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The truth is that there are few facial treatments that give me results like micro-dermabrasion. But at $100-$200 a pop, even this beauty junkie can’t spring for too many of them.  I’ve spent years trying at home “micro-dermabrasion” creams and gels but all it felt like was just another scrub.

Recently I came across Crystalift, an at-home micro-dermabrasion machine that uses the same crystal vacuum technology as the professionals.  Though I’m pretty clumsy when it comes to DIY treatments, I found the machine surprisingly easy to use. Crammed in my small bathroom, I set the compact machine up on my sink counter, popped in a crystal pill, chose my setting, and applied the vacuum wand to skin.  The vacuum is only activated once it is in contact with skin.  The actual exfoliation process feels  similar to the in-office treatments but it is a little startling because you’re doing it yourself. Once you get over the novelty of the feeling, the rest of the treatment is surprisingly easy – just move the wand all over your face, rinse off, and you’re done!  I did find the nose area a little challenging to use because of the automatic shut off feature and I could see potential for “over-use” of this machine on problem areas.   I had a break out on my chin and kept going over that area.  After treatment, my face was a little red but I felt like it was extra receptive to absorbing the serums and moisturizers I use.

In general, if you’re the type that books regular facial treatments, the Crystalift Resurfacing Machine is a great investment. While the machine is priced at $199 on its website, you do have to keep repurchasing the crystal packets.  Since my skin is not problematic, I only used part of 1 crystal in each use so my starter kit would last me a good half year.  Also, while the company recommends weekly treatments, I think that would be too harsh for most skin types. Personally, I aim at using it once a month.

More information can be found at Crystalift.com.

Happy Tuesday! Is it just me (and the fact that I was out until 4am last night)…or is the week dragging already?. If you need a midday break like me- check out the latest buzz from Elle.

Ever have a moment when you tried to make a “don’”t a “do?”  So do the professionals.. be sure to check out the Top 10 Beauty Faux Pas Made Popular – These hair and makeup don’ts were dos on the spring 2010 runways.

Still in red carpet mode?  Check out Elle.com’s picks of 2010 Oscar Dresses and and 2010 Oscars: Red Carpet Couples: The chicest Hollywood duos, from Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick to Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony.

Also check out Best Dressed: 2010 Film Independent’s Spirit Awards - We love Carey Mulligan’s dress (see above).

Award season may be when the stars go on their diets but for the rest of us, sunny days in March kick off our summer bikini body weight loss plan.  Learn the secrets from star nutritionist Oz Garcia.

This sponsored content is brought to you by Style Coalition.

Copyright Getty Images Elle.com

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of KAO Brands. All opinions are 100% mine.

Recently we learned about the newest giveaway from KAO Brands: Temptation is Beautiful, where readers can enter to win a trip to Las Vegas for with 3 friends with $1,500 in spending money! In addition, every day they’re giving away a tempting beauty basket (must enter daily) full of goodies from Curel, Jergens, Biore, John Freida, Ban and Guhl.  Longtime readers of TDO know that all of us editors are fans of these reliable products- plus what’s better than a new set of goods to kick off the spring?

I recently signed up myself and took the fun Temptation Quiz to see how tempting my style is.  Results above :)  Be sure to check it out yourself and let us know what your style is…and of course, enter to win goodies and a vacation!  (Contest for US Residents Only)

Whenever I am across the pond, I always have to stop by the amazing department store Liberty of London near Oxford Circus.  And by stop by, I mean spend half a day in the beautifully curated store, admiring and lusting after everything.  So naturally I jumped at the chance to attend a press preview for the new Liberty of London for Target collection that’s hitting stores nationwide this Sunday.  I snatched a few items to spruce up my apartment (see above) and have got the dish on all the goods you can expect to see. Liberty lovers will be excited to see their signature prints and florals on everything. For luck New Yorkers, there is a pop-up store in progress right now at 1095 Sixth Ave (at 42nd St) March 11-March 13 from 9am to 8pm. (more…)

OK, this is a true story: before this year (when Sara wrote about her Torino Boots), I’ve never even HEARD of Sorel. But after seeing a couple of my fashionable friends rocking these totally cute, totally stylish yet warm and functional looking boots around the New York blizzards, I just had to know (and had to have) what they were. And this is how I learned about the brand that made all my winter dreams come true- Sorel, creators of a truly function marries fashion (and frankly, reasonably priced) line of waterproof boots that we’ve all been searching for.

Just browsing through the Women’s Section is enough to make me want to buy them all.  If you are the “boots with the fur” type, the Joan of Arctic is one of the cutest styles I’ve come across in a long time.  You can tuck it over jeans to showcase your style as you gleefully and carelessly step into every puddle on the streets.  If you love a little color in your accessories, try the Tivoli which is a no hassle, urban style- and probably the only shoe that inspires me to want to wear some green and pink on my feet. (more…)

Happy Tuesday.  Ugh is the work week OVER yet?  Here are some links from our friends at Elle.com to keep your mind off that Excel spread sheet…until lunch anyway.  Enjoy!

Personal Style Quiz – What is your fashion personality? (Editor’s Note: Despite having some (I thought) weird questions, this quiz got my style totally right. Let me know if it gets you too- let’s compare notes!)

Best of Milan Fashion Week: Fall 2010 favorites from the editors.

Would rather see Italian street style than Italian runway style?  Yeah, us too! Check out the latest in Street Chic shot straight from Milan Fashion Week.

Olivia Wilde Photo Shoot – A smoldering Olivia Wilde models Spring’s sexiest trends.

Love Taylor Swift (’s hair?)  Us too!  Vote for the country music siren’s best coifs through the years.

This sponsored content is brought to you by Style Coalition.

Copyright Getty Images Elle.com

March is National Nutrition Month and for those of us that are (or want to be) health conscious, now is the best time to start paying attention to your lifestyle.  Recently I got my hands on a copy of The O2 Diet, designed by my go-to nutritionist, Keri Glassman, which focuses on harnessing the powers of antioxidants (fresh and natural foods) to help you feel and look your best.  I’ve been a longtime fan of Glassman and have even gone in for her nutritional counseling services.  I’ve always found her to be incredibly positive and empowering, giving me tips and solutions that actually help me feel like I am in control of my wellness and that have actually helped me change my eating habits and attitude in many ways.

I was really excited to find that Glassman conveys the same positive messaging in her new book.   I’m generally wary of “diets” since I find them so gimmicky, but Glassman doesn’t focus on dieting as much as on finding wholesome, nutritious, and natural foods.  In addition, she encourages readers to consume foods high in antioxidants which protect the body from damage by free radicals.  Antioxidants have been touted to have health benefits from slowing the aging process to preventing cancers.  But even more importantly, eating foods high in antioxidants make you feel good, and feeling good prevents you from going back to consuming unhealthy processed foods. (more…)

Every time I go to my dentist Dr. Jennifer Jablow (which is often…and whom I love), I always notice two things- her perfectly white teeth (of course) and her super pretty lip gloss.  Of course I just had to have whatever gloss she was using so one day before she shot me up with novocaine for my cavity fillings, she handed me two tubes of her miracle product: Pout N Polish and they haven’t left my  handbag since! (more…)

Happy March! Check out the latest from our friends over at Elle.com. Below are some of my favorite tips for spring style (because we are all ready!!!)

Spring 2010 Shoe Trends – Make a statement in the season’s hottest footwear—from hard-rocking studs to bohemian beading

Spring 2010 Cocktail Dresses – Get dolled up in spring’s chicest frocks—from bright and beaded to sleek and simple

Spring 2010 Beauty Trend: Glitter Eye Makeup (yes! it is actually wearable) – Sparkling tips and products to play up your eyes

Beauty Top 5: Best Sunscreens The votes are in: These sunscreens keep you covered from head to toe

Alcohol and Calories: Does Drinking Cause Weight Gain? New research suggests that drinking may pack on the pounds even more than you thought

This sponsored content is brought to you by Style Coalition.

Copyright Getty Images Elle.com

Now that New York Fashion Week is over, be sure to catch the “Best of” roundup from Elle editors.  (We love the leather body-con dress from Alturazza and will be looking at investnig in the style for our own fall wardrobe!)

And as for current style inspiration?  Check out one of our favorite features from Elle.com, Model’s Off Duty Street Style.

Complement your favorite new outfit with the hottest makeup trends from the Fall 2010 runways.

What’s next in Fashion Month?  The European couture shows! Be sure to catch up on the Spring 2010 collections before they hit the runways for fall in Milan and Paris.

Need more style inspiration?  Find out how to dress like your favorite star in TV’s hit series Glee.

This sponsored content is brought to you by Style Coalition.

Copyright Getty Images Elle.com