Change can be good

(all images via People.com)

We've all been stuck in a style rut. It happens. And honestly, when something works for you, why mess with it? I agree, for the most part.

I've just become utterly bored with Jennifer Aniston on the red carpet. Really, just rotate out her outfit and it might as well be the same picture. What made me really think about this was her recent interview in Allure where she states that she hated the "Rachel" haircut, the only real change in her style for years. Don't get me wrong, she looks amazing but I want to see something new.

Truthfully, I wear my hair pretty much the same exact way every day. But I'm not attending premieres and events constantly, nor do I have a hair stylist on speed dial. If I did, I might experiment a little more. And that's all I'm asking- change it up once in a while Jen. Even when she throws it in a ponytail it's a nice departure from the same old thing.

Does anyone else feel this way or am I just being picky?

Tarte Yourself Up

(Lively-hot pink/matte)

(Lust-bright red)

(top: Lust, bottom: Lively)

I know there are throngs of lipgloss fans, I am not among them. Gloss is sticky, my hair gets stuck in it and it's just not my style. Lipstick is definitely better in my book, but can feel fussy at times. But I do love a good lip color and with all the fun new colors that are here for spring I need something...better. Tarte has the answer with their LipSurgence natural lip tints (regular gel and matte formulas).

These chubby, crayon-like sticks are phenomenal. The fat, pencil design is perfect for grab and go. And application is pretty simple, even without the aid of a mirror or other reflective surface (come on, we've all applied makeup using a window). You can't really miss with one of these.

LipSurgence claims to increase lip's moisture by an astonishing 6000% in 28 days. While I certainly don't buy that kind of improvement, they are incredibly moisturizing. Even the matte formula packs some serious moisturizing power. They taste like a delicious peppermint treat and wear beautifully. The gel formula has a bit less wear time than its matte mate. I wore Lust out to lunch and by the end of my goat cheese salad, it was completely gone. Fortunately, they are perfect for toting along anywhere, so I just reapplied and was good to go. The matte formulas are highly pigmented and hold up much better during a meal.

I certainly plan on adding a few more of these to my arsenal. You can purchase here http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-shop-lips.

Mud on your face, this is no disgrace

It's a toxic world, and boy does it show on your skin. Well, at least on mine it does. The elements, the air or grime as the case may be, really wear on the dermis. Unfortunately, in the last year my skin has rebelled against any and all things I introduce to it. I have tried every single thing under the sun to clear up blemishes and make my skin look new.

I read about Fresh's Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask and my interest was piqued. However, the hefty price tag that came with it was a strong deterrent. So I admired from afar and longed to try it. Finally after ample pining, a sample tube crossed my path and I quickly scooped it up to give this wondrous mask a whirl. It had me sold immediately.

It looks like mud: green, disgusting mud. And it smells kind of funky. And once applied, you look like a swamp-thing and will probably scare small children (grown men too). But man does this stuff work! This detoxifying mask is like rehab for skin. It cleans up facial oil spills like nobody's business, and it helps blemish-prone skin go from spotted to clear in a matter of days.

I recently started applying the mask at night and leaving it on while I sleep. I rinse it off in the shower the next morning and my skin feels amazing. You can just let it dry and then rinse, results are just as good. It also works as a great spot treatment. Blemish = no problem- dab a little of the green goo onto your spot and wake up to a diminished dilemma. This mask is totally worth looking like you just climbed out of a marsh.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all and to all a beautiful night!! xx

Black Pearl: A Love Story

Oh Chanel, how do I love thee?

Chanel constantly churns out phenomenal colors. Their cosmetics are coveted by beauty and fashion elite alike. And while most of us can't afford one of the gorgeous quilted bags, we can afford a blush, eyeshadow or nail polish. Each piece is housed in a sleek black casing with the gleaming white, interlocking Cs. Season after season, Chanel releases limited edition polish colors which just the mere mention of incites an immediate need for that polish. You don't just want it, you need it. Hence the crazy fast sell-outs (remember Jade?). Black Pearl is a need. Trust me, you need this polish. Go. Buy. It. NOW! (Seriously, before it's sold out.)

Seen first adorning the nails of the models on the Chanel runway in Paris, the blurry backstage photos of the bottle were enough to create a major buzz about the mysterious Black Pearl. I have been patiently awaiting the release of this particular color and now it's finally here! It will be available at Chanel counters in January, but you can purchase it now on Chanel.com.

Two coats gives great coverage and the color is a perfect murky greenish black. I'm in lacquer heaven. This is totally a gift to myself. A very Merry Christmas to me!

And the Winner is.....

Drum roll please.....Fritos and Foie Gras is the lucky winner! Congratulations. Please email me the address you would like me to send your polish.

Disclaimer- Justin actually was the original winner of the drawing, but as he said, he wouldn't know what to do with it.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Chanel Giveaway

Happy Holidays dear readers! It's definitely the most wonderful time of the year. And to help spread a little holiday cheer, I'm giving away a bottle of Chanel's Le Vernis in Pulsion (part of their Holiday 2010 collection). Chanel chose a bright pink theme for this season.

To enter, please follow The Beauty Beat and leave a comment with your favorite holiday color be it red, green, gold, silver or pink!

The deadline to enter is midnight, Monday December 20th. I want to make sure the lucky winner has their polish for the holiday. One winner will be chosen at random and announced on December 21st. (One entry per person please). Good luck!!