The Beauty Stop » Beauty by Brand

Sarah Jessica Parker at amfAR Gala – Hit or Miss?

Diva Julia — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:06:44 +0000

Yikes. Here’s ~~Carrie Bradshaw~~ Sarah Jessica Parker who hosted the amfAR Gala in New York City last night. Go ahead. Take a good, hard look. I’ll wait.

Sarah Jessica Parker - Olivier Theyskens Leather Jacket – $1330

So. SJP’s pink dress is by Oscar de la Renta, and she chose to wear it with an Olivier Theyskens leather jacket. And those gloves. I get what she’s trying to do, with all the different textures, mood…really. I get it. That doesn’t mean I like it.

Is it just me?

Jason Wu’s Target Collection – Many Pieces STILL Available at Target.com!

Diva Julia — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:05:34 +0000

The debut of Jason Wu’s Target Collection at Target was a hot mess, just as we expected. The “hints” from Target on Twitter were vague about the actual timing of the availability, much to the ~~rage~~ major irritation of online shoppers. And believe me, I would know because I was one of them! (Thankfully, so was my mom–she had much better luck than I did and scored everything I needed!)

Some stores encountered some real ugliness when certain customers violated the “two-item limit” by coming in pairs and hogging up the entire collection in all sizes. It was awful in Miami–and was caught on video HERE.

Jason Wu’s Target Collection

The weird thing is, quite a few items are still trickling onto Target.com. I just checked and several pieces are indeed available — including the darling black skirt and the white shirt with the black ribbon!

Blouse With Black Ribbon, $35; Full Circle Skirt, $30

Don’t give up and go directly to eBay! You’ll end up paying upwards of a 250% markup, and we certainly don’t want that! Hurry!

Too Faced Cosmetics Offering 25% Off Products Sitewide With Code – We Have It!

Diva Julia — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:08:09 +0000

Who doesn’t love a secret code? I suppose we always love one IF we have access to that code, yes? Consider yourself with full access to Too Faced Cosmetics 25% Off Sale, which ends tomorrow night!

Too Faced Natural Flirt Makeup Collection $45

What It Is:

Grab all the attention with a naturally gorgeous look to send all the right beauty signals! Our, limited-edition Collection is filled best-selling faves for the eyes, lips and face. (A $112.50 value for $45)

More To Love:

Shadow Insurance Candlelight: Just a drop of our warm, shimmering primer applied to eyelids eliminates creasing and fading while transforming shadows into more radiant versions of their original formulas.

Exotic Eyes & Full Lashes:Achieve luminous eyes by applying Magic Mushroom shadow to lids. Lashgasm mascara completes the eye look providing fluffy, long lashes.

Bronzed & Bright Skin: Our Pink Leopard Bronzer formula brightens and perfects complexions effortlessly.

Petite Pouf: A unique retractable brush made with our signature “Teddy Bear Hair” is ideal for touch ups.

Glamour Gloss: Shine beautifully in This is Pretty and experience the gentle plumping sensation.

Oh. The code? Is that what you’re waiting for?

Use the code LONDONSHADOW! at checkout!

Dior Garden Party Nail Vernis – Nail Polish with a Lovely Frangrance

Diva Julia — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:59:44 +0000

I’m no scientist, clearly, but I’m puzzled by the new Garden Party Nail Vernis by Christian Dior. Aren’t you?

Dior Garden Party Nail Vernis – $23 – Nordstrom

The first Dior Vernis with a subtle and delicate scent of roses. The floral green of Waterlily and the pretty lilac of Forget-Me-Not provide the perfect finishing touch for any spring time celebration. The pastel hues of these two new shades are the perfect finishing touch for party perfect nails.

I will say though, if anyone can pull this off, it’s most certainly Dior. I’mcurious to know how long the actual “fragrance” of the nail polish lasts. However, the very idea of a nail product of any kind that emits a pleasant scent is astonishing, at the very least.

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette – It’s Finally at Sephora!

Diva Julia — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:09:42 +0000

I’m going to have to break down and purchase this gorgeous new eyeshadow collection. I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it. And I do believe I must have it: The Naked 2Palette by Urban Decay has arrived, specifically at Sephora.

Urban Decay – The Naked Palette – $50 – Sephora

A universally flattering palette that features 12 eyeshadows with a distinctly Urban look.

GORGEOUS

Naked2

What it is:

The most anticipated sequel of the decade, Naked2 features a dozen pigment-rich taupe and gray-beige neutrals, plus five exclusive, new shades.

What it does:

The follow up to the original bestselling Naked palette, this stunning second edition proves that neutral is anything but boring. Showcasing a dozen completely different shades than the first bronze-based collection, it includes a stunning range from pale and deep, to matte and sparkly.

You’ll achieve a host of new neutral looks, smoky dramatic eyes, and everything in between. The palette also includes a travel-size Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Naked and a double-ended, cruelty-free Good Karma Shadow/Crease Brush (available only in this palette).

This set contains:

- 12 x 0.05 oz Eyeshadows in Foxy (cream bisque with matte finish), Half Baked (golden-bronze with shimmering finish), Booty Call (shimmering cork), Chopper (copper shimmer with silver microglitter), Tease (creamy pale brown with matte finish), Snake Bite (dark bronze shimmer with metallic base), Suspect (pale golden beige with shimmering finish), Pistol (light gray-brown with shimmering finish), Verve (oyster with shimmering finish), YDK (cool bronze shimmer with metallic base), Busted (deep brown with shimmering finish), Blackout (blackest black with matte finish)

- Good Karma Shadow/Crease Brush

- 0.11 oz Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Naked (pinky neutral)

What else you need to know:

Urban Decay’s packaging takes on a modern feel in Naked2. With an art-school-inspired tin case and a hinged lid, it’s smooth and cool to the touch. Compare Naked2 with first Naked palette—packaged in warm, rich brown velvet with gold foil lettering—and you won’t be able to resist owning both.

I understand from the wonderful folks at Sephora, that this brand new palette is expected to sell out extremely quickly. You and I had better get a move on!

Kristen Stewart – Newest Face of Balenciaga’s Fragrance Line

Diva Julia — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:07:53 +0000

It was only a matter of time before Kristen Stewart ~~awkwardly and reluctantly~~ signed with a fashion house or fragrance line as their “New Face.”

Kristen Stewart – Photo by Norman Jean Roy/GQUK

Kristen is actually a lovely, yet edgy choice for the yet un-named fragrance for Balenciaga. The Twilight star joins French actress, Charlotte Gainsbourg, who will continue on as the face of Balenciaga Paris, their first fragrance, which was launched in 2010.

via WWD, Kristen stated:

“The brand is just cool. That’s the way it is. I feel drawn to it. It provokes on a number of levels. It isn’t afraid or contrived. It hits a very cool balance, always. Always pretty undeniable.”

I’m anxious to see the ad campaign in the Fall of the year.

Jason Wu For Target

Diva Julia — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:45:34 +0000

One of First Lady Michelle Obama’s favorite designers, Jason Wu has designed a collection for Target that will drop February 5th. That’s just a few weeks, you guys, so start lining up now. It’s always a complete and utter madhouse at Target once a great collection like this hits the stores, so I suggest shopping online and save yourself the headache.

Let’s take a look, shall we?

Jason Wu for Target

Texured pleated-front peplum top in gold, $32.50

Pleated skirt in black, also available in navy floral, $29.99

Lace clutch in black, $29.99

Jason Wu for Target

I’m in love with this particular look.

Long-sleeved sheer blouse in white with black ribbon (available at Target.com only), $34.99

Pleated full circle skirt in black, also available in navy floral, $29.99

Jason Wu Accessories for Target

Front-flap straw bag in cream, $39.99

THIS DRESS. Oh, yes. It will be mine, as Wayne Campbell (Wayne’s World) would say. I love every single thing about it. It’s timeless and age-less in design. I can see anyone from 20-50 years of age wearing it. Absolute perfection. I can easily envision our First Lady wearing this dress. She’s a Target fan, just like the rest of us.

My favorite piece from the Jason Wu Collection for Target

Flared dress in cream with black patent belt, $59.99

Bravo, Jason Wu! And thank you, Target for continuing to bring gorgeous designer clothing to the everyday gal.

Mila Kunis Named the New Face of Christian Dior

Diva Julia — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:56:33 +0000

Two of my favorite entities, Mila Kunis and Christian Dior are together at last, as the legendary French fashion house has announced their new muse. I am thrilled.

Mila Kunis for Christian Dior

via WWD:

“I’m honestly just learning about fashion,” Kunis told WWD exclusively in a telephone interview, confessing she’s more of a “jeans and T-shirt” type. But on the eve of awards season, the Ukraine-born actress is relishing the chance to don Dior’s glamorous gowns.

Goodness, Mila has pretty feet.

  “In my daily life, I don’t wear the most feminine pieces. But I love to feel feminine when I’m on the red carpet,” Kunis said, adding that Dior’s dresses exalt the figure. “I find that Dior is an incredibly grounded house. I always thought what Dior does is so sophisticated, feminine and beautiful.”

Photos for Dior by: Mikael Jansen

I’m looking forward to seeing Mila walk the many red carpets in near future in the most exquisite couture Dior gowns. I’m sure you recall how graceful and elegant Mila appeared at the premiere of Black Swan in this Dior gown…

Mila Kunis attending the ‘Black Swan’ Premiere in a Christian Dior gown

Christian Dior’s sister company, Parfums Christian Dior include actresses Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron, Mélanie Laurent, and Sharon Stone as models and representatives. Not to be disrespectful to those lovely women, but I think they are in excellent company. Mila Kunis seems a Total Package Overload — gorgeous, talented, funny, down to earth and has a wonderful, loud cackle of a laugh. She seems to be the kind of woman whom young ladies want to be like, or be friends with–which is rare in Hollywood.

RoC Multi Correxion – Heavenly Skincare From The Drugstore

Diva Julia — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:15:19 +0000

I did a little shopping on my husband’s behalf for my Christmas stocking, and decided to try RoC Multi Correxion. I prefer serums to creams because even at my ~~old~~ age, I still have to be careful with acne, clogged pores, and even worse, sebaceous cysts which are so gross that I won’t even go into those nasty details.

RoC – Multi Correxion Lift Anti-Gravity Serum – 1 fl oz -Drugstore.com $27.99

RoC® MULTI CORREXION®

Protient® Plus
Firming Technology

Over time, your skin’s structure begins to weaken and lose elasticity, and gravity’s downward pull can lead to the sagging of skin and loss of definition to your facial contours.

RoC® Multi Correxion® Lift Anti-Gravity Serum fights the multiples signs of your aging caused by the downward pull of gravity, revealing beautifully firmed, younger-looking skin. The highly concentrated, satiny-smooth formula absorbs quickly and visibly lifts and sculpts facial contours. Once absorbed, the advanced Protient® Plus firming technology, a high performance tightening agent, firms and tones, revealing smoother and more lifted skin, while diminishing the look of wrinkles.

Clinical Results After Testing:
Immediately:

Skin appears lifted and firmer

Skin appears smoother

Wrinkles on face and neck appear visibly diminished

I do apply the serum twice a day–not just once, and even after only a week of use I can see and feel a nice, smooth texture on my skin. And the scent is so light and airy…I love it. I’m anxious to see how my “marionette” lines look after a month. I’ll keep you abreast of the results.

Disclosure: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions if RoC. Product was purchased by DivaJulia/The Beauty Stop; no compensation was received in exchange for this review.

Happy New Year From The Beauty Stop! What Did You Wear?

Diva Julia — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:18:23 +0000

What are alla y’all doing for New Year’s Eve? We’d all love to hear what your plans are–AND what your clothing decisions are/were–a cocktail dress or gown? Decisions! We are staying home tonight (watching Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin on CNN!) How-bloody-ever. If we had going to a party, I have chosen two Marchesa dresses I would have paraded around in, depending on the formality of the event. Hold onto your hats:

For the less formal New Year’s Eve party, I would have chosen this blood-red Marchesa cocktail dress:

Marchesa – RTW -2011

However, if there were an ultra-formal party in the city, THIS is the gown I’d choose — in my own special DreamWorld!

Marchesa Black Strapless Gown

Quick side-bar. My husband and I will be renewing our wedding vows in 1.5 years. I wore a red slinky gown for our wedding. I think I want a black poufy gown. I highly doubt it will be a Marchesa, but I can dream. Don’t judge me–I’m not being the Hot Topic goth-~~girl~~ old biddy I used to be. I happen to think it’s unusual and so very chic to wear a black fluffy wedding gown. Anyway…

We here at The Beauty Stop love you and wish you all the best in the coming year!

Too Faced After-Christmas Vintage Sale – 50% Off! Plus New Year’s Eve Survival Kit!

Diva Julia — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:15:56 +0000

Ooooh, those awesome gift cards that we can use anywhere just found a “home”. Too Faced’s After Christmas Sale will make your eyes twinkle…

Too-Faced Vintage Collection

I’m really interested in trying the cranberry-smokey eye. I’ve seen some incredible-looking women/ladies/chicks/babes (choose your category) with this daring and bold look.

Eye Shadow Singles - ~~$16~~ $8 ON SALE

Our range of pigment-drenched, long-wearing single eye shadows blend effortlessly for maximum coverage and effortless style options.

New Year’s Eve Survival Kit – ~~$42~~ ON SALE $37.80 – Too Faced

What It Is:

The countdown to glamour is on as we celebrate with our 5-piece, sparkling collection of glimmer and shimmer eye looks that includes our best-selling Duo Shadow in Ooh & Aah, deluxe Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer, deluxe Lava Gloss and deluxe Pinpoint Mascara.

More To Love:

Striking Makeup Bag: This shining Collection comes in a pink and black satin makeup bag that holds your favorite products.

Eye Love Options: Whether subtly sparkling or deeply dramatic, this combination offers endless eye looks for year round glam.

I don’t know about y’all, but I’d sure be using that satin bag as a clutch bag and not a make-up bag! How darling is that?

Disclosure: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Too Faced Cosmetics. Product was purchased by The Beauty Stop; no compensation was received in exchange for this review.

Kate Middleton Named ‘Fashion Icon of 2011′ in the U.K. – Hit or Miss?

Diva Julia — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 02:34:55 +0000

Now this new title of Fashion Icon of 2011 being given to Kate Middleton (Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge) is being tossed around the U.K., but I think they are indeed correct. Think about it. Kate knows her figure well, and dresses to show it off–but not in a garish manner. She also applies her own make-up (even for her colossal wedding!) and has very ladylike taste, without being old-fashioned.

Kate and Pippa Middleton looking fab on that special day.

Naturally, Kate’s sister, Pippa came in second place in the Fashion Icon of 2011 list. I think we know why. COUGHPippa’sBumCOUGH. Having said that, Pippa also has a great tan, nice cleavage and a sexy way about her. But honestly…it was her white Alexander McQueen bridesmaid gown that got the world talking.

Oh, Pippa!

Oh, then there is that swimsuit shot on the yacht!

WOW, Pippa.

Okay, back to The Duchess. I love the fact that she wears her clothing, specifically dresses, more than ONCE. (Props to FLOTUS, Michelle Obama, for doing the same, FYI.)

The Duchess wearing the same Diane von Furstenberg dress at two separate events!

In this bleak world economy, it makes the rest of us feel good about wearing a favorite dress more than once. It only makes sense, really. If we have a dress we love, why not wear it more than one time? This is the real world…and I love that the Middleton ladies are setting a practical and lovely example.

Many (British) critics have looked down their snooty noses at Kate‘s fashion sense and saying publicly that her style is “boring”. I say their opinions are rubbish. (I’m talking to YOU, Kelly Osbourne.) Seriously?