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Sure, true beauty may come from within, but we can all use a little help every now and then. Chic Appeal will help you find beauty bargains that will keep you looking fly without breaking the bank.

Citrus warfare.

March 22nd, 2010 by Catherine

I’ve been under a little more stress than usual, and its nasty side effects have cropped up all over my face. Well, not all over, but still – the three pimples I’m sporting are not welcome to stay through the week, especially with a big business meeting looming ahead. I was out of my usual face wash, so on Friday, I picked up Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Acne Wash Facial Cleanser. The lengthy name does a great job of summing up exactly what it does, which is scare these blemishes into submission, all while smelling faintly of sweet citrus. I’ve washed my face with it all through the weekend, and already I’ve noticed a whole lot of shrinkage.

{Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Acne Wash Facial Cleanser, Neutrogena, $7.99}

Tags: Neutrogena, Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Acne Wash Facial Cleanser
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Daily Diamond: Fresh Sugar Lychee Candle

March 18th, 2010 by Catherine

As the weather warms up, so too does my appeal for fragrance, fragrance everywhere. I tend to keep a supply of candles on hand for burning when I’m home, switching them up depending on the season (woodsy and spicy ones for the winter, light florals for spring and summer) but always gravitate towards this one from Fresh. Its scent is such a delicate blend of florals and citrus, it makes me want to do nothing more than kick back in a hammock with a good book and some lemonade.

{Sugar Lychee Candle, Fresh, $48.00}

Tags: Fresh, Sugar Lychee Candle
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Oui, oui, Paris.

March 17th, 2010 by Ruth

Balenciaga Paris {Coty is a client}

As spring is finally in the air, there is nothing more important for soul and being than feeling beautiful, strong and fresh. That said, I’m ushering the season in with the new scent, Balenciaga Paris. Talented perfumer Olivier Polge has expertly created a fragrance with a delicate mystery that strikes a chord with any fragrance lover.

Simple and pure with no embellishments, the fragrance is housed in a gorgeous blown glass bottle. The demure violet note is pleasant as today’s springy sunshine. And while I’m typically drawn to muskier scents, the floral notes aren’t overwhelming with added pepper and calm, mossy wood.

Charlotte Gainsbourg, the face of Balenciaga Paris, embodies French elegance, as Nicolas Ghesquiere explains. An alchemy between chic and impertinence, “This fragrance is just like her.” Click here to watch a video with Nicolas Ghesquiere and Charlotte Gainsbourg surrounding the making of the fragrance.

Tags: Balenciaga Paris, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Nicolas Ghesquiere
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Balm-shell.

March 13th, 2010 by Catherine

With a dreary weekend ahead (weathermen have predicted up to 4″ of rain will drown the East Coast!), I’m determined not to let inclement weather get me down. And while my plans aren’t set to be ruined by the rain, I still plan on leaving the house once in a while. So in an attempt to brighten my cloudy days, I’ve gone out and bought a bright, cheery lipstick from Maybelline. Their Coral Crush Color Sensational Lipcolor is a bold-meets-sheer wash of pigment that doesn’t overpower my face. With a few errands to conquer (I’m thinking of wearing a snorkel and fins), I’m braving the elements with lipstick. Logical? Probably not. But can anyone think of a better way to feel sunnier?

Tags: Lipcolor, Maybelline
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Daily Diamond: Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss

March 8th, 2010 by Catherine

Confession: I’m one of those consumers who definitely judges a book by its cover. A product’s packaging has to have something worthwhile to draw me in (whether it’s fancy or simple doesn’t really matter) to learn more. But that’s usually where the allure stops. Having worked in some capacity within the beauty industry for 7 years now, I’ve become immune to the hypnotic effect so many products have, and in the process have saved myself (and my wallet) from frivolous spending.

{Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss, Hourglass, $26.00}

Such was not the case when I spied Hourglass’ new Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss. The sleek, thin tube is super futuristic-looking, and the gloss shades are to die for. There are six in total, all of which promise to glide on sheer, without the goopy tack that accompany so many other formulas I’ve tried. I haven’t stopped craving the strawberry-hued Pulse, and am stopping by Sephora tonight after work! Spring has sprung on the east coast, which means it’s time for a poppy new lip color.

Am I the only one who craves a beauty overhaul when the weather gets nicer?

Tags: Hourglass, Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss
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A tan, bright, and gorgeous spring by Clarins.

March 4th, 2010 by Ruth

clarins

Earlier in the week, I had the opportunity to attend an intimate demonstration of Clarins‘ new Spring 2010 Collection (spring-inspired cocktails included!) and I spent most of the night ooh-ing and ahh-ing over every single product. The latest collection includes a mix of hydrators, an everlasting foundation, exfoliators and brighteners. I’ve narrowed down my two favorites and have shared with you what I like about them after the jump! (more…)

Tags: Clarins. Gentle Beauty Soap, Delectable Self Tanning Mousse, self tanner
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What I want for spring…

March 4th, 2010 by Catherine

With springtime just a couple weeks away, I’ve got my eye on a few additions…

A sweet, floral fragrance to compliment the new blooms all around.

This Alexander Wang Shirt Dress to wear with just about everything that’s already in my closet.

These darling (and super-affordable!) espadrilles from Old Navy.

This ladylike bag from Coach that’s big enough to tote my necessities, but small enough to comply with my weekend resolution.

Posted in Chic Appeal, Chic Frills | 1 Comment »

Sheer genius.

March 1st, 2010 by Catherine

{PIXI Sheer Cheek Gel, $18.00}

Every so often, a product comes along and really knocks my socks off. Such was definitely the case when I tried PIXI’s Sheer Cheek Gel, a best-selling product that delivers the most natural-looking flush with major staying power. Since I’m usually not the girl who remembers to touch up her makeup throughout the day, this works particularly well when I need to look polished, but don’t have the time (or will) to put in the effort. I love its sheer wash of color the most, but also its simplicity to apply. Because it goes on super sheer, it’s goof-proof if you tend to overdo your blush (there’s nothing less chic than clown makeup, no?). So for those of your ladies who prefer to look delicately flushed, as though you’ve just taken a brisk walk in fresh air, this is definitely the product for you.

PIXI’s Sheer Cheek Gel is available in four different shades for $18.00 at Target stores nationwide and online at pixibeauty.com and target.com.

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Mile-high luxe club.

February 24th, 2010 by Catherine

I’m going to Aruba in June for a week and am already sweating about my packing problems. I tend to overpack (give me a break here – what girl doesn’t?), but with restrictions and bag fees, I’m getting nervous that I’ll wind up dipping into my vacation fund to cover excess charges. Luckily, someone else with similar problems to my own thought of a solution. It’s called www.3floz.com, where you’ll find luxury products from favorite brands like Ahava, Jonathan, Ole Henriksen, Malin + Goetz, and more, all in handy, TSA-approved sizes. For all you expert packers out there, this might not be the most exciting news you’ve heard today, but for those of us who’ve seen beloved lotions and potions be tossed out at security checkpoints, we’re pretty darn excited this won’t happen again.

I’ve made my picks already (hey, I’m excited for my trip!), and listed them below. Any Chic-Thrills readers out there with upcoming trips?

{Frequent Flyer Kit, Ahava, $22.00}

{Rejuvenating Oil, Philip B., $30.00}

{Essential Kit, Malin + Goetz, $30.00}

With brands being added by the day, it’s nice to know there’s a website catering to make travel a little more comfortable. For more great products, fly on over!

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The polished look.

February 23rd, 2010 by Ruth

While sitting on the F train heading back down to the office, I had a rather lengthy conversation with Dina Fierro, of Eye4Style fame, about her manicure. She spilled the beans – she had quickly done them the night before and used Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure.

In all honesty, I was shocked! Not only was I surprised to hear that this was her favorite drug store brand, but I was intrigued when she began to tell me about the special paint brush that has multi-length bristles. It’s on the thicker side and has a round-ish tip. So, this weekend I made a trip to my local Walgreen’s and scooped up the polish in Commander in Chic.

To put it simply, I was blown away by the results. The brush itself was shaped like a “U” and made for a smooth, error proof manicure. The paint itself went on flawlessly, and had the perfect texture and consistency. And at $8, this is a no-brainer for those looking for a gorgeous color and easy, quick application.

Check out some of my pictures of the nail color and brush below.

Tags: Complete Salon Manicure, Dina Fierro, Eye 4 Style, nail polish, Sally Hansen
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