PrettyCity & Sothy's event- Goodie Bag

At the recent PrettyCity & Sothy's event, all attendees received a delightful goodie bag, valued at over $200. Each bag contained a plethora of beauty products from brands such as Sothy's, DuWop, Everyday Minerals, China Glaze and more!



Like the goodies? Then don't miss the next event on Thursday, March 3 for the launch of JAFRA makeup's Spring collection !


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2011 Oscars: Hairstyle Predictions

Hairstyle Predictions for the 2011 Oscars

See how we think the Oscar nominees, presenters and guests should wear their hair on Sunday

This is a TotalBeauty.com celebrity hairstyles article We picked some of our favorite hairstyles seen in the past and thanks to Photoshop placed them onto the heads of these following actresses that will be at the 2011 "Academy Awards." So … what do you think? See hairstyles

JUARA Skincare: Facial Moisturizer Sample from MegsMakeup.com

In one my goodie packages from Meg's Makeup last year, I received a sample of the JUARA Skincare Sweet Black Tea & Rice Facial Moisturizer. I intended to use it for travel but since I didn't go anywhere this winter, (hello snow!) I couldn't wait any longer.

My thoughts? I was impressed with how good this moisturizer felt on my skin.. It has a very pleasant scent, made of fermented sweet black tea and rice bran oil and a lightweight formula that made my skin instantly smooth. My cheeks are particularly dry during the winter and so I slathered this on right before I went to bed. It's the combination of the scent and the way my skin feels so nourished that I am itching to get the full-size bottle of this moisturizer!

On their website, Juaraskincare.com, I was only tempted to get MORE stuff, including their top seller- Rice Facial Cleanser and their oil-free moisturizer
Sweet Black Tea & Ginger Mattefying Moisturizer for the summer!

Read more reviews on JUARA Skincare at TotalBeauty.com!


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New Anti-Aging Beauty Products

New Products Alert: Anti-Aging Goods

Short of building your own time machine, these anti-aging technologies are the newest innovations in fighting those stubborn lines

This is a TotalBeauty.com anti-aging skin care article When meeting a certain age (which shall remain numberless), time becomes the enemy. But, that doesn't mean you can't fight back. To help you in your war, we're here to share the latest anti-aging innovations. See products

February 18 is National Wine Day!

Today's is National Wine Day! Now that NY Fashion Week is officially over, there's another reason to celebrate. While you're out at your favorite bar tonight or staying in with your girlfriends, have a drink in one of Lolita's beautifully designed wine glasses. Here are some examples:

There are new Stemless Wine Glasses from Lolita and this is by far my favorite SPRING design called "Ooops-a-Daisy." Check it out here.

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Heart Healthy Foods with Beauty Benefits

8 Heart Healthy Foods with Beauty Benefits

See how these foods affect your beauty from the inside out

This is a TotalBeauty.com health and beauty article To get the full scoop on precisely which beauty bonuses we can expect from eating the top 8 heart healthy foods (February is heart health month, FYI), we talked to three experts in the field. Find out what they had to say … See foods

Join NYC PrettyCity for JAFRA USA's Makeup Launch

On Thursday, March 3 at 6 PM, NYC PrettyCity & JAFRA Cosmetics will celebrate JAFRA's cosmetics new collection launch at MARQUEE. Meet & Greet with JAFRA's celebrity makeup artist, Sergio Lopes-Rivera, to ask all your makeup questions. Also, get gratis mini manicures, dry styling and shopping from Marc & Max and chomp on yummy appetizers provided by Marquee. Since I got a manicure last time.. I think I may opt for the dry styling this time! :) As always, you get a goodie bag filled with beauty treats and this time, it will be full of JAFRA favorites! (Reviews here.)

RSVP now!

See my recap of the last PrettyCity event at Sothy's!


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EcoTools Bath Accessories - Part 2

Have you seen these EcoTools bath accessories before? Check out more sponges, bath mitts and other exfoliating tools here in Part 1. Since it is the winter, I have been suffering with cracked heels. These tools came just in the nick of time, before Spring comes so I can be heel-ready. (Nude shoes, anyone?)

EcoTools gives you 2 options- a Brush & Foot File and a Foot File only accessory to get your feet exfoliated and flakey-free.
The EcoTools foot brush & file is my personal favorite of the two. Why? Because it gives you more choices in one handle; one side is the brush that I use first and I can even scrub around my toes and top of my feet and the other side is the file to exfoliate your heels. The Foot File only accessory has two sides also- one is more coarse to exfoliate and other is finer to smooth your heels. My personal preference is the brush one but both "file" sides worked nicely. What used to be dry rough skin is now smooth and part of my actual foot! (haha)
Tip: Remember to use a heel cream after using these tools to moisturize!

The EcoTools Facial Buff is like a mini Body Buff- 2 sides for cleaning and exfoliating. This is perfect for occasional sloughing off dead skin cells and everyday wash on the smooth side. Tip: Make sure to wet the buff entirely before placing on your face. It may be too harsh on sensitive skin. There's a mini elastic strap so you can put two of your fingers in so you don't have to hold them. They're about 2 inches wide, so they're just the right size. Overall, I found the EcoTools bath and facial accessories great to have to give that extra cleaning that your regular washcloth won't give you. Having these around your bathroom also reminds you that you need to exfoliate to get beautiful, clear skin!

In addition to these fabulous products, I bought at my local retailer, two other EcoTools products that I have been eyeing.. literally! Their Eye Mask & Moisturizing Socks are made of really soft rayon from bamboo. After scrubbing my feet, of course I have to retain its moisture by slathering on bodybutter on my heels and using these socks. The Eye Mask is great to block out any unnecessary light for a night of slumber.


(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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NYC PrettyCity & L’Institut Sothys event Recap

Last Thursday, NYC local beauties and I gathered at L’Institut Sothys New York for a "5 Things We Love" party hosted by NYC PrettyCity & Sothys and in partnership with We Heart Truth. If there are 5 things I love, I know they include treatments, cupcakes/ hors d'ouvres, drinks and chats- all in one place!

As a VIPretty, I am always psyched to attend NYC PrettyCity events at great local spas so you can see for yourself how their services are at the spa/salon/etc. Always love these events because you get to relax after work in a fun environment and meet new people too!

At Sothy's, I got a "Polish Change" aka a manicure with Essie Tiny Wine-ey. My manicurist was incredibly sweet, helping me choose the right shade of red for me. She said for my skin tone that I should stick with reds with blue undertones and to stay away from orange! Look, more people getting mani's!

In addition to getting treatments, we could look at stylish clothing from Sarar and check out Sothy's makeup products!
To see the rest of the pictures......




There were delicious hor d'ouvres, drinks and cupcakes sponsored by craving4cupcakes.com
This tower of cupcakes vanished very quickly and how could it not? They were so delicious! The chocolate, carrot & blueberry assortment were scrumptious. The drinks were also in cranberry and pomegranate flavors too.. yummy!


Missed out on the fun? Check out the next NYC PrettyCity event on March 3 to celebrate the launch of JAFRA cosmetics!

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Before you go bare... on Valentine's Day

Monday is officially Valentine's Day!! And before you go bare.... you must try..

Wait, I'm talking about bare lips here!! Before you smooch off your red or pink lipsticks, you must- MUST- condition your lips! For the past several weeks, I have been using Softlips Beeswax Conditioner (completely all-natural) and gave my friend to test the Replenish lip protectant/sunscreen which is an anti-aging lip care product.

The Beeswax Conditioner has a moisturizing formula packed with Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil. It glides on smoothly every time, like it sort of melts on your lips with a cool mint flavor. I love that it's free of parabens and only contains oils and beeswax to get literally- soft lips- for Valentine's Day! Great to use as a base before applying any lip color. Read more reviews on TotalBeauty.com

One of Softlip's new products is their Replenish lip protectant with sunscreen. Same packaging as their tints, the Replenish is formulated with antioxidants such as Acai Berry Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, and Vitamins A, C & E. The oils gives this lip protectant a pleasant fruity scent. My friend have tried other Softlips products before but definitely found this to be her favorite. She noticed some of her fine lines on her lips to be less noticeable. Score!

Looking for gorgeous red and pink lipsticks to wear? Try one of these:
- Valentine's Day Makeup with Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

- Pink lips on Valentine's Day.. Egon Schiele's Hush Lipstick

- Want Perfect Lips? Try COVERGIRL's Lip Perfection line

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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New Blushes for Spring

Pretty New Blushes for Spring

These fresh-off-the-beauty-press colors will awaken winter cheeks and give you a lovely spring glow

This is a TotalBeauty.com face makeup article The easiest way to polish up your look and get an instant glow is by adding a dash of blush and, just in the nick of time, a wide array of hot new pinks, peaches, shimmery oranges, and deep plums are ready and waiting to do the job. Get colors

Valentine's Day Fragrances

Your Must-Have Valentine's Day Accessory

Pssst. Want to bring him to his knees? Spray on one of these sexy fragrances

This is a TotalBeauty.com perfume article Sure, a low cut top can't hurt, but the surefire way to get his blood pumping is to wear a scent that will drive him crazy. Pick one from this list. (There are a bunch of hot colognes for him too!) Smell sexy

Fun Gift Ideas for Your Valentine!

Fun Gift Ideas for Your Valentine

Don't know of what to get him this year? These thoughtful gifts for your guy will make both of you smile

This is a TotalBeauty.com men's skin care products article Since the odds are that you're probably not going to get what you want for Valentine's Day (maybe I'm projecting here but, 22 times bitten, twice shy), why not hedge them a little by gifting your guy with something that you know you'll love too? Get ideas

Pink lips on Valentine's Day.. Egon Schiele's Hush Lipstick

The power of expression... At a recent visit to The Plaza Beauty for an event, I discovered the beauty of art and art of beauty in Egon Schiele Cosmetics. He's an Austrian artist whose work in Expressionism is quite exquisite. (I did a quick wiki search on his art.) I am impressed, not that I am an art connoiseur or anything but I do appreciate talent when talent is due. I am equally fascinated with the Egon Schiele Cosmetics line, which focuses on mineral-infused makeup (a love of mine!) and its cosmetics are inspired by the artist.

If you're looking for an alternative (ie: not daring to wear red for Valentine's Day), may I suggest their lipstick in Hush, a light pink, almost frosty but not too frosty, color that will give you pink pretty lips. What I love about this shade is that it is extremely wearable for everyday because not only is the color suitable, but its creamy! It is packed with Vitamin E and Jojoba oils that hydrate your lips, which is what my lips dearly needs everyday because it is so darn cold outside! It instantly hydrates it so it's perfect while giving you color!

Check out The Plaza Beauty for more Egon Schiele Cosmetics and great beauty finds for Valentine's Day!

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Offer the gift of LOVE this Valentine's Day with Thymes

Valentine's Day is this Monday, February 14! Looking for a last-minute gift? Why not give your guy the gift of Love...? A Love candle, that is! The Thymes OFFERINGS Love candle is a wonderful floral aromatic candle with hints of Jasmine and Hinoki wood. The scents in this candle is meant to "inspire feelings of affection." Now I believe that our sensories are heightened when another one of our senses isn't used.. For example, I definitely feel like I can hear much better when I'm walking back home at night (haha) So if you're lighting this candle in a dimly lit room, you will definitely notice the strong scents of the candle. The scent is definitely a combination of floral/woodsy that lasts; the candle was burning for about half an hour one morning and the fragrance stayed the rest of the day.
As always, the Thymes candles are beautifully designed- just look at the candle holder. It's simple, classic and you just don't want to throw it out! They're definitely reusable, of course after approximately 60 hours of burning the Love Candle, and you can use it to hold your makeup brushes or something. ;)

Have a happy Valentine's Day with your loved one(s) this year!

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Meg's Makeup Most Fab Gift- Free makeup!

In case you missed my first post of 2011, about my Meg's Makeup 50 point redemption gift (aka Free Makeup gift package), check out why Meg's Makeup is one of my favorite beauty sites! They offer great reviews you can rely on and they reward you with makeup! Learn more here!

How do they reward you? Earn points by being an active member by commenting, posting, etc! I recently earned 250 points and got myself a "Most Fab Gift." Look at this AMAZING package from Meg in the fastest time ever- just a week since I redeemed! All you pay is shipping which is $12 but that is nothing for what you get. My package retailed at over a $100.. and got lots of goodies to show for it.

Thank you Meg!! :) (Follow her on twitter if you're not already!)

Here's what I got: (retail value of all $100+) * Suki Complete Care for youthful skin *Jean Paul Geultier Classique X Collection sample * China glaze nailpolish * Lancome Lipstick in "LOVE IT" (I do!) * EcoGlo Minerals sample of their blush w/ brush * Maybelline quad * Mally's eyeshadow stick * Love & Toast hand cream

Leave me a message if you'd like to see reviews. :)



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NYC Pretty City invites you to Sothy's on February 10, 2011

PrettyCity.com invites all NYC beauties to their event at Sothy's this Thursday! According to their site:

"Join Pretty City for a night of fun and pampering at L’Institut Sothys New York as we celebrate an evening all about “YOU”. We will be celebrating “women’s heart health” with beauty & fashion. Choose from one of the following fabulous beauty services we will be offering…learn how to apply and wear RED lipstick, choose a daring tone of RED for your nails, opt for an eye or hand treatment, relax your muscles with a taste of a massage and treat your face to a facial. And ladies, while you’re pampering yourselves, sip and nibble on your favorite treats. What more could you possibly ask for? Shopping?? Of course. Preview your favorite RED dresses …don’t forget your goodie bag filled with our fabulous faves. "

Having personally gone to many NYC PrettyCity events in the past two years, I can assure you they are a fun way to learn about a new spa and hang out with your friends at the same time. As always, they have mini beauty sessions, such as makeovers, mini-treatments and delicious snacks and drinks! And you don't go home empty handed either- a goodie bag touting $200 worth of goodies- what a steal for only $15 tickets! RSVP now!



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Valentine's Day Makeup with Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

Go red this Valentine's Day with Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics!

I have been a personal fan of mineral makeup for many, many years now. For me, it gives me a natural, flawless face, and the ingredients are natural so it lets my skin breathe. So, you can imagine my excitement whenever I got the chance to try this new mineral-infused makeup brand, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics. Discovered at NYC's The Beauty Plaza, this trio kit has gorgeous red must-haves to wow your date on Valentine's Day.
(Read more reviews on TotalBeauty.com)

This trio set comes in an adorable clutch to stash your beauty must-haves and 3 gorgeous products to look rouge-ready for Valentine's Day. The Crushed Mineral blush in Rouge, a classy and stylish rosy colour ($22, USD), a bright shimmery pink lip gloss in Promiscuous ($23, USD) and a pretty red lipstick in VIVID ($16, USD).



The products themselves are fabulous and the colors are rich and moisturizing. I adore this kit because the products are really good. The blush is long lasting and even a tiny bit of the blush gives me a hint of color. The lipgloss isn't too sticky and gloopy and gives it a nice bright hue. The lipstick is perfect (even looks a bit blue-based tone to make your teeth look white and brighter) to get berry-stained lips that look moisturized and kissable! All in all these products will enhance your overall Valentine's Day look and the products are neatly packed in a handy little clutch for you to take with!

To see more Youngblood Mineral cosmetics, check out The Plaza Beauty in NYC for more luxurious beauty essential right near Central Park.


(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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EcoTools Bath Accessories - Part 1

Pssssst, in case you haven't heard, EcoTools has some really great makeup brushes that are easily accessible at your local drugstore or retailer. I use them everyday b/c they're just too soft to not use! Plus it's a great pick-me-up in the morning when I sweep on a light bronzer or blush. :) (Read more reviews at TotalBeauty.com!)

I recently discovered the EcoTools collection of bath accessories which goes perfectly with my "New Year's - New Resolutions post." I have been diligently following a cleansing/exfoliating/lotioning routine, so I am happy that EcoTools offers a variety of accessories to help clean & exfoliate! There are 4 different types for you to choose from, and it really depends on your personal preference or two... ;)

Body Buff- This Loofah & Bamboo body buff is reversible to cleanse and exfoliate your body. There is a strap so you can slide your hand underneath to make using either side easier. Perfect for those who hate using the palms of their hands to exfoliate! It's useful and saves space! Tip: I prefer to use this with a moisturizing wash otherwise it may be too drying for your skin in the winter.	Bath Mitt- This is a great everyday bath accessory. (My personal pick!) It's soft and gentle enough to use everyday but also exfoliates when you scrub just a bit harder. It's all up to you so you do have to do a bit more work. However I like how it just covers up your hand and you can scrub a dub away. Tip: Use a clothespin to hang this up and dry!
The Loofah- This loofah is a natural plant that is hard when it's completely dry which is good to exfoliate your skin. I use this on my feet especially but also all over my body for a quick slough. When the loofah is completely damp, it's squishy and makes it easier to exfoliate your skin. Tip: Use this once a week to get a natural exfoliation, courtesy of a Loofah ;)	The Sponge- Probably the most common of all accessories, since I already have one of these in my shower. However, this is HUGE! It's got layers and layers of recycled plastic net that weave in and out to create this intricate sponge. It's soft on your skin and really lathers your favorite body wash. I have been using a sponge like this and it looks absolutely skinny compared to this one. Hence, I threw mine out and have been using this whenever I feel like using this kind of sponge.

Stay tuned for more EcoTools bath & body accessories including foot brushes to keep your heels smooth!

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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Daffy's Valentine's Day Gifts Guide

Valentine's Day is next Monday, February 14 and I wanted to share some goodies I got on a small shopping spree, courtesy of NYC Daffy's. With a fifty dollar gift card in my hand, I got some GREAT items that I thought were cute, fun and V-day appropriate. :) I also took some pictures of other Daffy's items that would make great gifts as well. If you don't remember my Holiday Last Minute Shopping Gifts list, check it out here first.

NYC Daffy's is great for finding regular fashion, home/decor, and other fun items at a discount price. Everytime I go there, it's always packed.. They carry lots of shoes, handbags, clothes and it's always different. Most of the items that I found last time for my Holiday shopping weren't there anymore, so if you see something you like, get it before it's too late!

Here are my Valentine's Day Daffy's picks:

	Spotted these 2 cute makeup bag sets- each has 3 in different sizes so you can put 1 in your purse, 1 at work/school/etc. , and another to give to a friend. These are only $8 a set and come in these cute patterns.
	These notepads (2 per pack) were on CLEARANCE for $3 each. In such gorgeous paisley patterns, I couldn't help myself but get these two. They are perfect to write shopping lists, jot down ideas in a meeting, love notes, etc. ;)
	These were two very adorable cosmetic pouches by Pink Studio. A gal can never have enough cosmetic pouches and this is the perfect size to hold your ID, phone, beauty essentials and more! These were also a steal for only $6 !! Everything at Daffy's is priced at such a great price, you'll want everything...
	Alas, Valentine's Day is not Valentine's Day without some perfectly PINK candles. This set of 4 is great to put around the room for a dimly light romantic setting. Also very affordable for less than $10. (Found these in the Home section at Daffy's)
	I prefer these taller multi-colored candles for about $7-8 b/c these last much longer. These will also make great gifts as they already tied in cute ribbons.

To see Daffy's Valentine's Day outfits....
If you're looking for some sexy lingerie for Valentine's, you can get an ensemble for about $10! The black lace on white is so trendy and beautiful and these are very affordable! ($4-$8, USD) There is a great deal going on right now for 20% off 4+ items in this dept. (Hurry!)


If you would rather wear something comfy and red (like me!!), try this great slip with white lacy detail. ($20, USD)

Overall, I found my shopping trip at Daffy's to be so fun, looking for affordable items at a discounted price and I look forward to going there monthly to see what new items they carry. I am pleased that I got such great stuff for Valentine's Day.

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

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