Get ready for more Sex and the City
“Sex and the City” the movie premiered in London this week.
Here’s actress Sarah Jessica Parker in a green tulle and feather dress by Alexander McQueen and a Phillip Treacy hat.
Like it, loathe it, laugh at it? Let me know.
Get your ASSETS on
Who among us – whether size 2 or size 22 — likes panty lines, cellulite, bumps or lumps?
Now Sara Blakely, founder of SPANX, brings ASSETS by Sara Blakely to Avenue, a retailer that caters to plus sizes. ASSETS, a line of body-shaping hosiery, is available in six different styles, several colors and retails for $10 to $20.
ASSETS in misses sizes is also available at Target.
Carmindy’s natural beauty
I’ve been wanting a new pinkish lipstick so I decided to give Sally Hansen Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy a road test. The beauty line is new, so I was eager to see how it delivered.
Carmindy is the makeup artist on TLC’s “What Not to Wear.” I interviewed her last year and she said then was working on her own makeup line.
Back to the lipstick. I settled on Champagne Rose. It’s a light pinkish/brown shade that offers some color, but not a lot of intensity. It’s creamy, and probably has a bit more staying power than a gloss, but I wish it was more pink. On me, it really looks like a nude shade. I prefer a more clear color.
Maybe I’ll try another shade next time or just swipe some of my own lip gloss over it. I’m always hesitant to buy makeup, lipsticks, etc. at drug stores and mass merchandisers because it always seem to be a guessing game. If I have to buy two or three lipsticks to find one I like, I’ve spent more than I would have on a prestige brand — one that I can try on before I buy.
Places like Sephora and Ulta, and specialized service at the Makeup Bar, Balliet’s, Sooo Lilly and department stores, make it so easy to get the perfect shade.
I do think I’ll try the eye shadow base when mine’s gone. Let me know if you’ve tried any of the products. I’m interested to know what you think.
As promised in my Sunday Living column in The Oklahoman, here’s more detailed information on the items in the new Sally Hansen Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy. This info is from her newsletter, so the raves are hers. Prices range from $7.99 to $12.99.
1. Luminizing Face Primer. Create a flawlessly smooth complexion with this light reflective skin perfecting primer. Wear it alone or under Your Skin Makeup and watch your face light up.
2 Your Skin Makeup. This is the most revolutionary foundation ever! Since making it I have not worn anything else on my skin. It’s filled with anti-oxidants so it’s a skin treatment as well as the most perfect liquid foundation out there. The shade range is impressive and there is a color out there for everyone. It does not matter if you have oily, combination or dry skin it works on everybody. You will simply love it!!!
3. Fast Fix Eye Shadow Base. This is a perfect base to even out discolored lids and keep eye shadows in place all day.
4. Fast Fix Concealer in “All Over Brightner”. Amazing for bouncing light under the eyes getting rid of dark circles and signs of fatigue. This product is my best friend!
5. Fast Fix Concealer in “Neutralizer”. Perfect for rosacea, just dab it on and eliminate redness in the most natural way.
6. Truly Translucent Loose Powder. A micro-milled fine powder that erases shine and sets makeup naturally. With a built-in puff right in the cap it’s never messy and always delivers just the right amount.
7. Sheerest Cream Blush. This is the most soft, sheer and natural way to flush those cheeks. Never oily or streaky the color looks fresh all day.
8. Natural Powder Blush. Sweep on a sheer wash of color to wake up a face with this velvety powder.
9. Sheerest Cream Bronzer. The most natural bronzer ever created it melts into your skin mimicking the look of a sun-kissed glow. It contains no shimmer so it looks gorgeously real in broad daylight even on mature skin.
10. Sun Glow Powder Bronzer. Sweep on this slightly pearled bronzer in the evening for a sexy beachy glow.
11. Instant Definition Eye Shadow Palette. Never be in doubt again with this these satiny smooth eye shadows. A trio of perfect shadows, each one is marked for your ease of application. A perfect highlight, lid and contour shade to bring your eyes alive.
12. Always Perfect Liquid Liner. Liquid liner is all the rage and with this finely tapered tip you can sweep on a perfect line with ease. With 5 flattering shades you can find the one that brings out your eyes.
13. Lift and Define Mascara. It’s all about the size of the brush and this little brush targets each and every lash for a full fringe of fluttering lashes.
14. Color Comfort Lip Color. For high impact saturated color that looks as good as it feels try this innovative gel-cream formula. With 21 fabulous shades you your lips will thank you.
15. Moisture Plump Lip Balm. For the low maintenance gal this slightly tinted lip balm is a buttery soft treat for the lips. With grapefruit extracts and natural botanicals you will get hooked.
16. Natural Shine Lip Gloss. This gloss is never sticky or tacky and glides on so lovely with its brush tipped applicator. The shades are gorgeous and you can wear them alone or over Color Comfort Lip Color.
Tim Gunn gets new fashion accomplice
“Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style” will be back on television later this year, but the show will go on without Veronica Webb. His new accomplice will be Gretta Monahan, fashion expert, personal stylist and owner of Grettacole Spas, Salons and Boutiques in Boston, according to Bravo.
“I’ve been a fan of Gretta’s for awhile now – she’s on the edge of fashion with a fresh approach that resonates well with all types of women,” said Gunn. “I’m thrilled to have her as my fashion accomplice.”
I’m unfamiliar with Gretta, but I’m hoping she comes across better than Veronica, who always made me feel uncomfortable. No doubt she was a great runway model, but on the show she never seemed to develop a rapport with the women she was supposed to be helping.
And the underwear drawer segment? It won’t be coming back either. It was humiliating. Even Tim Gunn has said so many times.
Gretta Monahan’s influence as a trendsetter began in Boston with the debut of Grettacole, a salon and spa that gained popularity due to its exceptional service and hip, fun environment. She launched more beauty hubs and a fashion boutique Gretta Luxe, as well as Grettastyle Studio in New York City.
She has contributed to the “Today Show,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “The View;” both her beauty and fashion advice has been featured in W Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Elle and Marie Claire.
Carrie Underwood goes for faux
From my inbox to you: Carrie Underwood, one of Oklahoma’s best known vegetarians, so loved these faux suede cowboy boots by Alternative Outfitters that she bought a pair each in brown and black. The boots are on sale for $42.
Founded by animal lover and vegan Jackie Horrick, Alternative Outfitters offers everything from non-leather shoes, handbags and related accessories to cosmetics, hair care and bath and body products that are never tested on animals.
The Web site is www.alternativeoutfitters.com.
Get glad … channel your inner Cleopatra
I love shoes. Just look at my closet. (No, don’t.)
Now I’m on the hunt for a great pair of gladiator sandals. I think I want metallic instead of black or brown. And since wraps and ties circling my legs just aren’t flattering these days, I think I’ll opt for simple rather than simply amazing. (This pair by Jeffrey Campbell is just a bit too much for me.)
I wrote a story about gladiators that will run in the Sunday Living section in a couple of weeks, but I was in the mood for a little Roman holiday before I made the first call for that piece.
Anyway, if you see a great pair at a great price, let me know.
You can leave your hat on
Check out this fedora. Pair it with great-fitting jeans and a T-shirt, or a simple white tank dress, and voila, instant style.
Celebrities have been embracing hats for a few years now, and the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
The fedora — the hat worn by Hollywood’s Indiana Jones and real-life gangster Al Capone — is the latest style to catch women’s interest. Like so many fashion trends, celebrities jump-started the look. Cameron Diaz, Mary-Kate Olsen, Mischa Barton, Hilary Duff, Drew Barrymore, Sienna Miller and Nicole Richie have been spotted flashing a little attitude in a fedora.
Admittedly, there’s something sexy about a woman in a man’s clothing. Or in this case, his hat.
This fedora is from Trilogy, Northpark Mall.
Epsom Salt … a cheap fix
Decisions, decisions.
Put gas in the car or splurge on a facial?
With gas prices creeping closer to $4 a gallon, it’s difficult enough to budget for necessities, much less a facial or spa treatment. (Yes, I realize those are necessities for some.)
But, really, what’s a woman to do? Face the world without a monthly facial? Forget that all-over exfoliation treatment that leaves the skin feeling baby soft from decollete to toes?
Not according to the Epsom Salt Council. Do it at home is a better idea.
Here are a few simple at-home spa recipes:
To exfoliate: Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salt with 1/4 cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches.
Facial: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry.
For a relaxing soak: Add two cups of Epsom Salt to your bath water and soak for at least 12 minutes, three times weekly. For an extra treat, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent.
Homemade bath crystals: Mix two cups of Epsom Salt with a few drops of fragrance to create a custom bath crystal. Add a few drops of food coloring or 1/2 teaspoon of glycerin if you like. Store in an air-tight container.
Epsom Salt is inexpensive and sold at drugstores and grocery stores. Consider it an all-in-one product. Use it to improve dull skin, relax tired muscles and exfoliate feet.
With all these money-saving ideas, now you can afford to put gas in the car so you can get to those upcoming Memorial Day sales. Just a thought.
