Alternative use for MAC's Volcanic Ash Exfoliator

With MAC's Future Earth collection last year was one of many cult favorites- Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. Made with volcanic ash from Vanuatu and smelled liked like molten lava, this was coveted by many a MAC fanatic.

While it cleansed my pores and made my skin nice and smooth- it also prompted me to clean EVERYTHING in my bathroom as it looked like the lochness monster attacked the sink.

Since my VAE is in regular rotation with other gommages and it will make an appearance in MAC's Style Black collection in the fall. I figured I would put it to use somewhere else- my feet!

Yes, a little scrubbin' goes a long way, it softens my feet and gets rid of seriously dry flakes associated with walking in heals for 8+ hours, wearing sandals while walking in the park and good old wear and tear. Plus, the same amount ( roughly the size of a quarter) does the job without much mess. Yet another great thing about VAE is that since you have it, you can forgo you regularly scheduled pedi's at the shop , DIY and save that money for a sample sale or a nice meal.

Au Revoir Lacroix

Such sad news for weeks was finally brought to a head yesterday when Christian Lacroix concluded ( what is believed to be) his last couture show. Though rumors tell us LVMH may be in the market to finance him and Lacroix made an appearance at the Givenchy couture show ( backed by LVMH) nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

Save Lacroix!

Chris Benz for Lancome: Pout-a-porter

Literally, just when I was going to declare the end of Limited Edition makeup madness (i'm seriously talking to you MAC, that's for another post). Lancome has done it..again. They have a new lipstick for their Pout-a-porter series for designer Chris Benz ( hey, didn't he use NARS last spring?).

So all the Lancome Lippie collectors that have Peter Som, Thakoon, Behnaz, Sarapfour and Proenza Schouler can catch this one too. But first, you have to name it.

On Chris Benz's Facebook Fan page you can win win win deadline is July 12th.

By the way, you think Som and Benz will do a Target Go International collection too?

Photo:Style.com

Givenchy Couture: the other 5th element

Middle Eastern inspiration was at the forefront of Richardo Tisci's collection for Givenchy.

Love the deep purple!

Pics: Fashionologie

Dior Couture Fall 09: Its a Brow Thing

To kick off the Fall '09 Couture season, Dior scaled the show ( though there were 2 shows) and lost the pants and brought on the strong brows.

I feel as though every couture season is about the brows when it comes to Dior but these look like they are inspired by Madonna and Joan Crawford. Crawford has served plenty as Galliano's inspiration in the past.. strong women, "no wire hangers", and apparently no pants as well.

If only I could walk around the city in silk night shorts- that would be the day, right?

Photo: Style.com

Hot Hot Heat: Summer Reds

As inspiration for the 4th, I started rockin' some reds.

With the humidity up and the sun ( finally) at work, I avoided anything that was going to:

1. melt off my face and 2. something I was going to have to re-apply all day long.

Hello matte lips!

My favorite red lipsticks are:

Rubywoo (MAC)- has that pin-up feel, matte with staying power a cheery blue-red. I'm so happy the formula has not changed.

Charred Red (MAC)- if Rubywoo is day, then Charred is night. Its a deeper wine that reminds me of the colors that we used to rock in the mid-late nineties ( during the day) like all the girl groups.

Dragon Girl ( NARS)- while this is a matte pencil, its a blue based red with color you can build and with the BEST staying power. I wore this on the 4th and didn't need to re-apply.

What's your favorite red?

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July Holiday!

I'll be rockin' RubyWoo or Hindu, whichever works with a great vintage Valentino day dress I picked up at the Brooklyn Flea.

xo Lacroix

NARS Fall 09: Lolita

Coming August 2009

Thanks to lalashake at Makeupalley for the promo image.

Details coming soon...

Diorshow Brow Styler

I'm all about Dior's Diorshow Masacara and I think they can do now wrong in the mascara territory but this week I received an e-mail about a Diorshow Brow Styler. Wha?

I use Dior's Waterproof Crayon Eye-liner on the regular and love the consistency. Mainly because everything that has waterproof attached is clumpy, streaky and hard to wash off.

This one is actually smooth, seamless and stays until washed off-- which was one of my struggles with MAC's kohl powers. It was all over my face by high noon!

Since I received an e-mail regarding the Diorshow Brow Styler, I'm going to have to see where it is available to purchase since the website has been known to lack current color /shade information . Hopefully they can and will be on their A game and add this newbie!

Gunmetal Talon Knucklebuster

Jewelry for me has been a journey, I'm really picky plus I like a bit of edge i.e bone casting, twisted metal but with an earthy feel and an everyday appeal ( I want to wear it to work you know). I found Made Her Think's Gunmetal Talon Knucklebuster at Save Fashion last month at the Port Authority and immediately Anna said "it's so you" and I concur. Being that dazzling up my wardrobe is such a rarity, I wondered how I can pull off a ring like this?

Upon me purchasing the ring, I just missed the creator of the brand Meredith Kahn but I had to reach for the talon ring in all its Swavarski Crystaled glory and I love wearing it. It instantly dresses up my blah t-shirt and jeans routine on the weekend or my happy hour attire at 5:30pm.

From what I know, Meredith is a Brooklyn based designer whose Gunmetal Talon ring has been on some celebs- Rhianna being one. Her site is a amazing to say the least. The film is pure art, its hauntingly refreshing and piques my curiosity of what's to come next. So far, a collection is inspired by Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.

Pre working for a jewelry designer last year, I had no clue what into the hard work and creativity we experience, a true craft. I didn't even own any piece except for my trusty Fleur de Lis earrings that I picked up from Forever 21-that seems to have outlasted every piece of anything I have bought there.

Check out Made Her Think here