A Word About Your Bikini Line, Mister

Both Sean Combs and Jay-Z admmited to US Weekly that they've hopped on the bikini-waxing bandwagon: They remove hair down there.

This is taking manscaping to a new level - publicly admiting to plucked privates, no less! As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of all the fellas keeping as tidy as we girls keep ourselves. Why shouldn't they?

In fact, Sean, Jay-Z, and all you other clean-meaning boys, your nearby Sephora is a great place to start a hair erasin' smooth-down.


Bliss Bikini Perfect Deluxe - Spa Edition
The wet-dry trimmer you can take in the shower! And this kit includes all the trimmings (no pun intended - unless you boys thinks that's funny).







no!no!
The at-home laser alternative! Bonus: Use it often enough and it slows down hair growth!






Bliss Poetic Cosmetic Waxing Kit
All you need to wax-on, then wax-off! And check out the I-can't-believe-how-brilliant-this-is wax in a microwavable cup!

Tried + Tested: MD Skincare Instant Beautification Lip Area Firming Patch

Call it a symptom of the trade I guess, but I'm a question asker and a prober. And if I can't wrap my head around a concept I keep at it until my getting is good. So when I saw that one of my faves Dr. Gross came out with this fancy-pants lip area firming patch delio and I didn't really get it, I studied the packaging for a while before attempting any sort of application.

The MD Skincare Instant Beautification Lip Area Firming Patch is sort of like a pore strip but instead of degunking, it promises to firm fine lines around the kisser by a whopping 36% in just 20 minutes. (Now, I know that this doesn't seem so complicated to understand. But I guess I just couldn't face up to the fact that I may actually need a mini-wrinkle eraser. And, for the record, I don't but I decided to give this a go anyhow.)

Step 1 calls for the application of this water-based hydrator liquid onto the strip, followed by a swipe of the vanilla scented antioxidant-packed cream onto the same area. (Why the patch doesn't come pre-moistened is one of those tricky Qs that I've yet to answer.) But then slap that patch across the top lip and wait the lengthen of a SATC episode. All that waiting isn't as bad as one might think-I can talk, walk, and sip iced coffee like normal. And the tightening sensation ain't all that uncomfortable (although some may feel a slight tingling sensation).

So one epi of Big refusing to commit and Samantha getting it on with I can't remember who later, I've got smoother skin and a plumper kisser. Since I'm still not convinced that I actually need this little number, I'm going to put it on reserve for big nights on the town only. I will say, however, that all you secret smokers and make out mavens will get a whole lot more
benefit.
SWAK! - Jenna Mahoney

Kevyn Aucoin: Beauty Goes On And On

It was major news when we announced last week that Sephora was expanding its selection of Kevyn Aucoin Beauty products. Those who have discovered the beauty business vet's creations already know, this was a man who knew how to do pretty beautifully.

But we had a few readers who wondered: Kevyn passed away in 2002 - how can his line continue to expand?

Valid question - and to get an answer for our curious readers (and me!), I went straight to Kevyn Aucoin Beauty's own Chenelle Mayers.

"For one," she explains, "the company is still owned privately by the Aucoin family and we are lucky to have original formulas and concepts that Kevyn created for his brand. Kevyn had plans to roll out many products before passing. A good example is our Precision Brow Pencil. This item was based on an original idea of Kevyn's, and launched in 2006 (4 years after his passing). It's now a top seller for the brand."

"We also take our direction from his books, including his ultimate beauty bible, Making Faces. The Flesh Tone Lip Pencil is a great example of an item that was developed specifically by Kevyn. He believed that flesh colored pencils were the secret to defining, enhancing, or creating a lip line while making your lip color last longer."

"Kevyn was an all inclusive person who believed that diversity should be embraced, so that's reflective of our line. Our hero product, Sensual Skin Enhancer,which can be used as a concealer or foundation, has a wide range of skin tones. When it comes to complexion and color, we will always make sure that all skin tones are included."

"Our Creative Director, Danny Griffin is well seasoned in the beauty industry and was an avid follower of Kevyn’s career. His concepts mirror Kevyn’s philosophy and creative spirit. His mission is to keep Kevyn’s legacy alive in the beauty industry and I think it is safe to say that we are off to a good start."

If you haven't discovered Kevyn already, we're happy to make introductions.

Foamin' Explosion: Philosophy's Purity Gets Frothy

We already set off our fireworks over Philosophy releasing a foaming version of their wickedly popular Purity Made Simple cleanser. Rah-Rah!

But hold off on the sparklers for a sec, because I just thought of a question: How do you create a foaming version of a cult classic without tampering with the best parts (irritation-free! good on all skin types! smells really pretty!) of the original formula?

I needed answers.

Solving my query was Philosophy's Annie Woo, who reminded me that a foaming version of Purity was never in the playbook; however, "We make a practice of listening to our clients, and they kept asking." Nutshell: You asked, they made.

It took years - literally - of formulating, testing, trying, and reformulating before a product good enough to belong to the Purity family was created. In fact, even getting the lather "just right" was a mega-process. "We had a lot of 'foam parties' here to test the limits of how much foam is too much foam!" says Woo.

Philosophy also took this as an opportunity to make green upgrades. For example, the surfactants are biodegradable, and the product is paraben-free.

So maybe now the only question now is, "Now which one should I use?" I even have an answer for that: Steal a trick from Philosophy founder founder Cristina Carlino who saves the gel for p.m., and the foam for a.m.

In-Room Amenities: The Bath Stash

Stop me if you're sick of listening to me harp on the fact that I've been on the road again. I mean there's really no reason to mention it, except to rub in the fact that I'm getting all Dylan McKay on ya'll. And in the past three weeks, I've stayed in just as many five-star hotels.

While I appreciate the service and delightful digs, I really relish in the little things. I live for the cable TV accessibility from bed. I always get all pruned fingery in the deep soaking tubs (with TV!). And sprawling out all over the ginormous beds is totally tops.

But the thing I look forward to the most is the bath amenities. Now, I know that you
wouldn't book a hotel room based on pilfer-worthy prods alone, but just in case you were wondering, here are two of my favoritos.

Chatham Bars Inn is a quaint waterfront spa and historic resort in 'ole Cape Cod. It recently launched a wing of spa suites, boasting in-room saunas, waterfall tubs and exclusive access to a
relaxation pool complex. But I really love the L'Occitane Verbena Shower Gel, a refreshing cleanser that I like to double duty as a bubble bath maker.

Located on the highest hilltop in the eternal city, The Rome Cavalieri Hilton has welcomed the likes of the *Gangs of New York*, the world's top tennis aces and a regazza called yours truly. Sure, such important people may be impressed by the two-star Michelin-rated rooftop restaurant, award-winning spa and private heliport, but I'm so obsessed with the full-sized Bvlgari Body Milk (and it's yum-o fragrance).
-Jenna Mahoney

Meet Your Makeup Match: Bare Esentuals Offers More Shades

Life is all about having options, honey - that, and being a natural glow-getter.

Bare Escentuals added more! more! more! to their super-popular (and skin-loving) line of bareMineral SPF 15 makeup. The lineup now includes more shades for girls with yellow-toned complexions, and more options for darker-skinned girls.

The brightest thing about a vial of bareMinerals, though, is everything that's not there: No preservatives, talc, oil, waxes, fragrance, or any other spooky chemicals that can irritate skin and cause breakouts.

There's even a fast and easy way to find your shade: Use our Shade Finder.

Packing List: The In-Air Essentials

I'm a pretty frequent traveler, but no matter how often I get ready to set sail, I can't seem to pull it together. This trip, though, I'm turning over a new leaf and I'm hereby creating a beauty essential list for my second foray to the land of Evita:


Brambleberry Rose Lip Balm by Rosebud Salve ($7)
It may seem silly to put my all-time, hands down fave on a packing checklist, but believe me when I tell you that I've forgotten this emollient essential on more than one occasion. Plus a new trip calls for a new formulation-this limited edition, Sephora exclusive imparts a subtle sweet scent while salving me double time like the old-standby.


Juice Beauty SPF 30 Mineral Sheer Moisturizer ($29)
Organic, vitamin-packed and uber-hydrating, what else could a traveling girl ask for in a face cream? Well, how about a security-friendly size (helloooo, two tiny ounces) and some serious SPF (this bad boy's got a number 30). Bet you didn't know this, but being in the friendly skies *actually *ups your sun exposure, you are closer to that burning orb, which means anything less
than 30 is negligible.


Korres Milk Proteins Cleansing & Demake Up Wipes For All Skin Types ($12)
Unlike the other pre-moistened, alcohol-based cleansing clothes, these feature seriously hydrating proteins that plump and moisten travel-parched and slackening skin. Plus the toss-and-go aspect means no having to use the questionable plane water sources.


Lorac Sheer Wash, Travel in Sheer Emotion ($19)
Just a kiss of color on the cheeks, lips or even lids gives a "I look well rested" face as opposed to the usual "I barely slept in an upright seat" one.


Phyto 9 Daily Ultra Nourishing Botanical Cream, Ultra Dry Hair ($26)
All that recycled air can also suck the life force out of luscious locks. A simple swipe through the ends and a hint of gloss across the top infuses strands with vitamins, moisture and, believe it or not, strength.
-Jenna Mahoney

The NUDE Review: Week One

Right now, my skin is lacking that certain A-list glow. You know what I mean—that gorgeous lit from within quality that looks like my whole life is one endless string of healthy meals a la personal chef, morning workouts on the beach with a trainer and 8 hours of sleep (nightly!) on 1,500 thread count sheets.

But if you can't make it, fake it.

In my search for a shortcut to clearer, brighter and more hydrated skin, I came across NUDE Skincare, a line of products that’s as good for the environment as it’s reported to be for my skin. The line is paraben-free, formulated with fair-trade ingredients and comes in recycled packaging. No wonder Christy Turlington and Bono are fans. And, hey, if it’s good enough for supermodel Christy and rock star Bono, it’s good enough for me.

I met with the experts at NUDE who recommended I try out the following products for a head-to-toe regimen. The payoff: I’ll be red-carpet ready in a month.

One month to a total about-face (and body)? I'll go NUDE for that. Hey, I'll go publicly NUDE for that - check back weekly as I post my progress.
-Stacy Baker

The Skin List:

Cleansing Facial Wash (am)
Cleansing Facial Oil (pm and weekends)
Hydrating Water (am, pm after cleansing, and mist throughout the day)
Advanced Smoothing Serum (am and pm)
Moisture Balance (am)
Age Defence Moisturiser (pm)
Replenishing Night Oil (weekends)
Miracle Mask (twice a week)
Moisturising Body Cream (after showering)
Moisturising Body Polish (twice a week)

Second Opinion: Philosophy's Help Me

If you're a regular here, you know I just spent four weeks blogging about my testin' & tryin' experience with Philosophy's help me cream. As you also may recall, I went positively bananas over this stuff - loved it!

I ended my trial period with a giveaway on BellaSugar. Well, we picked a winner...and well, I'm the curious type, so after we sent Grace from Bridgeport, CT her tube of help me, I absolutely had to ask: Did you love it or hate it?

Her response:

"I received my tube of Philosophy's help me and have been using it for a week now. I am pretty impressed so far!

I have combination/sensitive skin and have not had a reaction yet. Usually I have problems with retinol products - I put them on at night and wake up in the morning with pimples. Not with this (at least so far).

I have also noticed that with one week of use my skin seems to be evening out. I have 2 sunspots that appear lighter and my skin's texture also appears smoother.

I love testing new products and when I hit on one that works it is like winning the lottery. I can say that if my skin continues to react positively to this product this will be my H.G. retinol cream."

Good to know all the magical skin-clearing up I saw on my own skin wasn't just a figment of my imagination.

Inside SOS: Monday's Fun Facts

Today I started my Science of Sephora (SOS) training at Sephora University!

I like to think of it as an introductory beauty school, taught by Sephora's super savvy experts. Today's topic: skincare! We covered a TON of info in nine hours--and I just can't keep it all to myself. Here are my "Huh! Who Knew!" takeaways for the day:

-The skin is the last organ to receive nutrients you eat.

-The skin comprises of 16% of your total body weight.

-We lose 1% if our elastin every year as we age.

-For every unit of caffeinated liquid you drink (coffee, tea, soda, etc.), you must drink three times that amount to counteract the dehydration the caffeine causes.

-You see the most amount of aging and dehydration on left (driver's) side of
your face, since that is usually exposed to more sunlight when you drive.

Discuss!

More interesting beauty tidbits coming your way throughout the week, so stay
tuned!

Bare It: We Dare You

Is your own bare skin even sexier than actual clothing?

No, neither is mine. Which is why I'm target locked and loaded on our newest campaign: Dare to Bare Your Skin.

If you'd opt for "Truth" over "Bare" this is the spot for finding the scoop on serious skinlove. The truth on sun protection, the truth about wrinkle fighters, even the straight dirt on making blemishy boo-boos go bye-bye. All right here.

If you're past the point of truth and are ready to go bare, give yourself a no-makeup makeover. (Cheat! Copy the movies in an easy how-to video).

With the official first day of summer practically just hours away (this Saturday, in fact. Not that my cellulite is getting worried), Dare To Bare is a manual for making your skin look so polished, buff, gold, and fabulous, that out of respect alone, UVA rays don't even touch it.

Lights, Camera, Satisfaction: Hi-Def Makeup

I have pores so big you could park Cadillacs in them. You know what that looks like in high-definition, the new format of TV so famous for mimicking the nasty 500x magnification side of your mirror?

Perfection!

You'd think this was a set-up for a bad skin joke, but it's true. The secret: High-definition makeup. Simply pat some hi-def powder on, and poof! Pores go sayonara, wrinkles say auf wiedersehen, and (the best part) it magically looks like you're wearing no makeup at all.

An emerging trend in the beauty market, hi-def makeup was originally created to keep actors looking flawless and natural, despite the zoom-in-and-sharpen effect of hi-def. Watch CBS' Liz Keptner head to Hollywood for the scoop

It used to be available to A-listers only, but brands like Make Up Forever, Cargo, and Smashbox have brought Hollywood to Sephora with new lines of hi-def foundation, powders, mascaras, and lip glosses. (click each brand name to see thier hi def products)

The magic ingredient? "Photochromatic pigments that react to the ambient light that you're in at a given moment," says Ranella Hirsch, M.D. To the actor on set this means that the makeup will scatter enough light to visually smooth wrinkles and minimize pores, even in the unforgiving, 6x magnification of high definition camcorders. To the everyday gal, this means your skin will look as flawless in direct sunlight as it does under fluorescent lighting.

"This makeup stands up to intense scrutiny," says Kevin Bennett, the Director of Artistry at Make Up For Ever (MUFE), which launched their best-selling HD High Definition Microfinish Powder this spring, and is rounding out the line in early August with HD Primer and HD Foundation, available in 25 shades.

And MUFE stylists are quick to add that if hi-def makeup looks this good on a camera that sees six times closer than the human eye, imagine how imperceptible it will look on the street.

While you may not find yourself under the bright lights of a movie set, it's a star trick for looking a little perkier under the flickering fluorescent office lights you're sitting beneath.

And with pores like these, I could use an extra does of Hollywood FX.

Video: How To Wear No-Makeup Makeup

Beauty editors have mastered it. So have the French.

The "it" in question is no-makeup makeup, and it's a focus of our Truth or Bare theme (launching tomorrow). The goal is to achieve sparkling eyes, glowing skin and supple lips, while tricking everyone into thinking you’re wearing barely any makeup (even though you may or may not be wearing lots).

Here, we caught up with New York make artist Tyron Machhausen at our Truth or Bare shoot, to explain how he achieved three easy "no-makeup" looks, each distinctly different, yet essentially barely there.

Ban Hand Tan: Anti-Aging At Your Fingertips

I have a farmer's tan right now. Actually, more like a hay baler burn.

I'm not proud of this. Nobody would be. I'm like that one weird kid everyone had in their kindergarten class who assumes that a seat behind the teacher's desk guarantees invisibility, so proceeds to do things like excavate and relocate the contents of his nose in full view of the rest of the class. I can't see UV rays, so that means UV rays can't see me! Guess I'll roll up these sleeves and flop out on the park bench!

In contrast to my lobster-like appendages, my hands are as lily white as the top three inches of my t-shirt covered shoulders. So there's my silver - or at least undamaged - lining: I'm good at loading up on hand cream. The efficacy of the Sephora BODY Nourishing Hand Cream SPF 10 I stash in my purse and use like an addict is obvious. The results are in, and they're still pasty white.

I'm using my tomato-colored limbs as an example of just how important it is to use sunscreen everywhere. Neck and hands especially - they're the most often overlooked, and the fastest to give away your age if you don't show them a little SPF sweetness.

That's not just my exspurt 'pinion, neither. "You can always tell how old someone is by looking at her neck, chest and hands," says Tina Alster, M.D., director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C. Sun makes you age faster than you think.

So learn a little something from the lobster claw girl. Use Sephora's interactive guide to find your smartest sun picks, and then load up with sunblockers to keep your skin looking human. Not crustacean.

Christmas in June: An Open Letter

Dear Santa:

Please please pretty please with a cherry on top can you invent a super-duper, suck-em-out blackhead remover machine?

I know there's high-powered brushes like Clarisonic and heavy-duty exfoliating pad like the ones by Peter Thomas Roth, but I want and need a serious-as-a-car-wreck, mini-face vacuum that gives me the same extraction satisfaction as a pore strip.

Please have the elves (or beauty gods, I'm not picky) make me a hand-held, under $200, magic machine that degunks, unclogs and erases those uggers blackheads and bumps. Oh, and can it beep a-la ThermaClear? But instead of chiming when the application is over, it will sound when the "cellular debris" is removed. If the length and pitch corresponds to the amount of grodieness that's gone bye-bye, well that is just the absolute best.

I know it is only June, Santa. But I promise I'll be a good girl for the rest of the year and I won't fight with my sister over the Benefit Luster Duster, Ojon Tawaka Ancient Tribal Rejuvenating Cream and Tarte's Glam Gams Leg Bronzing Stick.

Plus, I reeeeealy want to get rid of these overstuffed and under pretty pores. And except for may be a solar-power iPhone, I just know I won't possibly want anything else.

Thanks Santa. My love to Mrs. Claus and Rudolph!
-Jenna Mahoney

New Products From Philosophy: Online Now!

Most beauty products fall into one of two categories:
1. They make your routine easier
2. They change your life

File these new launches under #2.

Philosophy now has two additional versions of their two bestselling products: Purity Made Simple gel cleanser will now have a foaming counterpart, and Hope In A Jar moisturizer will now also offer an SPF 20 formula (a Sephora exclusive!)

Psst! These beauty goodies hit stores on June 15th...but you can pick them up on Sephora.com right now!

The Purity Made Simple Foaming Cleanser is equally as skin-friendly as the original gel formula, but was created in response to all the customers who pleaded with Philosophy founder Cristina Carlino for a foaming spin-off. It's the ask-for-it-and-get-it approach to beauty - nice!

"It was very important to us that the foaming version be as gentle as the famous original," says Cristina. "This is foamy enough to satisfy the biggest fan of foaming cleansers, without using any of the traditional detergents found in 'foaming' formulas!"

Same rules applied for Hope In A Jar with SPF: It had to be as non-irritating and sensitive-skin appropriate as the classic.

"Clients have requested (downright pleaded!) for an SPF-containing version of HIAJ for years," says Cristina. Taa-daa! "We now - finally! - have a formula that gently hydrates, smooths and retexturizes for that famous HIAJ healthy glow...but protects from the sun, too."

Perricone Packaging, Part II

A few days ago, we posted Big News! about the new packaging for Perricone Cosmeceuticals.

Everybody's favorite doc is now color-coded by skin troubles - blue for acne-clearing potions, green for age-fighters, brown for age correctors.

Wait, brown? As in...brown? That prompted one blog reader to write, "I really, really wonder what they were thinking."

A brownie befuddler! We're nothing if not eager to answer beauty Qs, so we decided to make finding the answer our new mission. Bewildered 'bout the brown, we solved this Riddle of the Brown Boxes by going straight to the source: Tania Toubba, Perricone's Director of Marketing.

"We anchored the Age Correct category with brown as brown has traditionally been our brand color," explained Tania. "We wanted a subtle reminder that the product integrity customers have come to expect has not changed."

There you have it. Brown = brand pride. And now that we think about it, you know what else is brown and fabulous? Chocolate. It's so obvious! Brown things = good stuff.

Practicing Safe Sun & Gorgeous Givebacks

We introduced our Sephora Sun Safety Kit back in April. On the outside, we were hauling umbrellas and sweaters to work, but on the inside, we were thinking, Bronzers! Sunblock! Fruity-scented face creams in pocket-sized bottles!

The Sephora Sun Safety Kit was therefore stuffed full of goodies we thought every girl needed in her beach bag: SPF 30 face lotion, eye creams, and lip balms from amazing brands like Korres, Bliss, and Murad.

We also decided to donate 100% of the net proceeds to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Since the launch of our kit, we've raised more than $300K for the Skin Cancer Foundation. Yay!

Still, we know who the credit goes to here, so a huge round of mega-thanks (and way to stay sun safe!) to all you Sun Safety Superbeauties. Getting your gorgeous faces properly sunblocked is good, but helping a charitable cause is better.

We've only got a few kits left at select stores - so if you'd like to snap up a kit of your own, we recommend calling your store first.

In the meantime...well, we hate to get all mushy on you...but thanks for making beauty a good deed this summer.

Dr. Perricone Will See You Now

Are you a blue? Or a brown? Or maybe you're a color mixer, going blue at night and green all day?

Why all the rainbow references? Because these are the new colors on the freshly relaunched packaging for Perricone M.D. Cosmeceuticals.

Of course Dr. Nicholas Perricone himself has always been good to our skin, and I secretly love telling everyone that the reason my skin glows is because, "I'm seeing a doctor."

But now shopping for (and fixing!) skin woes is as easy as knowing what color look for. Perricone's new packages are color-coded - and here's the cheat sheet:

Age Prevent = Green
Age Correct = Bronze Brown
Age Less = Silver
Skin Clear = Blue

Of course you can color outside the lines, too: There's a Targeted Care line (hint: the boxes are white) that lets you add additional spot-treat formulas to create a custom skincare routine. Say you need the arsenal of acne-fighting blue beauty treats, but wanna soften up those little eye lines. No problem - you can toss in a crow's feet fighter from the white products.

Watch for these new pretty (easy!) packages in Sephora stores and on Sephora.com. And it's not skipping work to go pick up a few, either: It's just an appointment with your doctor.

Tried + Tested: DDF Discoloration Reversal-Pad

After my TV moment last week I've been pouring over the pores with even more focus.

And as luck would have it, I've realized that crater-sized blackheads aren't nearly as ma-jah as that weird discolored patch that mysteriously appeared on my left jaw line. That's right kids, I've officially entered the hyperpigmentation process of aging. Ugh.

Luckily, those smartie-pants docs at DDF formulated just the ticket to combat that uneven activity. The DDF Discoloration Reversal-Pod ($70) is a single-use exfoliant that promises to reduce discoloration and dullness. The ingredients are patented (a fancy way to say "Top Secret"), which means I don't know exactly how the formula works, but believe you me when I tell you that this potion works double time. I simply squeezed the mini plastic-esque pouch to release an ultra hydrating liquid onto the attached quarter-sized sponge-pad. And, in circular motions swept it across my fa-che. As is common with exfoliators, I expected to I'd actually feel the grainy ingredients do their jobber. But this is so moisture-rich and so super hydrating, I honestly thought I was using the wrong prod. Really, I skipped the moisturizer and never even felt that dry tug that can sometimes happen mid-day. And even though, the box says expect max results in six weeks, my skin looked glow-y and less hyperpigment-y imediatamente. Extra special bonus: The fact that these pouchettes are self-contained and, technically, neither a gel nor a liquid, makes them the perf travel item ever. - Jenna Mahoney