review: slim-fast 3-2-1, plus my nigel barker photo!

beauties, slim-fast is the chocoholics diet. for the woman or man with a sweet tooth, and a deadline, this is the diet.

last week i met the slim-fast team of experts to get the skinny on their 3-2-1 plan and how to plan for a "wow" moment. the talent-loaded team included stylist/makeup artist joey maalouf, fashion photographer nigel barker, stylist jacqui stafford, chef robin miller and slim-fast nutritionist ali auerbach, MS, RD.

this is a diet for someone with a deadline in mind. if you have what they call a "wow" moment coming up (wedding, reunion, corporate function), listen up. the 3-2-1 diet involves one 500 calorie healthy meal/day (think: fish tacos with tons of fresh veggies), two slim-fast shakes as meal replacements, and three 100 calorie snacks (either from the slim-fast collection or of your own choosing). now, i tried slim-fast shakes 5 years ago when they were in a tin can and those shakes tasted like a tin can. the new shakes in a bottle are roughly a million times better. the creamy milk chocolate shake is my favorite, and is almost indistinguishable from my favorite beverage, a real chocolate milkshake.


after joey maalouf prepped me, nigel barker took my "wow" moment photo. the reason i'm grinning like this is meeting nigel barker was my wow moment. he was so disarmingly charming that i couldn't stop talking. also, he's much bigger in person than you might imagine watching ANTM.


editor's note: in accordance with the ftc regulations, please be advised that MakeupLovesMe.com received samples from this collection and attended the event described for possible review.

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new: kiehl's ultra facial 3 step kit.

kiehl's - known for their high quality, effective skincare - has introduced the 3 step ultra facial kit. kits include ultra facial cleanser, ultra facial toner and ultra facial cream; everything skin needs to get through winter.

this is the kit i would take with me to aspen, if i was ever going to such a place. i imagine it being the most soothing thing on windburned skin; it's gentle but moisture-filled. i've been using the kit on my dull, dry winter skin - and loving the results. my favorite step is the ultra facial cleanser, it's hard to find the perfect mild cleanser that removes makeup without drying the skin.

the entire 3 piece set sells for just $26(!) at kiehls' stores and www.kiehls.com. also available in an oil-free version for the acne prone. both kits are infused with squalane, kiehl's iconic ingredient; a botanical liquid that helps skin hold moisture.


editor's note: in accordance with the ftc regulations, please be advised that MakeupLovesMe.com received samples from this collection for possible review.

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spring 2012 hair trend: scupted updos.

photo credit: fashionologie.com

what seems like eons ago, in december i met with redken's creative consultant, guido, to discuss spring hair trends. i'm absolutely enchanted by what he calls "shape shifters", sculpted high drama updos, such as the hair seen at jean paul gaultier's spring/summer 2012 show.

if you have the perfect event for this defined and disciplined look i recommend taking bringing this pic to your salon and asking your most trusted (and talented stylist to get to work). however, if you're looking a slightly muted DIY version, here's guido's advice:

shake redken powder grip 03 mattifying hair powder into your roots for lasting volume and grip, then roll your sides back and slick hair into a neat bun. make sure to keep it high and neat! secure with bobby pins, and make sure to press all the loose pieces into place, this isn't a messy bun.

about powder grip 03 mattifying hair powder: one of redken's style connection products, it creates a matte finish that extends the life of updos and blowouts alike. recommended for all hair types. retailing for $14.50 at salons and spas.


editor's note: in accordance with the ftc regulations, please be advised that MakeupLovesMe.com received samples from this collection for possible review and attended an event to sponsored by redken.

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new: essie spring 2012 collection + sally hansen nail art pen design ideas.

beauties, essie's spring 2012 echos the spring trend of mixing ultra brights and soft pastels with 6 new shades.

brand founder and global creative director, essie weingarten, drew inspiration for this line from beautiful, ambitious women of action. in both fashion and finance, this woman is ready, willing, and able to strike out on her own and take a chance.

the shades from left to right:

• navigate her - new growth green
• a crewed interest - pretty pursuable peach
• to buy or not to buy - limitless lilac shimmer
• tour de finance - incandescent fuchsia futures
• ole caliente - spicy scarlet fever
• orange, it's obvious! - headstrong outspoken orange

available february 2012, $8 a bottle, wherever essie is sold.

below i sport to buy or not to buy, along with some designs i created with sally hansen's nail art pens. i used the white, gold, and silver shades to create simple patterns (mainly stars and strategically placed polka dots). the pens are easy to use and somewhat addictive, i can see myself collecting all 11 shades. just be mindful to seal in with clear coat after your handiwork, two of my fingers wiped clean! available for approximately $7 a pen at mass retails nationwide.


editor's note: in accordance with the ftc regulations, please be advised that MakeupLovesMe.com received samples from this collection for possible review.

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review: erno laszlo hollywood collection.

this is a treasure chest. erno laszlo - dermatologist to the stars of the silver screen - counted greta garbo, ava gardner, grace kelly, katherine hepburn, and marilyn monroe among his famous clientele. in celebration of these sirens, his brand has released a collection of 5 creams, inspired by the unique formulas dr. laszlo created for each starlet.

i immediately fell in love with marilyn's cream - morning rescue beauty - seduced by it's soft pink hue flecked with semi-precious gems and liquified pearls, this potion is based on the one the good doctor made for the star when she had to be on set after a long night on the town. however, greta garbo's anti aging night cream is what won my heart; so rich and luxurious that the only way to describe it is to liken it to a bedtime hug for your face.

i recommend "the collection", all 5 creams for $125, this way you can find your favorite. plus, the set could not be more esthetically pleasing; housed in black art-deco inspired jars, each formula is a soft, french, pastel shade. available presently at ernolaszlo.com and nordstrom.


editor's note: in accordance with the ftc regulations, please be advised that MakeupLovesMe.com received samples from this collection for possible review and attended a lovely event to become more familiar with the line.

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