NYC & DC Ladies: Get Your Holiday Makeover at Ted Gibson Salon

Ted Gibson Salon in NYC

Starting tomorrow, December 1^st, Ted Gibson salons in NYC and DC have a pretty sweet deal going on throughout the holidays.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, during the month of December, they're offering a head-to-toe holiday look for $150. The package includes a haircut, gloss, and in salon makeup application. But here's the thing: you have to be quick as it's only available between 10:00am - 3:00pm. Just make sure to mention the holiday promotion when booking the appointment.

Ted Gibson Salon NYC
184 5th Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10010
(212)633-6333

Ted Gibson Salon DC
5481 Wisconsin Avenue, Level 2 Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
(301)951-4445

Happy Holidays!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

MissWYA Interviews: Chrisette Michele at the Carol's Daughter Harlem Store

Chrisette Michele and Lisa Price, founder of Carol's Daughter

Last night, a few editors gathered at the Carol's Daughter Harlem store in anticipation for the arrival of Grammy award winning, R&B singer Chrisette Michele. Michele, who won the Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her hit "Be OK", was celebrating her new album "Let Freedom Reign" (out today!). Eager fans stood inside the store for the songstress to get a copy of her new album as well as an autograph.

Before all of that, however, I got a chance to sit with the starlet where we chatted her new album, lipstick and beyond:

MissWYA: Tell me a bit about the album. What's the inspiration behind it?
Chrisette Michele: I'll tell you what the inspiration was but one was not to be afraid to say what I felt like saying. "Let Freedom Reign" is about being liberated, totally done with being bound down.

MissWYA: What would you say is your favorite song off of the album, if any?
CM: There's a few of them but one of them is "If Nobody Sang Along" and what I was saying was if I wasn't popular and nobody liked me, would I still be telling my truth and the answer to that is yes.

MissWYA: Tell me, what's the creative process like when creating an album? Is it- you go in the studio and everything comes out all at once or how does it come about?
CM: You wait until you're in the space and you feel like creating and you get with people who really care about you/ For me it was about my conversations, lighted candles, each I like - salmon and corn succotash was the meal we had like every night! [laughs] We kinda just hand out in the studio and it comes like anything.

MissWYA: Okay, now tell me about your makeup because you always ROCK a bold lip. What would be your biggest beauty tip for my readers?
CM: Well for lip, my favorite thing is-- and always remember to moisturize first-- but my favorite thing is to use MAC. [smiles] I like to take Cherry [lip pencil] and line my lips first and then put Ruby Woo over that. Then take Venetian [lustreglass] and put THAT over that, so I have, like, candy apple red lips.

MissWYA: Ohhh I love Ruby Woo
CM: Yeah, that's my favorite.

MissWYA: Now, what's your favorite Carol's Daughter product?
CM: Hair Milk. I love Hair Milk Curl Defining Lotion [Hair Milk The Original Curl Definer, purchase here]. mix that with the hair balm- it gives me a nice, soft look and a nice, tight curl.

MissWYA: So what can we expect from you in the future? Your album comes out tomorrow [today]-- what's next?
CM: I'm always on the road! I tour about 250 days out of the year but this year, I'm now with Chaka Khan and we'll be doing a musical called "Hair Show," which I'm really excited about. [smiles]

MissWYA: How did that come about, I mean, it's Chaka Khan! Chaka Khan is amazing!
CM: You know what, sometimes you just say 'God, I'm ready for you to open up a new door' and He does. She came on this tour because she knew I was coming and I went on this tour because I knew she was coming and it just so happen that we really both love each other.

MissWYA: That's amazing!
CM: Yeah, I'm really excited!

MissWYA: Thank you so much for talking to me and good luck with the album and everything
CM: Thank you so much.

Chrisette and myself during the interview

Chrisette signed autographs for eager fans

Hair Milk product line

Thank you so much to Chrisette and Carol's Daughter. Stay tuned for my interview with Carol's Daughter founder, Lisa Price. For more pictures from the event, head on over to the MissWYA Facebook Page.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Hair Rules Celebrates Their New Times Square Billboard

A week (or so) ago, I ventured to the belly of the beast- a.k.a 42nd street, NYC. Now I normally leave midtown to tourists but I had good reasoning to head so far up 14th St.

Hair Rules' new billboard

Anthony Dickey, of Hair Rules, was debuting the brands first ever Hair Rules billboard located in the heart of NYC. Amongst other editors and starlets (I'm talking to you Russell Simmons and Veronica Webb), we admired model -- and co-founder of Hair Rules -- Kara Young Georgiopoulos on a billboard high above NYC.

Fredric Fekkai, Kara, Dickey

Kara and Russell Simmons

Veronica Webb and Kara

The billboard (above) features Kara’s waves were styled with Hair Rules’ newly launched Blow Out Collection. I posted about this collection before and can't wait to try it out (read the posted here). The Blow Out Collection lets you enjoy the versatility in styling your natural hair without the use of harsh, permanent processes.

Observed:
1. I am determined to make my hair as flowy and AMAZE as Kara's. Perhaps some Blow Out Your Waves might do me some good.

2. Only in New York can a bunch of people gather to celebrate a billboard. Love.

xoxo,
Eileen

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Kiehl's Teams Up with Artist Jeff Koons for Holiday 2010

Once again Kiehl’s has teamed up with artist Jeff Koons, this time, for a limited edition Holiday collection all featuring the artist’s "Tulips" work -- from the iconic Celebration Series -- on its label.

The Kiehl’s x KOONS partnership will raise awareness and funds though the sale of the Limited Edition Creme de Corps Holiday Collection. Consisting of four products, the collection features the newest formulation, Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter.

One hundred percent of Kiehl's Worldwide Net Profits up to $200,000 will benefit The Koons Family Institute, an initiative of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.

The collection is available on Kiehl’s website as well as retail locations.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Holiday Giveaway Alert: Win a Clarisonic Mia For You and a Friend!

Earlier this year, I was introduced to a friendly little gadget known as the Clarisonic Mia. Since said introduction, I've been praising it's glory to just about anyone within earshot.

Hell, I even told some random woman on the L train who complimented my "great" skin.

And now that the holidays are upon us, I figure it would be selfish of me not to hook up one of my readers with one of their own. I've partnered up with Clarisonic to help spread some holiday cheer with a giveaway that’s twice as nice!

how adorable!!

Here's your chance to do something kind for a special person in your life while getting a lil' somethin' somethin' back in return. You guys know I'm all about pampering one's self so why not share the wealth?

The Rules (it's easy, I swear):
- Nominate someone you think deserves a Blue Clarisonic Mia and why
- The winner gets a Blue Mia for the person they nominated *plus* one for themselves

For example: if I were to enter, I'd nominate my mom to win because she not only taught me the importance of a good red lipstick but she also stressed the importance of taking care of my skin while growing up.

If you want additional chances to win:
* "Like" of MissWhoever You Are on Facebook and leave a comment on the wall about the Clarisonic Mia
*Follow @MissWhoeverUR on Twitter and tweet: "Hey @MissWhoeverUR, I want to win a @Clarisonic Mia for me & a friend http://bit.ly/gzxary"

To enter the giveaway, send an email to [email protected] with your nomination- please be sure to include your full name. The subject line should read "Random Acts of Clarisonic Giveaway". The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Tuesday, December 7, 2010. One lucky winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants and contacted for their mailing address. On Wednesday, December 8, 2010, I'll announce the winner's name. Winners have 48 hours to get back to me or their prize will go to someone else. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. residents.

Good luck!
Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Did You Get "Pink Friday"?

Earlier this week, Nicki Minaj debuted her "Pink Friday" in collaboration with MAC Cosmetics at the cosmetic giant's Time Square location.

The Pink Friday lipstick is only available online at www.maccosmetics.com/pink4friday for 4 Fridays only! Apparently the lipstick sold out in 20 minutes (!!) yesterday so you have to be quick if you want to snag this creamy, satin, bubblegum pink color.

Minaj's debut album, also named Pink Friday, was also released earlier this week and has been projected to sell 425,000 in its first week.

Check out a few pics from Nicki's Times Square appearance below:

The Pink Friday lipstick

Did you get a chance to snag the lipstick?

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

A Night with Boots Beauty

Boots Cosmetics is a British brand that I fell smitten with seven years ago as an exchange student. I stayed in Salisbury, England (though only for a short time) and visited London. I immediately fell in love with the city and, in particular, a beauty brand whose products seemed functional and beautiful. Boots finally came stateside some time ago and has been available at Target.

A couple of days ago, I attended a press event in which some of the top dogs of the brand came to speak to a few online journalists (fancy way of saying b-l-o-g-g-e-r-s).

While I arrived a wee bit on the tardy end (as in the end of the event...oops!) I did have get the chance to cruise around the room and see a bit of what the brand has to offer. I even got my skin analyzed and received a few product recommendations (I am now on the hunt for the No. 7 Advanced Renewal Anti-Aging Glycolic Peel Kit!).

Fun fact: Boots developed Ibuprofen back in 1960 (and was later patented in 1961)

Boots Cosmetics has Beauty Advisors at select Target stores nationwide to help weed through their various brands (there are currently six ((!!)) different brands under the Boots umbrella, including the popular No. 7 line).

Boots Beauty products are available at Target and target.com.
Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

LANCÔME BLACK LASH FRIDAY EVENT

It wouldn't be a perfect shopping day if you didn't get some beauty products! Lancôme is having an amazing deal on their best-selling mascaras and it's one you may want to get to ...quick!

Définicils Precious Cells $39.50

• Définicils Precious Cells
• Travel-size Cils Booster
• Travel-size Bi-Facil
• Full size Artliner

Ôscillation $39.50

• Ôscillation
• Travel-size Cils Booster
• Travel-size Bi-Facil
• Full size Le Crayon Khôl

Hypnôse Drama Mascara $29.50

• Hypnôse
• Travel-size Cils Booster
• Travel-size Bi-Facil
• Full size Le Crayon Khôl

Définicils $29.50

• Définicils
• Travel-size Cils Booster
• Travel-size Bi-Facil
• Full size Le Crayon Khôl

Happy Shoping! To catch this amazing deal, head over to lancome-usa.com

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

A Half Assed Attempt at Posting Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals

There are simply too many sales for me to post, so I've posted a few of my faves.

Enjoy!
Dooney & Bourke: Take and Additional 20% off already reduced items.

Topshop: Early birds get to enjoy some English tea and bacon sandwiches. Spend $100 or more and get a free accessory.

HUDSON Jeans will be hosting a 24-hour VIP sale event for Facebook Fans ONLY! This exclusive event will offer fans a 40% off on select HUDSON styles - while quantities last. Simply "Like" the HUDSON Jeans Facebook page in order to access the promo code available on 11/29 - Cyber Monday.

PS: Hope everyone had a fantabulous Thanksgiving in the US!!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Save the Date: DVF Sample Sale

I'm a sample sale addict and whenever I hear news of one nearby, I get a wee bit excited. I've yet to conquer a DVF sale so this will be added to my calendar, stat.

Enjoy!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

M·A·C Announces Pink 4 Friday Collaboration with Nicki Minaj

It's Pink Friday (at least according to M·A·C)...

As if you didn't see this coming, M·A·C has officially announced their collabo with hip hop's reigning Barbie, Nicki Minaj.

While I haven't personally reconciled my feelings about the Trinidadian born rap diva, you can't deny the power she has in the music game right now. With a million different personalities displayed on every track, Minaj has lured millions of young girls (and dudes) globally. With her army of "Barbz" and "Ken dolls", Minaj out to prove that she is the next big thing in hip hop.

While I may not personally love her music, her makeup game is ON POINT. As someone who lives and breathes for pink lipstick, I loved that Minaj rocks a pink lippie like nobody's business. Now to celebrate the release of her debut album, Pink Friday, she has personally designed a limited edition M·A·C lipstick of the same name.

"M·A·C's Pink Nouveau was my favorite lipstick for years, but now it's all about Pink Friday!" says the artist. Nicki's exclusive shade will only be available for purchase for four (4) Fridays beginning November 26, 2010, while supplies last, on www.maccosmetics.com

That means if you want one, you need to be quick before her Barbies and Ken dolls lay out a Massive Attack on the MAC website this Friday.

What say you- will you be purchasing Nicki's new lipstick?
Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Kiehl's Friends & Family!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Lanvin x H&M; pt. 1

To say that I love me some Lanvin is an understatement. Other than finding him ridiculously adorable, Alber Elbaz seems to know a woman's form pretty damn good for a man. He really respects women and therefore everything he puts out is genuinely beautiful and flattering.

Strong and powerful people are sexy. -Elbaz

When I heard about Lanvin's collaboration with H&M I was conflicted- thrilled yet fearful that it would not live up to the brand's legacy of finely crafted womenswear. Have you ever bought something at H&M? Most pieces honestly only lasts a season or two and then it's time to discard and purchase a new one. I will say, however, H&M is no Forever 21. I still wear my super skinny black pants and black cardigan I bought freshman year of college.

And so, at 5:30am, I woke up and made my way to the Upper East Side (a land I find quite foreign in NYC). I arrived at 7:45am to see a line that was 100 people deep.

front of the line

In order to successfully shop a designer collaboration at H&M, one must be strategic. First, only six stores were carrying the line in NYC- I automatically eliminated Herald Square (two stores) and SoHo because of the inevitable crowd. I headed all the way uptown because NY'ers are lazy and tend to forget/avoid the UES like it's the plague.

Since I knew there would be less of a crowd, I took a chance and arrived a few minutes before store opening. As much as I love Lanvin, I value my health and the cold weather does not make good camping weather.

the H&M staff was nice enough to provide coffee and croissants!

After all was said and done, I received my neon bracelet with a shopping time of 11:20am. I had three hours to waste (Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, Sephora- but no shopping because I Had to save all my money for the EPIC shopping that was about to ensue.

At 10:45, I headed back to the store and patiently waited until they called out the shoppers in my group. Unfortunately the yellow, one shoulder, ruffled dress I had my eye on was all sold out. And the pink. The black was available but upon closer inspection, the edges were frayed and the fabric seemed a bit too cheap for my liking. At $200, I personally believe that I could have gotten better at Bloomies. While I love the collaboration, I'm not wasting my hard earned money on a) a dress that wouldn't last long and b) a dress EVERYONE and their mother was going to own.

crappy cell phone pics FTW!

I did snag a tee, skirt, two totes and a million lipsticks. They had a limit of two items per clothing (i.e: you can only buy two of the yellow dresses) and they even tried to stop me from buying two lippies (they were running super low) but once I laid the "puppy dog eyes" the cashier let me purchase as many as I wanted.

Pics of my haulage to come. For now I have to eat and go back to sleep. I'm starting to see double and my stomach is yelling something angry.

PS: Forgive me if this post makes no sense. After my nap, I'll edit it and make it coherent. And make sure it's written in English.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Spa Me Pretty! Haven Spa Mini Escape Treatments

Inside Haven Spa

To say I'm a little obsessed with my skin is a bit of an understatement. If there's a new skincare line out, I must get the scoop and try it out to see if it will help me in my quest for smooth, clear skin- ya know like back when I was 11. I cleanse and moisturize as if my life depended on it and the moment I see a pimple attempting to poke out, I zap it with a multitude of products.

The one thing I haven't done, surprisingly, was go to a dermatologist and/or get a facial. I mean, I'm too busy to get a facial. Right? A full time job, blogger events and weekends out with my friends just don't allow me to sit still for an hour and indulge.

Wrong-o.

I headed out to Haven Spa to experience their new Mini Escape treatments, which allows you to take some ME time with affordable spa treatments- all in 30 minutes. Located on Mercer Street in Soho, Haven is a serene day spa that welcomes upon entrance and leaves you feeling relaxed despite the craziness outside.

My aesthetician, Stelina, laid it to me straight- I need to exfoliate. As someone who has a variety of whips, mousses, creams, souffles and cleansers that aim to firm/ tone/ hydrate/ depuff/ unwrinkle and smooth, I was taken aback by her honesty and frankness. Surely you're not talking to me? But the proof was in the pudding- as she extracted said pimples (ouch!) she explained why I had breakouts in the same areas. Suddenly the heavens opened up (dramatics totally necessary) and everything I had been asking in front of my mirror for weeks were answered. I have been breaking out extensively along my cheeks and lower jaw, which in turn left some scarring (which then leads me to wail and cry in my bathroom mirror). My suddenly perfect skin was now ruined (RUINED, I TELL THEE!).

Stelina - whom I'm convinced should receive the Nobel Peace Prize for Skincare if such a thing existed- urged me to exfoliate to avoid the scarring. "Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and all that is bad for skin," she explained. It is then I secretly chastised myself for I should have known better.

Also with Haven's Mini Escapes not only are facials affordable but they're quick and easy. "It's important to do this [get a facial], I say, at least four times a year," she told me, "to remove what you don't get out when washing your face."

Knowledge.

A full list of Haven's Mini Escape treatments can be found on their website. With the holidays around the corner, don't forget your skin and body health in between the shopping/cooking/family marathon.

Disclosure: Treatment was provided for editorial consideration. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

A Night with 'Twilight's' Ashley Greene

Last week, I headed to Chelsea for a fun night with mark cosmetics and starlet Ashley Greene. Greene, who rose to fame due a lil' ol' saga known as Twilight, is the new spokesperson for the cosmetics company and was present answering questions from one of my favorite people ever SuChin Pak.

Greene seemed quite humble despite the fact that the Twilight franchise has practically shaped a generation and aided in the love and fascination of vampires.

A few tidbits from the night:
Her beauty regrets? High school
Team Edward or Team Jacob: She's totes Team Edward (although she still loves Jacob!)
Beauty must-have: mark's Get a Tint Moisturizer because it give a very natural look and mark's gloss gorgeous lip stain because "it's easy, you put it on and it stays like lipstick but it's a gloss."

Greene also made it a point to say that she chooses to be a role model because of the importance of role models to young girls. Amen sistafriend!

Below are pics from the event as well as a few of Greene's fave mark products. (Did you know they sold them on the mark girl Facebook page- the brand's first ever celeb pop up shop on the interwebs!)

Glow Baby Glow Hook Up Lipgloss; Lash Splash Hook Up Waterproof Mascara with Get in Line Liquid Waterproof Eyeliner; No Place To Run Longwear Eyeliner; Gloss Gorgeous Lip Stain; Save the Day Anti-Acne Concealer Stick

On The Dot Eye Color Compact

Go With the Grain Exfoliating Beads; Mega Volume Next Day Spray; Do The Right Thing Smoothing Body Lotion
SPF 15

For more information about mark, go to www.meetmark.com.

Please credit with any use of the photos. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.