total beauty: 2012 hair trends...

from layered bobs and face-framing highlights to braided updos and warmed-up tones of hair, there are more than a few hair trends to choose from. this is especially fabulous if you're looking to change up your look in a subtle way or want a completely different look.

Total Beauty has complied a list of 2012 hair trends worth checking out. take a look...

10 New Hairstyle Trends to Try This Year

Ombre tips and faux bobs are so 2011. See the trends that stylists say will rule in 2012

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article If you're itching for a change this season, these new hairstyles will inspire you. Hint: The faux bob gets prettier and the ombre look gets a more natural-looking makeover for 2012. If you're looking to change up your hairstyle this season, read on. Get trends

which one do you want try?

organic beauty: Cecilia Wong Skincare

i was fortunate enough to receive samples of Cecilia Wong's amazing anti-aging, organic line of products and, well...i'm loving them!

products i used include, but are not limited to, Awakening Gel Cleanser, Rejuvenating Toner mist, and moisturizer {for oily/overactive skin}.

free of all the yucky parabens, sulfates or artificial colors and fragrances, the cleanser has a name that is perfect fit for its name, awakening. the formula is refreshing, smells bright with citrus, and leaves my skin so clean, without over-drying it...

the rejuvenating toner keeps hydration levels up in my skin with luxe ingredients like chamomile water, rosemary and lavender {ahhh...},

and topped with the moisturizer, my skin was always left looking fabulously radiant.


visit the Cecilia Wong website to learn more about this beautiful line, its creator, and if you're in the nyc area, you can treat your skin to a facial at her park avenue spa!

products samples provided by the brand's pr for review consideration; pic taken by me :)

eye creams for every budget...

for any beauty maven, eye creams are essential. for the prevention and/or treatment of dark circles, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, it's safe to say that these concentrated creams {and gels} play a major part in the skincare routine.

when it comes to which are best for you, more often than not, it's not just a matter of which product is best and actually will work, but also what is most affordable for your budget.

thankfully, there are many fabulous options on the market that are effective and won't send you into debt. i've used the following eye creams {on their own, separately, over the last several months} and they are all effective and have varying price points...

Caudalie Premier Cru the eye cream is the priciest {just under the hundred dollar mark}, but lives up to its promise of delivering a healthy, youthful look to the eye area. tetrapeptides and grape seed polyphenols {antioxidants!} are to thank for the results this rich, iridescent cream gives. highly concentrated, this gem gave my skin a more hydrated feel as well as a supple and radiant look.

Philosophy Eye Hope is in the mid-price range and my favorite for reducing puffiness and keeping fine lines at bay. this popular eye cream is heavy with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients, but is completely lightweight and fast-absorbing.

the Yes To brand offers eye products that are affordable and can be found in your local mass retailer {CVS, Target}. Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel {not pictured} does exactly that, thanks to ingredients like chamomile and cucumber, while Yes To Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment gives eyes a radiance boost and aids in keeping the delicate area of the eye firm. both are rich in antioxidants and didn't irritate my eyes at all.


tell me: do you spend more on your eye cream because it's what works best for you and is worth the splurge, or do you only use what you can afford??

caudalie and yes to brands sent to me for review consideration; pic taken by me :)

Tangerine Tango: Pantone 2012 color of the year

"sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

did you hear? tangerine is the it color of 2012. a fabulous hue that marries the radiant and vivacious heat of red, but with a warm, friendly-vibe, thanks to a touch of yellow.

orange shades have always been colors i like to look at, but honestly rarely wore. as 2011 progressed, though, i began to take more risks, like wearing red nail polish and ballet flats, as well as purchased my need-a-new-color-bag-i-don't-own-for-fall handbag...

clearly i made a fabulous choice. this deep-hued orange tote not only is one of my faves {i love this bag}, but the pop of color it adds to every ensemble is perfect!

some may see orange or tangerine as a risky color, but more than that, it's a cheerful one without going into kiddie territory. and yes, much to my pink-is-and-will-always-be-my-favorite-color self, i enjoy how looking at it lifts my mood. take, for example, Butter London's fab Jaffa, on my nails {above} ~ love it! ~ it looks good on both hands and feet and is the perfect way to introduce this "it" shade into your lifestyle.

tell me, what do you think of tangerine tango as the color for 2012??

Too Faced spring 2012 + Mystery Out of Makeup series

bonjour, beauties! the weather remains on the cold-because-it's-still-winter side and i'm still relishing each opportunity to wear layers, but as you already know, beauty brands, including one of my faves, Too Faced cosmetics, are always one season ahead. in this case it means the spring 2012 collection has arrived!

along with a gorgeous selection of palettes and sets, Too Faced has also produced a video series, Mystery out of Makeup, that you can enjoy via youtube.

watch an episode here...




be sure to check out their channel for more fabulous ideas, tips and tricks and visit toofaced.com for more info regarding the new, gorgeous spring 2012 collection!