing ingredients like Brazil Nut Oil, Pequi Oil, Cupuaçú Seed Butter, Maracuja Passion Fruit Emollient, Grape Seed Procyandins and Tocopherols, Ellin LaVar Penetrating Balm makes my hair soft and shiny and easy to style.

Even better, the salon quality product is a bargain. At less than $8, you probably spend more tipping the shampoo girl!

You can find the full line of Ellin LaVar Textures as your local CVS.

2008 Favorite Beauty Products

This past year I've read over a dozen books, seen about FOUR dozen movies in a theater and tested out dozens of beauty products. Once I finish seeing all of 2008's movies, I'll compile a list of my top ten favorites--but in the meantime here are my favorite skincare and beauty products for the year:

1. Favorite Skincare Line - nude skincare

From the green philosophy that informs everything from the packaging to the fair trade and organic ingredients to the exquisitely exotic and effective formulations, this line of luxurious products is the cream of the crop.

2. Favorite Mask - derma e Cleansing Enzyme Mask

Nothing works better at sucking the grit, grime and grease out of skin than this mask. And it smells DELICIOUS!

3. Favorite Sunscreen - Verabella

Vera Kantor has created a brilliant product: SPF 45, non-chemical sunblock that goes on sheer and contains loads of great ingredients to nourish your skin. Genius!

4. Favorite Eye Treatment - Therapy Systems Line Tox for Eyes

So many great products to choose from in this category, but this paraben, mineral oil and phthalate-free treatment reduces puffiness and wrinkles. I have definitely noticed the delicate skin around my eyes looking smoother and more refreshed.

5. Favorite Lip Treatment - Sircuit Skin's Suggah

The thing I love most about this rich and emollient lip treatment is its delectable scent. Sircuit formulations NEVER contain chemical parabens or preservatives, fillers, artificial colors, artificial fragrances and are cruelty free.

6. Favorite Body Scrub - Thom Fleming Skin Care

Three reasons I love this scrub: it comes in a squeeze tube which makes it easy to dispense and prevents the dreaded oil/scrub separation, it foams up a bit so you can cleanse as well as exfoliate skin at the same time and it rinses completely clean leaving skin soft and smooth and without leaving an oily film.

7. Favorite Hair Product - Pristine Recovery Scary Hairy

This 100% natural serum remedies dry fragile hair and revitalizes the scalp. It makes my coarse, dry hair soft and manageable. And it smells soooo good!

8. Favorite Body Spray - Biotherm Eau Pure

This light fragrance with green and fruity notes is the perfect everyday scent. Love it!

That's the round-up for 2008. Bring on 2009!

LAVANILA: This is not your Mom's vanilla...

Personally I'm a fan of foodie scents. But there are times when one doesn't particularly want to smell like cake batter. Thank goodness for LAVANILA Pure Vanilla Body Wash. It's a more floral than foodie vanilla. With a hint of musk and patchouli.

And if the gorgeous scent weren't enough, the 100% natural cleanser is completely free of sulfates, harsh detergents and harmful synthetics. Known as "The Healthy Body Wash," LAVANILA is filled with great ingredients that are good for your skin:

• Coconut Oil: Has gentle cleansing properties to purify skin.
• Oat Protein: Moisturizes, conditions, and soothes skin as it adjusts skin's pH.
• Pomegranate: Gently exfoliates by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells that trap bacteria and sebum.
• Goji Berries: Provide potent antioxidant protection and nourishment.

I love how the light lather rinses completely - leaving softened and softly scented skin.

Yummy!

Six Shopping Days Left 'til Christmas!

Time is running out to get your Christmas shopping done! I know I'm still working on finding the perfect gifts for my loved ones. What makes it even harder is money being tight in these tough economic times...

If you're struggling for ideas, I've got two words for you:

1. Disney - This limited edition Disney Couture Harvey's Seatbelt bag features Mickey Mouse on comic webbing with splashes of color. It's both cute and functional. Made of 100% seat belt, it's capable of holding up to 2,000 pounds of necessities (I know sometimes my bag feels that heavy...). It's lined in genuine flight satin, used by the US Airforce to make flight jackets, and features strong magnetic snaps or YKK zippers, NASA certified thread and chrome plated feet imported from Italy.

2. Discount - Not only will HipUndies ship the bag to you for a mere $1.00, but--courtesy of Well Above Average--you can get $50 off when you use the promo code: WAASAVES. (It stands for Well Above Average Saves! How cool is that?)

HipUndies also carries Hanky Panky, Cosabella, Spanx and Betsey Johnson Lingerie so log on and start shopping!

derma e and the Thrilla of Vanilla

derma e scores yet another knockout with its Vanilla Bean Revitalizing Toner. Winner of Editor's Pick Award for Best Facial Toner from Beauty With a Conscience, the toner is the latest in a long line of award winning derma e products to receive recognition.

Naturally (no pun intended) I had to check out this anti-oxidant righ formula that contains skin-loving ingredients such as pycnogenol, green tea and the yummy smell of vanilla bean!

While the formula is indeed gentle on skin--what with soothing aloe, hydrating NaPCA, calming allantoin and moisturizing glycerin--it also is quite effective at keeping pores clean and toned.

And like all derma e products, it's paraben-free, cruelty-free and comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

Don't Just Make the Holidays Special, Make them UNIQUE!

It can be tough to find that special someone the perfect gift. You don't have the time or talent for handmade and gift cards are too and impersonal. How do you manage to get people on your gift list something as individualized as their personality? Something that says different, special and one of a kind?

Unique Los Angeles is an independent design and gift sale occurring next weekend. You can get all your Christmas shopping done in one place! The exciting two-day shopping event showcases independent design talent at great prices. Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Unique Los Angeles brings together 200 of the best designers, artists and merchants.

Here are the details:

December 13th & 14th, 11 am – 7 pm
California Market Center (Penthouse)
Downtown Los Angeles
110 East 9th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90079

$5 per ticket
(children 10 and under are free)

50% of ticket sales benefit CREATE NOW, a local arts-based charity for high-risk youth

If you go to the event, make sure you check out Julia Bristow Jewelry and tell Julia I said "Hi!"

Better than Retail Therapy!

It's Black Friday and the masses have descended on the malls. We all know retail therapy can make you FEEL good, but I've found a different kind of therapy that makes you LOOK good as well.

Therapy Systems.

I've been using two products from the recently re-formulated Line Tox line: and Line Tox for EyesLine Tox for Lips. Although the clinical sounding name represents the innovative and effective combination of ingredients in their products, the newly revised formulations of the Line Tox products eliminates parabens, mineral oil and phthalates so it's kinder and gentler to your skin and the environment as well.

In addition, Therapy Systems products are never tested on animals.

The Line Tox for Eyes claims to reduce puffy eyes in 15 days. It definitely made the skin around my eyes smoother! I was tempted to slather the rest of my face with it given how great the area around my eyes looked...

Apparently the active ingredient in Line Tox for Eyes is Eyeseryl®--a fast-acting, super-peptide complex specifically developed to reduce the appearance of puffy eyes and dark circles. In combination with hyaluronic acid, extracts of grapeseed, green tea and eybright and vitamin A, Line Tox for Eyes is a potent product for fighting the signs of aging where they show up first: the delicate skin around our eyes.

Line Tox for Eyes smells great, too. According to Therapy Systems:

"While most of our products do smell great, they do not have added fragrance or synthetic perfumes. Whenever any of our products have a scent, it is because that product contains an ingredient that smells good but that also actually does something."

I'm guessing the source of the scent in Line Tox for Eyes is the neroli oil.

Line Tox for Lips combines Argireline® and hyaluronic acid to increase collagen and elastin production. Imagine--increasing collagen without the injections! Nourishing moisturizers such as shea butter, aloe and allantoin are also featured ingredients--soothing and hydrating lips.

I definitely feels a slight tingling action when I apply this to my lips. Not a stinging Lip Venom irritation, but a more subtle feeling of activity. It makes my lips look smoother--and smoother lips look fuller and plumper.

Like the Line Tox for Eyes, Line Tox for Lips is a winner--and a keeper!

You can find Therapy Systems products at Henri Bendel, Blue Mercury stores, The Cosmetic Market and online at TherapySystems.com.