HSN and Couture in the City is proud to present the “Faces of Beautiful You” series! We follow Hallie, Smith and Nicki on their fashion and beauty adventures! But we are sharing these very entertaining reviews with you! Exclusively from HSN! So watch the fun and exciting episodes from Hallie, Smith and Nicki! Remember to check out episodes 5 & 6 which shows all the girls entertaining themselves with the beauty products shown in this weeks reviews!

IMAN Global Chic Signature Gold Long and Lush Mascara $19.99

Global Goddess Exotic Eyes Blackest Black Mascara $23.00

Get really sexy eyes! And you can’t go wrong with both of these super fantastic brands! Check out Episode 5 to see the girls reviews on this product! As for me, I loved them both! Especially the IMAN
global chic brand. With two diffrent mascara appilcators, you can go from very long lashes, to bold lashes. The choice is yours!

Ice Elements 2 Minute Miracle Exfoliating Gel $19.95

Dramatically renew the look and feel of your skin with the help of Ice Elements 2-Minute Miracle Exfoliating Gel. This non-granular exfoliating gel offers exclusive technology that lets you see a visible difference in just one use. You’ll enjoy an intensive, deep cleansing beauty treatment with soothing botanical extracts!

M. Asam Classic Peel Off Mask $19.95

Cleanse your complexion and indulge your senses with M. Asam’s Classic Peel Off Mask imported from Germany. Formulated with grape seed oil, this aromatic mask helps leave your skin feeling silky smooth and supple!

Elysee Optim-OX Oxynate Creme $49.95

Give your skin daily pampering with Elysee’s Optim-OX Oxynate Conditioning Creme for a refreshing, uplifting and positive experience.

Article by © Jacqueline – Senior Writer, Editor – Couture in the City 2009

Well award season has finally come to end. And it could not have been more glamorous than Sunday nights 81st Oscars! The Red Carpet sizzled with the brightest stars in some of the most beautiful and timeless gowns yet! Join me as we reflect with this season’s 2009 Oscars Red carpet from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California!

Kate Winslet won for ‘Best Actress’ for The Reader. She looked all Hollywood glamour at the 81st Annual Academy Awards. From her hair, make-up and gown. Kate is not only raking the awards this season, she is also raking ‘best dressed’ on the Red Carpet. And for that my dear I crown you my favorite at the Oscars and for this year’s awards season!

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie looked just fabulous on the Red Carpet! Our Hollywood sweet hearts and favorite couple surely looked sharpe and elegant individually, as well as together. Angelina in her gorgeous classic black gown. Also dazzled us with her emeralds which were truly divine. And Brad looked very dapper in his tuxe.

Newcomer Freida Pinto looked just beautiful in her electric blue Dior gown. She has come along way from the ‘Slum Dog’ backstreets of Bollywood. To Hollywood Red Carpet royalty. Slum Dog Millionaire swept most of the Oscars Sunday evening, including ‘Best Picture’.

Natalie Portman presented at the Oscars and looked stunning in this soft pink ensemble.

Beyonce Knowles took a very daring leap and wore this wonderfully brocaded gown in gold and black.

Robert Downey Jr. nominated as ‘Best Supporting Actor’ looked fantastic and sharpe with his wife on the Red Carpet.

The man of the evening Sean Penn won ‘Best Actor’ for Milk and shone brightly at the 81st Annual Academy Awards.

Source for images: Getty Images

Article by © Jacqueline H. – Senior Writer & Editor, West Coast 2009

Supermodel and beauty guru Josie Maran will be at the Sephora in Santa Monica on Valentine’s Day. All our readers are invited if you live in the Santa Monica area and have your makeup done for a date on the most romantic night of the year and also add to your events calendar.

Who: Josie Maran

What: Come meet supermodel and homegrown-beauty maven Josie Maran as she shares her beauty secrets and shows off her new organic brand—Josie Maran Cosmetics. With botanical-based formulas and recyclable and biodegradable packaging, this luxurious line embraces eco-friendly practices with products made with love—for people and the planet.

When: February 14, 2009 12-6pm

Where: Sephora Santa Monica
1244 Third Street Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-3460
Cross Streets: Third Street Promenade and Arizona Avenue

Please call the store if you would like to book your appointment today.
Walk-ins are also welcome so come on down!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Now, as I am delving more and more into the beauty industry. I have found my true calling in this world, and a true passion to write about it. I love to tell you about ‘what is the best’ out there today. It’s not just my job, it’s my passion. I love being a beauty writer and critic, and especially sharing it with you, my audience, and fellow beautynistas out there who also love the beauty industry!

Well this is 2009, and as I said before it is time for a ‘beauty-full’ new you. Follow me throughout this year as I will take you through my new journey of ‘Beauty 101′. And I would love to start with a fantastic company out of London, England called Space.NK.apothecary.

Space.NK to me is probably one of the coolest beauty online and outlet stores that I have ever come across. With a location in both Covent Garden London, and in New York. This fabulous beauty store has everything for both women and men. Ranging from make-up, skin care lines, fragrances (of which they have their own Space.NK brand too) to home fragrances.

But on my new ‘Beauty 101′ scale of critique. I tried a few fragrances from their own line. Now I must say that the quality of packaging to product is excellent. And superb value for your buck. I loved the Jasamber line, with woody under tones. To the Tuberoli line, which has a sweeter floral under note and blackcurrant over tones. Either way Space.NK has paved the way for superior beauty brand products out of Europe. And transformed into an exceptional beauty boutique for the connoisseur of beauty lines. With specially edited and original beauty products from innovators and specialists from around the world. I know that you will enjoy exploring their online beauty boutique. As well as their products to suit your needs, as much as I have.

Welcome to the unique world of Space.NK.apothecary.

Space.NK Jasamber Eau de Toilette 50ml

Jasamber is a captivating fragrance, conjuring up the splendor of the Northern Lights witnessed from a tiny village in the Polar Circle. Crisp citrus and green notes radiate around jasmine, osmanthus and vert de lilas. Then amber, sandalwood and precious woods are chilled by frozen musks.

Space. NK Tuberoli Signature Collection – $95.00
Layer the silky, fragrant Bath Oil and a spritz of Eau de Toilette to enjoy its comforting aroma throughout the day.

Tuberoli is reminiscent of a romantic weekend in Rome. This ultra-feminine fragrance is unabashedly luxurious. Bold white floral make an entrance, while honeysuckle and jasmine wink behind. Blackcurrant and peach trail in its wake.

Article by © Jacqueline H. – Senior Writer & Editor, West Coast 2009

HSN and Couture in the City is proud to present the Faces of Beautiful You series! We follow Hallie, Smith and Nicki on their fashion and beauty adventures! But we are sharing these very entertaining reviews with you! As well as our own staff reviews of these very cool and hip beauty products. Exclusively from HSN! So read our reviews, and watch the fun and exciting episodes from Hallie, Smith and Nicki!

HSN – Eyes By Design

“The packaging is fabulous! What a great concept for a beauty line. Now you can create an “eye look” based on your eye color and achieve a fabulous finish. The colors are so pretty and soft. And you can complete your look with the Volumizing Mascara for a nice dramatic effect! And you are ready to go!”
Angelique – Editor-In-Chief – Couture in the City

“Want to apply make-up like the pro’s? Then try this! Eyes By Design is great in achieving your own unique signature look for your eyes.”
Jacqueline – Senior Writer, Editor – Couture in the City

HSN – Naughty and Nice Make-Up

Indulge both sides of your personality with Naughty and Nice Makeup Palette by Too Faced. Start out sweet, then transform to sexy as desired! Watch the episode! Blind Date in Sight! Nicki and Smith share the secret of the “transition outfit” as Hallie prepares for a blind date!

“Now I just loved this product! What a clever idea. So I can be naughty and nice. Whenever I want! This is a great kit because you can go ultra glam, with the naughty colors. Nice berries, pinks, and darker shades of eye shadows. (My personal favorite is the dark grey with glitter). And of course those lighter beiges for a softer look. Plus the packaging is really neat and clever. Very cute, very clever design. Loved it!”
Jacqueline – Senior Writer, Editor – Couture in the City

HSN – Ready To Wear lash extension

Enjoy false eyelashes in a bottle with Ready To Wear Lash Extension by Philippe Chansel! Get longer, fuller, thicker looking lashes in seconds.

“What a cleaver idea! I love this product and it is a favorite that I can’t live without. My lashes look so much fuller and beautiful.”
Angelique – Editor-In-Chief – Couture in the City

“Wow! I love this! I already have very full eye lashes. But I love the way the Ready To Wear lash extends and separates my lashes. A must have for your make-up routine!”
Jacqueline – Senior Writer, Editor – Couture in the City

Catch all the episodes at Faces of Beautiful you!

Article by © Jacqueline – Senior Writer, Editor – Couture in the City 2008

Looking for some great stocking stuffers for the holidays? Well look no further! Sephora has some really fabulous small beauty items, that will fit perfectly into Santa’s little stocking!
I love the Luxe Noir Bling Pocket Brush Set! Only the size of a wallet, this grand little brush set is perfect for on the go! Also to match that add a Deluxe Palette – Collector’s Edition! This exquisite all-in-one makeup palette for eyes, face, and lips. Is the perfect beauty companion for the holiday season! And it makes the perfect gift!

Luxe Noir Bling Pocket Brush Set

What it is: A mini must-have brush set with mega sparkle-studded attitude.

What it does: The Sephora Brand “Luxe Noir” Bling Pocket Brush Set packs your essential makeup brushes in a micro-clutch that is slim enough to fit in your purse or pocket. Get gorgeous on-the-go with this sleek little toolkit that won’t quit!

Deluxe Palette – Collector’s Edition ($200 Value)

What it is: An exquisite all-in-one makeup palette for eyes, face, and lips.

What it does: Create any look in the book, or your imagination, with the Sephora Brand Deluxe Palette – Collector’s Edition. Sephora’s latest Blockbuster has all the essentials for the consummate classic beauty. This sleek, triple-tiered compact opens to reveal eyeshadow, blush, lip gloss, and powder on stackable, sliding trays. A selection of applicators and a mirror embedded under the lid give you all the tools to create a polished, impeccable look anytime, anywhere. Now you can make your look a personal masterpiece, from trendy to timeless—the sky’s the limit.

Article by © Jacqueline H. – Senior Writer & Editor, West Coast 2008

I think that every one that I have talked to is on a serious budget for the holidays this year. It’s no wonder that people are watching their wallets with the state of the economy and all. However, you don’t have to get all Grinch-ey just because we’re all tightening our belts.

You can still give fabulous gifts on a budget that any of your fashion-forward friends are sure to love. Take a look at my “Top 10 under $10″ for inspiration to help you stock a stuffing on a dime:

For the Bling-ey BFF:

Jewelry is always a fun gift, and costume jewelry is usually easy to find at an affordable price. I love whimsical jewelry with animals, trinkets and unusual objects on them, like this bird necklace from Fred Flare:

Little Bird Charm Necklace, Fred Flare, $10

Color Block Bracelet, Old Navy, $5

Xhilaration Cluster Drop Earrings, Target, $8.99

Also be sure to check out Old Navy and Target for great deals on of-the-moment costume jewelry.

For the Girl-About-Town:

If your sister is always downtown on the weekends, jetting off to Miami or NYC, or always knows where to find the scene, then these are the gifts for her. Try finding a fun and flashy clutch (for the clubs) or some swanky aviators (for the morning after).

Mirrored Aviator Glasses, Urban Outfitters, $9.99

Satin Clutch, Old Navy, $10

For the Home-Girl:

If you are like me, then home is where you wanna be. Give her a comfy PJ set and a great DVD for a relaxing night at home. Best Buy has a ton of DVD’s for $10 or less, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a classic, sure to please any fashionista.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s DVD, Best Buy, $9.99

Gillian & O’Malley Pajama Set, Target, $9.99

For the Makeup Maven:

If her nails are always painted, her pout purfectly glossed, then get thee to Sephora for some great under $10 deals. The Sephora line is great and offers a ton of goodies at reasonable prices. Lip gloss and nail polish are usually a no-brainer, and make great stocking stuffers.

Sephora Brand Fresh Gloss, $7

Sephora Easy French Manicure Duos, $8

For Anyone:

Who can’t use a cute change purse? I can’t think of a single person. This one from Urban Outfitters is a super cute gift for that friend/relative/roomate that you just can’t figure out. Go ahead, get one for yourself too. I won’t tell.

Floral Kiss Lock Wallet, Urban Outfitters, $9.99

What’s your favorite budget-friendly fashion gift to give this year? Clue us in, and Happy Holidays!

Jane Iredale is as innovate as mineral make-up comes! From fantastic mineral foundations, powders, and lip crayons. You can’t go wrong with this superb brand. Made by none other than television and film professional – Jane Iredale herself. I am absolutely in love with the Jane Iredale line. And I am so excited to be sharing a few of my favorite products from the line. As well as giving back to our readers with our Lip Crayon giveaway!

Our giveaway item from Jane Iredale! Introducing Lip Crayons – Color Your Lips Beautiful!

You’ve found the perfect dress – same for the shoes. The clutch? Well, it’s luscious…but it doesn’t hold very much. That’s fine because you have Jane Iredale’s new Lip Crayons. They line and color your lips and can even add a blush to your cheeks. In five delicious colors to match every mood and outfit, think of them as your little black dress for every handbag. And in five perfect shades – Naughty, Tasty, Luscious, Juicy, Tempting. You can’t go wrong!

Daytime Eye Shadow Kit – Superb in creating beautiful eyes!

An incredible loose mineral foundation with UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sun protection. The look is creamy and luminous. The feel is like silk.

Amazing Matte™ Loose Finish Powder – A mattifying finishing powder that will matte all skin types.

JustKissed™ Lip Plumper – Make your lips full and kissable with this tinted cool mint and ginger lip plumper. Special peptides give moisture and visible plumping that lasts. One simple sweep and your lips will be transformed with sheer natural color and a refreshing feeling you can’t top!

Retractable Handi Brush – This is the go everywhere, do everything brush, and a must for Jane Iredale pressed powder application!

Visit Jane Iredale for the full mineral make-up experience! NEW! Subscribe to Couture in the City’s Newsletter to enter this fabulous giveaway! This giveaway will run until December 12th 2008!

Article by © Jacqueline H. – Senior Writer & Editor, West Coast 2008

Giveaway Disclaimer: Couture in the City and the featured product is not responsible for any errors that may occur during the giveaway. Nor for any incorrect winners information that may occur during the drawing. To be entered into the giveaway, readers have to subscribe to Couture in the City. A winner is picked one time only.

A Betsey Johnson model flaunts it in Essie Aruba Blue

I’m just going to say it; I hate polishing my nails. Usually, I do a good job on my toenails, but if I attempt to do my fingernails, it looks like a child painted them. I’m just no good at it. While I love to get mani’s and pedi’s, the fact of the mattter is, I just can’t afford to keep up with it. So I’m going to have to learn the right way to do it!

The first step is getting a good quality nail polish. I’ve always liked Essie because it’s salon quality at a reasonable price. They always have the best up-to-the-minute colors that you can’t find at any old pharmacy and last a super long time. Check out their new holiday color collections like “Bold and Beautiful” (a deep vampy red) or “It’s Genius” (a metallic purple).

Bold and Beautiful, $8

Lately I’ve been shaping my nails with a buffer, so I’ll file my nails first and then brave the polishing process. After I clean them up with some nail polish remover, (and once they are completely dry, a step I usually fail to commit to), I’ll follow up with a moisturizer. Essie has a great line of “Smoothies” in exotic “flavors” like Pomegranate and Mango, Coconut and Pineapple and Blueberry and Banana. Pomegranate and Mango are my favorite, but these hand and body lotions are a great way to help get you out of a winter funk, and are super hydrating too.

Pomegranate Mango Smoothie, $5

So if you are looking for a new hue to compliment your holiday party ensembles, or just want a few fun stocking stuffers for your roomate or BFF, then check out these goodies from Essie. Your hands and feet will thank you!

Shop Essie today!

Yes it is that time of year! I have reviewed some of the best bronzers and powders out there on the beauty market. And I have chosen my favorite brands! And of course these are the Best of Beauty 2008 from Couture in the City!

*Best of Beauty 2008 Compact Bronzer: Sephora Brand Sculpting Disk

*Best of Beauty 2008 Sephora Sculpting Disk! For its price value point and size! Retails at $24.00 at Sephora.com

I chose the Sephora Brand Sculpting Disk as the Best of Beauty 2008 Compact Bronzer. It is wonderfully priced at only $24.00. And with a large case of about 4” across! It has a lot to go around! Included in this sculpting powder trio is the bronzer color to contour cheeks, and forehead. A matt finish powder that is non-comogenic, to absorb excess oils and give a great finish. Plus, it has the highlighting powder to add definition, illuminate and brighten the skin. The compact is fully fitted with a deluxe oversize mirror. Use the powders to sculpt your face into a work of art, adding sun and light in all the right places! This product is great to add some color to your face during the fall and winter season! I use it every day and swear by it!

*Best of Beauty 2008 Compact Powder and Foundation: Jane Iredale PurePressed® Base

*Best of Beauty 2008 Compact Powder – PurePressed® Base by Jane Iredale

I chose the Jane Iredale PurePressed ® Base as the best compact foundation and powder for a few reasons. Firstly, the Jane Iredale line is one of the best mineral cosmetics out there! So look out bare minerals! Also, the beautiful gold compact casing is very decadent looking. (The compact is also beautifully inserted in a velvet pouch). The casing includes a mirror, powder puff for application. And an assortment of several colors to suit your complexion. It is a foundation, powder, concealer and sunscreen all in one. And with a UVA SPF 20, you are getting a great sun protection too! It is very water-resistant and free of oil, talc, dyes and parabens. The look and coverage is sheer and semi-matte. The feel is weightless. The result – flawless!

Source: Jane Iredale Cosmetics, Sephora

Article by © Jacqueline H. – Senior Writer 2008