Mischo Beauty Closet: Yves Saint Laurent #36 Rich Coffee Nail Polish + Patent Crisscross Peep-Toe Pump by Burberry

Yves Saint Laurent #36 Rich Coffee Nail Polish + Patent Crisscross Peep-Toe Pump by Burberry = Why Don't We Fall In Love

Top 23 "As Seen on TV" Skin Products

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Top 23 "As Seen on TV" Skin Products Find out which acne fighters, anti-aging creams and moisturizers are worth the shipping and handling fees Admit it: On nights you can't sleep you may stay up watching infomercials or checking out what Suzanne Somers is hawking on the Home Shopping Network. After an hour or so, those products all start to sound pretty great. But which ones are really worth picking up the phone for? TotalBeauty.com readers bravely ordered and found out. Check out their favorite "as seen on TV" skin care products. ...More

Mischo Beauty Alert: MAC Cult of Cherry

Yes, another collection from MAC is here! I'm loving all of the dark, rich colors. I haven't worn dark lipstick since the days of Chanel's Vamp, so I'm anxious to test out the colors in this collection.

"The new forbidden fruit. Deep, dark, dramatic. Lips ripened with juicy cerises and intoxicating kirsches while eyes smoulder in luscious spiced chocolate. With its sense of way-to-go dark, this is how we separate the bitter from the sweet...Fall drama just got more delicious. "

What do you think?

Mischo Beauty Alert: Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Pur Black

I can't wait to try this! It screams "runway!"... I'm envisioning it layered on top of a rich red or plum colored lipstick. This limited edition lip gloss is available for pre-order only online:

"A cosmetic jewel that turns lips into a spectacular fashion statement.

Mysterious, sensual, luminous… .

For fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, black is THE color. And as a make-up artist, lips are THE focus. YSL GLOSS PUR Black unites these two facets of his art in a superb Limited Edition.

From plum to ebony, it dresses lips in an infinite range of shades, depending on how it is applied – feather light or rich and bold. Transparent yet intense, it plays on the depths of black and the pure shine of a sparkle-free formula."

Are you planning to order it?

Mischo Beauty: Kate Hudson's W Magazine September 2008 Cover

I'm was searching for the September issues of British Vogue and ELLE UK (must have those covers!) when I stumbled upon Kate Hudson on the cover of W magazine. Her makeup is amazing!

Makeup: Charlotte Tilbury
Hair: Luigi Murenu
Manicure: Yuna Park
Photographers: Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott
Stylist: Alex White

Mischo Beauty Product Review: L'Oreal Bare Naturale Mascara

I know I can never go wrong with L'oreal's Voluminous Original mascara and so I'm always excited to try their new launches. The Bare Natural Mascara reminds me of the Voluminous Naturale (which I reviewed a few months ago) except that it leaves my lashes softer, even after multiple applications. The formulation is different, in that it doesn't contain parabens and it's fiber free. It also contains jojoba oil, vitamin E and aloe; and it still gives me "natural" volume, length and definition. The features I just mentioned, combined with the price, make it worth a try!

Mischo Beauty "The Hills" Giveaway!

So one of my guilty pleasures is "The Hills" and for those of you who can't live without the show, you now have the chance to win the complete second season. Send an email to mischobeauty@gmail.com with "Mischo Beauty "The Hills" Giveaway!" in the subject line and include your full name. The contest is only open to U.S. & Canadian residents and I will select a winner at random and make the announcement next Monday. Good luck!

Guest Review: Marco Pelusi Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner

Guest Review: Marco Pelusi Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner Rated 9.5 by TotalBeauty.com Editor Charli Schuler It's easy to see why Marco Color Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner with Collagen Color Guard is hairstylist Marco Pelusi's signature product. Just one or two pumps miraculously detangle knots and tame frizz on all hair types. ...More

Mischo Beauty School: Facials 101

I know I have a few posts on facials floating around my blog - ok, so I'm an esthetician and I guess I'm biased. But, I consider facials my "essential beauty product", because not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. For those of you who've never had a facial, it's simply a service performed by an esthetician and usually consists of a professional deep cleansing, steam treatment, exfoliation, extractions, massage, mask and possibly other products and treatments. Not only do they improve and revive your skin, but help maintain the skin's health. You should definitely consider incorporating facials into your beauty regimen! If I haven't convinced you yet- here are a few of the many other benefits:

1. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING
2. Professional Deep Cleansing, Steam Treatment, Exfoliation, Extractions, Massage & Mask
3. Relaxation
4. Increases Circulation & Detoxifies
5. Professional Skin Analysis, Product Recommendation & Custom Home Skincare Regimen
6. Stimulates Skin Renewal & Metabolism
7. Corrects/Alleviates Dryness, Oiliness & Redness
8. Softens Wrinkles & Aging Lines
9. Helps Clear Up Blemishes & Minor Acne
10. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING

Questions? Anyone had a fabulous facial lately? Love your skin.

Mischo Beauty Extra: #34 Tulipe Noire by Yves Saint Laurent

I stopped by the YSL counter this weekend to check out the new Tuxedo collection and instantly feel in love with the #35 Tuxedo Grey nail polish (which was already sold out!) and the #9 Emerald liquid eyeliner - oh and the #14 Golden Purple & #15 Golden Berry lip glosses are so pretty! But for this week's post I chose the #34 Tulipe Noire nail polish. It's a deep, dark purple (looks almost black depending on the lighting) and I LOVE it! I fell in love with it as soon as I tried it on at the counter. I had planned to finish the month of August with the bright nail colors I'd purchased, but oh well- I guess you can't stop love! One coat is all you need to achieve the color in the bottle, but darker colors are harder for me to apply neatly, so I applied two. What do you think?

17 Hairstyles That Take Less Than 10 Minutes

17 Hairstyles That Take Less Than 10 Minutes Up 'dos mere mortals like us can actually replicate at home With a few (and only a few) key products and styling tools, you can quickly give yourself a salon-worthy 'do. And hey, if you hate it, try a different one -- at least you haven't blown 60 bucks and a hour of precious time on it. ...More

Hair Product Challenge: Frizz Fighters

Hair Product Challenge: Frizz Fighters These product reviews reveal which formulas tame fine, thick, wavy and curly hair ... and which are a waste of money We painstakingly perused your ratings and reviews of anti-frizz products to find out which ones made your repeat purchase list and which fell short of your expectations. Soak up the feedback and use it to your advantage next time you're shopping for the perfect frizz-fighting formula for your hair type and beauty budget. ...More

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Because You're Worth It!: Agua Spa at the Mondrian Hotel

You should ALWAYS treat yourself! Here's what I suggest: Pure Indulgence Facial, Ocean Rose Body Wrap, and a Rose Petal Manicure & Pedicure. Agua Spa at the Mondrian Hotel. Los Angeles, CA.

Beautiful hair needs an expert: Murray's Superior Hair Dressing Pomade

Cassie always looks great on the red carpet and I'm dying to know who does her hair! Her extensions always look so good and I totally know the maintenance required because I'm currently wearing them myself. Believe it or not- product usage should be kept to a minimum because the build-up shows very quickly. To tame any flyaways and as a finishing touch, I use a little of Murray's Superior Hair Dressing Pomade. Before applying the pomade, I rub about a pea size of it between the palms of my hands and then run my fingers through my hair. It catches each and every stray- and doesn't weigh my hair down! And I know- it's so old-school, but it works and it'll cost you almost nothing ($3)!

Have you tried it?

Top 10 Makeup Felonies

Top 10 Makeup Felonies No one is innocent, not even Paris Hilton. Celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles tells which beauty crimes to avoid Before you make up your next face, there are 10 crucial no-nos you need to know. (Chances are you're guilty of at least one of them.) To ensure that your best efforts aren't wasted, we asked celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles to explain why these common mistakes really are that bad ... as if fear of looking like one of these celebrity offenders isn't enough ...More

Mischo Beauty Alert: Henri Bendel Beauty Presents Yves Saint Laurent

I'm still loving my YSL Rouge Pure Shine No. 27 and I'm sure you all know by now how much I love Bendels! If I lived closer to New York, I definitely wouldn't miss this! So for those of you in the area, mark your calendars now! Here are the details:

Inspired by one of Yves Saint Laurent's most famous designs, the tuxedo, the New Fall Look Makeup collection combines elegance and seduction. Bewitching black shadow achieves the perfect smoky eye, contrasting with the natural radiance of a transparent complexion and the intensity of dazzling lips. Wednesday, August 20th: Meet Yves Saint Laurent National Makeup Artist Dell Ashley and discover your sensual radiant look for the season. To book customized makeup apointments, please call 212.904.7974.

Are you planning to attend?

Mischo Beauty Alert: Miss Jessie's Salon Is Back!

I just received an email blast announcing the reopening of Miss Jessie's Salon. Not exactly sure why it closed in the first place, but according to the email, Miko Branch (co-owner & head stylist) seems to be in the salon without her sister Titi. I had to show love to these women, as they were the very first post that started my little blog and I absolutely LOVE their entrepreneurial spirit- and also due to the fact that my mother loves their products too!

Have you tried Miss Jessie's products?

Hair Product Challenge: Frizz Fighters

Hair Product Challenge: Frizz Fighters These product reviews reveal which formulas tame fine, thick, wavy and curly hair ... and which are a waste of money We painstakingly perused your ratings and reviews of anti-frizz products to find out which ones made your repeat purchase list and which fell short of your expectations. Soak up the feedback and use it to your advantage next time you're shopping for the perfect frizz-fighting formula for your hair type and beauty budget. ...More

Mischo Beauty Closet: MAC "$$$$$ Yes" Nail Polish + Giambattista Valli Sandals

MAC "$$$$$ Yes" nail polish + Giambattista Valli Sandals = DAY DREAMING

Mischo Beauty: Napoleon Perdis and Sky Nellor Celebrate Auto Pilot's 5th Year Anniversary

Now that the weather is changing, I'm going to give Napoleon Perdis' Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer a try. I kept my makeup very light this summer, hardly wearing any foundation at all because it was so hot in DC, but after a few runs in the evening this week- I definitely felt the fall weather settling in. The primer is simply a base you apply before your foundation and it helps to even your skintone, absorb excess oil and works to ensure that your makeup lasts. It's a critical part of DJ Sky Nellor's (she's deejayed the hottest events around the world) beauty regime. If her makeup lasts all night while she's behind the turntables at a packed club- then I'm sold!

Is anyone using Napoleon Perdis' products?

P.S. I love DJ Sky Nellor's website!

Mischo Beauty Alert: Allure Magazine's Free Stuff!

I thought this was totally worth sharing! Allure is giving away beauty and fashion every weekday this month (I know I'm late with this one- but you still have more than half of the month to go!) and all you have to do is check the calendar on the website to see what the items of the day are and enter! Very easy. Good luck!

Mischo Beauty Extra: Shirley Gordon is SHEAR GENIUS!

I'm feeling so blessed right now because I'm taking a class in a few weeks with celebrity hairstylist Shirley Gordon! She recently won the NAHA (North American Hairstyling Awards) award for the "Texture" category (first three photos above) and she was a finalist in the "Fashion Forward" catergory (last three photos above). NAHA is the most prestigious hairstyling competition in North America- I guess it's the Academy Awards for hairstyling! For those of you who follow Bravo's "Shear Genius", Charlie Price won the NAHA award for "Hairstylist of the Year". Check out more NAHA category winners here.

Does anyone watch "Shear Genius"? Any thoughts?

Mischo Beauty School: Serums 101

Please accept my apologies with the delayed posts- life seems to be getting in the way! Anyway I'm back and today I'd like to share with you the benefits of serums. I believe in serums and am amazed at how the skin benefits from them! A serum is a highly concentrated treatment of active ingredients used to penetrate and treat various skin conditions such as dehydration, stress, environmental damage, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation issues or loss of elasticity. They're usually made up of vitamins, lipids or antioxidants and are usually the consistency of a thin liquid. To allow for maximum penetration into the skin, they're formulated with smaller molecules which make them extremely effective. They can be used both day and night and are usually applied under a moisturizer, but can be used alone. During a facial an esthetician might apply a serum under your mask or before the application of your moisturizer, depending on your specific skincare needs.

So, do you need a serum? Well, I would suggest following a skincare regimen first. Once you're consistent with your regimen, really begin to pay attention to your skin and make note- for example- of dehydrated areas, loss of elasticity and dullness. If your skincare regimen doesn't correct these issues, then I'd highly suggest investing in a serum! Questions? Love your skin.

Mischo Beauty Extra: Firehouse by MAC