On the Go Beauty: Lierac Jet Set Beauté Travel Kit

Don't you hate when you find what you're looking for AFTER you really need it?? Last month, I ventured off to Paris for a lovely trip but packing was a nightmare- especially coming back home since my shopaholic tendencies got the best of me and I ended up coming home with an extra bag full of beauty products. It came down to me hiding two giant 6.8 fl. oz bottles of Lancôme skincare products by wrapping them between my underthings and more underthings.

Airport security never checked there :) They did, however, manage to throw away (!) a bottle of CVS hand lotion.

Had I known that affordable skincare company Lierac had simplified the packing and traveling process with their Jet Set Beauté Kit ($60), I could have avoided the "I hope they don't look there" worries and wouldn't be short a bottle of hand lotion.

This is expert skincare on the go. The kit includes: Cleansing Water for the Face and Eyes (Eau De Soin Démaquillante); Toning Radiance Serum (Concentré Mésolift); Age-Defense Firming Day Cream (Cohérence Jour); Anti-Fatigue Instant Soothing Eye Balm and Mask ( Diopticalm); and Age-Defense Nourishing Cream for Hands and Nails (Repair Mains).

The kit is chock full of antioxidants and collagen-boosting ingredients all designed to give your skin radiance while on the road. My fave product from the entire set is the Age-Defense Nourishing Cream for Hands and Nails, which I've been carrying in my handbag everyday for the past two weeks. It's a lightweight hand cream that is supposed to fight the signs of aging (believe it or not your hands can give away your age quicker than some other part of your body!). I love it because of its insane moisturizing properties- silky smooth hands are mine! Get online at www.lierac-usa.com. Lierac products are also available at CVS pharmacy and www.cvs.com.

*I was sent this product for review.

Winter Weather Faux Pas: The Hot Shower

I've finally admitted defeat and accepted the fact that winter is here and will be here for another two months. In this acceptance comes all of the things I know we're not supposed to do- but I do them anyway.

Numero uno on this list is taking super warm (borderline hot) showers to keep me from freezing my tale off. Hot showers start my day off right, keeping me warm and relaxed before I head out the door into the dry air and blustery winds. However, it does more harm than good.

“Hot water exposure is among the worst things for your skin this time of year,” said Dr. Barbara Reed, a dermatologist in Denver. “People splash their face with hot water, jump into a hot bath or stand under the steaming hot water of a shower, and their skin suffers and reacts.” (New York Times, Feb '09)

And while I know I'm making matters worst, I'm not ready to give up my hot water. To combat this I've been using Vaseline® Sheer Infusion™ with Stratys-3™.

Some moisturizers only treat the top layer of skin leaving us feeling sticky or greasy, others sink in so quickly you forget if you've applied it already. Vaseline's Sheer Infusion™ with Stratys-3™ not only treats my dry winter skin, it moisturizes better than any other cream or body lotion I've tried recently. I received this from their PR people back in September but felt that it was way too thick (and sticky) to use during the warm weather but it has finally found permanent real estate in my winter skincare routine.

This moisturizer is different because it contains Stratys-3™, a patented multi-layer moisture complex that binds more moisture than the leading moisturizer ingredient. Vaseline® Sheer Infusion™ with Stratys-3™ infuses and suspends moisture at each layer of the skin. All Vaseline Sheer Infusion with Stratys-3 lotions are available at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide in both a 6.8oz bottle ($6.25) and 13.5oz pump ($8.99) size. Log on to www.vaseline.com/sheerinfusion for more info.

Update...

Enjoy this Rihanna did on SNL...I'm currently trying to sitch over my blog from Blogger to Wordpress (long issue) and am currently backed up right now. See ya soon!

Glam Princess by Vera Wang

Glam Princess is a new limited edition fragrance collection that embodies all things Princess! I absolutely LOVE the original Princess fragrance by Vera Wang (I carry it in my purse!) and am itching to try out this Glam version.

The signature heart bottle is now wrapped in gold shimmer and dressed up with hot pink stars. The shiny gold crown features a bright new palette of stones. Zoe Kravitz is the new face of the Princess line (peep the commercial below). Apparently there's a Polyvore contest going on where winners win iPhones and iPod nanos so definitely check that out if it's not too late! Visit http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/explore.

MissWYA Interviews:UK Beauty Sensation Zoe of Zoella.com

It's no secret that I love anything (and everything) British. I love the culture, the country and, yes, the accent! There's just an undeniable cool factor about those across the pond. UK- based beauty blogger Zoe of Zoella.com radiates that sense of cool with her honest beauty reviews, amazing makeup skills and a beautiful head of luscious hair. With over 2,000 blog followers, she is never afraid to tell it like it is. Read on to find out how she got started and what her number one beauty tip is!

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm Zoe, I'm almost 20 years old & I enjoy makeup & beauty way too much!

How long have you been doing blogging?
I've been blogging since February of this year

What got you started?
I got into YouTube makeup videos years ago, watching guru's who have made it really big now. (Panacea81 to name one) & knew I wanted to talk about makeup etc but was very camera shy, & when I noticed a few of them had blogs where they could post swatches, review things, talk about their favourite makeup items, I decided one rainy day to sit down and make one. I didn't actually believe anyone would be interested in what I wrote, but it was nice to have somewhere I could escape.

When did you become interested in cosmetics and beauty products?
I started wearing makeup when I was about 14/15 but I never got properly into it until I was about 17. I used to admire the fact that when done so beautifully, you could feel so much more confident with makeup on covering a few personal "flaws", things that nobody else would pick up on but that you would feel self conscious about (like a spot, or a blemish).

Strapped for Cash?? Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas All Under 50 Bucks!!

Believe it or not, the holidays managed to creep in on me quicker than I know how to spell my own name. It's like that dentist appointment you know you MUST attend: you know it's coming but you try to avoid 'till it's too late. I'm a chronic last minute holiday shopper! So if you plan on doing your shopping this weekend, like myself, here are some things to consider...

Boots Original Beauty Formula Gift Set ($25)

I have a soft spot in my heart for Boots. Based out of the UK, Boots has been providing men and women with simple and effective health and beauty products for more than a century. Now,160 years later, they have revisited their archives to revive some of the brand’s trusted original skincare formulas and introduce Boots Original Beauty Formula.

Boots Original Beauty Formula’s body range combines ingredients such as lavender, rose oil, jojoba oil, patchouli, rosemary oil, Italian lemon, warm clary sage, rich orange, spicy cardamom and neroli to cleanse and moisturize skin while emitting calming aromas. This is perfect for the person in your life who loves simple yet efficient products. None of that frou four for them!

mark Have a Heart Necklace, $22

The gift that keeps on giving! mark collaborated with The Hills alum Lauren Conrad to design this necklace of which 100% of the net profits are donated to m.powerment by mark, the campaign committed to preventing the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence.

Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy Gift Set Set ($35)

Midnight Fantasy is the fourth fragrance from Britney Spears' repertoire and is the sexy, late night follow-up to 2005’s Fantasy. With notes including black cherries, plum, orchid, freesia, iris, musk, amber and vanilla it's perfect for the winter months.

This gift set includes a 1.7-oz. eau de parfum perfume spray, 3.3-oz body souffle & 0.24-oz. lip gloss and is available at Kohl's.

NARS I Want You Lip Gloss Coffret $45.00

This chic box of minis is sure to capture the heart of any beauty junkie! It's the same glosses NARS is known to have in a smaller, holiday purse friendly version. Each impart high shine, vibrant hues, and long-wearing finishes giving the perfect pout at any holiday celebration. Five best-selling shades include: Striptease, Greek Holiday, Turkish Delight, Orgasm, and Dolce Vita


Hypnôse Senses Moments, $39

The latest addition to the Lancôme fragrance family, Hypnôse Senses is a young and sexy scent that can carry from day to night without a hitch. A sensual blend of osmanthus flower, patchouli and pink pepper, you get a petite spray paired with a matching body lotion.

Happy Holidays!!!

Mid Day Poll 12/17/2009

I KNOW! I'm being a lazy blogger. I have no excuse...just enjoying the fact that classes are done. I'm still interning at Lancome throughout the winter months, so that's exciting (be on the lookout for some massive Lancome posts haha). Also I'm still working part time at the bank (blech!) but that schedule is a not so part time gig. They're KILLING me with hours!

More money to spend on makeup I guess, haha.

Because I'm on my lunch break at my internship (and I haven't done one of these in ages) here's some midday fun:

Mood: meh..neither happy, nor sad. I'm just...here haha

Fragrance: Victoria's Secret Velvet Amber Blackberry. You know a scent is good when mom demands a spritz (or three) from your personal stash.

Mascara: Lancome's Hypnose Drama. Full review to come...this baby is the business!

TV Show: ummm...I've been OBSESSED with MTV's Jersey Shore. I think you lose several brain cells after watching it but I really don't care. The stupidity that goes on in that show makes my week enjoyable. Not to mention I have perfected my fist pump.

Reading: Since I'm on break, I've decided that now's my time to reall some good books. First up is Scott Barnes' About Face ($25), which I just learned if you buy online, you get an autographed copy!). Barnes is makeup artist to Jennifer Lopez and he is pretty amazing at what he does. But since I want to be all educated and stuff, I'm trying to get my hands on Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. Ever read it??

Outfit: dark blue not so skinny jeans, brown V neck sweater, brown riding boots.

Goals: I must find the perfect dress for my birthday. In exactly one week, I'm celebrating my 22nd birthday...woohoo! I'm looking for a short, purple (and sparkly??) dress.

Random thought: After watching The Devil Wears Prada twice in one week (cable..than DVD...) I just realized that the scene in which Andy throwss her Sidekick in the fountain at the end it TOTALLY the fountain I fell in love with in Paris.

Movie:::

Me:::

Fountain at Place de la Concorde

Your Turn! Leave it in the comments...
Mood
Fragrance
Mascara
TV Show
Reading
Outfit
Goals
Random Thought

YSL Friends and Family

For the first time since ever, YSL beauty is having a friends and family sale. Get 20% off AND free shipping from now until Sunday December 20, by entering the code FF2009 at checkout.

I've already ordered Rouge Volupte lipstick and I'm thinking going back for Touche Eclat and Volume Effet Faux Cils mascara :)

Pictures From Paris: Notre Dame

Supposedly I'm religious ;)

I've been in Catholic school all of my life so I felt the need to visit Notre Dame. It's definitely one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. So just take it in...an enjoy.

This was pretty exciting for me. My grammar school (K-8) was called St. Therese so needless to say I get super excited.

Pictures From Paris: The Eiffel Tower

I got lucky while in Paris because the weather was absolutely beautiful. It was a bit chilly but nothing that living in New York for 20 years hasn't prepared me for. I decided that if I really wanted to experience the city, I would walk, camera in tow, everywhere in order to capture the city at its best.

You can't go to Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower. I didn't go inside (or up) because I was aware that it would be an all day event and I had a list (literally a list given to me) of places I should see. And I'm not one to climb very high places (I'm acrophobic).

Hell, I live in New York but have I ever been up the Statue of Liberty? No. But I reached her foot :)

The Eiffel Tower is something to be seen alright. I won't lie, I was expecting something grand but when I reached it, all I could think was "oh...metal..." Sounds odd but fireworks didn't go off. At night, it's the most beautiful thing in the world. Daytime? Not so much lol.

As you can tell, I got REALLY close. I had to back up several times to get a good shot.

One of those, MySpace-esque poses where you try to get you and the other object. I forgot that my 5'10" frame was no match for a 1,000 ft tall piece of iron.

Damn wind

In the end, you can't lie...she is a beauty.

Pictures From Paris: Random

Because I can't think of any place to put these pictures, they get their own special title of randomness.

Who gets Lanvin as their hotel amenities?? I did. My hotel was that much of a G. Naturally, I took these home with me :)

The American $10 bill (bottom) compared to the 10 Euro. The American dollar was beyond weak and I teared a little when I exchanged it.

I wouldn't be a tourist if I didn't buy a touristy bag. Plus my Lucky Brand handbag I brought with me was no match for the amount of cheesy souvenirs I bought.

Yeah i forgot hand lotion so this was my first beauty purchase in Paris. Loser. BUT it came with a free (and super moisturizing) tube of lip balm. The brand is Laino for any of my international readers who are interested.

On my journey to the Eiffel Tower, I passed this absolutely gorgeous water fountain.

Apparently this is the bridge in which Kate Winslet filmed the Trésor commercial. Actually, I THOUGHT I was on the bridge but then I realized I walked across the WRONG DAMN BRIDGE. FAIL! But I made sure on my way back I walked along the RIGHT bridge. In this picture you can actually see the bridge (the little boat/ferry thing is passing underneath it).

(me on the right bridge this time looking at the old bridge...if that makes sense)

I'm a total spaz who can't read a map. I looked like a fool walk to and from across both bridges but I wanted to recreate that same commercial HA! Just give me a dude and I'm all over it ;) This was super important for me because I grew up smelling Trésor. It's my mom's favorite scent and God forbid you so much as LOOK at the bottle, she'll come after you. Of course when I told my mom the story, I didn't tell her I had to walk back and over the bridge.

That's on a need to know basis...and she doesn't need to know.

I just thought this looked cool. But this was me exiting the bridge.

Again. Cool.

Pictures From Paris: Journey to Ladurée

Now that finals and classes are dunzo (thank God!), I finally have time to sit down and really go through my camera and relive the moment that was Paris. It was quite surreal being there and after careful thought, I've come to the conclusion that: a) I was meant for Paris and, b) I'm going to live there.

I managed to get around with my mediocre French (I didn't want to offend the natives) but I knew enough toilette (restroom), Sephora (Sephora), and cafe (coffee).

But now I know what it's like to be a tourist and I partially apologize to any tourist whose ever come NYC and I've yelled at 'em. [only partially because I wasn't that bad of a tourist haha]. Most of the pictures I took were of architecture. I'm a sucker for beautiful buildings and sculptures so Paris was an orgasmic adventure.

Dramatic much??

La Madeleine, a church dedicated to Mary Magdalene in Place Vendôme. I wandered here by accident looking for Ladurée. It's a fantastic building and even more beautiful up close.

I'm sorry, I got super excited. Alber Elbaz is one of my favorite designers and I LOVE LOVE LOVE what he is doing over at Lanvin, so when I saw a store I got super touristy.

Again Tourist 101. These were everywhere and I nearly got run over by them. Twice. It's like a New York City taxi...just don't get in their way.

I finally found Ladurée!!! For those who are not aware, Ladurée is a French pastry shop and rumor has it that it was here that the double decker macarons were born. I've had macarons from my little spot in Brooklyn (One Girl Cookies) but, I mean, I was in France...HOME of the macaron. So I had to give it a go. Not to mention a couple of months ago they teamed up with Christian Louboutin, and while they weren't available (or my order in French just didn't translate) I ordered a set of 12 yummy macarons in chocolate, pecan, vanilla and some other yumminess.

By the time I left Paris, most of my money went to macarons and hot chocolate. Below are pictures of the window displays and my actual order. Enjoy.

The only box I manage to take a picture of before devouring.