Ouidad is known for their specialization in curly hair.  In fact, Ouidad is “all about the curl” and to keep ”curls looking modern-looking, shiny and healthy is as simple as can be.”  Strangely, none of us at TDO have curly hair. (There’s not even a wave among the five of us - stick, straight hair.) Nonetheless, on a cold December evening, I made my way to the new Ouidad Salon in Santa Monica. Opened just a couple months ago, I was excited for appointment especially since I’ve been walking by the construction of this salon for months now.   (more…)

I’m always on the lookout for a good powder, since it’s so hard to find one that I like.  Either they’re too dark or too matte or too… something to make me completely satisfied.  But I’m happy to report that I’ve recently found a powder I can’t find one thing wrong with.

Smashbox’s Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder is my new holy grail powder that I can’t live without.  While it looks like an ordinary powder, its packed full of ingredients that reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and its anti-aging formula contains pure gold, 48 (!) different minerals, 11 amino acids and a peptide.  The oil-free formula also has a hydration system that keeps the powder working all day, so your skin looks as good when you first put it on as it does hours later.  I love the way it looks on me - it doesn’t give my skin the chalky effect some powders do, and it seems almost like a highlighter because it makes it glow a little.  Wearing it just makes me look healthier somehow, which is a look I’m totally into.  Besides the fact that the product really works, I also love it because it comes in the coolest packaging.  It’s a pressed powder in the compact, but when you twist it, the built in shaver turns it into a loose powder, so you get the best of both worlds.  Kudos to whoever thought of that!

The Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder is available in four shades and retails for $59.  Get yours at Sephora.com or Beauty.com.

I’ve been spending most of my days outside wrapped up from head to toe, trying to keep warm and keep my skin away from the cold weather of Chicago. Since I lost my mittens, the only parts of me exposed to the elements are my face and hands. And while I’m so concerned with keeping them warm, I forget to keep them safe from the sun! It’s important to apply products with SPF on your skin, even when the weather is freezing cold. Here are some SPF products I’ve been using to prevent sun damage to my hands and face in the winter:

My lips are constantly dry in this weather, so I need a lip balm that helps to moisturize, heal, and provide some sun protection. Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner with SPF 15 does all of that really well. It’s scentless and hypo-allergenic, and applies smoothly and evenly, without even a hint of waxiness. It’s made with natural oatmeal, jojoba oil, and shea butter, all natural skin conditioners that smooth and soften my lips gently. I passed it on to my boyfriend to test, and even he liked how effective it was.

For my face, my moisturizer with SPF of choice is philosophy’s hope in a jar spf 20, which I reviewed, and applied religiously, over the summer. It’s become my go-to for the winter, as well. And to moisturize my hands, I turn to Neutrogena Age Shield Hand Cream SPF 30. I like that it’s not greasy and absorbs pretty quickly. It combines moisture, SPF, and anti-aging elements for the perfect hand cream to protect against all elements. What more can you ask for? Check these out and protect your skin this winter!

Chanel tweed suits are probably among the most iconic of clothing. I think of a classy, effortless elegance whenever I see Chanel tweed, and the Les Tissages de Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect is a blush that definitely achieves both. With a woven texture reminiscent of that renowned tweed pattern, it looks uniquely sophisticated and I love how it looks in the sleek Chanel compact.

The Blush itself achieves that Tweed Effect by seemingly weaving in 2 contrasting shades of the same hue, with touches of subtle shimmer. I tried the Tweed Rose color and was absolutely pleased with how soft and warm my face looked after applying. One swipe with the small brush in the compact was enough for a rosy glow that looked naturally flush. Try this for yourself at your nearest nordstrom.com or chanel.com!

TDO readers, I have a confession to make: Previous to December 2008, I was a hair color virgin, but from that month hence, I am newly reformed and won’t ever be able to go back to my normal one tone hair.  I will be coloring my hair…most likely for life, and a visit to the XAC Anthony Salon swayed me from my previous conservative path of no-dye hair.

I had lived with one tone, (dark,) dark brown hair my whole life.  Although I toyed with the idea of dying my hair to sun-kissed Abercrombie brown in the 7th grade, I deferred because I dreaded having roots, picking the wrong shade, and feared making my hair become one dry, dull mess.

However, the work of Ariane Garcia at XAC Anthony totally changed my mind.  (more…)

I’ve been a huge fan of Cle de Peau’s concealer stick but until recently, had yet to venture outside of that single product. A few months ago, I was given the Touche de Rouge and it sat on my shelf.  Last month, I was running out the door and grabbed this to swipe on my lips before a meeting.  

I became instantly obsessed.  Touch de Rouge is Cle de Peau’s extra silky lipstick.  The slim tube houses the actual lipstick, which is sleek and chic.  I tried this in color 102, which is a reddish brown hue that would compliment a lot of skin tones.  The color simply melt into your lips because they are just that soft.  The color is so moisturizing that your lips feel instantly smoother and softer; once applied, it has a lovely lasting power.  

I definitely recommend stopping by your nearest Cle de Peau Beaute counter to try it out!  Cle de Peau Beaute is available at various retailers nationwide including Barney’s New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Editor’s Note: All of us here send our best wishes for the New Year and look forward to spending 2009 together with you.  We will be back on the 2nd.

New Year’s is that one holiday every year that I really really look forward to.  In the same way that some people deck out for St. Patrick’s Day, or Halloween, or Christmas, I go all out festive on New Year’s.  This year I’ve compiled 12 of my favorite champagne themed products of the year - whether they be champagne colored, scented, flavored or the real deal.  It won’t be too difficult to guess what theme I’ll be rocking all night tonight.

Champagne in Hand

1. Essie Nail Polish in Imported Champagne: This sparkly golden beige polish straddles that delicate balance between gloss and frost and creates a very beautiful champagne finish.  Unlike purely glossy colors, the shimmer lets you get away with a little bit of careless in the application.  I did mine at home just yesterday in anticipation for my New Year’s party and they look fab.

2. Lauren Merkin Lucy Champagne Clutch: For those of you who like to accent your outfit with a fab accessory, this Lauren Merkin champagne colored, vintage-inspired, lambskin clutch fits in your hand or under your arm. The bubble metallic lambskin dresses it up for the evening and adds just the right amount of sophistication. (more…)

I still remember the first time I ever picked up a book about makeup. It was Kevyn Aucoin’s, and I remember feeling so amazed at the transformative powers of beauty products. I was only in high school then, yet I still find myself leafing through beauty books from time to time. My most recent find is the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, which is definitely a keeper. Rather than show you looks that you probably wouldn’t be able to achieve on your own, Bobbi walks you through all the how-tos of makeup so that you can always look your very best.

Along with Bobbi’s expert advice, the book contains beautiful photographs and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions on every type of makeup. You’ll know how to apply eyeliner and blend eye shadow correctly, pick the right shade of foundation for your skin tone, and learn about the different kinds of makeup brushes. But beyond that, Bobbi also discusses how to take care of your skin, since that’s where it all starts. Proper cleansing and moisturizing are super important and too often overlooked in favor of just covering the flaws up.

The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual is billed as “For Everyone from Beginner to Pro,” and I agree completely. Makeup novices will learn about basic application and those with more experience will find new looks and skin care tips. This book is a must-read for any or beauty BB fanatic!

At the end of each year, we compile our favorite beauty products - and this year is no different. Each TDO editor has chosen two products that she discovered and became completely obsessed about this year. Together, you’ll find ten products (listed in no particular order) that are our Best of Beauty for 2008!

1. Lancome Oscillation
2. Clinique Moisture Surge
3. Lipstick Queen Medieval
4. 3Lab Perfect Mask
5. Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow
6. Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess
7. Clairol Natural Instincts
8. Kinara Red Carpet Facial Kit
9. Chanel Haute Chocolat
10. Eve Lom Cleanser

Want to know why we love them? Find out behind the cut.  (more…)

You may be asking what the point of an invisible lip liner is, and I wouldn’t blame you. The key word here is definition, which Lipstick Queen’s Invisible Lip Liner provides in spades. Since it goes on without color, it will complement any lipstick shade. Yay for never having to buy matching liners for every lipstick ever again!

What the Invisible Lip Liner does best is define your lips perfectly. It smooths over your natural lip line to define and shape. Also, it prevents your lip color from bleeding or running over for a more precise application. Any fan of brighter lip colors knows that one should avoid the look of imperfectly applied red lipstick, and Lipstick Queen has come up with the perfect solution for that.

You can find the Invisible Lip Liner and all of Poppy King’s amazing products at lipstickqueen.com or barneys.com.