As I know from firsthand experience, it’s easy to spend a small fortune on hairstyling products. After all, salon products are pricey, and it’s hard to know if they work unless you try them a few times. One of my stalwarts is Dirt Texturizing Paste by Jonathan Product, which is designed to give your hair a slightly dirty look. Writes stylist Jonathan Antin on the label: “There’s something amazing about the way hair looks and behaves the day after washing that is.”

But I have to admit: $26 is a lot to pay for a product that makes my hair look dirty. So I was intrigued when I saw this description of FX Special Effects Texture Dirt Texturizing Paste: “Texture Dirt has been created to easily give you the amazing way your hair looks and behaves the day after washing.” And it cost just $5.99! Could it be a budget version of Dirt? Well, sort of, so

read more

While we’re on the topic of ultra-expensive face creams, check out this story from Women’s Wear Daily about the growing market for “uber-luxurious” fragrances and beauty products. Headlined “Costly Concoctions,” this story makes a $150 moisturizer sound like a bargain, finding beauty products with price tags that “rival those of sports cars or fine jewelry”:

Take V1, a fragrance created by London-based designer Arfaq, which has a starting price point of $170,000 per platinum, gold, ruby and diamond-bedecked bottle. … Clive Christian, based in London, claims to sell the world’s most expensive juice, with its No. 1 fragrance weighing in at 1,260 per ounce.

The article also points to Estee Lauder’s Re-Nutriv creams, which can cost more than $300. I can understand that a bottle covered in precious gems would cost a pretty penny, but a face cream? It all seems a little bit ridiculous to me. Even if you had all the money in the world, would you pay this much for beauty?

Source

For great product finds, visit http://www.queenofhceap.com
wii mote

Technorati Tags: wii mote

Azalea Online is staying the same and changing all at the same time. Confusing much? Think of a cross-dresser who looks like a woman on the outside but is still a man at the core.

Come June - one day away! - the online site for the San Francisco-based boutique will be deemed Tobi.com. It’s still the same Azalea team on the inside, but with a new name, new look, better technology, features, content and layout. To be the first to know when the new site launches, go here and sign up. I can’t wait to meet Tobi!

I have scars on my feet. I’m sure we all have some scars on our feet. Our feet are our tools for experiencing life, really. They take us through our day-to-day and beyond. They are important, they are precious. We should take good care of them! So the next time you’re not sure if you can afford a pedicure, consider this your pep talk.

Many of us also have a shoe fetish and will sometimes splurge on a killer pair that we pray will not pinch and blister our precious feetsies. Alas, it happens. And when it does, it’s good to always have a certain something on your person.

To meet a foot’s best friend,

read more

For great product finds, visit http://www.queenofhceap.com
nintendo wii

Technorati Tags: nintendo wii

From the looks of Stefano Pilati’s collections for Yves Saint Laurent, one would never assume that the brand remains in the red as far as revenue goes. It has been that way since Gucci Group took control in 1999. YSL reported revenue of about $261 million in 2006, but it also had losses of $66 million that same year. That was, however, an improvement over the prior year, when it lost $89 million. When considering Stefano’s predecessors Tom Ford and Karl Lagerfeld, it’s not that surprising - he had some big shoes to fill!

The good news is that his Fall 2007 line, due out in stores in mid-June, is looking promising. This time around, Stefano let loose and stayed true to the YSL history of elegance and ease. If you can recall, prior seasons with Stefano had displayed jarring silhouettes and stuffy styles like formal collars.


Most importantly, the accessories and handbags have been selling like hotcakes; they account for more than half of the business. Sales were up in 2006 by 19.1 percent over the previous years thanks to the leather goods.

To see some of YSL’s Fall/Winter ‘07 collection,

read more

For great product finds, visit http://www.queenofhceap.com
fashion coupon

Technorati Tags: fashion coupon

Azalea Online is staying the same and changing all at the same time. Confusing much? Think of a cross-dresser who looks like a woman on the outside but is still a man at the core.

Come June - one day away! - the online site for the San Francisco-based boutique will be deemed Tobi.com. It’s still the same Azalea team on the inside, but with a new name, new look, better technology, features, content and layout. To be the first to know when the new site launches, go here and sign up. I can’t wait to meet Tobi!

When it comes to clothes, nothing screams Summer like sleeveless tops, from weekend tank tops to sassy spaghetti-strap dresses. But before you ditch the sleeves, it’s important to arm yourself with the right deodorant. Hence, this week’s Beauty Mark It challenge: sleeveless-friendly deodorants.

For years, I have been sampling all sorts of clear gels and invisible solids, trying to find one that works but won’t leave behind white marks. Most recently, I discovered Dove Ultimate Clear Cool Essentials, but I’m always on the lookout for something better!

I’d love to hear about your favorite go-to deodorants for sleeveless clothes, so tell me by Beauty Marking them. Just tag your choices with the phrase “Sleeveless Deodorant.” I’ll feature my favorites on BellaSugar next Tuesday, June 5.

To learn what a Beauty Mark is and how to make one, click here. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores,

read more

For great product finds, visit http://www.queenofhceap.com
beauty coupons

Technorati Tags: beauty coupons

When was the last time you went bowling? It’s been years for me. And honestly, I’m not much of a bowler. I’m such a girlie girl when it comes to sports and the last time I bowled I hurt myself. How does one manage to hurt themselves while bowling? I snapped my wrist a bit too forcefully and I was done. Oh well!

But, I was thinking about the classic sport and how cute it is. And how cute you can be while playing it, aside from those required bowling shoes! I’ll start you off with these CITIZENS OF HUMANITY Paley Ankle Jeans, $155. As for the bowling shoes, you can throw in a pair of flats or sneakers instead.

Let’s all go Fab Finding for a bowling babe outfit. Come back and tell me when your Fab Finds are up and tag them with bowling babe.

Oh! Now, you can be your own stylist and build outfits by creating a list of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits with and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when you are completing your Fab Finding missions.

To learn what a Fab Find is and how to make one, click here. For a more detailed explanation of bookmarks from geeksugar click here.

To see some of my favorite online stores,

read more

Miz_ayet has a very unique and interesting look. She is definitely a golden girl in her gold turtleneck and gold Botkier purse. I am in love with the cropped black skinnies, the skinny belt and the chunky clogs. And that yellow stairway is the perfect background!

Here’s what she is wearing:

• Top: Moda
• Belt: Vintage Hermes
• Pants: Guess
• Bag: Botkier
• Shoes: YSL

Congrats to Miz_ayet!

Everyone else, submit your looks and vote on your favorite ones today and I just might feature you on FabSugar! If you live overseas and have a fab outfit to share, join the Overseas Fashionistas Group and to submit a Look in this group learn how to post a blog.

For great product finds, visit http://www.queenofhceap.com
reviews

Technorati Tags: reviews

Since I discovered the new and luxuriously large Perfecting Powdered Sheets from NARS, I’ve noticed that more and more designer brands are now making blotting papers. Until now, oil-absorbing sheets like the ones from Papier Poudre were available mainly as a budget buy, but now these products are getting an upgrade. So I’ve put together a three-part series to introduce the new market for designer blotting papers.

Dior Blotting Papers ($21) help absorb any excess oil on your face. All 150 sheets are folded into a beautiful silver envelope with a mirror inside. Simply blot around your T-Zone for a magnificent matte look.

For two more blotting papers,

read more

Just the thought of being swept away for a beach getaway this Summer fills me with warm and fuzzy feelings. Blue skies, pristine white sands, beautiful people, and an excuse to buy some new makeup! It seems island life is inspiring some pretty groovy palettes, too. Here’s a look at three new island-inspired products.

Caribbean Crush Face Palette by LORAC ($30) is a limited-edition face palette with colors for your eyes and cheeks. Inside you’ll find a coral-colored blush, neutral bronzer, cream highlighter, and three metallic eye shadows in Island, Dune, and Beachwood.

For two more island-inspired makeup palettes,

read more

For great product finds, visit http://www.queenofhceap.com
product review

Technorati Tags: product review

To me, this Jean Paul Gaultier Satin Embroidered Dress with Hood, $1,685, looks like it could be a part of Michael Knight of Project Runway’s Spring 2007 collection. I don’t mind the silhouette so much but I definitely don’t like the color, the fabric and the embroidered Tiger. Do you agree?

To post your selections go to the Love It or Hate It? group. And if you want to learn how to do a blog post click here.

Only a few days left to win this saucy little patent leather handbag by designer Andrea Brueckner. You may recognize her bags from being featured in Lucky magazine and Lindsay has been sporting one recently as well - the larger black version of the exact one we are giving away! It is the mini Luxembourg in a Clay colored crackle patent from her Spring/Summer ‘07 collection and it retails for $545. To enter just leave a comment on my original announcement and remember: one comment per person please! We will do a random drawing on Thursday, May 31 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. And seriously ladies, one comment per person - duplicate comments will be deleted. Good luck!

For official rules click here.

Flynet

For great product finds, visit http://www.queenofhceap.com
sale

Technorati Tags: sale

You may have heard that FabSugar is going to Greece lucky girl! So in honor of her upcoming island-hopping adventure, I devoted last week’s Beauty Mark It challenge to finding the beach beauty essentials she’ll need for her trip.

With hair, makeup, and skincare products to consider, this challenge was incredibly extensive, and I really think we’ve covered all the bases, from beach-inspired palettes to protective hair masks and post-sun balms. You can see all of the Beach Beauty Marks here, and check out my picks below. (To learn what a Beauty Mark is and how to make one, click here.)

Beauty Mark #1: Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock ($8.99), found by Mellie_608, who says: “This is my favorite sunblock. I like the cooling sensation and the ease of use. All you do is spray it on and let it dry. No more greasy hands. I hate greasy hands, especially when sand is involved!”

Beauty Mark #2: Pout Palm Beach Compact ($28), found by Spun Sugar, who calls this her “fave ‘do it all’ compact for summer. Two lip colors and two cheek/highlighter colors. Great on the go!”

Beauty Mark #3: Juice Beauty SPF 15 Tinted Lip Moisturizers ($15), found by Elpatterson, who calls these “perfect for beachy glamor” and says they “feel great on, like you’re wearing nothing but a creamy balm.”

Three more beach beauty essentials when you

read more

Since I discovered the new and luxuriously large Perfecting Powdered Sheets from NARS, I’ve noticed that more and more designer brands are now making blotting papers. Until now, oil-absorbing sheets like the ones from Papier Poudre were available mainly as a budget buy, but now these products are getting an upgrade. So I’ve put together a three-part series to introduce the new market for designer blotting papers.

Dior Blotting Papers ($21) help absorb any excess oil on your face. All 150 sheets are folded into a beautiful silver envelope with a mirror inside. Simply blot around your T-Zone for a magnificent matte look.

For two more blotting papers,

read more

For great product finds, visit http://www.queenofhceap.com
coupons

Technorati Tags: coupons

We officially have a tiny fashion maven on our hands: Asco00! I love her pink peasant skirt, white cami and adorable studded flats. If she’s this stylish now, I wonder what she’ll be like when she’s my age! And look at her pose on that swing - she’s a Vogue model in the making!

Congrats to Asco00!

Everyone else, submit your looks and vote on your favorite ones today and I just might feature you on FabSugar! If you live overseas and have a fab outfit to share, join the Overseas Fashionistas Group and to submit a Look in this group learn how to post a blog.

Now I know that lately sunglasses have been getting squarer and squarer (think Drew Barrymore’s white Ray Ban Wayfarers), but these Jeremy Scott Yellow Sunglasses, $230, are way too square and Tranformer-like for my style. Putting aside the fact that they’re yellow, the alien motif is best left to characters in video games. Do you agree?

To post your selections go to the Love It or Hate It? group. And if you want to learn how to do a blog post click here.

For great product finds, visit http://www.queenofhceap.com
shopping

Technorati Tags: shopping

We all like to think of ourselves as breezy, low-maintenance beauties, but if you’d rather spend an hour primping than go through the day feeling frumpy, then you might be more high-maintenance than you think. How much more? To find out, take the first-ever BellaSugar quiz!

read more

To celebrate the very exciting launch of BellaSugar, we’re giving away a different product every day in May, thanks to our very generous friends at Sephora. A big congratulations to Smarler, who won yesterday’s giveaway for the Too Faced Love Lisa Beauty Battle Box.

Today, it’s time once again to celebrate Best of Sephora Saturday! Each week, Sephora is asking shoppers to vote in its 2007 awards, and today, it’s highlighting the five nominees in the hairstyling products category.

Which is your favorite? Tell me below, and you’ll be entered in today’s BellaSugar giveaway for a $50 Sephora gift card. Also, if you vote here for your favorite styling product, you’ll be entered to win $50 gift certificate and a $1000 Sephora shopping spree.

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment in the comment section below by 5 p.m. PDT / 8 p.m. EDT Saturday, May 26, and we’ll announce the winner on Tuesday morning, May 29. Please, only ONE comment per person; duplicate comments will be discarded, so commenting more than once won’t up your chances of winning. Also, you must be a TeamSugar member to comment, so if you’re not a member, please register here for an account. For all of the rules and regulations, just click here. Good luck!

For great product finds, visit http://www.queenofhceap.com
fashion

Technorati Tags: fashion