18 Top-Rated Body Scrubs
Monday, December 1, 2008 at 09:51PM | Readers share their secrets to super-soft skin |
| Which is the ultimate fave? Clinique? Neutrogena? Bath & Body Works? |
| TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.7* |
| Why it's great: "I love the scent but I love the scrub too. ... You can use it wet or dry and it gives you a good bit of friction, which I prefer, and no suds. I use it dry before my bath and it really gets my circulation going." |
| TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.0* |
| Why it's great: "Unlike some other scrubs which are difficult to wash off, this one is not greasy and smells good." |
| TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1* |
| Why it's great: "I can use [it] every day, and it keeps skin clean and clear with a fresh scent." |
Sonia Kashuk Speaks on Target (and Beyond)
Monday, December 1, 2008 at 09:17PM 
Everyone knows Sonia Kashuk as the name and creator behind the fabulous cosmetic line in which we all splurge on at Target, but not everyone knows Sonia for who she is personally -- despite her Target fame. A woman who transformed herself from makeup artist to complete buisness woman and head of an amazing empire deserves much more than just fabulous product reviews. Lucky for us folks at CEW.org sat with Sonia and got the inside scoop on Sonia's past battles, present tasks and future plans. Check it out!
From CEW:
Sonia Kashuk, president and creative director of Sonia Kashuk, Inc., has step by step transformed herself from makeup artist to beauty business executive. Her nine-year-old signature cosmetics collection, long exclusive to Target, has just made a highly unusual leap expanding distribution into the prestige sector with the addition of Space NK shops in Bloomingdale’s. Next year, the line will debut overseas at Space NK stores in the United Kingdom.
How did your makeup career begin?
I helped with the makeup for the music video for the song Funkytown in the early ‘80s. That experience just pulled everything together for me. I remember thinking, `yes, I am going to go to beauty school now.’ Because at the time, you had to be licensed to do makeup, not just for hair like it is today. When I started doing makeup, it focused my energy.What came after beauty school?
I went to work at a salon, running the makeup department and counter. Clients would get their hair done and I would do their makeup. Within a month of doing that, I knew I was more interested in being a freelancer. I started working on fashion shows and picking up other freelance jobs. I was having an incredible career in Minneapolis, but I knew New York was where I had to go.How did you prepare for that jump?
I studied fashion magazines. I was so impressed with the work of makeup artist Linda Mason. She used bold washes and stripes of colors. I desperately wanted to meet her. But I wasn’t having much luck until her agent hired me to help on a show. At our first meeting, her face was painted green. She was trying out a look for the designer Willi Smith’s Williwear show. Linda eventually recommended me to the photographer Arthur Elgort. He took me under his wing. It changed my life.What came next?
In the late 80s, I consulted with Aveda on a new makeup line and the brand’s overall creative direction. And I continued to travel for other assignments.How did this lead to your relationship with Target?
I worked on a beauty book with Cindy Crawford, titled Cindy Crawford's Basic Face. It was published in 1996. The book tour took us to Target and other big box stores. At the time, Bobbi Brown and Francois Nars were establishing their prestige makeup artist lines. I got inspired to start a makeup artist line of amazing products at affordable prices. I found mass market makeup lines difficult to shop because they had too many color selections. If I found it this overwhelming, how must the typical woman feel? I wanted to do a more edited line. I got the name of a senior executive at Target and called. They’re always looking for new ideas and embraced the concept. I was the second designer, after Michael Graves, that they began working with.How has your focus changed during the course of your career?
When I launched my cosmetics line in 1999, it coincided with the birth of my second child. I realized that I loved doing makeup, but I also loved the concept of creating a brand and handling the business side. I was married with two children and wanted to be more in control of my own destiny. I didn’t want to be waiting for a phone call to know if I had a freelance job the next day. Now that my career has transitioned from makeup artist to beauty entrepreneur, I’m in control of it, instead of it controlling me.How do you manage work and family?
Our offices are in the same building as my apartment. So when my kids come home from school they can pop in and say `hi.’ We could be sitting here working on [product] names and my kids might pull up a chair and work on names too. I love that about my office. It is not stiff and uptight. It is a creative, peaceful and calm environment.In 2006 you were diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. You opted for a double mastectomy to give yourself some peace of mind. How did you handle serious health issues, while running a company?
My family has a history of breast cancer. So I had regularly been checked at Sloan Kettering. I got the news in May of 2006 and within a month underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor. I realized I had to schedule the most major surgery into my life. I didn’t do it until September 15th. I wanted to have everything organized beforehand. I had to carve out time. It is amazing that whatever you need to do in life you get through it. Target, and my vendors, were so incredibly supportive. Everyone did everything they could to help out. To help others, I partner with Target and the Breast Cancer Research Fund, and in 2009, will serve on the board of the CEW Foundation which supports the Cancer and Careers Program.
What do you think has helped foster your success?A lot of things have happened by my being a little bit aggressive and stepping over the line. What is the worst that can happen, other than someone saying, `no?’
Source : CEW Insider - CEW.org
Get Gorgeous :: NARS Brown & Purple Smoky Eyes
Monday, December 1, 2008 at 05:49PM 
I've always been faithful to my Earth sign traits; very much a down-to-earth person and no to mention an avid lover of Earth tones in general! This past Thanksgiving weekend I stuck to my browns and golds with slight appearances of color here and there. I wore this look on Turkey Day and kept it basic with just a white t-shirt and some blue jeans.
I used my NARS Jolie Poupee eyeshadow duo along with my NARS Cordura eyeshadow duo which I recently accquired (review on that soon!) and the colors worked flawlessly! Enjoy the tutorial!
In this look the following was used:
- FACE: NARS Makeup Primer, MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, LORAC Double Perfection Concealer
- CHEEKS: MAC Stark Naked Beauty Powder Blush
- EYES: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot, MAC Eyeshadow in Femme-Fi, NARS Jolie Poupee Eyeshadow Duo, NARS Cordura Eyeshadow Duo, Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Lust, Maybelline Eye Stylist Eyeliner, L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara
- LIPS: NARS Lip Pencil - Tortola, MAC Lipstick in Modesty, MAC Dazzleglass in Rags to Riches
- BRUSHES: MAC 227 (large fluffy brush), MAC 239 (fluffy eyeshadow brush), MAC 222 (tapered blending brush), MAC 224 (blending/crease brush), MAC 187 (stippling brush), MAC 138 (tapered face brush)
Directions:
FACE - Prep face with moisturizer followed by NARS Makeup Primer. Apply concealer in troubled areas such as under-eye, nose, and blemish spots. With 187 brush apply MAC Studio Fix Fluid.
EYES - With your third index finger apply MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre gently all over the lid. With MAC 227 brush apply MAC Femme-Fi (highlight) all over lid. Use MAC 239 brush to apply the lighter side of NARS Cordura Eyeshadow Duo onto outer two-thirds of eyelid. With the same brush apply the darker side of NARS Cordura Eyeshadow Duo on the outer third of eyelid. Sweep the 224 brush over the shimmery side of Jolie Poupee and apply to lid crease. Blend the crease repeatedly while defining the outer-v. Then following by sweeping the same brush into the lighter side of NARS Jolie Poupee eyeshadow duo and apply into crease. Using Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Lust, line the lower lash line and waterline. Using any black eyeliner line the upper lash line. Finish with several coats of mascara on the upper and lower lids. Add faux eyelashes if desired.
CHEEKS - Using MAC 138 brush apply MAC Stark Naked Beauty Powder Blush on the apples of cheeks and blend upward toward the hairline.
LIPS - Apply NARS lipliner in Tortola, followed by MAC lipstick in Modesty, and MAC Dazzleglass in Rags to Riches
See images of the final look!
Everyday is World AIDS Day at M.A.C.
Monday, December 1, 2008 at 05:17PM 

Today is officially World AIDS Day, and while many companies are doing their part in supporting the cause, MAC proudly supports the cause all year long! While many cosmetic companies are concerned with many other health issues; M.A.C. is the only cosmetic company that promotes awareness and assists this global issue year-round! AIDS is very real, and sadly awareness campaigns are not as visible as they used to be. But, with M.A.C. where everyday is World AIDS Day; they make sure to spread the word and keep their campaign going strong as they continue to donate 100% of each sale of their Viva Glam lipstick and lipgloss series. To date, through sales of their Viva Glam lipstick, M.A.C. has raised over $130 million dollars for their fund. Won't you join in and support? Keep reading to learn more!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
M·A·C AIDS Fund Seeks to Reduce the Impact of HIV/AIDS on Children in South Africa with $2.5 Million USD in GRANTS. Consumers in 16 countries around the world supporting women- and children-focused programs at UNICEF and NOAH Johannesburg, South Africa – November 24, 2008. A new grant program from the M·A·C AIDS Fund has granted $2.5 million to fighting HIV and AIDS in South Africa. The grant will go to UNICEF South Africa and (NOAH) Nurturing Orphans of AIDS for Humanity to help in testing and treating pregnant women and strengthen the community infrastructure to care for children orphaned by AIDS.
The children of South Africa have been hard hit by the AIDS epidemic, where 280,000 children are living with the disease and 1.4 million have lost one or both parents.
The $2.5 million was raised $14 at a time across 16 countries when M·A·C Cosmetics customers purchased VIVA GLAM lipsticks and lipglasses. The entire sale price of the products is directed to the MAC AIDS Fund.
“It is our responsibility as a global company to invest in integrated and sustainable HIV/AIDS initiatives and programs,” said Nancy Mahon, Senior Vice President of M·A·C Cosmetics and Executive Director of the M·A·C AIDS Fund. “This collaboration will have a significant impact on addressing the alarming and rising rates of HIV/AIDS in South Africa, working in partnership with two important local grassroots organizations that are on the frontlines and have a deep and vast understanding of the issue.”The new M·A·C AIDS Fund grant will provide $2 million to UNICEF to provide HIV testing and treatment to pregnant women and children in Kwazulu Natal, North West and Limpopo which together account for 50 percent of the 5.7 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the country. In addition to expanding programs for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, this grant will allow the provincial governments to incorporate HIV testing into existing immunization programs. This will provide a critical opportunity to identify HIV-positive children and bring them into care and treatment. The program will also provide treatment to 36,000 pregnant HIV positive women to prevent the transmission of HIV to their babies and ongoing antiretroviral medication to over 5,000 women and children.
AIDS kills 25,000 young South African children zero to four years old every year, yet two out of every five HIV-infected mothers do not have access to antiretroviral drugs to prevent mothers from passing HIV to their unborn babies.
“The partnership between UNICEF and the M·A·C AIDS Fund will help improve access to treatment for mothers and children as these services will be brought closer to where those in greatest need reside, in rural and remote areas” said Ngashi Ngongo, UNICEF Chief of Health in South Africa. “This initiative will help reduce the number of new HIV infections in children, keep mothers alive and reduce the number of orphans.”
The $500,000 grant to NOAH will provide basic needs and services for AIDS orphans, a population totaling some 1.4 million in South Africa where adoption rates are down nearly 13 percent from last year. NOAH’s 107 community “Arks” will provide food, clothing and basic health, hygiene and sanitation supplies for an estimated 5,000 children.
“This donation will nearly double our capacity as we work to build a support system within South African
communities to care for children who have been orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS,” said Isabel Hancock, Chief Executive Officer of NOAH. “This grant will provide the platform on which communities will be mobilized to create an environment where orphaned and vulnerable children are nurtured such that they grow to be participative citizens of South Africa and at the same time realize their dreams.”“The power of one VIVA GLAM lipstick or Lipglass never ceases to amaze me,” said M·A·C Cosmetics Global
President and M·A·C AIDS Fund Chairman John Demsey. “In this case, the proceeds from hundreds
of thousands of VIVA GLAM sales will support two innovative and groundbreaking HIV/AIDS programs in
South Africa. The two organizations we are supporting through this global partnership really understand
the needs of their country, uniquely positioning them to create and implement comprehensive programs to
address the AIDS crisis in South Africa. VIVA GLAM customers should be proud to know that they are
directly contributing to the global fight against HIV/AIDS.”The M·A·C AIDS Fund began supporting HIV/AIDS programs in Africa in 2000, and has granted more than
$10 million in South Africa alone. In South Africa VIVA GLAM can be purchased at one of 13 M·A·C Cosmetics stores with five locations in Johannesburg, one in Pretoria, four in Cape Town, two in Durban and one in Port Elizabeth.The following 16 M·A·C markets are participating in this initiative: Austria, Belgium, Dubai, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
About the M.A.C. AIDS Fund:
The M·A·C AIDS Fund, the heart and soul of M·A·C Cosmetics, was established in 1994 to support men,
women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. MAF is a pioneer in HIV/AIDS funding, providing financial
support to organizations working in underserved regions and with underserved populations. As the largest corporate non-pharmaceutical funder in the arena, MAF is committed to addressing the link between poverty and HIV/AIDS by supporting diverse organizations around the world that provide a wide range of services to people living with HIV/AIDS. To date, MAF has raised $130 million USD exclusively through the sale of M·A·C’s VIVA GLAM lipstick and Lipglass, donating 100 percent of the sale price to fight HIV/AIDS. For more information, visit www.macaidsfund.org.
About UNICEF:
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and government.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencils for All Day Color!
Monday, December 1, 2008 at 04:35PM 
I recently had been obsessing to pick up Urban Decay's new 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils and finally grabbed their limited edition travel size sets from Sephora. Currently their are two sets available for purchase. Each set comes with five different pencils.
The VIP Set ($29) includes Zero (zealous black), Lucky (brilliant deep copper), Covet (peacock green), Electric (bright aquamarine), and Lust (plush purple).
The Velvet Rope Set ($29) includes Yeyo (metallic white),1999 (plum with micro gold glitter), Zero (zealous black), Bourbon (brown with micro gold glitter), and Stash (dark green/gold).
Compared to the individual pencils which retail for $16 each, these travel size sets give you a pretty good deal and not to mention that each pencil is at least 60% in length as of the full size pencil, so you indeed do get more than half the size.
As far as the pencils themselves I must say that these are true to their claim! They are indeed the longest staying eyeliner pencils that I have yet to encounter! Forget about taking these off with just any makeup wipe or soap and water! You seriously have to break out the big guns in eye makeup remover (like Lancome Bi-Facil) to really get this off. As for the waterline area; of course this doesn't win the full battle there but it does come close...closer than many others actually.
So would I purchase them again? Heck yes! They have such gorgeous colors, in fact I think that they should have made a travel set with more vibrant colors. I feel that the colors chosen for these limited edition sets are actually quite "safe" compare to what they have available in their full sized versions. But of course (and there is always a BUT); the price is a drawback. At $16 bucks a pop for a full sized version can be pricey (even for me!); so these will be more of a splurge then a random purchase for me. Regardless though they are great and while they're are only available in these awesome kits for a limited time; I strongly suggest that you grab these fast before they're all gone!
Keep reading to see swatches!
Beauty Deals :: CYBER MONDAY Edition!
Monday, December 1, 2008 at 10:50AM 
Act fast, all of these deals are only good for today, December 1st, 2008!!! Happy Shopping!
BENEFIT COSMETICS - Today Only! Get Free US Standard Shipping with $25 purchase at Benefit Cosmetics. Enter promo code: CYBESHIP
BLISS LABS - Today Only! Free Shipping + Free Our Two Scents Set (a $24 value) with $50 Bliss purchase!
DRUGSTORE.COM - Better than Black Friday or Cyber Monday - 10 days of savings at drugstore.com! Offers end 12.03.2008.
L'OCCITANE - L'OCCITANE CYBER MONDAY Specials! Up to 30% off selected gift sets!
LAB SERIES - Free Standard Shipping + Lab Reward Sample with $50 Purchase.
NORDSTROM - Free shipping with any online order of $100 or more.
ORIGINS - Enjoy $10 off your Origins order of $35 or more. Use code TenOffLS. Valid 12.01.08 – 12.04.08.
PRESCRIPTIVES - Free Standard Shipping with any Holiday Gift Set Purchase at Prescriptives.com through Dec. 15th.
Holiday Shopping Guide :: Try Softlips for Great Stocking Stuffers!
Friday, November 28, 2008 at 05:27PM 

Recently, Softlips extended their line of products and introduced two new limited edition holiday flavors and a new organic line, PURE.
Perfect as a stocking stuffer (or gift to yourself!), the seasonal flavors protect lips from the sun with SPF 20 and have the same great moisturizing properties as Softlips’ other popular flavors. Each holiday flavor comes paired with a complimentary Softlips favorite: Sugar Cookie with Cherry or Winter Mint with Vanilla
Softlips PURE lip conditioners are 100% natural and are USDA-certified organic. In keeping with the brand’s tradition, this newest line is formulated with quality moisturizing ingredients to protect the lips while keeping them soft and healthy...naturally. The sheer lip balm is available in two flavors - Pomegranate and Honeydew with a light, wild berry flavor.
Softlips are truly one of all-time favorite beauty staples when it comes to lip protection! The go on smooth and moisturize the lip to the max, all the while providing amazing sun protection (SPF 20) and they come in great variety of different flavors and choices. I was super excited to see their certified organic line, PURE, and absolutely love the Pomegranate flavor (well, I probably love anything that's pomegranate!). The Honey Dew flavor is also amazing as well. As part of the holiday season they have also introduced two limited edition flavors in Sugar Cookie & Cherry and Winter Mint & Vanilla! The Sugar Cookie & Cherry is to die for and the Winter Mint & Vanilla...well, let's just say that the BF claimed that one before I even got to use it a second time because he loves it too!
Not only are Softlips great for the lips but they're also easy on the pockets (under $4.00 each), and better yet they make amazing stocking stuffers! So if you're looking for some beauty goodies to give this holiday season, I highly recommend checking these out because you just can't go wrong!
Learn more about Softlips at www.softlips.com and purchase them online exclusively by clicking here at drugstore.com!
Beauty Deals :: BLACK FRIDAY Edition!
Friday, November 28, 2008 at 11:17AM 
Beat the in-store crowds and get shopping with these wonderful online beauty deals! But act fast, most of them are only valid through this coming Monday!
Benefit Cosmetics - November 28th only get Free US Standard Shipping with $25 purchase at Benefit Cosmetics. Enter promo code BLAKSHIP
Bliss Labs - November 28th only get Free US Standard Shipping with $25 purchase at Benefit Cosmetics. Enter promo code BLAKSHIP
Clarins - Free shipping with a order of $25 or more! Enter promo code 'HOLIDAYFS'.
Drugstore.com - Better than Black Friday or Cyber Monday - 10 days of savings at drugstore.com! Offers end 12.03.2008.
L'Occitane - L'OCCITANE Thanksgiving Specials! Up to 30% off selected gift sets!
LAB Series - FREE Shave Kit with $35 purchase. Use code SHE2. Offer valid 11.28.08 - 11.29.08.
Prescriptives - FREE Full-Size Colorscope Lipcolor in Berry Oodles with any $35 purchase. Use code PXHOLIDAY3 at checkout. Offer valid 11.28.08 - 12.05.08.
Sephora - FREE SHIPPING on these select items. Just enter code GIFTY at checkout!
The Body Shop - Free Shipping on all orders over $75.
DON'T FORGET! Be sure to check out our 2008 Holiday Beauty Gift Guide featuring this year's top beauty items to give and to recieve by clicking here! Happy Shopping!
Pretty Winter :: Shop Our 2008 Holiday Beauty Gift Guide!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 04:47PM
It's that time again! The holiday season is here and you know what that means...lots of food, gatherings, cheer, and of course...shopping! Well lucky for you our beauty experts here at MMMH headquarters have made it easier for you. We debated and discussed and compiled our absolute favorite beauty items that are must-haves this holiday season! In our holiday gift guide you will find all the top beauty items for giving (and receiving) this holiday season! All of the items on the list have been tried and tested and approved only by the best (your's truly) and are sure to make any beauty addict gleam with joy this holiday season. So hop on over to our Pretty Winter 2008 Holiday Gift Guide, where you are sure to find something for everyone on your list at every budget!
Click here to start shopping now!
MAC Monogram Collection :: Official Promo Images, Color Story and Details
Monday, November 24, 2008 at 03:13PM 
Monogram your way through the fashionable world, with luxe lips and pressed powders in shades forged with Sheer Spark to Sheer Mystery. Fabulously favourite Air of Style Scent Concentrate follows in your wake, back for a limited time only. Own the look internationally.
MONOGRAM LIPSTICK - Suggested Retail Price: $22.00 U.S./$26.00CDN
Silky lipstick that glides on with ease for medium buildable to full coverage with satiny shine. Lips feel soft and look rich and lustrous. When paired with the Monogram Lipgloss, the look is high shine and multi-dimensional.
- Flourish Frosty mid-tone red
- All Mine Creamy mid-tone blue pink
- Marque Soft light neutral pink
- Status Symbol Warm midtone reddish brown with pearl
MONOGRAM LIPGLOSS - Suggested Retail Price: $22.00 U.S./$26.00CDN
High shine, super sheer lipgloss provides comfort and cushion. Lips feel soft and look lustrous. Brilliant gold sparkle flecks give a lustrous effect. A patent leather slick of shine; beautiful alone or paired with Monogram Lipstick.
- Posh Life Mid-tone bright pink with gold pearl
- Identity Pale baby pink with gold pearl
- Distinguished Sheer yellow beige with gold pearl
- Monodramatic Bronzy brown with gold pearl
SHEERSPARK PRESSED POWDER - Suggested Retail Price: $26.00 U.S./$31.00CDN
A new shimmer powder for both eye and cheek.
- Commemorate frosted pale gold with gold pearl
- Keepsake frosted pale pink with gold pearl
- Personal Touch frosted light peach with pink pearl
- Old English frosted light bronze with gold pearl
MONOGRAM SHEER MYSTERY POWDER - Suggested Retail Price: $50.00 U.S./$60.00 CDN
An ultra-fine, super sheer, and very sophisticated pressed powder. “Mysteriously” silky-soft in texture, glides on to give skin a velvety matte, slightly luminous and altogether flawless finish.
- Light Medium pale ivory
- Medium Plus tan beige
- Dark Secret deep caramel
MONOGRAM FRAGRANCE SET -Suggested Retail Price: $75.00 U.S./$80.00 CDN
Two 15mL Air of Style fragrance bottles elegantly paired in one faux patent pouch Top Note White pepper, dried red dates, wild peonies Middle Note Tuberose, orange blossom, jasmin, ylang-ylang, orris Bottom Note Touch of leather, antique woods, vetiver, amber crystals, tonka beans
BRUSH
129 Monogram Special Edition Brush Powder/Blush - Suggested Retail Price: $45.00 U.S./$54.00CDN 224 Monogram Special Edition Brush Tapered Blending Brush -Suggested Retail Price: $35.00 U.S./$42.00 CDN
MONOGRAM CLUTCH - Suggested Retail Price: $65.00 U.S./$75.00 CDN
Available North America November 26, 2008 at M·A·C stores, all Saks locations, select Nordstrom locations and Henri Bendels 1.800.588.0070 www.maccosmetics.com International December 2008 in select distribution 1.800.588.0070 www.maccosmetics.com

Click to see high-res product photos!











