Fabulous Finds Friday

Have any of my beauties heard of this genius little site?!

Everything sold on it is 3 fluid ounces or under! Perfect for finding luxury, travel sized items or if you want to sample just a taste before commiting to a full size product.

You'll find great brands like Malin + Goetz, Ole Henrickson, Phillip B, Ahava, and DDF - just to name a few! You know what they say- good things come in little packages!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Confessions of a Beauty Junkie

Now I'm in trouble! I was trying so hard to be good, really I was! Then I found out Neiman Marcus is also having a beauty event as we speak and all bets are off! Cuter bag(sorry Saks, they win this go around-I will be getting the darker denim version!)? Check. Gift with Chloe perfume purchase? Check.

What's on my wishlist? Trish McEvoy's Little Black Card in Champagne Truffle looks like a great collection, chock full of wearable colors I will actually use. Not one dud in the offering!

Neiman Marcus also carries the hard to find Armani Beauty line(always an Allure Magazine favorite for their foundations) This shadow palette looks to die for and is appropriately named "Eyes to Kill." With a palette like this, you wouldn't need any others(I shudder at the thought!)

This gorgeous Guerlain palette. I wouldn't want to even use it! I think I need to start displaying products like these around my home! This is beautiful enough to be in anyone's art collection! Since snow is headed our way again *sigh* it definitely looks like I'll be seeking comfort in a little online retail therapy!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.

Wishlist Wednesday

It's one of my favorite times of the year girleens! No it's not a holiday, but rather it's Saks' Beauty Event time! With any purchase of $75 of more you get a tote( I will comment- who designed the pattern on that thing?) filled with deluxe samples & irresistible offers!

I have been quite honest about my adoration of gifts with purchase & the frenzy that ensues making sure I get mine! What rates top on my wish list? Chantecaille's new Les Dauphins Palette- another stunning work of art launched by them.

If you've been a long time reader you know that I need another perfume like a hole in the head. Partner in Crime just picked up a bottle of Chloe however, and now I'm craving it! Specific brands will be offering their own additional gifts with purchase, so check it out. What tops your list? The event starts tomorrow, just enter code: PURE at checkout.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

What's Your Virtue?

By now, my beauties know that I live and breathe make-up, especially lipgloss! The gals over at What's Your Virtue were kind enough to send over some treats for the entire La Papillon Beauty Team(yes, we did a little dance- what gal doesn't love an installment of fresh gloss in their day?!)

All of the colors are very wearable(they're thickly applied on my hand to show shades, but very sheer on.) Lip Bliss glosses are also non drying since they contain cranberry seed oil, an antioxidant and moisturizer that contributes to the lipid barrier protection of the skin and helps with moisture retention(that's important for my lips, which chap and can become irritated very easily- especially in the winter.)

Yours truly wearing my favorite shade , Kindness, over my favorite nude lip liner.

Our lovely Lisa opted for shimmery soft shade, Simplicity.

While Lucky Penny gravitated towards the fresh pink of Curiosity! What I think would be a great idea? To have a stash on hand of my favorite shades- Kindness & Generosity. How cute would that be- to have your personal note to say thank you for your 'Kindness' & your gloss reinforce that sentiment!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Ask The Expert

So I'm unveiling a new feature on the blog girleens! You've asked for it (& what can I say-I'm a giver!) It's called Ask the Expert... here you can ask me your questions & I'll pick one to answer and feature weekly. I've been an esthetician & make-up artist for a decade, so I'm here to help!
Our first question comes from Jennifer Grove(above), President of Baltimore-based Sky Blue Events. She wants to know..."Can I wear a red lip during the day? I'm tired of my pinks and corals and want something fresh and sophisticated but not too strong for daytime client meetings."

Lately, every one I've talked to has had the winter blahs. Bravo to Jennifer for wanting to switch up her look a bit. Red lips usually intimidate a lot of girls. And of course you want to look professional versus looking of a certain profession (ha ha!) The best approach? Go with a sheer red gloss, that way you'll still get that pop of bright color, but in a more wearable, user friendly texture! My pick? Paul & Joe Beaute Lip Lacquer in 09.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Eye Candy

Remember how I said I was slightly obsessed with the newly revamped Henri Bendels? These displays were the main reason. What first caught my eye? A mannequin that had a fun, textured pink dress. Upon further inspection? It was made entirely of buttermints encased in pastel pink wrappers.

In continuing with a Willy Wonka candy theme in the store was this mannequin decked out in lavender and baby blue marshmallows! Genius.

The piece de la resistance? This creation made entirely of rock candy. The displays were so magically motivating, that when I got back to my own boutique- we redid all of our displays!

The entire effect was museum quality art. I hope you think it's as fabulous as I do!

Peace. Love. Sugar. M

Arm Candy

My favorite shop in this weeks' NYC visit? The revamped Henri Bendel. In a bold move, they recently switched from more of a department store complete with apparel, to solely accessories and make-up.

Displays were brilliant and nothing short of inspirational. It was like a rainbow of color throughout the store, with color groupings of accessories. Mint, lavender, baby blue- it was perfection.

Ice Ice Baby. Besides carrying an array of up and coming accessory designers, Bendels has launched their own private label, complete with signature brown and white striped subtly tucked in here and there. If you follow me on twitter, you caught additional peeks at my favorite picks! It is a must to stop by if you're in the city!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

You Look Gorgeous!

Girleens, we do a lot of grooming at the spa. I can personally say that I have waxed every body part on both men and women during the span of my career.

But the primping and preening involved at the Westminster Dog Show rivals that of any runway show, I can assure you! Especially with the toy breeds...

It was amazing to see these pooches get their glam on! We're talking straight irons and a lot of hair product! This was my first time at the show, and it was one that I will never forget.

Peace. Love. Primping. M

To The Dogs

Happy Monday my beauties! I'm headed back up to NYC for a quick trip that will be chalk full of events. First I will be checking out my beloved Paul & Joe Beaute and ordering new and exciting products for the boutique. Next I will be checking out the Westminster Dog Show! This is my Christmas present to my father so he will be flying up to meet me. We both adore animals & watch the show at home, so I thought this would be a great gift idea. Also coinciding for when I'm in the Big Apple? Mercedes Benz Fashion Week! The city should be crazy and jammed packed with celebrities- hopefully I'll spot one!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Kiss Kiss

Happy Valentines my sweets! M

Cookies by Sugar & Flour on Etsy

Fabulous Finds Friday

Just in time to get your pucker perfect for Valentines, Mac unveils their new Viva Glam ambassadors Cyndi Lauper & Lady Gaga.

Viva Glam Cyndi is a vibrant light reddish coral that looks like it be a perfect pick me up for the winter blahs (especially when there's no warm weather in sight!)

Viva Glam Gaga is a bubblegum pink with cool undertones that might look a little intimidating in the tube. However, I think this topped with a sheer gloss could actually be a beautiful compliment to strong eye make-up, like a smokey eye(think signature Kim Kardashian.) Whichever you chose, feel even more beautiful knowing all proceeds go toward MAC's AIDS relief fund. Any fun plans with your cutie pies for Valentine's?

Peace. Love. Kisses. M

Brrrr

Memories of me lounging outside on my deck this summer seem frozen in time, or rather frozen in snow(you can see a glimpse of my outdoor fireplace to the left.) In the past week, 5 out of 7 days I have been stuck inside due to blizzards Maryland has not seen in quite some time. Actually we broke all records about 12 inches ago. The whole state has shut down. I love a good snow day gals, but my chocolate stash has run out, there's no mail hence no US Weekly- it's not pretty. I would love to say that my house has been cleaned from top to bottom, but I'd be lying. Rather I have been watching my DVR non stop, and catching up on all my shows. What am I loving? Human Target. I thought it looked cheesy, but I am really enjoying it. There was also a Tabitha's Salon Takeover marathon that I got sucked into(I make my whole staff watch that show- she's amazing.) I baked a spice cake while watching Cook Yourself Thin & then proceeded to eat about half of it... I'm not proud. So say a prayer for us on the East Coast that we'll be able to dig out of this mess soon!

Peace. Love. Snow. M

Be My Valentine

Anyone who knows me, knows that lipgloss is the way to my heart! I heart this retro inspired rollerball version, it takes me back to the early days of my love affair with gloss. Smashbox's Heartbreaker Collection including its first ever foray into fragrance could not come at a better time for Cupid!

I mean I love fresh flowers, truly I do. But when it comes to Valentine's Day, I'd much rather have a treat that will last versus roses that are ridiculously overpriced. Take these cute Tory Burch heart sandals. This way, every time you catch a glimpse of your adorable piggies you will think of your sweetheart!

Box of chocolates? I'd rather have a box of jewelry any day! This adorable necklace from Juicy Couture has a paved crystal heart & key on a delicate silver chain. You hold the key to his heart after all...
Peace & Love. M

Quite Apeeling

Last week I gave fellow beauty blogger, Gouldylox a Skin Medica Rejuvenize Peel at La Papillon. She had expressed her pigmentation frustrations(one that I've shared in the past) and I knew this would be the most results oriented plan for her. Here is an image of her face under a Woods Lamp, which gives a more accurate reading of her sun damage. It is important to know medical grade peels do involve some downtime, since it promotes the sloughing of skin, similar to a bad sunburn.

Why a medical peel? You can get results in under a week that would take a prescription quality home skincare regimen at least 9-12 months to achieve. What are these results? This peel offers a reduction in fine lines, unclogs pores(it's amazing for acne),unveils a more luminous & even skin tone, lessens hyperpigmentation and stimulates collagen. A cocktail including salicylic acid & lactic acid is applied, which is then topped with retinoic acid(a form of vitamin A). Then in a few short days your skin looks and feels like a baby's!

Here's Gouldylox immediately following her peel(the retinoic acid leaves the skin a smidge yellow, but that's only temporary.) I highly recommend a medical peel to anyone who is serious about changing their skin. It is important to go over what to expect with your skin care professional and find out if it's right for you. (not all peels are created equal & offer the same results) Yes you will be literally peeling for about 3-5 days, but it's so worth it! Brides-to-be, are you listening? Find the time, you won't be disappointed. Just work backwards from any specific big events. Once the actual peel is applied, peeling will start around 48 hours after and will take @ 4 days to taper off. Allocate 7-10 days just in case. Take a daily behind the scenes peek & follow Gouldylox's progress on her blog, and check back here next week for before & after pics!

Peace. Love. Peels. M

Make-Up Must Have Monday

Clinique has really been stepping up their game lately. I had felt that for quite some time they were how shall I say it? Blah. Not that their makeup wasn't good, it was just a smidge uninspired. Now they are reinventing themselves. One of the pioneers of the gift with purchase, they have been partnering with hip designers such as Trina Turk, and now Milly.

This gift with purchase also has products in it you will actually use. I don't know about you, but half the time I struggle to find things to buy to qualify to get the gift- only to end up with stuff that I never use. What can I say? I love me some free gifts! But gals, you know you will use that eye make-up remover & the Redness Relief powder has caused quite a stir. Might I suggest the All About Eyes($15.50) paired with the lovely Full Potential Lips lipgloss in Play-Full Plump($17.50)? I think you'll find them quite delicious!
Peace.Love.Lipgloss. M

Free Gift available here

Going For Broke in NYC

Was Audrey Hepburn not the most divine thing ever? I love this scene from Breakfast at Tiffany's, when she has on her eye mask & ear plugs with tassels and looks as stylish as ever.

I discovered these eye masks in Charlotte while visiting my sister & loved their quirky glamour. In tribute to the classic film, of course I picked up the Tiffany Blue version while we were shopping for the boutique in NYC.

We also scooped up this simple satin version since it's all about comfort & shut eye isn't it?!

This one had the spa written all over it, since we're devoted to all things beauty related. It's also perfect since with the huge winter storm headed our way,(at last count we're due to expect upwards of two feet of snow!) I'm planning on catching up on quite a lot of Beauty Sleep!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Going For Broke in NYC

I'm usually a simple jewelry kind of girl. White metal, diamonds...what can I say I have expensive taste! Every now & then I will throw in a little turquoise to be wild and crazy. However, when I stumbled upon this vendor, it was like stepping into a storybook.

All of their pieces have vintage inspired illustrations that are bejeweled & bedecked with glitter. I don't know how to explain it- the pieces are like being in a children's fairytale & I was captivated. Pure magic.

Yes some of the styles are a little over the top, but I really think there could be a piece that everyone could relate to- or at least the child that lives within us. I had to have some of these dainty little necklaces, since life's a bowl of cherries! What do you think my beauties, aren't they so whimsical and fun ?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Going For Broke in NYC

When we saw these aprons, Partner in Crime & I just about died! How perfect would these be to wear while prepping & throwing a dinner party?

My favorite style is the pink leopard on the right. We scooped up several patterns and grabbed the coordinating dish gloves, too! I think this is about as cute as it get for a shower gift- yes?! Who says that being domestic means that you have to sacrifice on style? Not moi!

Peace.Love. Lipgloss. M
Coming in March!

Going For Broke In NYC

Partner in Crime & I did the retail damage I knew we would while up in NYC buying for the boutique. This is one of our established lines, Tiramani. Doesn't the packaging just look edible? The delicate and ornate design is so delicious.

The packaging is newly revamped- I must say it is even more exquisite in person. Better yet, is what's inside. The most divine scent ever. Notes of Blood Orange and Night Blooming Jasmine are softly enhanced with White Nectarine, Madonna Lily and Cashmere Musk.

The fragrance is so fresh, it truly is universal in its appeal. It has developed a cult following at the store & with its new luxe packaging- it makes the most gorgeous gift!

Peace. Love. Perfume. M

Stay tuned all week for a sneak peek at what we scooped up in NYC. Tiramani will be available at our online store once our replenished stock arrives.