Bit By the Beauty Bug

Right across from the Chanel boutique, adjacent to the Fendi area, there is a door that leads to dreamland. The new Clarins Spa. The private 2-room oasis is the first of its kind within a Bloomingdales store.  With this new luxury shop-eat-spa (in no particular order) concept, three words a girl can never refuse – especially all in one spot,  is there really any reason to shop anywhere else? The Beauty Bug thinks not.

Upon entering the gleaming white and red paradise, The Beauty Bug was greeted by Chantal Sanders, CLARINS Senior Director of Boutique & Spa Development. Ms. Sanders is a little Twizzler of a thing, in a pencil skirt, sporting bewitching blue eyeliner, never-ending lashes and the skin of a 29 year old French woman. She quickly gets down to business, telling The Beauty Bug about their signature treatments that She was going to experience  – the Melting Honey Hot Stones Massage and the TriActive Facial. The Beauty Bug could talk to Chantal all day – she’s traveled the world, has a mesmerizing accent, gets weekly facials and was dropping skincare knowledge like a boss.

Chantal next gushes about her 3 favorite CLARINS products that are her life lines – the Beauty Flash Balm, the Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, and Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Lotion. The Flash Balm (not to be mistaken as Flash Bomb, as sometimes printed and heard) allows her foundation to look radiant all day long, and sometimes She’ll even apply a thicker layer and use it as a mask if she has a big night out (what she refers to as The Cinderella approach). The Hand and Nail Treatment Cream penetrates all 4 surfaces of the hand (back, front, cuticles and nails) isn’t sticky, smells, divine and is a staple for her carry-on as she travels from city to city. Chantal next confesses that she goes through one retail sized Gentle Eye Makeup Remover per week, adding “I could drink that stuff.” It has the same PH as tears, is oil-free, and treats lashes without dehydrating.

Next, The Beauty Bug then made Her way to the treatment room to let the magic begin.

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The Beauty Bug will have what she’s having…and by that she means Dr. Gervaise Gerstner. The 38-year old drop-dead darling derm, who doesn’t look a day over 29 (check her out in the new L’Oreal spot below),  is the new consulting doctor behind the brand’s new Youth Code Dark Spot Correcting and Illuminating line. Long-time readers know what a fan The Beauty Bug is of the brand, in particular their Youth Code Line.

This Friday, January 27th, between 3-4PM EST, Dr. Gerstner will be holding a Twitter chat to answer all your skincare questions. Maybe your skincare routine needs a winter boost or you’ve just hit a milestone birthday and need to start getting serious about skincare? Just Tweet @LOrealParisUsa with your question and the Dr. will answer it OR leave your question here in the comments section and The Beauty Bug will personally make sure it’s answered for you. Promise.  Those who comment with their question with be automatically entered to win a set of the Youth Code Dark Spot Products. Enter NOW!

Every year after Christmas, after all the glitter, glitz and glam settles, MAC turns The Beauty Bug into a hoarder with their post-holiday collection. One packed with the most versatile, stunning nudes and neutrals that are simple, fresh and understatedly sexy. This year, Naturally is just that. Shades are soft, yet lush and sheer – and create the perfect “undone”, effortless look.

The Beauty Bug’s must-haves from the collection include The Redhead Mineralize Skinfinish, originally from the Blonde Brunette Redhead Collection,  Fresh Air Lipglass, the perfect pop of color for a natural face, A Perfect Day Lipstick, a light neutral pink that’s just so wearable, and Twilight Falls Mineral Eyeshadow, a cool brown with bronze veining that looks best when applied wet.

Redhead Mineralize Skinfinish

Hot Spell (top), The Wee Coquette,  Naked Space, Fresh Air (bottom)

Sweet Sunrise (left), A Perfect Day (right)

Summer Haze Mineralize Eyeshadow (left), In the Sun Mineralize Eyeshadow (right)

Daylight Mineralize Eyeshadow (left), Cloudy Afternoon Mineralize Eyeshadow (right)

Early Morning Mineralize Blush (left), Fresh Honey Mineralize Blush (right)

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.

MAC Naturally is available now at MAC stores and counters until February 9th. 

Ladies, this cleanser warms on contact. Let The Beauty Bug repeat that – the cleanser warms on contact.  The Beauty Bug’s review could end now. As far as She was concerned She was sold -it was a natural fit because it matched 99% of Her wardrobe and it was like a geothermal hot spring for Her face. That’s hot – literally and metaphorically.

You see, as a New Englander, The Beauty Bug welcomes more heat into Her life wherever She can find it and this cleanser is one hot ticket. A part of the boscia Black Collection, which includes the Luminizing Black Mask,the Pore Purifying Black Strips, No Pres No Shine T-Zone Treatment, and the Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel, the new Detoxifying Black Cleanser gently and effectively unclogs and refines the appearance of pores and refines skin’s texture.  The smooth gel-based cleanser feels great on skin and gets the job done.  It contains activated charcoal (absorbs excess oils and impurities), glycolic acid (exfoliates), Artichoke Leaf Extract (mproves elasticity to help tighten pore walls) licorice root (an antioxidant that calms and soothes), Vitamin C (an antioxidant that stimulates collagen production), Vitamin P (Alpha Glucosly Hesperidin – helps enhance blood circulation and causes a warming sensation), and Jojoba Leaf (nourishes, calms and reduces redness).

The cleanser has become a nighttime comfort for The Beauty Bug. It’s not drying or stripping and leaves skin remarkably refreshed. Over time, pores are minimized and skin is rejuvenated – black magic!

bosica Detoxifying Cleanser is available at Sephora for $28. 

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.

Not much has changed with regards to the Golden Globes – there were hits, there were misses,  there were reasons to fire one’s stylist (Zooey Deschannel),  and Lea Michele is still one of the most disliked people in Hollywood.

Here’s the rundown:

6:13  – Sarah Hyland arrives on the red carpet.  She is Mila Kunis‘ long-lost, better-dressed sister.

6:14  – Claire Danes takes the carpet, sporting an up-do that could have only been done by her cat. Oops, Mitten forgot to use the Biosilk Therapy Treatment.

6:14  -The Beauty Bug sees London, The Beauty Bug sees France  -The Beauty Bug sees Piper Perabo proving that she has just as much of a boyish, curve-less body as Kelly Ripa in her sheer Theyskens’ Theory dress. Worst dressed nominee.

6:23 – The camera pans to Amanda Peet while Giuliana is interviewing Adam Levine, and The Beauty Bug immediately recognizes her dress – it’s her grandmother’s curtains.  No, she’s a 70′s version of Little Bo Beep. Worst dressed list.

6:29 -The E! camera captures Paula Patton on the carpet, and her night of insincere smiles and affected-ness begins. Help us.

6:30 – Jessica Chastain’s mini pompadour is wrong and ages her. Who does she think she is – Bruno Mars?

6:30 – BEAUTY SHOUT-OUT – Nicole Richie gives props to Suave Professionals.

6:35 – Giuliana interviews Sarah Michelle Gellar. Her dress looks like something The Beauty Bug tie-dyed at summer camp, or a spin-art creation meant for the refrigeration, and ONLY the refrigerator. She tells Giuliana that her 2 year old daughter picked it out. Instant worst dressed candidate.

6:44 – Frido Pinto drowns in her over-sized dress as Ryan interviews her. Worst dressed nominee.

6:48 – BEAUTY SHOUT-OUT – Julie Bowen tell Ryan that her day starts with her Jergens Moisturizer.

6:50 – Ryan interviews Lisbeth Salander Rooney Mara. Yawn. (Check out Bobbie Thomas‘ photo -  to the right she shows us what the Rooney’s dress would have looked like if it was blue.)

6:54 – Oh, it’s just the Deschanel’s sisters (Zooey and Emily) and Zoey’s sideburns. Her delightful tuxedo nails can’t even make up for her Ashanti-like hair patches.

6:58 – Mary J Bleige and her pit-bulge arrive. Ga-ross.

7:17 -All bow to the red-lipped wicked queen. Don’t make eye-contact,  don’t question her people of Bosnia, and don’t  even think for one second that you matter.  The Beauty Bug shudders at the thought of having to hang out with her. Oh,  and… earth to Lancome.  For the love of Genefique, please send Brat Pitt some eye cream!

7:31 -Tina Fey hits the carpet. Poor girl still can’t wear a dress.

7:38 – Diana Agron and her “year of the swan” dress are talking to Ryan. Dreadful.

7:39 – Four words. Lea Michele, vocal fry. It’s so hot right now…except when it’s Lea Michele.

7:41 – Madonna doesn’t disappoint – she leads with her fake accent. She and Johnny Depp are soul mates.

TODAY – This just in – Lea Michele is still on the red carpet, posing.  Her poor publicist.

DIANA AGRON

Makeup artist Monica Blunder was inspired by the spring 2012 fashion shows where the makeup was fresh but still very glamorous.  Since Dianna’s red Giles dress was so “va va voom,” Monika focused on the lips to be the stand out feature.

• Monika kept Julianna’s skin simple and fresh with a bit of L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in Light Ivory to give skin a light glow.
• Since the focus was kept on her lips, only a small amount of L’Oréal Paris Magic Smooth Soufflé Blush in Celestial (Pink) was applied to the apples of cheeks.
• The bold red lip stole the show; Monika applied L’Oréal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Bold Bordeaux for lasting shine and pigment.
• The eyes were highlighted with a hint of L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Iced Latte with Vaseline applied over it to create added shine.
• The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Black was lightly applied around the rim of the eye and Monika applied several coats of L’Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara in Black to complete the look.

JULIE BOWEN

Makeup artist Heather Currie was inspired by Julie’s classic Reem Acra, peachy-champagne dress.  To match her Grace Kelly-esque hair, Heather created an old Hollywood glam makeup moment with a neutral palette for the face and lips (with hints of pink) and defined, smoky eyes.

Step by Step How-To:

• To create the base look, Heather started with an Armani foundation.
• Next, she applied L’Oréal Paris Magic Smooth Soufflé Blush in Celestial to the apples of Julie’s cheeks to create a radiant, natural and youthful glow.
• On the eyes, Heather created a winged tip eye with L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Black.
• She also used L’Oréal Paris Extra-Intense Carbon Black Eyeliner to precisely define the rest of the eyes.
• Heather used a sheer amount of L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Continues Cocoa in the creases of Julie’s eyes.
• She then blended L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Iced Latte and Eternal Sunshine to create a sultry, smoky eye effect.
• An extra dab of L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Iced Latte was used under the eyebrow line to add additional definition and depth.
• Lips were kept natural with a hint of color using L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss in Golden Splash.

FREIDA PINTO 

Makeup artist Leslie Lopez loved Freida’s gorgeous eyes and  really wanted to channel a young Sophia Lore, making Freida’s eyes the focal point of her look.

Step by Step How-To:

• Leslie gave Freida a flawless face by starting with L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation in W6 (Sun Beige).
• She created a sun-kissed look on the cheeks with L’Oréal Paris Magic Smooth Soufflé Blush in Cherubic.
• For Freida’s eyelids, she used L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Bronzed Taupe, and Iced Latte on the brow bone for an extra pop of shimmer.
• Leslie gave the look an extra layer of smokiness with L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in black before curling her lashes and applying a few coats of L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara in Black.
• To keep Freida’s eyes the focus, she kept her lips on the natural side with L’Oréal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Lingering Mocha, a soft mauve.

JULIANNA MARGUILIES

For Julianna’s makeup, artist Kris  Buckle was inspired by Julianna’s deep mauve, metallic Naeem Khan dress.  He wanted to create something that would complement its texture and liquid-like flow and accentuate her olive skin.

Step by Step How-To:

• To keep Julianna’s complexion looking flawless he used L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in Soft Ivory.
• For her cheeks he applied L’Oréal Paris Magic Smooth Soufflé Blush in Plume.
• The eyes really took center stage with a soft smoky eye that was created with watercolor-like shades using L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Bronzed Taupe, Eternal Sunshine and Iced Latte.
• To tie the look together Kris used a hint L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Iced Latte on Julianna’s upper cheeks to tie in the eyes and glowing tones of her skin.
• Lips were left unlined and highlighted natural tones (with a hint of mauve) using L’Oréal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Forever Frappe.

SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR

Makeup artist Jake Bailey was inspired by Sarah’s Monique L’huillier blue and white gown (which was chosen by Sarah’s two year old daughter).  For the night, Jake wanted to make the eyes the main focus to complement the bold color of the dress.

Step-by-Step:

• To start, Jake used L’Oréal Paris Extra-Intense Carbon Black Eyeliner to rim and define the top and bottom lash lines.
•  To accentuate Sarah Michelle’s lashes he coated them with L’Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara in Blackest Black.
• He perfected her skin by buffing a dime size dollop L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in Caramel Beige over Sarah Michelle’s entire face and finished it with a dusting of Guerlain Mineral Powder in Les Violettes.
• Jake used a powder bronzer from Nars in Laguna to warm her complexion and brightened her cheeks with a swirl Benefit’s Coralista, a shimmery coral blush.
• He lined Sarah Michelle’s lips and filled them in with Urban Decay’s a nude liner, Wallflower.
• Jake finished the look by applying L’Oréal Paris Infallible 8hr plumping gloss in plumping pink to add shine and dimension.
• For her body he mixed equal parts AHAVA mineral body lotion and M.A.C. strobe cream to add a healthy sheen to her shoulders arms and decolletage.

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From digital foundation to a brush that absorbs water and cuts your drying time in half, check out Bobbie Thomas’ picks for the year’s best new beauty buys.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Products listed in this piece include:

Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Active Vitamin D Serum Oil
University Medical WrinkleMD Eye Patches
Romi Beauty Digital Foundation
Clinique’s Almost Lipstick
Cover Girl Blast Flipstick
The Red Carpet Manicure
Sensationail Invincible Gel Polish
Ojon Haircare’s 3 Step Super Sleek Straightening System
L’Oreal Paris EverStyle System
Goody QuikStyle Brush

Ladies – make room on your vanities, clean out your medicine cabinets and clear off those bathroom shelves – 2012 is going to be full of must-have new products.  Check out some of the year’s most anticipated products from some of the most in-the-know ladies in the biz…

“There are two beauty products that I’m really excited to try in 2012. First, I’m a big fan of Kate Somerville and her products. She has a product launching in March called Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift Advanced Wrinkle Treatment and it’s supposed to be similar to getting one of her famous facialsŠbut at home! You shake it up, spray it on your skin and you’re ready-to-go.

I’m also a big fan of multitasking products, especially ones that deliver color, coverage and fight signs of aging. Sunday Riley is taking her skincare line and adding makeup to it. The product that the NewBeauty.com team is most excited about is the Sunday Riley Liquid Light Breathable Perfecting Foundation ($52) because it covers imperfections, increases collagen production, brightens skin with Vitamin C, reduces redness, and improves the look of lines and wrinkles. That’s one heck of a foundation if you ask me. There’s also a blush that contains mineral kaolin and diffuses light to reduce the appearance of fine lines–pumped about that too!” – Susan Yara, Editorial Director, Video & Interactive, NewBeauty

“I’m super-excited about all of the new beauty balms [ BB creams] that are launching this spring. These creams are the ultimate multi-tasking products for on-the-go girls because they are packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients and give you coverage. I used the Too Faced Beauty Balm this morning, and it made my face look flawless.” – Eleanor Langston, Beauty Director, Fitness Magazine

“There are some really exciting top-secret launches in the pipeline, but the one I can talk about that I am most excited about is the debut of Madonna’s first fragrance, Truth or Dare. Madonna is such an icon and her beauty regimen has always been pretty mysterious, especially compared to other celebs. Fragrance is a really personal thing, so I’m hoping it really gives us some sort of olfactive glimpse into what goes on in Madge’s mind!” -Holly Siegel, Senior Beauty Editor, GLAMOUR

“One of the best 2012 products I’ve seen so far is Estee Lauder’s new Invisible Fluid foundation, which launches in March. I love light, barely-there foundations-in theory-but they usually provide very little coverage and that doesn’t really work for me. This new one from Lauder is super lightweight-it truly looks and feels like nothing-but somehow manages to cover every dark spot or red blotch that I need to hide. I’m obsessed! I’m also so excited for Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush. The squishy texture is incredible and addictive, and while I’m not usually a cream-blush person, this one has made me a convert-it’s so easy to use. My favorite shade is Fresh Pink-it gives a pretty hit of color that instantly brightens my face.” – Alyssa Hertzig, Beauty Director, SHAPE Magazine

When asked, any true beauty junkie will immediately be able to tell you their favorite local CVS to go to for the best selection of drug store products. Be it only 2 long aisles (not including the stacked end-caps)….The Beauty Bug gets lost in Hers. It’s the store that always carries the new varieties of Organix hair care, that limited edition Maybelline Blush that you’d chip a fresh manicure for and now the new Artist Tools by Japonesque. The name itself – Japonesque –  has such a regal, rich ring to it, no? These interchangeable,  dual-ended, professional quality, snap-on makeup brushes are IT. So smart, easy and practical that The Beauty Bug is kicking Herself for not coming up with such an idea Herself. The “snaps” are magnets, and perfectly latch on to the brush heads, making changing them wildly addictive…whether you need to switch the brush tips or not, you will be doing it, over and over again. It quickly becomes a novelty.

The full set of brushes will cost you around $37. Purchase the starter set first  ($12) which contains the dual ended brush handle, a foundation brush head and an angled eye liner brush head. Once you have the handle you can then get the powder brush ($9), the shadow crease brush ($4), the all-over shadow brush ($4), the brow/lash comb ($4), and the bent liner brush ($4), which happens to be The Beauty Bug’s favorite. All are sold separately.

Snap on, and snap off with Japonesque!

Artist Tools by Japonesque are exclusively available at select CVS locations nationwide. 

Disclosure: Press samples were provided to The Beauty Bug.

• Ever seen an elephant getting a manicure? Neither had The Beauty Bug…until now. If you were ever embarrassed about your feet while getting a pedicure, just head to Nepal.
  
  
  
• DKNY is hoping that you’ll put your money where your nose is.  According to the brand, This is what one million dollars smells like. The new pricey scent from DKNY contains notes of orange flower water, white rose, vanilla orchid, and golden delicious apple but, what’s on the bottle is more important -   2,700 white diamonds, 183 yellow sapphires, and a 2.43-carat yellow canary diamond.
  
  
• Lip tattoos, hair necklaces and a urinal dress – nope, it’s not what The Beauty Bug wore on New Year’s Eve – it’s the 10 craziest fashions and beauty accessories from 2011.  Don’t tell The Beauty Bug Husband, but he’s getting a pair of Junderpants for his birthday!
  
  
• Inspired by the nostalgic Mr. Sketch Markers, Tuff Scent adds some fragrance to your fingers. From almond to cinnamon, to rose and plumeria, the scent still is still detectable once your tips dry. The Beauty Bug isn’t sure what China Rain smells like, but doesn’t it sound exotic?