The Glamtastic

Rue La La + Exhale Spa = Ahhh

TheGlamtastic — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:41:08 -0800

Where's your money going? To pampering yourself I hope!

Equinox membership $140 per month (one location)

Spinning classes at Soul Cycle $35 for one class

Spinning classes at FlyWheel $30 per class (which includes water and spinning shoes)

Physique 57 $30 per class,

My personal trainer - he'd shoot me if I published how much he charges!

Where does the money go? It's not being spent on lavish YSL pumps of McQueen scarves, at least not at the moment, it's my exercise fetish and it's killing my wallet! But since we're in a recession (yada yada...) I work out because I am "trying" not to shop, and Spinning produces a similar rush and "ah" for my body.

I'll admit it, I love to shop online! I think it's the instant gratification; the adrenaline rush that rises to the surface once you hit "purchase." My older sister and I are plagued by our love for online shopping. It feels freeing as I scroll through page after page of ShopBop or see what's new at my favorite J. Crew...and then the bills come.

Last night I was introduced to something I didn't know existed - maybe you didn't either. Rue La La, the members-only shopping site, sells experiential packages at a discount. So, I can purchase that much needed massage, pedicure, facial or a set of their infamous Core Fusion classes without breaking my budget.

While I love shopping, I may love exercise just as much - I know you all must think I am totally crazy. If I can buy a set of toning classes at Exhale Spa and a much needed massage or mani-pedi, I'm all about it! Afterall, a girl needs her R & R!

To check out Rue La La visit http://www.ruelala.com/.

What's your go-to online shopping destination?

Now Smell This: Marc Jacobs Daisy in the Air

TheGlamtastic — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Marc Jacobs Daisy In The Air Eau de Toilette $57 - Bloomingdale's

Is spring in the air yet? It sure smells like it!

Marc Jacobs is letting us experience spring a bit early with the launch of Marc Jacobs Daisy in the Air! This super fresh floral and feminine scent is an edgy violet fragrance. Even though the temperature has only hit 55 degrees in Manhattan, I am eating up every minute!

This oh-so-lovely and light spring fragrance is composed of strawberry, violet leaves, ruby red grapefruit, gardenia, violet petals, jasmine petals, musk, vanilla and white woods.

This floral scent stems from the original Daisy fragrance. It comes in a fresh bottle adorned with light blue and gold daisies, and comes with a scented daisy chain.

What is your favorite new spring scent? Tell us about it!!!

Just Can't Live Without...Origins Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Souffle

TheGlamtastic — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:09:32 -0800

I love the snow when I'm snuggled up in my sweats watching re-runs of The Real Housewives of Orange County, but when I'm hiking through hills of snow and trying to avoid patches of ice on my way to work, I don't love it so much! In fact, when I step my stiletto into a big puddle of melting brown snow - I HATE the snow.

With mountains of snow and no sunlight to be seen, the days sure can seem gloomy. While my office is decked with fabulous florescent lighting that reminds me of the light over the dentist chair, it still feels a bit BLAH my early March.

At this time of year I need a pick me up! To cheer up my body and deeply hydrate dry, itchy and flaky skin, I've become a big fan of Origins Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Souffle. This ultra-light body hydrator feels like you're scooping up Cool Whip with your fingers and applying it to the skin.

It quickly absorbs into thirsty skin after a steamy shower or bath. It has the fresh, happy and clean scent of grapefruit that I've started to love! It's a unisex scent that if my husband used body lotion, he may even love.

It sounds cheesy but the ultra-clean white and vibrant yellow packaging even gives off happy vibes. Silly sounding I know, especially from someone who works in beauty and fashion PR full time, but light post-shower pampering products can make the day that much brighter!

As winter trudges along, I just can't live without Origins Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Souffle!

Are you a grapefruit girl or is there another body souffle you prefer? What moisturizer MUST we try? Tell us about it!!!

Please Note: I did not receive editorial samples.

Steal These from Your Boyfriend or Husband STAT

TheGlamtastic — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:39:41 -0800

M3Power Prices Vary - Drugstores Nationwide

Molton Brown Invigorating Suma Ginseng Hand Lotion $28 - Neiman Marcus

ChapStick Lip Protectant / Sunscreen,SPF 15 $1 - Walgreens

Kiehl's Since 1851 Razor Bump Relief $27 - Saks Fifth Avenue

MALIN GOETZ Vitamin E Shave Cream Pump $40 - Bloomingdale's

I've always used my husband's razor in the shower, but last week in a fit of rage after he refused to clean the bathroom, I finally confessed that I always use his razor and frankly it seemed a bit dull. Perhaps he could change the blade?!

A razor, some old school, super thick shaving cream, deodorant once in a while...these are all products I "borrow" from my hubby. After all, marriage is 50-50 right?

Here are some other grooming goodies that I just can't go without, from his side of the bathroom vanity! The best part is if I don't confess to other "borrowing" of items, he may just never know...

Sealed with a Kiss: The Perfect Spring Lip Stain from Givenchy

TheGlamtastic — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 06:06:11 -0800

Please note: I did not receive an editorial sample to test for this post.

$24.50 - www.sephora.com

I love lip stains! You apply them in the early AM and hours later the same lip color is still vibrant, and perfectly in place. I have to say, I've tried my fare share of lip stains and most dry out lips, cause feathering and chapping. It's a challenge to find a beauty gem that also provides "wow" color to brighten up a glooming, rainy day!

This spring, I've discovered the perfect hot pink to heat up the freezing weather and bring out Spring, at least in my makeup.

Givenchy Printed Lips Tinted Lip Stainer is a richly pigmented tint that goes on smoothly and with great accuracy. My advice: apply SLOWLY! If you color outside of the lip line, make sure you have a Q-tip handy and possibly some makeup remover. But you don't have to be a fabulous artist to get the job done right.

The secrets to this beauty buy? This lip stain goes on matte and utilizes a felt-tip lip pen that delivers the stain. It immediately saturates the lips with lasting, beautiful and bright spring color. This lovely lip color is available in Rose Impression and Pink Impression.

If you brush your teeth or wash your face and need to re-apply, which often causes lip stains to fade, this easy-to-apply lip stain fits in the smallest purse or makeup case for reapplication on the go, if needed.

What's your spring lip must-have? Is it a lipstick, lip stain or lip gloss? Tell us about it!!!

Shave It or Bare It?

TheGlamtastic — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:41:07 -0800

Please note: I did not receive editorial samples.

Wolford Velvet De Lux stay-ups $45 - Net-A-Porter

The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil - Rose Absolute $18 - Sephora

Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfumed Shave Gel $15 - Sephora

It's freezing! Before I exit my apartment, I bundle up in my warmest Burberry scarf, earmuffs, hat and gloves, and zip myself into my "Marshmallow Man" coat. However, the minute I walk outside my freshly shaven, silky legs are covered in goose bumps! I HATE WINTER!

In the winter, most women I know spend so much time hydrating dry skin, exfoliating or just keeping warm, that shaving sometimes tumbles down the priority list and ends up landing near the bottom with trash old beauty magazines or clean out the fridge.

After polling my friends, I want some fresh data. I want to know what YOU think!!!

Pop Quiz:

When It comes to your legs, are you a:

A) Waxer

B) Shaver

C) Other ________________ (NAIR, Lazer Girl, Pray for the hair to stop growing, etc)

In the winter months, would you say that you shave your legs:

A) Once a week to avoid feeling like a guerilla

B) Every few days

C) Everyday - it's a must on my list

Your main motivation for shaving your legs is:

A) Hygiene

B) I don't want to get caught in a make-out session with hairy legs

C) I prefer the way it looks and feels

After spending my Valentine's Day in a tight, hot pink belted Rebecca Taylor dress (yes, it was so hot), black stockings and super high booties, my silky legs were shaking and I was craving a hoodie! Apparently, that's not a sexy look. Who knew?!

Tell us your winter beauty secrets! When it comes to winter beauty maintenance, would you prefer to shave it or bare it?

Lady Gaga + Cyndi Lauper = MAC Viva Glam

TheGlamtastic — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:58:19 -0800

When I think of Lady Gaga, I think of my co-worker who is the unofficial D.J. in our office, who often blares our Lady Gaga Favs! I think of Lady Gaga's hottie dress at the Grammy's (OMG, I could never pull off such a get up)...

Beginning today, my opinion of Lady Gaga has drastically changed!

Yesterday, MAC Cosmetics and the MAC Aids Fund shared the news that Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper are lending their high-voltage diva personalities and ignite MAC's "From Our Lips" campaign. They are out and about on behalf of MAC to spread the word, the facts and fibs related to women and HIV/AIDS.

According to the MAC Aids Fund, women are more likely to become infected with HIV than men. In the US, the number of women living with HIV has TRIPLED since 1985.

MAC donates the 100% of the profits of each Viva Glam lipstick ($14) to AIDS research.

LOVE IT!

The MAC Aids Fund, started in 1994, works to raise awareness, provide education, assistance and prevent the spread of AIDS. To date, the MAC Aids fund has raised over $150 million dollars in 67 countries! Wow, that is some pretty powerful lipstick and lip glass!

You can't help but fall in love with a company that supports and strengthens the lives of women!

Can you save the world and fight HIV/AIDS with a creamy flamingo pink or ripe red MAC lipstick?

Every little bit helps:)

Happy V-Day!

Chocolicious Shower Gifts for Your Valentine: We Heart Philip B.'s Chocolate Body Treats

TheGlamtastic — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Please note: I received editorial samples for review.

$62.50 - http://www.philipb.com/

Valentine's Day is a curse and a blessing; I love being surrounded by delicate truffles, peppermint bark and hot chocolate treats, but I hate what they do to my waistline!

Get your fill of chocolate treats with Philip B's Chocolicious V--Day Gift Set, which includes Chocolate Milk Body Wash and Chocolate Milk Body Creme.

CHOCOLATE MILK BODY WASH

Who doesn't love chocolate milk? Throw me some graham crackers and I'd be back at snack time, I wish we had snack time at work...

This mouth-watering chocolate-scented body wash cleanses the skin and leaves you with a light coco scent. This rich bubbly body wash is made up of cocoa butter, oat protein and wheat amino acids with aloe. It leaves skin feeling soft, without any residue or sticky film.

CHOCOLATE MILK BODY CREME

Seal your skin with a rich moisturizer! I adore lotions and potions, creams and skin soothers. This year, I've become quite a fan of the Chocolate Milk Body Creme. This nurturing blend of chocolate and vanilla extracts, coco butter, sunflower seed oil and a rich parfum of mouth-watering milk chocolate leaves skin nourished. This super-hydrating body creme is the perfect solution for dry, itchy, winter skin! Treat yourself to that decadent chocolate delight. Apply, hydrate and enjoy!

Delicate, delicious skin - LOVE THAT!

What's on your Valentine's Day wish list?

Light It Up For Valentine's Day: Godiva Strawberry Rose Candle, C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint & Calvin Klein Euphoria

TheGlamtastic — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:29:40 -0800

Godiva Strawberry Rose Candle $24.95 - http://gifts.redenvelope.com/

Bigelow Chemists: Mentha Lip Tint in Bare Mint $7.50 - http://www.bigelowchemists.com/

Calvin Klein euphoria Eau de Toilette $40 - Sephora

When you think of Valentine's day, images of truffles and cheesy red roses may appear, but I'm hear to change all that! This year, here are some Valentine's Day goodies that may transform your vision of Valentine's Day.

Get It Hot

Close your eyes. All you can smell is the essence of ripened strawberries covered in what your senses have decided is a rich robe of milk chocolate. Open your eyes. What you're really smelling is Godiva Chocolatiers Strawberry Rose Candle, which brings decadent scents of chocolate and fresh strawberries. The scent is strong upon opening the box, but calms once the candle is lit. This candle is sure to inspire some fire in the bedroom...you know what I mean.

Kiss It Better

Mint in my lipgloss, oh how lovey! Experience fresh breath and super soft lips with the help of C.O. Bigolow's Mentha Lip Tint Bare Mint. This lip gloss feels almost electric as peppermint oil hits the lips and adds a layer of sheer, oh-so-sexy gloss. This nudey cutey lip gloss offers a refreshing, cooling sensation. It keeps lips tingling for at least 5 minutes and leaves a minty, kissable smile for a few hours after application.

Gets You Hot or Not?

There is always one fragrance that screms sex! Not in a dirty, slutty way, but in a come hither way. This year, that fragrance is of course Calvin Klein's Europhia. This sensual scent may turn your Valentine's Day from PG to R-rated quite quickly. The scent utilizes a powerful combination of pomegranate, persimmon, black orchid, lotus blossom, champaca flower, liquid amber, mahogany wood, black violet, cream accord, and the list goes. on.

This is one of those fragrances that has women wanting to be around you and men swarming around you. They just can't get enough!

What is your Valentine's Day secret? Dare to share?

P.S. This Valentine's Day Please Get Me...

TheGlamtastic — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:01:11 -0800

My V-Day Beauty Wish List

Please note: I did receive select editorial samples for review.

Kilian Back To Black Aphrodisiac Travel Spray Refills/.25 oz. $70 - Saks Fifth Avenue

Dolce & Gabbana The One Perfect Pair $90 - Sephora

Bobbi Brown Brightening Lip Gloss $20 - Bergdorf Goodman

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour $23 - Nordstrom

Diptyque - Cannelle (Cinnamon) Candle - 190g $60 - Beauty Habit

This Valentine's Day is my first as a wife. Wow, that makes me sound old and I am so not. Don't get me wrong, I'm no child bride, but after being married for just nine months it all feels so new, so fresh, so surreal...

And like any good wife, I try to help my new hubby out whenever possible. I don't play games or beat around the bush regarding what I may or may not want. If I did, I'd end up with a see-through cashmere turtle neck dress - no, I am not kidding. He almost purchased that as my "special surprise" gift last V-day. Of course, I would have given him a big hug, super smooch and thanked him.

This year, here's my beauty wish list (in case my husband happens to be reading this)...

Bath & Body Works® Signature Collection Body Lotion P.S. I Love You Spring Fling™ $10 - Bath and Body Works