More Flowers for Everyone

So I'm obsessed with these new flower bracelets we just got in at the boutique. I'm normally pretty conservative in my jewelry pieces, but these are like summer in a bracelet. Not for the faint of heart, they make a whimsical, vintage-y bold statement . The multi color was my favorite and personal pick.
Before I even had a chance to display the jewelry and put it out, all the pieces were snapped up! a favorite cohort of mine Christina, aka Dead Sexy, swooped in for the aqua version...


while Partner in Crime snapped up the all pink version. She and her adorable baby girl are always decked out in all pink! I had to immediately reorder so that all of my beauties had a chance to partake! Enjoy!

Peace. Love. Perfect Accessories. M

Summer Self Tanner Tips

When we hear the words self tanner- we all have the fear of ending up looking like this! What's a girl to do? Every girl knows that a little color makes us feel healthier, skinnier and more beautiful. However my smart beauties also realize the damaging effects of the sun. Here are some tips and tricks for having a successful self tanner experience....First, prep work is crucial. Self tanner adheres to your outer skin cells, so you want to provide as smooth of a canvas as possible. That means exfoliating & shaving prior to application. Apply moisturizer to any creased areas of the body- elbows, knees, ankles, knuckles & around nails. Then in a patterned manner, whether circular or an up & down motion- apply product. Make sure that you are overlapping the product to avoid streaks (don't forget to bring the product over the shoulders enough to be covered by a shirt if it's too hard to reach your back.)The next step is the most important step! Take additional moisturizer after application and smooth it on top of your hands & feet since these are the trickiest areas and tend to pull too much color. Then thoroughly wash your palms immediately. Keep an eye out as the color is developing- if it looks likes you've made a mistake, apply more moisturizer to sheer out the tanner's intensity to make it less noticeable. Now go get your glow on! Good luck!

Peace. Love. Glow. M

Bronze Beauty Make-up Series

Another acquisition in my quest for a fabulous bronzed glow comes from Mally Roncal. Mally, a bubbly and sweet make-up artist, is known for her work on Beyonce. She has a collection within her line called 24/7 , which is meant to be incredibly lost lasting. Her kit "All Day Gorgeous Lasting Beauty" had my name written all over it! I thought it sounded perfect for summer skin since it tends to get so hot outside. Her system is basically a layering system. Cream blush topped with powder, lipstick topped with clear gloss sealer, eye liner topped with setting powder than another shadow....Alas while the colors are very wearable in this set(save the orange-ish lipcolor), they didn't seem to last any longer than what I already use on a daily basis. Layering is great for wedding make-up, but I always say pare down for summer skin, since concealers and liquids tend to slide off the face with sweating. Here I was adding steps to my regimen! Every woman is pressed for time in their lives - especially in the morning! Stick with powders in terms of texture in warmer temperatures and you'll be in better shape. All in all Mally's line has some great products in cute packaging. Check her out!

Peace. Love. Bronzed Goddess. M

Flowers for Everyone!

So the last time I was up in NYC for business I got to meet the lovely Nicole of Medusa's Heirlooms. She has a fabulous line of hair accessories carried at some very high end boutiques. Her pieces are even featured in In Style Magazine.
Of course, I had to have some pieces at La Papillon and promptly placed an order snagging the last one of this cute style in peach for myself! Medusa's Heirlooms Beaded Flower Headband $21.95

Since we have had over 17 inches of rain since April, this headband has been my go to accessory for when I don't want to deal with my hair(which has been a lot.) I pull my hair into a simple ponytail, put it on and am out the door! It never fails that when I wear it someone compliments me and wants to know where I got it. Until now, I've felt quite guilty that I couldn't share the love (I got over it!), but I'm happy to announce we finally got them in stock in classic ivory and classic black for all of my beauties! Happy Shopping!

Peace. Love. Style. M

Brilliant- No Bones About It!

Finally someone thought of this! The first airline exclusively for pets, Pet Airways, will officially launch July 14th. When Wifey(BFF in Hawaii) found out she and her husband were being transferred, she immediately worried about her pup. She was frantic about how Zeke, a cocker spaniel, would fare on the 19 hour flight. The internet only made her think the worst (seriously there was an intervention on googling.) Now your cat or dog can travel in a climate controlled main cabin, with flight attendants checking on them every 15 minutes!

The airline will operate in L.A., Denver, Chicage, NYC and Baltimore. It's perfect-because I won't trust this face to just anybody. This way you won't lose any beauty sleep over worry. It's pawsitively genious!(sorry I couldn't resist.)

Peace. Love. Peace of Mind. M

L.A. Candy

My favorite girl, Lauren Conrad aka LC, debuted her first foray into literature this week. All of my beauties know that I have been in mourning since the season finale of The Hills, when she made her exit from the show. Kristin Cavallari is slated to be the new headliner and I have no doubt that she will ruffle some feathers. However, I always thought the "C" in LC stood for class and I fear there won't be much left on the show... We'll see. Conrad's new book L.A. Candy is based on the concept of a behind the scenes look at the life of a girl cast in a reality show. I know, not much of a stretch, but it will definitely be on my summer reading list. LC, a spokeswoman for Mark cosmetics, has been looking like a glam golden goddess while on the press circuit. I love the retro inspired hair! Happy Reading!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Image courtesy of Theo Wargo/ Getty Images

Here comes the Bride

My beauties, we are entering bridal season. So much goes into that big day, it's unbelievable. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many fabulous and talented vendors behind the scenes when on location for weddings. I also got to meet a great group of wedding professionals at the DC Blogging Bootcamp I attended last week. One was super sweet Amy, aka Relentless Bride. She has been a great help for this technologically challenged make-up artist, truly a life saver! Amy's a bride to be herself & is journaling the adventures of planning her wedding on her blog, Relentless Bride. Any bride to be should pop over there to find great tips, tricks & giveaways. She recently featured a great post by Barbara Hill, a guest blogger, on bridal make-up consultations. It is sage advice, so check it out!

Peace. Love. Perfect Wedding Wishes. M

Bronze Beauty Make-up Series

I warned you that the site Make-up 411 could result in an addiction! I speak from experience. These are the 2 Make-up Forever products I purchased, that are reportedly used daily to give Jennifer Love Hewitt her gorgeous glow. Star Powder in Bronze Brown 930 (L) & Diamond Shadow in Diamond Brown 312 (R). I love the Star Powder, though with loose pigments- there's more mess. The Diamond Shadow oddly pulled a little purple on my skintone, though the texture was great. I completed my purchase with a new color option of a personal favorite- Laura Geller's Baked Cake Liner Duo in Plum Pudding/Black Forrest. Used wet or dry, I always transition clients away from pencil with this product - it's so easy to use, doesn't pull on the delicate eye area and gives a smooth line. All items available at Sephora. I should have a house account there. They also should have the equivalent of black American Express in a Sephora credit card version- forget miles, I want to redeem in gloss!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Great Tips to Achieving Celebrity Style

As a make-up artist I am often blown away by the amount of talent in my field of work. Other's strokes of genius truly sparks my own creativity. Take Antonella Renyer, Jennifer Love Hewitt's lead make-up artist on her show. The way she can light the face and make her character seem almost ethereal is so impressive.

Let me introduce you to a little known site that's fabulous for tracking down how a particular celebrity gets their sun kissed glow! Make-up 411 goes behind the scenes of movie and television sets and speaks with the make-up artists responsible for those celebs looking so amazing. What results is a vast archive of celebrity looks and what products are used to achieve them! Danger Will Robinson!!! I will warn you, that usually results in you purchasing each and every aforesaid product. Happy Hunting!
Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Bronze Beauty Make-up Series

I blame Jennifer Love Hewitt. If any of my readers are Ghost Whisperer fans ( I am!) then I'm sure you'll agree that a) she's never looked better & b) the show's never been better. Her skin? Flawless. Make-up? Fabulous. Hair? Fantastic! What I wouldn't do to have her beauty team get me ready every day! While having similar coloring as Jennifer, I gravitate towards cooler undertones on my eyes- still smokey, but think varying shades of grays topped off with my signature black liner. Inspiration has struck and the journey will now begin for the most perfect wearable bronze shades for moi and her beauties! Anyone who knows me, knows that I am some what of a "Goldielocks." I just think of my quest for the perfect nude lip of 2007 and am exhausted in remembrance. A huge combination of lip liners, lipsticks and glosses auditioned- as my Visa can attest! So stay tuned for the series and find out what products made the list!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Perfect Go To Gift

Meet Courtney Legenhausen, the creative genious behind Lotus Jewelry Studio. As a local spa & boutique owner I was shocked to find that this designer's new studio (where I captured this shot) is literally 100 yards from my own store! How random is that? I love supporting other women owned businesses- the fact that she's local is such an added bonus!

Courtney's signature piece is her silver tag necklace- a personal favorite. As I say at the store- it's my go to gift. Perfect for any age? Check. Bridesmaid's gift? Check. New moms? Check! It's so delicate and classic. It's been so popular she's adding a script initial version, as well.

My latest obsession? These turquoise and amethyst drop earrings that I wanted to steal right out of her ears! They're a new prototype not even out yet, but I ordered them immediately for moi (of course!) & the store. I had to give Courtney props for her fabulous outfit- these earrings pulled together her casual aqua dress and her vibrant purple Coach bag seamlessly!

Peace. Love. Style. M

Beauty Free Gift with Purchase Galore!

My Beauties, the beauty bonuses just keep coming! Starting today there's a fabulous gift with purchase from Bergdorf Goodman! Bergdorf's is known for launching little known cosmetic and skincare lines into the spotlight. It is where the Stila brand got its start. Bergdorf's has some little known make-up gems such as Cleu de Peau Beaute and Le Metier de Beaute, as well as the celebrity favorite Tracie Martyn skincare line. While you might think the qualifying $200 purchase is a little steep, the Felix Ray cosmetic bag is well worth the price of admission! Enjoy!

Peace. Love. Free Loot! M

Welcome to Baltimore, Hon!

Welcome to Baltimore, Hon! Yesterday, Partner in Crime & I + our posse headed to the annual Hon Fest for a fun day of people watching! It did not disappoint! People everywhere were dressed in 50's style attire complete with bouffants! Look at these beauties having so much fun!

Elvis made an appearance, as well. There were babies with curlers in their hair and more spandex present than in the Leggs Hosery Factory!

Stylists from Kumbyah, a hair salon located in Hamden (where the festival is held) offered free beehives to one and all. Cucumber & Mint Margaritas from Holy Frijoles helped us fight off the heat. This is definitely an event all should experience !

Peace. Love. Beehives Hon! M

Adieu to Max Factor

After almost 100 years in business, Max Factor Cosmetics will no longer be sold in the United States. Proctor & Gamble, who distribute the brand, decided to pull it from the shelves due to it performing poorly in America, when it is the best selling brand in over 20 countries.

To me as a make-up artist, Max Factor was the name that started it all. Before Bobbi Brown, Trish McEvoy, and my beloved Kevin Aucoin - there was Max Factor. He became the 1st professional make-up artist for motion pictures in 1914. This was the man who created pan- cake foundation, wand mascara, and the object of my obsession- lipgloss! His family legacy will be carried on by his grandsons, Dean and Davis Factor, who founded the amazing Smashbox Cosmetics . So stock up on your favorite Max Factor products while you can as we bid a fond farewell to the line.
Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Beauty Bonus Bonanza

While I was in DC yesterday learning to become a better blogger for my beauties, my loot from Neiman Marcus arrived! Happy Day! Though you will see that I have a serious addiction to all things pretty the next couple of posts, I believe I did show some restraint with this purchase! I chose Beach fragrance from Bobbi Brown - it really does capture the entire feeling & smells of summer in one little bottle. Sunscreen, Sand, Breeze... Perfect.
I had to select this YSL lipstick just because of the gorgeous packaging - it's hot. I selected shade Rouge Volupte #2 which is a soft pinky nude. The ring around the tube matches the color-divine!

This is the Camp Gorgeous free gift...a very large cute bag, which made the samples seem a little small. A nice shade of a Lancome lipstick, Fekkai straightening balm, Natura Bisse Vitamin C scrub, an Orlane eye cream, and our very own best selling Kate Somerville SPF 55 Serum .

I am really glad I upgraded my gift with the $10 cosmetic bag add-on. The Laura Mercier Bronzer alone was well worth the price! I also received a lip stain & 2 night cream samples. If you missed out on this free gift with purchase, stay tuned for all the best beauty events here! A great idea is to save samples you don't use to create your very own beauty swag bags to give to your favorite friends around the holidays!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

DC Here I come!

Off to DC bright & early this morning for work! Yes, both the dog & I are grumpy- we're not morning people (or dog.)Please say a prayer that I don't get lost - moi's strength is not her sense of direction! Will let you know how it goes!

Peace. Love. Caffeine. M

I'm No Martha Stewart

We all have our own artistic talents- strokes of genius that are created by a scalpel, make-up brush or spatula... My friend Jennifer used to have a delish little blog called Life in the Cove. It was her blog that made me realize what an impact these cyber diaries could truly have. When she decided to retire from posting, I missed it as I would a friend. She has become a mentor to me since I've launched the PeaceLovelipGloss online store. It is with pure joy that I announce the unveiling of her new blog Prep School 101. Where I am the Make-up Maven & Brow Whisperer, she is the Domestic Goddess.
I'm not kidding when I'm telling you this is the type of creation she pulls from her oven. I know because I ate one of these. Jen puts love into the lifestyle she creates for her family. She bakes affection into every dish she whips up- you can really get a taste(pun intended) of the pleasure and joy she takes in every meal she presents to her loved ones through the posting on her blog.

I, on the other hand, am no Martha Stewart. This is what I pulled from my oven. Don't judge. Yes I forgot that in a frantic scramble to tidy my house for an unexpected guest that I used my oven for storage. I was channeling my inner Carrie Bradshaw. Since my oven is used so rarely, I didn't check it before turning it on recently. Voila- tupperware melted delight! So for culinary inspiration, check out Jen's new blog. For All Things Beauty- I'll always be here upon your return.
Peace. Love. Domesticity. M

Queen of Quite A Lot!

You like me, you really like me! So it's not a Nobel Peace Prize, but it's my first blog award & I'll take it!!!! Thanks to Saving Best for Last for this honor! The blogosphere is a world of its own. I've been a citizen for only about 8 months and it's amazing at what an tightly woven family it is. I always joke that for being such a talker, it surprises me sometimes when I get writer's block. Blogging in itself can be a full time job, but there is a real sense of pride creating this virtual body of work & I hope my blog becomes a friend you can turn to to make you smile- the way many blogs do for me!

So my duties as Queen are these:

1. List 7 things that make me Awe-summm.

2. Pass the award onto 7 bloggers that I love.

3. Tag those bloggers to let them know they are now Queens too (and link back to the Queen who tagged you).

7 things that make me Awe-Summ!

1. I can always make people laugh- it truly is the best medicine

2. I am a loyal & faithful friend

3. I use my evil OCD powers for good in the beauty industry

4. I am a great bartender

5. You will never walk around with something in your teeth when I'm around

6. Can be quite 'McGaver'ish to avoid being domestic

7. Am so blessed that I get to make women feel better about themselves every day!

That was exhausting...stay tuned for my 7 picks for blogs to check out. Now let it reign!
Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Lounge Act

Operation Summer Lounge 2009 is complete! While my deck had always been nice, my dining set was a smidge too big for my deck and wasn't comfortable for my favorite past time of reading my mail & magazines while sipping some wine after work (my true joys are Us Weekly and Star I'm not ashamed to admit!)

Now I finally have a space that feels like an extension of my home- an outdoor living room if you will. Now I can soak up the sunshine ( or as much as possible when slathered in SPF, wearing my Jackie O sunglasses, & a hat- I know sexy! )
Peace. Love. Lounge. M

Movers & Shakers

I am not the friend you call for manual labor. Sage advice, a sympathetic ear & strong cocktails- I'm your girl. However, there will be no lugging sofas, mattresses & boxes...Oh no- I already do manual labor every day waxing the tri state area. So I will bring the carry-out, beer & moral support when you move, but I will not be sweating & I will not be wearing sweatpants!

This is the first introduction to BFFB ( Best Friend Baltimore) or as she might be baptized Patient One as she is the calm to my storm. When I am a spaz at work, she is soothing and comforting- I guess it's the nurse in her. And she has nursed me, many a times my heart and even when my appendix ruptured. She is always there to help me whenever I ask- she is a better person than I. Just in the past 3 weeks she has helped to assemble my inversion table for my back ( which I still can't figure out) and now is the foreman on operation 'summer deck.' When I said I was taking a picture of her for the blog- she promptly dove into my outdoor sofa that she was helping put together. It's a perfect example of how she prefers to always be behind the scenes,but is always making my life better. So we will be toasting to her when the deck is complete-stay tuned for the pics!

Peace. Love. Good Friends. M

Hello Gorgeous!

Good Morning Gorgeous Girls! I tell you it has been like Christmas this week with all the beauty events going on! I bring you the second offer this week from Neiman Marcus or again as my father calls it "Needless Mark-ups!"

With any purchase of $100 you get this cute pink camo bag filled with loot. In addition, many lines are offering free gifts with minimum purchases. I was heartbroken that the add on matching make-up bag with bonus Laura Mercier bronzer was sold out online...Never fear I called the Palm Beach Store and the lovely Maria shipped one to me. In this economy- it's customer services that sets you apart. They went above and beyond! Once I get all of my treats in hand I will post pics!

Peace. Love. Free Loot! M

Wonderful Wine Festival

I've always said "Wine makes everything better!"

Take great friends & gorgeous weather, add a couple bottles of wine and you have the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Partner in Crime brought along her beautiful baby, Maci & hubby, K. After slathering everyone in SPF we were ready to go...

Behold the power of Twitter! I tweeted about the wine festival and the lovely Jennifer of Life in the Cove fame hopped in the car and brought her fabulous family along for the fun. I had to post this pic since she & I were having a battle of the bigger sunglasses! She rocked a pair of vintage vibed Chanels while I went with my classic black Balenciagas. We are serious about preventing sun damage and know that the eyes show the 1st signs of aging!
But behind those Jackie O inspired sunglasses were genuine smiles from a glorious day of memories with a group of great girls. Cheers!
Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Free Gifts Galore

I was trying to find a lady like way of saying that I love free beauty gifts with purchase. Never mind that most of the time it's not even stuff I use, need, or want - I have to have it and will look for things to buy in order to get it. I'm a free gift______ - you fill in the blank & we'll leave it at that! While supplies last at Nordstrom is the second offering ( I believe) from the collaborative efforts between Clinique and fashion designer Trina Turk. AND the products look like I actually would use them or at least throw them in my weekend bag for summer beach getaways. BFFBR loved my other Trina Turk cosmetic bag so much that she almost fell over when I said it was a Clinique free gift!

To sweeten the deal even more, Nordstrom will throw in an additional summer themed free gift with beauty purchases over $100!!!! Oh Happy Day! See my beauties- I really am looking out for you! So run, don't walk to the nearest Nordstroms or visit Nordstrom online. Tell them I sent you!
Peace. Love. Free Gifts with Purchase!!!!! M

Bad Hair Day

Ummm. Yuck. I have always thought Megan Fox was, well a stone cold fox! (pardon the pun.) I like the fact that it seems internally she has conflicts with her own classic elegant beauty and trys to incorporate a tougher edge. Style wise she definitely can rock the bad girl look. Usually I give her awards show looks two thumbs up (minus the obnoxiously large tattoo on her inner forearm) But I guess we all are entitled to a bad hair day.
And bad it was!!!!! At the MTV Music Awards last night, her hair looked plain greasy & dirty. Like her hairdresser didn't show, so she reached for a glob of hair gel & slicked the crown down and let the rest have a 'mullet' like effect out at the base. Eek. Her stylist should have tackled her to the floor and forced her to just pull it back in a sleek ponytail. I'm not trying to be petty, but with all of the talented help on hand for celebrities- I just had to vent. Just say no to hair gel Megan!
Peace. Love. Hair Product. M