5ave 5 '09: Joann S of Sugar Bear Enterprises

Joann is the force who is owner and executive chef of Sugar Bear Enterprises, her personal chef and private catering company. She hails from San Diego and loves to enjoy " all the city has to offer", like Balboa Park's free museum tuesdays, the beach and yoga.

Over the Thanksgiving break I caught up with Joann and captured her 5 favorites of '09.

Hair: Sexy Hair®Hair Spray Wax- " Great for dirty spunky look on clean hair".

Fragrance: Solid Perfume at Whole Foods- Egyptian Bergamot Rose- " They look like little sticks"

Skin: Tea Tree Blemish Stick from Whole Foods- " works like a dream"

Cosmetics: Bare Essentials- "[I] swear by it!"

Body:" Dia De Los Muertos"Sleeve tattoo by Scott Silvia from San Francisco

You can contact Joann at Sugar Bear Enterprises here

5ave 5 of '09: Liz Wright of the Love Grenades

photo: Love Grenades via Myspace

Liz is an incredible singer, songwriter, performer- no seriously. The Love Grenades are a Sam Sparro produced. L.A. based, electro-dance-pop ball of Justice meets Debbie Harry, yes the torch has been passed.

I had the pleasure to check out the Love Grenades at NYC's CMJ showcases last month and she almost knocked me out- litterally. During her performance she got down with the crowd, spurring enigmatic fun and hyped it up! My current jam is "Tigers In The Fire" and another favorite is "Young Lovers".

When Liz had a spare moment, she let me in on her favorite 5 products that helped her get through the year.

Liz's 5ave 5 of '09:

Skin: Dr. Brandt Skin Care Blemishes No More

Cosmetics: MAC's Ruby Woo and Rocker Lipsticks

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation

Hair: Oribe Shampoo for Brilliance and Shine

Aquanet Hair spray (only when performing)

Checkout The Love Grenades on MySpace here

5ave 5 of '09: Graizzy Bear Anna!

Anna G. is a blogger and project manager living in NYC. She yet to cease in obsessing over Lykke Li and Grizzly Bear for the past two years, and her favorite film is a tie between Pee Wee's Big Adventure and The Shining.

Hair : When all else fails (which is, well, everything), I use Frederick Fekkai Glossing Cream. It's probably the only product besides Davine's Oil Non-Oil (which I can't find ANYWHERE for some reason) that actually makes my thick, frizzy, unruly hair slightly less horrific-looking.

Nails : Whatever red color I get at the nail place. I prefer to leave my nails to the professionals, otherwise I end up looking like a deranged 5-year old painted my nails (i.e. me).

Skin : Neutrogena anti-wrinkle, anti-blemish scrub. It makes me feel like I'm not still a teen and yet not a weird older lady trying to fight wrinkles, yet it incidentally fights wrinkles, if that's even possible. It's not. But, whatever, I guess at least I don't use the exact products hawked by some Disney channel asshole.

Fragrance : Michael Kors. Though I was hesitant at first to buy something so closely associated with the nouveau riche aesthetic from the mindspace of a man who is, apparently, orange, this shit smells pretty good. It became an instant classic for me. However, I may soon try out YSL's Parisienne. It smells like a wilted rose in the best way possible-- a more sophisticated balance of floral and warmer, deeper notes. Almost smells like Prada cologne, but more subtly sweet and much more rich.

Cosmetics : Aside from my new favorite Givenvchy lipstick I got on my birthday, I love my Nars duo blush/bronzer in Sin/Casino. If used with a large brush, you can easily adjust the levels on each, making it a go-to item year-round.

Photo by: Driven By Boredom

5ave 5 of '09: Lacroix!

Yes, I had to add myself to this poll for one reason in particular- It's my B-day today!

About me? I'm San Diego bred, Brooklyn Fed, working at a financial firm in Downtown Manhattan by day and churn out Lacroix the Beauty Blog and Lavande-garde on nights and weekends. Serious addictions: NARS, Salted Carmel Ice Cream, watching Party Down and the need to bust new terrible dance moves!

Here are my 5ave 5 of '09:

Hair: Every single day involves Pantene's Relaxed and Natural hairspray. Its great for moisturizing and doesn't make my hair feel heavy. I often mix Oscar Blandi's Protiene Jasmine hair spray with this for a nice jasmine smell.

Fragrance: Chloe, Chloe, Chloe! Its been the best fragrance investment ( and only one) all year! I spray this lightweight gen on seriously every other day. Words can't describe the delicate scent and its so uplifting and perfect for the day. Night time requires Christian Lacroix's Tumulte, the perfect blend of musky and floral- tumultuous indeed!

Skin: I love YSL's Gommage Natural exfoliator, a little goes a long way when used once a week. For the everyday? Neutrogena's Visibly Even cleanser is my savior! its light, gentle and I see amazing improvements to my skin all the time. Moisture for my oily skin calls for Caudalie's Premieres Vendages Moisturizer cream. I've been addicted since I received a sample of it in a Paris pharmacy, its not greasy, very light and smells amazing.

Nails: This year has been a conundrum when it came to nails. But I am standing firmly with OPI's Done out in Deco which I have used the most this year thus far. The light lavender looks great against my skintone and its so subtle I can wear it on my nails to the office without the complete and obvious looks of shock that I would have if I rocked Chanel Jade on my fingers ( which is use frequently on my toes).

Cosmetics: Where do I begin, clearly one in each category wasn't enough- I'll try my best to pair down this one. Concealers are my vice, I have the hardest time finding a match but Maybelline's Corrector coverstick in Deeper Beige is a hit too bad I just learned ( this morning) its been discontinued!

Blush- NARS Nirvana, if you find it, it is a holy grail product. A beautiful terra-cotta clay that warms the cheeks but is not as loud as Exhibit A and has no shimmer like its sister Taj Mahal.

Bronzer- YSL Bronzer in #2, I've been singing its praises for over 2 years, this will give you cheekbones like you won't believe especially is if you have a deep cocoa skintone like me!

Eyes- Givenchy PhenomenEyes! Lips- for day Kiehl's New York Nude gloss is an easy to apply nude and for night Dior 's High Shine Lip color in Catwalk Mauve- just the right amount of color to go with a clean lined eye ( MAC Blacktrack fluidline). ( Apologies, again, clearly more than 5, I can't edit myself!)

(Bonus) Body: I'm fairly simple when it comes to body care. I use Dove Exfoliating Beauty Bar Soap, for scrub I use Giovanni's Hot Chocolate body scrub that I recently picked up at Duane Reade. This is a great inexpensive alternative to the Philosophy's Gingerbread man and it does the same job! Warms up in your hands, is a great sugar exfoliator and smells like you want to eat it ( but can't). Moisturizer? Good 'ol always in fashion Vasoline!

5ave 5 of '09: Danielle of Danielleish!

Danielle is now a buyer based out of Houston, TX (yeehaw!) and Brooklyn will not be the same with out her. We have missed her sweet potato pancakes and cake balls with crazy confectionary glaze! Now she loves "keeping up with my gorgeous east coast friends". Aww, Thanks Danielle!

"Outside of work, if I'm not at workout bootcamp (www.HoustonHeightsBootcamp.com) I'm hunting out banh mi sandwiches and the best BBQ and queso the south has to offer!"

Here are Danielle's favorite 5 products:

Skin: Oil of Olay Daily Regenerist Serum - I am a freak for Oil of Olay - this is the product that was always on my mother's bathroom counter. Though, I find the classic moisturizer to be a bit heavy for me. I really love this product because it doesn't leave me feeling greasy and it doesn't suffocate my face in the hot Texas sun!

Fragrance: Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey Cologne - I have been wearing this scent for about three years, usually once the weather gets colder, and I love it. It's pretty unique, but the Jo Malone fragrances are all so distinct that you really get the chance to find something perfectly suited for you. Additionally, they offer a Fragrance Combining Menu for that truly one-of-a-kind perfume that only you will be wearing around town. More on that here: http://www.jomalone.com/TheWorldofJoMalone/fragrance.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY21651

Hair: Neutrogena Shampoo, anti-residue formula - I really like trying out tons of different shampoos + conditioner combinations. But once a week I give my hair a much-needed reprieve and wash it with this classic shampoo and then finish with a deep conditioning mask. The shampoo DOES kind of smell like my grandpa's old leather loafers and stale after shave, but I know with all the products to which I subject my hair, it needs a good thorough cleaning. This stuff does the trick.

Body: Dove Sensitive Skin Body Bar - I really love bar soap, but my microdermabrasion lady always tells me that I need to break this habit. A friend recommended this product to me by way of her dermatologist and I have been hooked ever since! It's sensitive enough to be used on your face, you can pick it up at the grocery store along with your apples and oranges, and I still get that bar soap satisfaction with which I strangely can't seem to part.

Hair 2.0: Bumble and Bumble Styling Creme - This stuff is really the bomb, yall. It's so versatile, you can use it if you're going to air dry your hair and go au naturale, or if you're really gonna amp things up and go super sleek and bring out the hair dryer/other assorted hair tools. It doesn't weigh your hair down, yet it still provides the right amount of hold so your hair doesn't fall limp the second you walk out the door. Though, for a big night, I still bring out the trusty hair spray - my proximity to Dallas gets me every time!

(Surprise! BONUS!) Certain Dri - Oh, where to begin with this one. Look, nobody likes sweaty pits. This stuff will get that pesky problem out of your life once and for all! No need to go into detail, but upon my recommendation, get thee to a CVS and start using it today! Those old "Sure? Unsure." commercials can finally be laid to rest thanks to Certain Dri!

5ave 5 of '09- The Fabulous Faye W.

Faye hails from London and has lived in Soho, NYC for the past 3 years. She has "fallen completely in love - with the city, my friends, the fashion, the music, the lifestyle, my daily spin classes, the experimental nature of expression and the ability to try anything to see whether it works, or fits, or simply feels right for that day only."

Faye also has the most amazing eyelashes! I asked for tips on how she gets her lashes to be so full that all your attention is drawn to her eyes- she uses YSL's Le Faux Cils!

" I love being able to create a style and be particular about preferences when it comes to products, and being able to be a girly girl as well as not feel guilty about the me time. I'm also pretty particular when it comes to my fitness and beauty routine and Manhattan allows me to do that without feeling too OCD! But maybe its all relative....."

Here is Faye's 5ave 5 of '09:

Hair - I have used George Michael Medora Long Hair products for about 6 years now - you can buy them at the Madora Long Hair Haven on Madison and 49th, the Long Hair Clinic in London, or order over the internet (which is good for me and my 3 block rule at the weekend!). Its a 3 step product with combinations of shampoo, 60 second conditioner and a creme rinse. The system completely eliminates static and is really good for your hair, preventing build up on your scalp, and smells good too - it can be used for long hair like mine, coloured, straightened, or shorter styles. I also love the 12 minute conditioner which I apply to my dry hair either a few minutes before the shower, or for a special treat, before bed so it has 6-8 hours to soak in before a wash.

Nails - I'm a fan of Essie - Licorice, Chinchilly, Midnight Cami, and occaisinally a little Wicked. Anything dark without sparkle to be honest!

Skin - Being a Brit, I have used [Boots] Number 7 products since I was 11 or 12, and the latest serum, Protect and Perfect, is a wonder. Outselling most competitors in the UK when it was launched it was limited to 1 tube per customer at Boots, the largest national drugstore chain. Now available at Target, I use it every morning underneath daily moisteriser and love it. As do a few of my male friends who have been tempted to try it - and its super affordable, leaving a few dollars spare to spend on the Creme de la Mer nightcream!

Fragrance - I'm currently wearing Ambree by Prada, love it, although have committment issues when it comes to my scent... Jo Malone's orange blossom is also great and reminds me of Christmas holidays with my family in the snowy mountains of Switzerland.... bliss

Cosmetics - I'm a MAC girl, love my satin lipstick - Faux. But I am never without my mascara - I love Le Faux Cils by YSL in number 3 (bright blue) as well as black, but Maybelline's Colossal Volume Express in black is pretty good, too. I literally layer it on - 3-4 coats on each eye every day...

5ave 5 of '09: Terry from Superqueen!

Terry loves writing about Fashion and Fashion photography on Dallo Spazio. Plus she is a fellow NARS-ist, with a penchant for vivid. She lives in North-East of Italy with her husband and my 19-month-old daughter.

"I have lots of hobbies, even if I don't have much spare time. First of all, I love writing about fashion and fashion photography, but I also like going to the cinema, listening to any type of music (but deep inside I'm still a grunge chick), reading horror novels and comics, collecting vintage gloves and rhinestone necklaces, Balenciaga bags and Helmut Newton coffee table books."

Here are Terry's 5ave 5 products she's been using this year:

Hair: I can't live without Garnier Fructis Long & Strong shampoo + hair conditioner. I have long wavy hair that becomes a messy nest without some conditioning.

Nails: Chanel Black Satin nail polish and OPI Alpine Snow nail polish. These are the ying yang of my nail polish collection and I love both of them. I use the first all the time, but I use the second when I want to sport an old-school colour, which reminds me of the 80s - it actually looks like white out).

Skin: Dr Hauschka Rose Light day cream. It's simply the best face moisturizer I've used so far, definitely a holy grail product for me.

Fragrance: I cannot choose one, because I have three favourite fragrances, all by the Parisian Diptyque. They are L'Ombre Dans l'Eau (blackcurrant leaf and Bulgarian rose), Olene (jasmin, wisteria and narcissus) and Philosykos (white cedar and fig tree leaves). Once you've tried Diptyque perfumes, you cannot go back to synthetic perfumes!

Cosmetics: when it comes to cosmetics, I am truly a NARS-issist :) Should I choose two products, I'd pick Shanghai Express lipstick (a deep red which makes you feel like an Old Hollywood diva) and Cruella velvet matte lip pencil (the product I've used most this year, nearly on a daily basis).

Check out Terry and her amazing blog Dallo Spazio here

5ave 5 of '09: Jamie of Rural Glamour

Our first beauty poller for the 5ave 5 of 09 mini-series is Jamie Jeter, editrix of Rural Glamour, Real Life Beauty Blog.

Her loves? "beauty products of course, reading stacks of magazine, pop culture, history trivia, and playing my makeup!".

Her 5ave 5 of '09 are the following:

Hair: Organix Shea Butter Shampoo. "Great for dry and chemical treated hair and its sulfate-free!"

Nails: Creative Nail Design Sticky-"My favorite base coat...adheres the polish for long lasting wear."

Skin: Cetephil Facial Wash- "I went 'back to basics" and was the best decision in skin care all year! "

Fragrance: "Kiehls Musk+Kielhs Vanilla mix- the signature scent I've been waiting on."

Cosmetics: NK HD Eye Shadows "[I] find them at my local BSS for a $1.49. the pigment and quality are just amazing."

Check out Jamie's blog at http://city-itis.blogspot.com/ and her fabulous youtube video's here or look for ruralglamour.

5ave 5 of 09: Adina Z of Krasey Beauty

Krasey Beauty, or Adina as her friends call her, is a 20-something born and raised in the ever-fabulous New York City. I recently have met her in person as she is a regular contributor on the mostly MAC beauty site Spectra.net.

She is absolutely obsessed with everything beauty and fashion, and juggles her time between her full time job in finance, beauty blogging, and roaming around New York City in search of the latest and greatest in beauty.

Her site Kraseybeauty.com is a fantastic one stop for NY Fashion Week coverage, new product reviews and a great place for Haul-ic's.

Here are Adina's 5aves of '09:

Hair: The Phytospecific line.

"The only shampoo I have tried thus far that truly moisturized my hair and left it frizz free. The all-natural formula does my hair right."

Nails: Zoya Nail Polish

"With tons of colors and finishes to choose from, and a formula as strong as Fort Knox, it's no wonder this amazing little polish company has captured my heart."

Skin: Jan Marini's Bioglycolic line

"With a formula as advanced as it is effective, the bioglycolic line keeps my skin in tip top shape. Though I have tried many other brands, I have been returning to Jan Marini."

Fragrance: La Prairie's Life Threads in Silver.

"Life Threads Silver is a sweet floral that is both warm and flirtatious. To me Silver is your twenties. The scent represents that stage in your life where you are simply enjoying life and all of the pleasures it has to offer. You aren't sure where you are headed, but you are definitely enjoying the ride. The citrus notes provide a burst of energy, while the strong floral notes lend a hint of flirtation."

Cosmetics: Make Up For Ever eyeshadows

"Amazing finish, amazing colors. Bar none, the highest quality shadow I have. I own 48 different shades."

Check out Kraseybeauty.com! and follow her on twitter: KraseyBeauty

notes:

The following samples were provided to Adina by the following companies:

Zoya Nail Polishes

Jan Marini's Bioglycolic line

5ave 5 of 09: Shani Bella!

I’m a smart, sexy, chick with an afro! I’m currently living in San Diego but always in a NY state of mind. No matter where I go I don’t think that will ever change. There is something about being a native New Yorker, just a chick from The Bronx, which I take great pride in. Like anyone in any town anywhere it aided in shaping me into who I am. And who am I…

Well, I am without a doubt a people person. I love to talk, watch, and analyze people. I find it incredibly hard not to talk. I will talk to almost anyone. I even talk in my sleep sometimes! I can talk day and night about people, culture, and politics. I have a dark and dirty sense of humor with a bit of sarcasm at times. Overall, I’m an outgoing chick that likes good conversation with good people and love to laugh. I enjoy being out and about with friends and love ones. My favorite pastime things to do are watching movies, dancing, hiking, cooking, going to concerts and plays, watching live music and art performances, trying foreign cuisines, playing trivia games, discovering new restaurants and hang out spots, bargain shopping, taking long walks with no destination in mind, and most of all traveling abroad.

Here’s my beauty picks…

Cosmetics:

Numero uno for me in 2009 is NARS Cream Blush, Cactus Flower. It’s been a while since I found a make-up product that I use almost every single day. It is so pretty and natural. When I want a little oomph, a va-va voom look I just add a second to third layer.

Fragrance:

Still loving and using daily since 2003 my signature fragrance Sicily by D&G. However, a new Italian (by name not origin) contender stepped on the scene (well my scene) in 2009,Tocca’s Eau de Purfum. All of the fragrances are marvelous. My favorites are Brigitte, Cleopatra, and Florence.

Hair:

I love the new richer and thicker formula of Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla and Tui Herbal Shampoo I found this year at Sephora! A quarter size squirt is enough to get a nice thick lather. Okay a half-dollar dollop for me, I have thick hair and I’m a little OCD when it comes to cleaning-up. My hair was nice and soft, not crunchy and dry like other shampoos tend to do. I would somewhat describe it as having a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner affect on my hair. Plus it smells delicious! I wear my hair natural and it’s hard to find high-quality, all natural, non smelly products. For some reason, I guess manufacturers assume us natural chicks want to smell like sandalwood and eucalyptus – ah negative. Walking around smelling like a spicy market or a hippie smoke shop is a not cute. At any rate, CD products have always been good but in my opinion even better now. Keep up the good work Price. I plan on revisiting the other CD products too.

Skin:

Canus Goat's Milk Soap, it took me forever to find this soap this year but it’s worth it. Of all places I found it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond here in San Diego, whatever. It’s great for sensitive, dry, and troubled skin. Goat milk soap and products are very moisturizing withnatural emollients and vitamins. So if you’re like me, dry skin with the occasional eczema flare ups or just need to gear-up your skin for the winter months, this is the soap!

Nails:

I’m a Mani & Pedi chick all the way, come hell or high water. HOWEVER, I don’t allow manicurist to cut my finger nail cuticles. I use a cuticle softener/remover at home. Recently in support of a co-worker I ordered some Avon which is usually a no-no for me. Nothing against Avon or Avon fans but I was totally over their products by 15. Anyway, I got the Avon Nail Experts Instant Gel Cuticle Remover and Nail Polish Remover Wipes and they are wonderful. The cuticle remover works very well without drying out my cuticles but not instantly as the name proclaims. The nail polish remover wipes are a fabulous must have in my cosmetic and travel bag. Great inexpensive buy!

November's 5ave 5 of '09!

Happy November!

To round out the most coveted products of the year, I turned to some of my favorite fellow beauty bloggers, some NYC beauties, a gorgeous Rocker and a couple of Wild Things!

This month they will share their 5 favorite products that helped them feel and stay beautiful all year!

xoxo, L