Happy Anniversary, Bikini!



It’s hard to believe, but this month marks the 60th anniversary of the bikini in America. When the first bikini was launched it caused an explosion on the fashion scene, and through the years that little piece of fabric has gone through quite an evolution in length, fabrics, colors, and cuts. Today, the bikini is a defining force in summer style.

To help celebrate the bikini’s debut in America, Venus has prepared a timeline of 20th-century swimsuit fashions and has worked with country star and dancer Julianne Hough to develop a “how to look your bikini best” tip sheet.

When it comes to donning a bikini, confidence is key. And, smooth skin can help! According to a recent survey, almost 75% of women said that they felt more confident after shaving. Research also shows that shaving makes women feel more feminine, polished and beautiful.

So, before slipping on that swimsuit, be sure to shave with Venus Embrace ($12.99) – the best bikini razor ever. The first five-blade razor for women, Venus Embrace has a Protective Ribbon of Moisture and hugs every curve for a close shave and dramatically smooth skin.

And, when it comes to looking bikini best, Venus Embrace is bikini approved. According to fashion designer Mara Hoffman, she would never let one of her models walk down the runway without using Venus Embrace.

A Brief History of the Bikini

Early 20th Century - Women wore floor-length dresses at the beach to uphold their modesty – talk about not having to worry about a tan line!

1930s - Women could be seen wearing athletic-style suits or knee-length dresses that hid their figures.

1940s - Corset-style swimsuits began to appear on the beaches. The style simultaneously gave women a more formed figure and also hid their flaws.

1946 - Bikini was unveiled by designer Louis Reard in Paris. The designer’s plan was to create something exotic and bold that women could feel feminine and beautiful wearing.

1949 - The suit made its American debut during the spring of 1949.

1960 - Brian Hyland’s “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” became the anthem of the summer and inspired teen girls to purchase bikinis of their own.

1964 - The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition featured Babette March on its first-ever bikini cover.

Today - The bikini has taken on many different forms including the thong, bandeau, halter and string looks. Designers ranging from fashion-forward like Mara Hoffman to traditionalist Lily Pulitzer continue to create bikinis that are both fun and functional.

Review: Lash Mantra

About the Founder: Leon has put together a number of resources that you can use to make a positive change in the way you look and feel. Leon’s Anti Aging Beauty Secrets E-Book, LashMantra and her daily blog called Beauty Secrets Revealed are all created with you in mind. The blog, recipes and secrets that are put together by Leon are not just slung together to turn a profit. The information that is shared throughout these resources and materials is meant as a tool to empower all women. No longer do you have to believe that you need the best and most expensive products on the market to be beautiful. All women have a magical beauty within them. Leon is committed to helping you display that beauty to the world and in turn, making you feel more beautiful within yourself.



LashMantra is a 100% Natural Eyelash Growth Serum which is made with 18 100% Pure Cold Pressed Oils and Vitamin E Oil(Antioxidants and Natural Preservative). LashMantra is free from Artificial Fragrance, Artificial Colorant, Parabens, Synthetic Preservatives and Chemicals, just perfect for your delicate eyes.

Cold Pressed Plant Oils (Nutritious Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers and Nuts are the main sources of these oils) used in this formulation help promote growth of your eyelashes, condition, nourish and strengthen thin, weak, and brittle eyelashes and make them Darker, Thicker and Fuller. LashMantra works on Eyebrows too.

I was thrilled to give the LashMantra ($48) a try since I had had never tried a vegan eyelash conditioner before. Therefore, I was not sure what to expect. With this product you have a choice to either use the mascara wand or simply apply the product with your fingertips. I found it much easier to apply with the mascara wand. I didn't like using my fingertips, because this method made my lashes too oily and it was hard to see.

Overall, my experience with the LashMantra was a pleasant one. I would highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a good eyelash conditioner. My lashes are much longer and thicker thanks to this product. And, the price - wow! It is very affordable (and effective) compared to most of the eyelash conditioners on the market now.

Who Wouldn't Want a Clean Sweep

The “Clarisonic Spa Experience Sweepstakes” just launched July 13th and features a free Mia per week until August 11th – so one week down and three to go! Best yet, the grand prize is a trip for two to Canyon Ranch in Las Vegas.

Get the Latest Innovation from Clarisonic®

Introducing the new Clarisonic Mia. It’s the affordable, go-anywhere Sonic Cleansing in a compact size. With Mia, looking good is easier because its one-button, one-speed, one-touch design fits every active lifestyle. Enjoy beautiful, glowing skin wherever life’s adventures take you.



With All of the Benefits of Sonic Skin Cleansing

The first step in your daily skin care ritual, Clarisonic is a professional caliber brush that uses gentle sonic micro-massage action to cleanse deeply.Clarisonic uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth your skin. It is so gentle and effective that it is used and recommended by leading spas and dermatologists across the country.

- 6X more makeup removal
- Cleanses so well that products absorb better
- Skin is soft, smooth and younger looking
- Reduces oily areas, dry skin patches, blemishes and
appearance of visible pores
- Gentle for use twice daily

Review: Sabon Organic Day Cream



An active cream excellent for nourishing and restoring your skin's moisture on a base of macadamia nut oil. Contains organic medicinal plants from the Swiss Alps - edelweiss, artemisia, marrubium, and nectapure (these plants are certified as organic by ECOCERT® and Bio Swiss). These medicinal plants significantly slow down skin aging, help reduce wrinkles, contribute to the skin's elasticity and vitality, and aid in tension reduction. Similarly, they protect against skin oxidation processes and allergic reactions. Their special abilities increase protection against UV-rays, and soothe irritable skin. The cream contains many fine organic ingredients such as macadamia nut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, shea butter, and aloe vera, as well as other medicinal plants. All these ingredients are extremely beneficial for the skin. Suitable for normal to dry skin.

My experience with the Sabon Organic Day Cream ($39) was incredible. I was very impressed with the beautiful packaging that it came in. I almost felt like it was my birthday when opening it. Aside from the packaging, the cream itself was a beautiful experience. It is everything I would expect a day cream to be - luxurious, rich and moisturizing.

Pros:

- It is lightweight and absorbs quickly.
- I didn't experience any breakouts.
- Highly moisturizing without a hint oiliness or greasiness.
- Smells wonderful.
- Long lasting moisture.
- A little goes a long way.

Cons:

- Luxurious price.

Be sure to check out their other products from their organic line:
Organic Body Scrub ($30), Organic Butter Cream ($39), Organic Foot Cream ($15), Organic Face Serum ($49), Organic Eye Lifting Serum ($39) and Organic Hand Cream ($18).

Review: April Rain Skin Science Day Rainew

We take multivitamins every day to live a longer, healthier life; supplying our body with a balance of key nutrients we need to perform our best. You wouldn't expect one key nutrient to maximize your body's performance, so why should you expect one star ingredient to do the same for your skin? Day Rainew®, powered by 29.5% HydroPeptide®-DR and 16 high-performance, super antioxidants, is your skin's nourishing multivitamin and your answer to achieving younger-looking, energized, healthy skin.



I had the opportunity to try out the Day Rainew ($95) April Rain Skin Science, and I love it! I reviewed their Night Rainew ($129) in the past and had pleasant results! With their new product, I've noticed tremendous results after using this for awhile - evenness in skin tone and my face feels more taunt. It is not like I didn't have smooth skin to begin with, but I like the way this product makes my skin feel. The smell of this product is quite refreshing with it's light cucumber scent. And, the container it comes in is unique and gorgeous. I highly recommend this product for the 30+ crowd. You might not have anything to worry about right now if you're around my age and not experiencing any "aging" problems.

Day Rainew® is the only skin multivitamin supplying a Recommended Daily Quota (RDQ) of key elements that shield skin from wrinkle-causing free radical attack, restore suppleness, and ignite radiance.

Review: Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola - Shine

Created by world-renowned hair stylist Peter Coppola, the Keratin Care and Infusion Therapy Collections are designed for consumers to enjoy the benefits of a protein-rich keratin regimen on a daily basis. Using these maintenance products prolongs your beautiful results long after a professional Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola in-salon treatment.

Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola is a unique smoothing system that infuses keratin – a powerfully rich protein – deep into the hair cuticle, eliminating up to 95% of frizz and curl and cutting blow-drying time by up to 70%. Its unique formulation incorporates high pH replenishers that automatically open cuticles and infuse Keratin Amino Proteins and emollients into hair – all while keeping environmental toxins like smoke and UV rays out. What you’re left with is the softest, smoothest, shiniest and most luxurious head of hair that can last between 3-5 months depending upon hair type.



The Keratin Complex Shine ($18) is one of the best serum type products I've used up-to-date. I use this product before AND after flat ironing my hair. This product is lightweight and has an unique blend of precious oils and keratin protein oils. It makes my hair soft, ultra smooth and shiny with long lasting results. It also tames the flyaways flawlessly. I like that the Keratin oils are deposited as an even lustrous layer on the hair shaft without build-up. I like it much better than the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum ($15.95) that I had been using.

You might also want to check out the Keratin Complex Care Conditioner ($20), Keratin Complex Color Care Conditioner ($20), Keratin Complex Color Care Shampoo ($20), Keratin Complex Thermo-Shine ($16), Keratin Complex Vanilla Bean Deep Conditioner ($24), Keratin Complex Care Shampoo ($20), Keratin Complex Clarifying Shampoo ($20) and Keratin Complex Infusion ($40).

Review: Kenzo Parfums RYOKO



Working with famed industrial designer Karim Rashid, Kenzo Parfums takes fragrance design into uncharted with RYOKO ($29) - a pocket-sized, ultra-light fragrance pebble. Each smooth RYOKO (meaning travel in Japanese) houses one of Kenzo's favorite scents in a series of five colorful, ergonomically-designed stones that fit into the palm of the hand and is airport friendly (less than 3 oz.).



I was half expecting the KENZOAMOUR RYOKO to have a strong, masculine smell since it was described as being woodsy and oriental. And, I'm not usually very fond of these type of scents. I was pleasantly surprised to find this fragrance to be subtle, airy and feminine. It is also sexy without being overpowering. The scent has strong staying power, and will last throughout the day unlike most feminine perfumes that wear off rather quickly. I highly recommend this particular scent if you're looking for the ideal summer fragrance.

Vera Wang Rock Princess Giveaway

One winner will receive a 3.4 oz limited edition bottle of Vera Wang Rock Princess (a $72 value).

Post on the comment widget along with name and email address on the comment widget above instead of replying to the post (less hassle that way). All of your information will be hidden. You can enter this contest daily.


She'd trade her tiara in for a new guitar, attend a concert instead of the prom—she is Rock Princess, the dynamic new fragrance by Vera Wang. It's all about the music, the fashion, and the spirit with this edgy yet seductively sweet essence.

Each verse is equally captivating in the dark, fruity scent that channels sultry rock-star attitude. It takes the stage with an exhilarating intro of succulent white peach, bittersweet red raspberry, and an illuminating flash of vibrant bergamot. The chorus reveals itself in lovely layers of ultra-feminine florals. Hypnotic heliotrope, vintage-inspired rose, night-blooming jasmine, delicate lily, and an unexpected riff of sharp, spicy accents. The melody bridges to a finale, cloaking the essence in the warm, sensual glow of plush cashmere woods, smoldering musk, elegant iris, and creamy coconut. You will not forget her.

The Rock Princess bottle is as rebellious and dark as the downtown clubs where she plays. A smoky glass heart steals the show with sharp faceted edges and cool surfaces. The front of the bottle is covered with heavy metal in a pattern inspired by a Vera Wang fabric design. The crown rocks at the top, in a gunmetal finish, covered with rhinestone studs. Set beneath the crown is a matching ring—the perfect jewelry for playing a solo on the bass or hammering away on the drums.

Notes:

Peach, Raspberry, Bergamot, Heliotrope, Rose, Jasmine, Lily, Cashmere Wood, Musk, Iris, Coconut.

The giveaway will conclude July 27th.


- Follow me on this blog.
- Add my blog button on your sidebar.
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Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org and the prize will be sent by the sponsor.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

Organicare Fresh Fix Giveaway



5 winners will receive Organicare Fresh Fix Hydrating Mist To-Go.

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Review: Carry Fresh Fix Hydrating Mist To-Go ($29.50) with you to rehydrate and refresh skin's glow throughout the day. Contains aloe vera to quench thirsty skin, lavender to calm the senses, and green tea to invigorate tired, dull skin. An excellent boost to refresh your look after airplane travel and perfect for setting makeup (ideal for mineral makeup).

Since I don't ever travel by airplane (and don't plan on ever doing so), I've been using this for the latter. It leaves a clean and hydrated base to work in my mineral foundation (while keeping my skin hydrated) and it works beautifully!

Organicare embraces a philosophy that centers on improving your skin, body, and world. They believe everyone can make small choices today to make a big impact on tomorrow. Organicare provides consumers everywhere the opportunity to make the best choice for their skin. They firmly believe consumers should never have to sacrifice product performance for purity. They pledge to always seek out and discover the purest ingredients, use the most advanced technology, and provide superior formulation techniques to consistently ensure a results-driven, beautiful experience for their consumers.

Organicare donates a portion of its annual proceeds to organizations focused on sustainable programs for our environment and providing aide to underprivileged children worldwide.

The giveaway will conclude July 23rd.



- Link giveaway on your own blog, Twitter, Facebook, and / or Myspace.
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- Join Facebook group.
- Add my blog button on your sidebar.
- Subscribe to this blog.
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- Add me to your blog roll.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org and the prize will be sent by the sponsor.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

Review: Spacasso Silk Body Essence Sprays

SOY SPACASSO only use natural soybean lipids and shea oil along with natural ingredients to create a completely botanic and antioxidant rich product line to enhance your skin, health and well being.

In the same way that natural and botanic skin care products are important for women, they are also important for men's skincare. SOY SPACASSO understand men's complex skincare needs and knows they have long been overlooked in the skincare industry, especially with new and vital formulations that are essential to maintain young looking skin.

Their exclusive new range of botanic and natural skincare products for men called MANSTYLE regenerates and renews skin cells and brings maximum moisture that combats the signs of aging from the very first fine line.



I had the wonderful opportunity to try out the Spacasso Silk Body Essence Sprays ($14) in Acai Berry and Mango Papaya. These body sprays are highly moisturizing without a hint of greasiness. They also smell wickedly delicious, especially the Acai Berry. However, I love both! I like how they absorb in the skin quickly, leaving my skin feeling ultra smooth and yummy smelling. My only problem with the products was that the labels wore off quickly. This made it a bit hard to tell which scent I was using unless I sprayed it on.

You can indulge in other scents such as Banana Smoothie, Peach Melba, Chocolate Indulgence, Cucumber Calypso, Kiwi Fruit, Oatmeal Milk & Honey, Vanilla Breeze or Strawberries & Champagne. You can also order an unscented version if you're not so much into scent.

For added skin luxuriousness, use with coordinating SOY SPACASSO Soyjuvenating Hand & Body Lotion or Soy Radiance Whip.

Lancôme Pout-à-Porter Lipstick Collection is Back

We’re thrilled to announce that Lancôme is bringing back the Pout-à-Porter Lipstick series! The previous four lipsticks in this collection were collaborations with celebrated designers Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Peter Som and Thakoon. All four of the lipsticks sold out. So many of you have been incredibly supportive of this project and it would not have been such a huge success without you.



For Spring 2010 Lancôme is collaborating with emerging designer Chris Benz and they need your help! They’re doing a lipstick naming contest that was announced on Chris Benz’s Facebook fan page today and we’d love for you to spread the word to your readers. The new shade will be inspired by Chris’ Spring 2010 collection and will be worn by the models at his show in September. The contest winner will receive five of the lipsticks plus a $500 Lancôme gift certificate. All you have to do is post your suggestion on Chris’ Facebook fan page based on what you know about Chris and his fashion personality. All of you are eligible to submit your suggestions too and we hope you do! The deadline for submissions is Sunday, July 12th, at 5 p.m. EST.

Review: Retro Chic by Joshua

Retro-Chic International is a company of cutting edge, yet sophisticated hair artists who are inspired by fashion and design. We are dedicated to becoming the next icon in the professional beauty industry.

Retro-Chic™ is about Hair Artists with an attitude and state of mind, what they want we can provide with Retro-Chic by JoshuaTM hair care products, instant gratification! Today's young sophisticates are seeking a lifestyle with attitude. Our trendsetting team combines modern chic and glamour punk to create hot and sexy styles.

Retro-Chic International looked toward the fashion industry to create eye catching, contemporary packaging that stands off the shelf! With Retro-Chic by Joshua's™ unique hair care formulas, in their ultra-chic packaging, the Retro-Chic International Team has created trend in a bottle.

Retro-Chic International, the latest revolution in style, invites you to join us in the new Retro-Chic™ craze.



Fixation Styling Goo

I was pleasantly surprised (and impressed) that this styling creme is lightweight. It is perfect for my wavy hair. Unlike most styling creme products, this one doesn't make my hair feel icky or crunchy. It is ideal for all hair types, and is the most diverse styling product. You can use this goo to spike, slick, add shine, separate or twist.

Retro-Bonding Remedy

This weekly conditioning balm is very rich and creamy! It makes my hair look and feel healthy, shiny, soft and youthful. I couldn't imagine going a week without this must have!

Glazz


I've tried just about every serum available, but this product is my all time favorite! I apply a small amount of the Glazz on my hair after I've styled it with a flat iron. It gives my hair the right amount of shine. Best of all, it doesn't weigh down my hair or make it look greasy. This product is a must have if you have dry or frizzy hair.

Shampooing Potion
Conditioning Potion


Their shampoo and conditioner is ideal for all hair types. If you're looking for maximum color protection, you should get these products! I love that the shampoo doesn't dry out my hair like most shampoos have in the past. The conditioner is perfect for my hair. It conditions my hair and gives it a luxurious shine.

Shakeable


I've said this in the past, but I'm not a big fan of hair spray at all. So I was eager to give this to one of my sisters who happen to be out of hair spray. She really likes it, because it doesn't break hair off like most she used in the past. It is very lightweight and will give your hair a natural hold.

Superstruct Gel


I'm not much of a hair gel fan either, but I like that this gel doesn't break my hair off. This is the problem I've had with other gels in the past, and I'm quite impressed that this one delivers good results. This hair gel is the key foundation in creating any chic hairstyle.


Retro-Bonding Shampooing Potion
Retro-Bonding Conditioning Potion


This shampoo and conditioner is most ideal for distressed hair, which describes my hair perfectly. Both products delivers the same results as the Shampooing Potion
Conditioning Potion. However, I prefer these particular products since I really LOVE the smell of both products.