A month ago, I thought I didn’t care…but, these last few weeks I have gotten sucked into the William and Kate wedding hype and I cannot stop watching all those Wills & Kate wedding shows.  Yes, yes, my DVR is officially scheduled to record the huge event on Friday morning at 2:00 am Pacific Standard Time.  I’ve already reassured my husband that he is not required to attend the viewing.

So, me, and millions of other obsessed people like me, are now pining over what she might wear, what hair style she’ll don, and will her makeup look natural or glam…I. Can. Hardly. Waaaaaaaaaaaait!

With all my new education on Kate (thank you TLC) I’m pretty sure she’ll go for a modern wedding dress design, absent of a 25′ train, simple and classic makeup like she always wears…but, where I’m stuck is her hair.  I really have no clue how she’ll wear her hair…up, down, half up?

So whether you really, really care or if you’re pretending not to care, please vote below to pick how you think Kate Middleton, future Queen of England, should wear her hair on her big day!
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*BTW, it was nearly impossible finding an updo pic of Kate, so turn that pony into a bun or something when you’re imagining her walking down the aisle!

The Miss Dior Cherie fragrance holds a special place in my heart, because I bought it to wear at my wedding as my fragrance.  Now, every time I wear it I think of my wedding day and it makes me smile.

What also makes me smile is Natalie Portman.  I have been a huge fan of her films as well as her beauty.  I’m also a huge fan of Sofia Coppola and her amazingly beautiful films.  So, when I heard that Natalie Portman was the new spokeswoman for Miss Dior Cherie and she was going to be in a commerical that was directed by Sofia Coppola, I was more than a little excited.

I’m sure some of you have already seen the commercial, but for those of you who haven’t…appréciez!

(First off, yes, I know…it’s been awhile…don’t make things worse by making me feel guilty.)

As much as I love cosmetics, I have to say I’m pretty smitten with skincare.  I love researching new products, trying them out, discovering what works, and what I probably shouldn’t have wasted my money on.  Lately, I’ve been on a bit of a natural kick.  By no means do I buy all my skincare needs at Whole Foods, but I do try to use natural and less harsh ingredients when I can. 

One natural product that has been on my radar lately, is Argan Oil.  It first caught my attention after psudo-model, Josie Maran started her own natural cosmetic company, and used Argan oil as an ingredient in many of her  products.  The JM line even sells bottles of the stuff in pure form, which ranges from $14 for a 15 ml bottle all the way up to $96 for a 4 oz bottle.  But, it didn’t truly catch my attention until a few weeks ago when I went on a business trip with my husband to Long Beach.  Here we were, cozied up in our separate beds (wonderful room, very small double beds) watching Josie Maran on HSN selling her Argan oil and Argan Color Sticks to America.  While I feel I was more consumed watching Josie and her models  frequently rub the oil  all over their  lips, cheeks, elbows, hands, etc with the grace and movement of a Price Is Right model, my interest did peak about the product.  So, when I got home I started my investigation.

I started at her website, then quickly sashayed over to Sephora to find out what the people thought (Sephora has great reviews).  JM’s Aragan oil got almost all 5 stars with most people loving it.  I know a bunch of you might be reading this and thinking, “okay, okay, what the heck is so great about argan oil?”…well, you’re right, let me fill you in.  Argan oil is extracted from Argan trees which grow in Morocco and it’s basically supposed to be a beauty miracle worker, curing/helping/preventing such things as acne, wrinkles, stretch-marks, split ends, eczema, psoriasis, scars, etc.  People use it on their face, on dry skin, they put it on their hair for softness, and mix it into lotions, conditioners…I mean, the list really does go on.

Even with all the raving reviews, I was still very leery about the price tag, because a 1.7 oz bottle was going to set me back $48. ouch.  So, me being a bargainista, I started doing some research and it didn’t take me very long to find an equally wonderful product, with the same raving reviews, but for A LOT cheaper.  Josie Maran Argan Oil, meet Watts Moroccan Oil.  JM’s oil is: 100% argan oil, organic, cold-pressed, free of parabens, vegan, fair-trade, and is made by a women’s co-op in Morocco, which helps to build jobs for women.  Sounds, wonderful, right…the high price tag might be making more sense, but wait.  Watts oil is:  100% argan oil, organic, cold-pressed, free of parabens, vegan, fair-trade, and is made by a women’s co-op in Morocco, which helps to build jobs for women.  And, what’s more, the jumbo 4 oz bottle is only $36.45 compared to JM’s 4 oz bottle at $96.  Fancy model, higher price tag.  Not so fancy bottle, lower price tag.  I’ll take the not-so-fancy bottle, please.

I ended up paying $18 total for my 1 oz bottle of Watts Moroccan oil, tax/shipping included in that price.  I’ve been using the product for a week now and so far I really like the product.  At night, I’ve been putting about 3-4 drops on my face and letting it sink in for a few hours before I apply my night-time retinol (Roc) at bedtime.  For the first time this weekend, I’ve applied it to my morning moisturizer and it gives my skin a nice glow (my husband even said my skin looked glowing without having to probe him first).  I’ve even applied it to my ends hoping my split ends might magically disappear.

Now, I can’t say that I will never have acne again, or that I will now forever look like a 28 year old.  But, I can say that my skin is very soft, I like the natural ingredients, and I do hope to see some long-term results.  I’m also pretty thrilled that I didn’t let Ms. Maran pull a fast one over me…and you shouldn’t either.

Being a beauty junkie isn’t always easy on the wallet, but one of the perks of my blog is that I get sent some amazing products, and in turn, I get to host some amazing giveaways! 

When I was approached by Rosie Jane, celebrity makeup artist and creator of Leila Lou Fragrances and Rosie Jane Cosmetics, I was thrilled to try out her products.  Little did I know, I would fall head over heels for them and I have been using them on a day-to-day basis for almost two months now. 

In July, I held the Leila Lou Fragrance contest and now I am excited to announce the newest contest which features amazing products from Rosie Jane Cosmetics! 

Here’s the scoop:

Cheek Gloss in Poppy:  I am a sucker for cream blush, and this one happens to be so amazing that I wear it almost every day.  The blush is super blendable and an ease to apply (I smile big, tap onto the apples of my cheeks and start blending out towards my temples).  The color goes on sheer, leaving you with a nice healthy flush and glowing skin (colors also comes in Marigold and Rose).  I also like that the cheek gloss does double duty as an amazing lip color; not quite as heavy as a lipstick, but much more color than a tinted lip balm.  And hello, how cute is that hot pink bow on the packaging?!

Eye Defines in Beech Tree:  Out of all the Rosie Jane products I got to try, I think I actually did a little twirl in my bathroom when I saw this eye pencil.  You might be wondering how an eye pencil could make me so giddy…well, hopefully you will be lucky enough to see for yourself!  Let’s start with mechanics.  The pencil twists up, which means you don’t have to worry about sharpening.  The pencil is also slanted, like an eye liner brush, how genius is that?  Going from a pointy pencil to a slanted one makes application so much easier and more natural to apply.  Now let’s talk color.  I was so happy to see the rich bronzy, coppery, brown color in the tube.  The color goes on rich, smooth, and is super blendable.  I’m personally obsessed with all four colors (additional colors include: Fern, Grape, and Night) and would love to have them all in my arsenal.

Lip Dew in Apple Blossom:  Until recently, I’ve been on a bit of a gloss vacation, but lately I have been warming up to gloss again and this particular one has found a home in my purse pocket.  First things first, I was obsessed with this hot pink color as soon as I saw it.  Bright and punchy in the tube, sheer and pretty on my lips (also comes in Elderberry and Tara).  I also don’t have any problems with that sticky, white goopy gloss aftermath.  This gloss goes on with a gorgeous sheen and fades beautifully…all while keeping my lips moisturized (thanks to Shea Butter and Bees wax).

If you don’t want to take my word, then you might take the word of some of Rosie Jane’s celebrity followers.  Oh you know, people like:  Cameron Diaz, Katherine Heigl, Rachel Bilson, Courtney Cox, and Eva Longoria…just to name a few.

So here’s where it gets fun.  Starting today, you can enter to win all the lovely cosmetics that I have mentioned above:  Cheek Gloss, Eye Defines, and Lip Dew (total retail value: $57)!  The contest will run until Midnight on Tuesday, September 28th and is open to U.S. residents only.  Good luck!

You can also check out Rosie Jane and Leila Lou on Facebook and Twitter!

I see a new nail trend on the brink, thanks to Vanessa Hudgens.

The actress stepped out at this year’s Comic Con in San Diego, California to promote her upcoming film Sucker Punch…but she also promoted a new nail polish trend, a manicure with one non-matching color on her ring finger.  Vanessa chose to wear 2010′s hottest color, turquoise along with gold for her ring finger.  I think the combo and look is fun and playful, and you can totally make this look your own.

To get Vanessa’s look try painting your nails a turquoise color, I like Essie’s Turquoise and Caicos and then paint each ring finger a gold color like, Orly Luxe Metallic (I loooove this color and collection), which has a foiled finish.  Of course you can totally play around and make this look your own.  You can decide which finger you’d like to single out; maybe paint your pinky finger a different color…and make sure to have fun with the colors!  You can do contrasting colors, complementary colors…I even like the idea of using colors from the same color family (say a dark pink manicure with one bright pink finger from each hand).  This is definitely a trend that you can personalize to your style.

So now that you’re in the know, what is your take on this new nail trend…share your feelings in the poll below!

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Hold on tight ladies, because young Hollywood is going short…pixie short.

Stars such as Hayden Panettiere, Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland, The Kids Are Alright), Carey Mulligan, and the latest to take the plunge, Emma Watson have all traded their long locks for cropped dos.  The thing I love about this lineup is how completely different each girl’s style is…it just shows anyone can sport this look, you just have to have the balls to do it.

Before you go running to book your hair appointment so you can channel your inner Mia Farrow, make sure this cut is for you.  One good tip is to decide if you like the way you look with your hair pulled off your face.  If you don’t, don’t cut your hair!  Another word of advice is to be honest about your features and face shape.  Personally, I have always thought my ears stick out a bit, so this is a look I would never go for.  You have to make sure that you can live with this style, because it won’t be going anywhere fast once you cut it.  If you can’t wait one more day, and you need to cut your hair, start off slow.  If your hair is really long, try a bob first.  If you already have shorter hair, maybe start with longer front pieces like Ginnifer Goodwin did in the photo below.  Just know, this style is a commitment!

Now, I want to know what you think of the pixie trend.  Please vote in the poll below, and feel free to state your opinion in the comment section below!

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One of my favorite things in the world are unique fragrances that are not mass-marketed at every department store and beauty chain.  There is something special about having a rare fragrance…knowing that you won’t smell like your best friend, your yoga instructor, or the girl who works three cubicles over.

When I got the chance to try out the Leila Lou fragrance oil, created by celebrity makeup artist, Rosie Jane, I was intrigued, excited, and couldn’t wait for it to arrive.  I have now had the fragrance in my possession for about a week, and I have been wearing it every day.

The scent of Leila Lou is so wearable, intoxicating, fresh, and simple.  Not to mention, the packaging itself is more than convenient.  It’s perfect for travel, stowing away, and throwing in your purse.  I also love that Leila Lou is an oil and not a spray.  I love fragrance oils because you can really control the scent and I feel that they last longer.  The fragrance itself is made with 100% essential oils with top notes of nectarine and fresh cut grass, heart notes of  pear blossom & jasmine, and base notes of vanilla and cotton musk.  The Leila Lou website describes the fragrance as “capturing the alluring scent of freshness and innocence”…I couldn’t say it any better…this is truly a scent you’ll become obsessed with and want to wear all the time.  And I’m not the only one loving it, celebs such as Rachel Bilson, Sienna Miller, Audrina Patridge, and Vanessa Hudgens (and the list goes on) are all fans of Leila Lou.

Another wonderful thing about Leila Lou?  Well, it’s good for the environment!  By using 100% recycled and recyclable materials and by choosing not to do a box, Leila Lou fragrance is contributing to reducing waste and greenhouse gases.  Not only will you smell wonderful, but you can also feel good about wearing an eco-friendly product!

Now, for even better news.  Starting today you can enter to win a full-size (0.17 fl oz) Leila Lou fragrance oil and a travel size Leila Lou slow burning candle, made with 100% essential oils (the travel candle has yet to be released, the winner of this contest will be the first to have it!).  The contest winnings value at $51.  The contest is open to U.S. Residents only and will end at midnight on August 4th.  Enter to win below!

To find out more about Leila Lou and to see where to buy, check out the Leila Lou website.  To stay on top of Leila Lou news and to see what creator Rosie Jane has to say, please visit Leila Lou’s Facebook and Twitter accounts!

Click here to enter

…or gingers, for my UK readers (xo).

Supposedly blondes have more fun, but redheads definitely spice it up! 

Here are some of my top picks for the best Hollywood redheads…who is your favorite?

Click here to see if you should switch your locks to crimson!

Amy Adams:  This romantic comedy queen was born blonde, but going red made her a star!

Christina Hendricks:  If your mad for Mad Men, then you have noticed a lot more than just Christina’s fiery locks…

Debra Messing:  Red has always worked on Debra and her alter ego, Grace.

Isla Fisher:  Funny, smart, beautiful, AND amazing hair?  Jealous.

Julianne Moore:  Love her.  Love her hair.  Period.

Don’t see your favorite?  Add your picks to the comment section!

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Whether au naturale or out of a bottle, these celebrities know how to pull off blonde. 

Here are my top 5 Hollywood blondes…who is your favorite?

Are you meant to be a blonde bombshell?  Click here to find out!

Ali Larter:  Heros star and ultimate blonde.

Jennifer Aniston:  This medium blonde is famous for more than just her great hair.

Kate Hudson:  Like mother, like daughter…funny girls make great blondes.

Reese Witherspoon:  Hollywood’s ‘It Girl’…and it blonde? 

Sienna Miller:  Rockin’ blonde from across the pond.

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…uh-huh.

Ladies, this is not okay.  You are beautiful and there is no reason to look like the Cat Woman at the tender age of 23.

Heidi Montag underwent surgery in 2007 for a breast augmentation and nose job.  This time around Heidi underwent 10 different procedures which included:  nose job revision, chin reduction, mini brow lift, Botox (Botox at 23!) in forehead and chin area, fat injections in cheeks, nasolabial folds and lips, neck liposuction, ears pinned back, liposuction on waist, hips, inner and outer thigh, buttocks augmentation and breast augmentation revision (she’s a triple D now).

Heidi is clearly on her way to becoming the Joan Rivers of our generation and all I have to say is wow and I prefered the original Heidi.