Lash Allure MD + $100,000 Contest

WWD.com reported this week that Dallas-based Beauty Bio Sciences is staging a $100,000 contest to publicize its new Lash Allure MD eyelash growth serum. “We could spend the money on advertising — or do something fun and help somebody along the way,” Leesa Smith, the firm’s executive vice president, told WWD.

The company has challenged people to write a story or post a video describing what they would do with the prize money. The most compelling story, to be determined by public vote, will be announced by Jan. 1. The company encourages contestants to post before and after photos of their lashes, but no purchase is required.

Go to Lash Allure MD for the contest rules. Who couldn't use an extra $100,000?

Now, for the product...
Priced at $49.50 for 3.5 ml., Lash Allure MD is said to grow longer, darker, and thicker lashes for most people within two weeks. Unlike Latisse, a prescription medication the company sees as the product’s chief competitor, Lash Allure MD contains no prostaglandins that can discolor the iris and skin. I'm really intrigued by this one!

Here's what the company has to say about Lash Allure MD.

Ninety-two percent of women reported thicker, darker, longer lashes after six weeks of use and reported noticeable results after two weeks. Contains patent-pending Pentapeptide Growth Complex to enhance lash and brow growth without irritation. Contains proprietary HFH (Hair Follicular Habitat) technology to provide the optimal environment for accelerated hair growth when combined with the powerful Pentapeptide Growth Complex. Physician formulated and extensively tested for performance and safety. Twice the lashes in half the time. Expect to see a change after two weeks and dramatic results after six weeks. Results will continue to enhance beyond the six-week mark. Clinically proven to give the appearance of thicker, darker, longer lashes without the use of prostaglandins, which have been shown to cause skin darkening and eye discoloration in some consumers.

Lash Allure MD is launching this month at Dillard’s Department Stores and Nordstrom and through the company's own Web site. I may have to test this!

Photo courtesy of Lash Allure

Benefit Friends & Family

Benefit is having a Friends & Family Sale. You will receive a 20% discount any order. Use code FRIEND09 at checkout.

As usual, you will receive free standard shipping with any purchase of $50 or more and two free samples.

What a good time to consider the Benefit Holiday Collection! While you are there, check out the new Lip Gloss and the Silky Finish Lipsticks. They are two of my favorite Benefit beauties.

Photo courtesy of Benefit Cosmetics

The Stila 2009 Holiday Gift Collection

Stila has assembled an irresistible collection of holiday gifts. You can see the collection at Stila or Sephora. Each item is specially priced, and those items available at Sephora come with a 20% discount during Friends & Family.

The limited-edition Gift of Appreciation ($38), shown here, is a makeup powerhouse. I particularly love the Rose Gold Illuminating Finishing Powder and the Eye Shadow Trio in Gold Glow - both included. Just click on the link to see all of the items included. Stila calls this gift a thank you for your love and loyalty.

The 24K Luxe Lip Gloss Collection ($30) is on my Christmas list. Doesn't some uninspired person always ask you what you want for Christmas? You just have to make a list! I think these lip glosses are gorgeous. They are the bomb, as my younger friends say!





Are you a Lip Glaze gal? Check out this set of eight minis for $25. It includes four new shades: Marmalade (sheer peach with pink and while pearl), Pinkle Twinkle (sheer pink with pink and multicolor sparkle), Plum Fairy (sheer plum with pink pearl), and Candy (sheer pink-coral with rainbow sparkle).

There's so much more to love. Just go to Stila or Sephora to see these incredible value sets. They are a Stila lover's delight.

Photos courtesy of Sephora and Stila

Check Out This LORAC Set

The VIP Jet Setter Makeup Collection is $25! It's a $170 value available only at LORAC's Web site. Not bad!

Included while supplies last?

• Special Effects Conditioning Primer and Lengthening Mascara
• Showstopper Eye/Cheek Palette
• Mini TANtalizer Baked Bronzer
• aquaPRIME Face Primer
• Cream Lipstick in Premiere
• Matte Lipstick in Imagine
• Front Of The Line Liquid Eyeliner in black
• Includes Travel Roll Up Bag

Photo courtesy of LORAC

Dior Holiday 2009 Palettes, Sets, and Pendant

It's Dior Holiday Love!

Dior has introduced some beautiful sets and palettes for Holiday 2009. My two favorites are shown here. The limited-edition Dior Deluxe Travel Palette ($75 and shown to the left) was my first choice, even though I stopped traveling long ago. Had to have it! This beauty has six smashing eye shadows that, mixed and matched, give you many gorgeous combinations. In fact, I have already tried two of the eye shadow rows on my cheeks, and they are stunning there too. The palette also has a "real" DiorBlush in a pretty pink shade, an allover highlighter, a lip gloss in #257 Organdi Pink, and a mini Black Iconic Mascara.

The limited-edition Dior Holiday Collection Makeup Palette for the Eyes ($42 and shown to the right) is a divine neutral palette - a great buy! Dior makes such high-quality eye shadow, anyone would love the eye palette as a gift - if you could part with it! The iridescent shadows are shades #682, #542, #519, and #929. Formulated to blend seamlessly, these silky, highly pigmented eye shadows were created with Dior's new Wet Reflect technology. Like the shadows in the travel palette, they can be applied on their own or mixed for endless combinations.

These two sets come in darling black patent zip-up cases with a silver-toned "D" charm that is removable. You could "Diorize" your key chain!

There's more! In a red patent case at Sephora, Dior has a limited-edition Holiday Collection Makeup Palette for the Lips ($40 and shown above) in shades of pink and red. What's interesting is that there appears to be a different lip palette at the department stores - darker lip colors in a black patent case. Check out the difference at this Nordstrom link.

A Mini Brush Set, also a limited edition, is available for $60. There's even a luxurious crystal pendant, the Aurore Boréale Crystal Lip Balm Pendant ($80), inspired by a Swarovski crystal created exclusively for Christian Dior in 1955. The Crystal contains a petal-pink lip balm with a hint of shimmer.

There are some opportunities this week to save money on these little wonders! Sephora is having Friends & Family until November 2. Just use the code FF2009 at checkout. Additionally, Saks has a Buy Some Get Some event on Thursday, October 22. Spend $250 that day and get a gift card for $25. Spend $500 and get a gift card for $50. It gets better as you spend more, so it's a good time for holiday shopping.

Photos courtesy of Nordstrom and Sephora

Armani Shine Lipstick Giveaway Contest

Our best friends, the Armani Beauty Team at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland, have donated two Armani Shine Lipsticks ($25) for this week's giveaway contest.

I love the Shines. I'm partial to shiny lips, and these lipsticks feel great, no doubt because of the moisture-infused formula. The Shine Lipsticks provide a gloss-like shine in a full-color, rich lipstick. The Micro-fil formula captures and reflects light, leaving lips hydrated and sparkling without glitter. They are available in a glamorous range of ultra-pretty shades to flatter all skin tones. You can see them at the Armani Beauty Web site.

We have two #35, Hollywood Bois de Rose, lipsticks to give away this week. This is a rose-toned nude that is so right year-round. If you keep up with lip colors in the monthly magazines you'll know nudes are "in."

To enter the contest, e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and tell me if you have ever tried any of the Armani lipsticks. I'll use a random number generator to select two winners, so your answer won't affect your chances. I'm just curious - as usual.

The deadline for entries will be Sunday, October 25, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. I'll be posting this contest on Free!Grechen, a site you should check out for all kinds of fantastic giveaways.

Good Luck!

Photo courtesy of Armani Beauty

29 - Lydia Mondavi's Lip Products

Flying largely under the radar, Lydia Mondavi's 29 cosmetics line, is inspired by the beauty of California's Napa Valley and fueled by grape seed extract.

One day, Lydia's husband, winemaker Rob Mondavi, Jr., was harvesting honey (bee-keeping is his passion) and placed a tad on Lydia's lips. She said the honey felt so good and healing, she knew she had to make a lip balm. As a beauty industry veteran, Lydia felt that cosmetics with ingredients that are good for us were lacking at the time. "Lipsticks dry out our skin, and mascara causes our lashes to become dry and brittle, simply because there's too much alcohol and too many chemicals in them," she told Entree magazine. With a ready supply of grapes right outside her door, Lydia set out to create 29 products with grape seed extract, a proven antioxident-rich ingredient.

The 29 collection features a full array of cosmetics and skin care ingredients. Here's the lip lineup.

The Grape Seed Age Protecting Lip Collection includes Hint of Honey Lip Treatment ($24), Preserves Wine Blot Lip Treatment SPF20 ($24), Reserves Moisturizing Lipstick SPF20 ($25), Preserves Fresh Crush Lip Scrub ($24) - a gentle exfoliating lip treatment - Dew Lip Gloss Collection SPF15 ($24), and Line Maker Lip Pencil ($23).

Although they are a little pricey, I think I'm going to have to spring for the Hint of Honey Lip Treatment and maybe even the Wine Blot Lip Treatment. Both sound yummy!

All of the products contain grape seed extract and other good-for-you ingredients such as honey, beeswax, and apricot. Interested in antioxident-rich, paraben-free cosmetics? You can read more about 29 cosmetics and skin care at the 29 Web site. The collection is also available at Neiman Marcus.com and some Neiman Marcus stores.

Photos courtesy of 29

Rouge d'Armani Giveaway Contest Winner

We have a winner! Jules is the lucky lady who will receive the Rouge d'Armani red lipstick. Jules has been notified by e-mail. Congratulations, Jules!

We had so many entries, I know there are a lot of disappointed readers out there. The good news for all of you is that the generous Armani Beauty Team at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland has donated an assortment of Armani lipsticks for a few more giveaway contests. So, tomorrow, we will start another contest. Aren't they the best?

You can read all about Rouge d'Armani, a creamy, long-lasting lipstick, at this Best Things in Beauty link. Saks has extended Friends & Family online only through Tuesday, October 20 at midnight. If you want to purchase one, use code FRIENDS2 at checkout for a 10% discount.

Photo courtesy of Armani Beauty

Sephora Friends & Family Sale

Sephora's Friends & Family sale started today and runs through November 2. Just use code FF2009 to get a 20% discount applied to your order. The discount is good for nearly everything.

This morning must have been gangbusters at the site. I got a "site busy" message early, but was able to place an order later. The offer is good online at Sephora.com. As far as I know, this sale is only active online.

Happy shopping!

Logo courtesy of Sephora.com

Distracting Plastic Surgery

I was home today, on a rare vacation Monday, and happened by the television, which I had forgotten to turn off after the news. There was Suzanne Somers, promoting her new book, Knockout, Interviews with Doctors Who Are Curing Cancer.

I had one of those OMG moments. She looked bloated. Her once pretty face was puffy, and her lips were beyond "inflated." Wanting validation of my suspicions, I found these photos and an article, published a few months ago, about her multiple surgeries at BumpShack.com.

Suzanne was discussing her book Knockout and urging viewers to stay healthy by making healthy lifestyle decisions. She was also promoting alternative cancer treatments, and that's where it can get scary. I won't comment on the scientific basis for her opinions - that's best left to physicians. But it's hard to take her seriously when she looks like a train wreck.

I felt so sorry for her (she is a cancer survivor, after all). Surely she owns a mirror? Plastic surgery and other cosmetic treatments can be fabulous - when done well. They can restore a woman's self-esteem and confidence and kick-start a career. When done poorly, they can have the opposite effects. I couldn't even listen to her message because her face was so distracting.

If you do consider surgical treatment or injections, do your homework! There are plenty of ways to find the best doctors.

Photos courtesy of BumpShack

New Dior Sérum de Rouge Lip Treatment

Dior's new Sérum de Rouge Lip Treatment ($32) is lip luxury defined.

Containing 10 times more active skin care ingredients than most lipsticks, Dior's Sérum de Rouge has an incredibly creamy, rich balm-like texture that moisturizes, smoothes, and pampers your lips. Enriched with mango butter and other natural ingredients, this treatment is said to boost the lips' microcirculation and collagen levels while enhancing their appearance with luminous color.

The Sérum de Rouge Lip Treatment is available in eight mouth-watering shades. I'll have to admit that I couldn't resist five of them, and I suspect I'll buy the others when the next windfall arrives. The luscious, sheer colors are:

• Soft Pink,
  
• Beige,
• Coral,
• Crimson,
• Mocha,
• Nude,
  
• Rosewood, and
• Raspberry.

Dior already had a fabulous suite of lipsticks and lip glosses. Now, with the addition of this balm-lipstick hybrid, the suite got even better! These get a BTiB five-star award. I love the sheer colors, texture, and slim case (you could apply Sérum de Rouge in the dark).

You can find the Sérum de Rouge Lip Treatment at Saks, Bloomindales, and Nordstrom (for sure) in store - and probably at all department stores carrying Dior. You can also see and order the Sérum de Rouge at Saks.com.

Photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Best Drugstore Beauty: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Mineral Balm

Vichy's new Aqualia Thermal Mineral Balm Rehydrating and Repairing Care ($32) is a powerful moisturizer. Packed with the healing signature Vichy Thermal Spa Water and minerals, this protective formula is paraben-, fragrance-, and colorant-free. This product is prefect for women (and men) with dry and/or dehydrated skin. I'm finding it an ideal "antidote" for our leap into dry fall weather.

You may have read about new Vichy introductions in an earlier Best Things in Beauty posting. The balm contains Omega 6 oils that are said to reach into tiny skin fissures and envelope the skin in a fine protective layer. The 15 trace elements and minerals in its ingredients include calcium and magnesium (protective), potassium (hydrating), silicium (regenerating), and iron (soothing).

I am using the Aqualia Thermal Mineral Balm as a night moisturizer. It's creamy and rich. Trust me, a little goes a long way! I adore the pump container, which makes it so convenient to use, and I love the fact that it's fragrance-free. I can feel the protective barrier on my face when I awaken in the morning, so I know the balm is doing its work to keep my own moisture in and protect my skin from the drying air.

Vichy says the mineral balm can also be used as a mask to soothe very dehydrated skin. If you choose to use it as a mask, apply a generous layer on skin, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then tissue off the excess. You certainly wouldn't want to tissue it all off - it's a fabulous moisturizer.

You can purchase the Aqualia Thermal Mineral Balm at the Vichy-USA Web site, where Vichy Skin Care Passport Members get free shipping with purchases over $50, free shipping with the purchase of certain products, and with the code TOTEBAG can get a turquoise tote with a purchase of $65.

You can also find Vichy products at the CVS Healthy Skincare stores (larger CVS stores), where you won't have to worry about shipping costs and you can get instant gratification. If you can find your way to the Ballston Mall in Arlington, Virginia, ask for Kathy Shoreman, the CVS Beauty Manager. She will give you samples of Vichy products to try at home.

This product deserves its Best Drugstore Beauty label.

Photo courtesy of Vichy USA

Leslie Blodgett's Bare Skin Perfume Diaries Giveaway Contest

CONTEST ENDED - WE HAVE FIVE WINNERS!

Congratulations to Vickie, Tina, Nina, Anna, and Teri. All of them have been e-mailed that they will receive one of the samples. These gals are "fast on their fingers."

Want a sample of the new Bare Skin fragrance? You read last week at Best Things in Beauty about Leslie Blodgett's Bare Skin, the first introduction of her new Perfume Diaries. If you missed the blog post, you can read all about Leslie and Bare Skin at the BTiB link above.

Her company generously provided five samples for Best Things in Beauty readers. Five of you will get to try before you buy! These are traditional, small-vial samples - samples I really appreciate before I purchase a new perfume.

I thought about how to do this contest and decided on the Allure way. The first five US or Canadian readers to e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com after 7:30 pm Eastern Time today, Sunday, October 18, will receive a sample in the mail. Please put Leslie Blodgett in your subject line and include your mailing address. I will notify the five winners by e-mail, and I will update this posting as soon as the five samples have been claimed.

Good Luck!

Don't forget to enter Leslie's contest (between October 16 and 23) to win a trip to Hawaii. Just go to her Perfume Diaries Facebook page for more information.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Laura Mercier Colour Wardrobe

Laura Mercier has introduced some pretty palettes for the holidays. My favorite is the Colour Wardrobe ($98). The two-tiered compact holds six Eye Colours, three Cheek Colours, six Lip Stains, and two finishing Lip Glazes, along with its own tools that make the palette portable.

A multi-level palette, the top tier contains: African Violet, Cafe Au Lait, Sandstone, Celestial, and Coffee Ground Eye Colours; Plum Rose and Nude Cheek Colours (exclusive); Double-Ended Eye Colour and Corner Eye Colour Brush; and a full-size mirror. The second tier has Mocha, Scarlet, Melon, Mulberry, Nude, and Rosette Lip Stains (exclusive); Brown Glaze and Pink Glaze Lip Glazes (exclusive); a Double-Ended Lip Brush; and a mini magnifying mirror.

This is a good value. Purchased alone, the products would cost $235. Additionally, both Bloomingdale's (in store) and the Laura Mercier Web site ($110 purchase) have gifts with purchase, so you can get some free goodies along with this great-value palette.

Photo courtesy of Laura Mercier

Bloomingdale's Beauty Benefits

Bloomingdale's has a fabulous silver slouchy bag (got mine - love it) that's free with any $125 beauty purchase. They also have gifts with purchase galore!

You can check out the beauty benefits in store or at Bloomingdales.com. What's available in store vs online is a bit different, but it's worth a look either way.

Have fun!

If you are near Tysons Corner Center in Virginia, ask for Connie Ferrara at the Estee Lauder counter. She'll take good care of you anywhere in the beauty department.

Photo courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Chantecaille's Bengali Palette

Ever lusted after something you felt you just couldn't afford at that moment? This is it for me! Chantecaille's gorgeous Bengali Palette ($117) is going to have to wait for another paycheck (I have spent some serious money on new cosmetics this month).

The Royal Bengal Tigers on the blush and highlighter are so classy, and the four "jungle inspired" eye shadows are colors I would wear. With a pearl finish to the colors, this natural-look palette is perfect.

The blush is a radiant peach, and the gold highlighter is a great complement. The Lasting Eyeshades include a luscious jungle green, pale silver, deep brown, and golden copper. All Lasting Eyeshades have a silky, easily blendable texture, allowing them to be applied in varying degrees of intensity - something I really like.

Even better than fabulous makeup (if that's possible), sales of this special-edition palette benefit TRAFFIC, an organization that supports efforts to protect the wild tiger. Had I been the Virginian who won Mega Millions last night, I would purchase the palette today and send a check to TRAFFIC. We can't allow the big cats to die!

Chantecaille has a deep concern for our endangered environment and the many animals at risk. You can read about their philanthropy at this link. I love Sylvie, Olivia, and Alex for it! I met Sylvie and Olivia at Neiman Marcus a few years ago, and they made a lasting impression on me. My kind of women!

You can purchase this palette and compacts that benefit the animal kingdom at the Chantecaille Web site, Neiman Marcus, or locations listed at this link.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

ATOPALM - The Remedy for Dry, Sensitive, Reactive Skin

Years ago, my skin was in rebellion. It looked tired and lifeless; it reacted to nearly everything; it peeled without sun exposure; it was red. I had eczema. Not a pretty sight!

I did some online research and came across the ATOPALM products. Am I happy I did! ATOPALM, advertised for dry, sensitive, and mature skin, eczema, and rosacea, was a skinsaver for me.

Why ATOPALM? The line is a safe alternative, without side effects, to steriodal treatments and other physician-prescribed remedies (these can be great, but costly). Here's some information from the company.

Common and severe skin disorders are related to an abnormal skin barrier function. In addition, harmful environmental factors, harsh cleansers, and other products can strip the skin of lipids (essential in skin protection). The technology behind ATOPALM - MLE (Multi-Lamellar Emulsion), is the latest breakthrough in skin-care technology that replenishes lipids and restores skin's own barrier function allowing it to repair itself and therefore protect your skin more effectively.

The effectiveness of ATOPALM MLE Cream on dry skin, itching, erythema, scales, lichenification, and stretch marks is shown below. After four weeks of using ATOPALM, symptoms improved by 72.6% (scales), 58.6% (itching), 52.5% (dry skin), 52.5% (lichenification), 47.7% (erythema), 35.6% (stretch marks). Some significant improvement was already seen by the second week.

You can see some before and after images at this SkinStore link.

There is a whole line of products. I started with the ATOPALM MLE Cream ($36), one I highly recommend. I used this cream for months. It healed me! There are lots of ATOPALM products available, so you can select the one that you need. For example, you might want to try the Body Wash ($25) if your problems are not on your face.

Check out the entire ATOPALM line at SkinStore.com, where you can receive a 20% discount during October with code OCT20. If you need ATOPALM, you will be glad you did. If you simply want a very gentle, effective skin care treatment, you will find it with ATOPALM.

Photos courtesy of SkinStore.com

Bobbi Brown's New Lip Treat Sets for Holiday

Bobbi Brown always introduces lip sets for the holidays. This year, the Tube Tint Trio ($28) is the nicest three-pack in my book. Coming in second place is the Lip Gloss Trio ($40).

These are the Tube Tint Shades, which come in a cute little gift box.

• Cherry (very sheer red)
• Blossom (sheet pink)
• Twilight Shimmer (brown mauve)

Loyd and I were cruising through the counter aisles looking for little Friends & Family treats at Saks, and we checked out both new sets. The Lip Glosses are the old (or regular) formula with that brush that I wrote in an earlier post can splay out with use (I love the doe-foot applicators Bobbi introduced in her new Rich Color Gloss). The Tube Tints are a staple in my makeup bag, so they had that going for them. Additionally, we swooned over the beauty of Twilight Shimmer. So, into the "shopping bag" they went.

Nicely packaged, these make perfect gifts for the holidays. While Friends & Family is still a happening thing this weekend, I may have to buy more of them. I won't be able to give up the set I bought yesterday!

You can find these at the Bobbi Brown Web site or at any Bobbi counter.

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Purina and Susan G. Komen: Cat Chow Sales to Benefit Breast Cancer

Now and then, you know I go off message! "But we've been talking about breast cancer awareness this month, right?"

Did you think Purina is only interested in selling pet food? Not so! Purina is heavily involved in raising awareness about breast cancer. This is the second year Purina Cat Chow is supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a global leader of the breast cancer movement. Purina is donating $200,000 (serious money) to the Komen crusade and wants involved cat lovers everywhere to participate with their stories and photos with their cats.

A national survey indicated 84% of breast cancer patients with cats found respondents were soothed during their battles with breast cancer, and 76% found kitty calmed them daily during treatment. Well, of course! What cat person doesn't cuddle with kitty when times get tough?

You can read Joan Lowell Smith's entire article about breast cancer survivors, their best friends, and Purina at this link.

In the interests of full disclosure [wink], my babies eat Fancy Feast, Science Diet Sensitive Stomach, and Pounce treats. Savannah, who is epileptic, also eats phenobarbital to reduce seizure frequency.

Photos courtesy of Purina and www.andreaharner.com

Armani Beauty Rouge d'Armani Giveaway Contest

The spectacular Armani Beauty Team at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland has done it again! Today they donated a newly introduced Rouge d'Armani lipstick ($30) for our latest giveaway contest.

Red lipstick is the color of the season, so Loyd thought #400, a bright red, would make the perfect giveaway. You can read all about this new creamy and long-lasting lipstick at this Best Things in Beauty link.

For a chance to win this beautiful lipstick, just e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and mention Rouge d'Armani in your subject line. The deadline for entries is Monday, October 19 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. We will use a random number generator to select the winner.

I will post this contest on Free!Grechen, a cool site for giveaway contests. Good Luck!

Photo courtesy of Armani Beauty