5 Cool New Ways to Use the Beauty Stuff You’ve Already Got

If you’ve got any of the following, please raise your hand: flatiron, lip gloss, hair elastic, face mask, blow-dryer. OK, so that’s pretty much everybody (you can put your hands down now!). Here’s how to put more pennies in that piggy bank instead of being tempted to buy another product: Make the stuff you already have pull double-duty!

Here are three of our favorites tricks for repurposing a product:

1. If you’ve got…lip gloss:

Pretty your pout and use it to prime your lids to make eyeshadow last longer.

2. If you’ve got a…hair elastic:

Make a super-stylish pony, or keep your makeup bag organized—group your glosses, pencils or brushes together. No more rummaging around in the black hole (otherwise known as your purse).

3. If you’ve got a…flatiron:

You usually straighten with it, but make curls by clamping a skinny flatiron around a small section of hair, rotate once and glide down to ends. Continue in small sections all over until you’ve got a head of pretty, beachy waves!

Are you loving these tips? We have two more for you, too—come get ‘em here! 

Thanks Glamour for the tips keep them coming!!!!!! 

Estee Lauder Acquires Smashbox!

Estée Lauder announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Smashbox Beauty Cosmetics. The acquisition is expected to close in July 2010, subject to certain conditions, including regulatory approval. While terms of the deal were not disclosed, the Company said that the transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings in fiscal year 2011, before transaction and integration costs. 

The Smashbox brand, with its unique equity positioning, is a strategic complement to The Estée Lauder Companies’ portfolio of leading prestige cosmetic brands. Smashbox’s significant presence in assisted open-sell environments and specialty distribution channels will expand The Estée Lauder Companies’ product offerings and reach new and younger consumers in these high-growth prestige channels.  Additionally, The Estée Lauder Companies will leverage its extensive international experience as it seeks to grow the brand and engage Smashbox’s expertise in digital and social media to advance its current capabilities, an important and growing competency for the Company.

I'm excited to see how this pans out. It's a fantastic coup for EL and I wonder what (if any) changes are ahead for this LA studio-style makeup brand.

Mai Couture 2-1 Oil Blotting Bronzer Paper

Does it really get any better than this!!! Mai Couture 2-1 Oil Blotting Bronze Paper is the absolute best of both worlds! The lightly powdered bronzing paper eliminates oil and has just the right amount of shimmer to give you a glowing and flawless complexion all day long! These little sheets of goodness will not leave my beach bag all summer! 

The lightly powdered bronzing paper eliminates oil and has just the right amount of shimmer to give you a glowing and flawless complexion all day. Enhance your natural color with a warm sun-kissed look by firmly pressing the bronzing paper on your face, neck, and décolleté. These booklet style papers are perfect for on the go touch up anywhere, anytime. The booklet comes with a papier wallet to protect each sheet of delicate paper. Use daily as needed.

LOVES IT!!!!!! 

Marc Jacobs Just Got Bigger!

Marc Jacobs just got bigger a bigger bottle that is!!!! 

Marc Jacobs is back at it again with the release of his popular summer Splash fragrances – this year in Apple, Pomegranate and Biscotti. If you’re looking for a lighter summer fragrance, you should start your search with these. Inspired by the decadence of a patisserie shop (a French bakery!), these scents are indulgent and enticing — but incredibly fresh and light. Making it the perfect summer fragrance!

I’m currently in love with the Apple, it’s such an interesting scent. It’s actually a more masculine scent in my opinion – it’s very energetic and not overly fruity or floral. The notes include apple zest, lemon and grapefruit combined with rosemary, jasmine, magnolia, coriander and cardamom.

And take a gander at the bottle size this will last you a few summers this chunky 10oz bottle is HUGE! Marc Jacobs Splash is available at most department stores and at Sephora.

Stepping into Summer: 5 Must Trys

Sorry beauty gals for the delay in blogging but we are back and excited!! We have so many products to share!  Here are 5 things I have added to my beauty arsenal and have been using religiously! These Are PERFECT for the upcoming summer months! 

1.  I got to try the European Waxing Center and for trying them out I got a free Brazilian yeah me! They use hard wax which I love, spares you from using the words OUCH as much. Also, I don't have to worry so much about making an appointment with my esthetician as they are way more flexible.  After my waxing I decided to try their Ingrown Hair Serum cleverly called "Dump the Bump" Gotta love the marketing group but this product promises to prevent ingrown hairs, bumps and breakout well ladies....IT WORKS! Grab a bottle of this ASAP before you plan to hit the beach or take up space pool side this is a summer must have. Check them out online and see if one is located near you! P.S. the serum contains Vitaberry Tropical Blend of Antioxidants, and Vitamin E, Lavender Oil, Tea Tree Oil. 


2. Origin's Brighter By Nature Peel: It's almost summer I wanted something that would deliver the benefits of a scrub without the process of scrubbing. I was thumbing through the beauty aisles at Nordstroms and saw that Origin's had this new little peel in a pad! Nothing is easier than swiping a pad across my face before bed. So I decided to give it a whirl! These Skin brightening peel pads rival the instant smoothness and radiance restoring benefits of a professional 30% glycolic peel without the redness. Plus they help restore clarity and improve evenness of skin tone. LOVES IT!!! Your skin will love it too!

3. Victoria's Secret: Secret Moments: These scents are sooo fun, flirty, light and inviting! I LOVE them and I am usually not a Bath and Body scent buying girl at all. But after taking a whiff of "Girl's Night'" at the counter while stocking up on panties I couldn't resist and made a beeline for the beauty  section. My absolute favorite  scent from this collection is "Girl's Night!" Slip into your heels and get ready to dance all night in this fun, fruity scent. The scent contains notes of Electric with pink peony and waterlily. 


P.S. It's great for all occassions not just those with the gals!

4. Bobbi Brown Beach Line: I stock up on this each and every summer!!!! Who doesn't want to smell like the beach all the time! I love it! It's such a great summer scent. I love the oil especially the oil with SPF! Definitely a must try if you are not already hooked! 

5. Frederic Fekkai Salon Glaze Clear Shine Rinse: Give your hair a boost and some shine with this quick easy cheaper than going to the salon hair glaze. I love using these quick glazes they really bring life to your hair. It's great if you don't have color but if you do have color it really boosts color and adds silky shine to hair.Frederic Fekkai Salon Glaze is a clear shine rinse inspired by professional salon glazing services. The rinse-off treatment binds shine, recharges color, and adds silkiness to the hair. This non-chemical formula contains a unique blend of conditioning and lightweight silicones that coat the cuticle to shine and condition the hair shaft. With its lightweight formula, Salon Glaze won't weigh your hair down like traditional shine serums. It works on all hair colors and types, and both non-colored and color-treated hair. Get Your Shine on this Summer!!!!

Have you tried any of these???? We want to know Comment!!!!