Swell Skin: Get Great Skin In 2011

Where do you stand on the subject of New Years Resolutions? I usually make a few and I sometimes even keep a few. This year I need to get serious about taking care of my skin again. I used to be so good (bordering on militant) about cleansing, moisturizing, treatment, etc, but lately I've been lazy and I'm afraid it shows.
How about you? Could you use a nudge as well?

Sephora has a new Limited Edition, online only deal going on the Korres Brightening & Anti-Aging Rose Collection. It's a set of 6 products that work to bring your dull skin back around to brightness. Korres skin care is made without Parabens, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs, or Triclosans.

If blemishes are your particular challenge, then take a look at Murad's Get Clear Live Clear collection. It's a Sephora exclusive and features products made without Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs, or Triclosan.

Image credit: Sephora.com

Swell Giveaways: Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm

Homemom is giving away Carmex over at Homemom3.com.  You have a chance to win either a clear, a sheer pink or a sheer peach Moisture Plus lip balm.  I am a lip balm girl. I like a sheer natural look and I hate chapped lips, so Carmex Moisture Plus lip balm is perfect for me.


Visit Homemom.com for complete giveaway rules.

Swell Shopping: Stocking Stuffers From Sephora

Figuring out stocking stuffers for grownup girls can be challenging. Luckily Sephora has their line of Sephora Favorites Best Of Deluxe sets. For example, the Best of Fragrance Deluxe set features fragrances such as Marc Jacobs Daisy, Vera Wang Princess, and Harajuku Lovers G.


For more Best Of collection, take a look at the Sephora online shop.

(Ugh. I'd like to share a photo, but for some reason Google isn't cooperating with me. Grr.)

Swell Smells: Smell Bent Holiday Fragrances

I got the latest Smell Bent limited edition smellies in the mail. My favorite thing about this batch is the spicy-woodiness of the notes. My favorite would be Reindeer Games with notes of French Incense, Bergamont, Popular Bud, Amber, Templin, and Douglas Fir. A set of all 5 holiday sample-size sprays would make a great stocking stuffer.

Here's something really swell....

This year, we have created a scent to help benefit an organization which we think is on the forefront of helping others - charity: water. with nearly a billion people in the world struggling for access to clean water, we think the work done by charity: water is more pressing than ever.

For each bottle of scrooge the pooch purchased, 50% of the selling price will go directly to charity: water. for every $20 raised, charity: water can supply clean water to an individual for 20 years.

Scrooge the Pooch is a Chypre with notes of Blood Orange, Aged Patchouli, Vanilla Resin, Bay Leaf, Poplar Bud, Natural Oakmoss, and Musk.



Image credit: Smell Bent

Swell Natural Beauty: Crazy Rumors Vegan Lip Balms

The Winter weather can be tough on your skin, as I'm sure you know. Chapped hands and lips are my biggest challenges. Crazy Rumors has 4 vegan Candy Cane lip palms out for the holidays.

Look for Peppermint Twist, Pear & Peppermint, Pineapple & Peppermint, and Plum & Peppermint. Each vegan lip balm is all natural, made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients including Shea Butter, Jojoba oil, pure peppermint essential oil, and just a touch of the natural sweetener Stevia.


The lip balms are available at $3.99 a piece or a gift set of 4 for $15. Perfect for stuffing holiday stockings!

Girl Looks Swell readers can receive a 15% discount if they order they place their Crazy Rumors.com order by December 31st, 2010. Simply use the savings code CR15 at checkout.

Image credit: Crazy Rumors.com

Swell Skin: Miracle Skin Transformer & A Giveaway!

I just got word that Miracle Skin Transformer with SPF 20 will be available in a wider range of shades beginning next month, January 2011. The new shades include a Medium Tan, Dark, and a Deep Dark.

Have you tried Miracle Skin Transformer yet? It's a one-step application that hydrates, protects, smooths, and evens your skin's texture and appearance. It feels light and comfortable on the face - leaves your skin looking healthy and fresh, rather than make-up-y. I got to try a sample of it this Summer and I loved it. Fans of the Dr. Oz show may have seen Miracle Skin Transformer featured as a 2 Minute Beauty Miracle recently.


Hurry! There's only 1 week left to enter the Miracle Skin Things I Love Giveaway that features a  Jennifer Fisher14 karat Gold Star Pave pendant with diamonds, valued at $1,310. For giveaway details, click here.

Image credit: Miracle Skin Transformer.com

Swell Skin: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

I'm finally back!

My life has taken a few twists and turns since this past Summer. I'm now settled into a new life in Northern California........and after 4 weeks worth of me begging, pleading, and even raising my voice, I've got my internet connection back. Sheesh. I won't say what company I'm working with, but I will say that some of the people who work for the company appear to have no interest whatsoever in giving good customer service. I suppose they are paid the same amount - whether they provide good service or bad.

I have a new day job these days and it requires a lot of outdoor time. My hands, especially my fingertips, were becoming dry and cracked, so I picked up an old, tried & true favorite - Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream.  I tried a lot of products before I grabbed a tube of the Norwegian Formula the other day. It started to work immediately and in 24 hours, there was a noticeable improvement. It's an excellent product and you can get a tube for less than $5. Swell price.

Image credit: Drugstore.com

Swell Shopping: EO Is Havin' A Sale!

One of my favorite companies, EO, is having an online warehouse sale. They carry a huge variety of products including the Mandarin Spice hand soap that is currently sitting on the counter in my powder room. (Powder room? How proper am I??)

EO Products are made with organic ingredients. For example, their Chocolate & Mint moisturizer, one of my all-time favorite body lotions, is made with Cocoa Absolute and Rice Proteins which are full of antioxidants and flavonoids that help to fight the signs of aging. Other good-for you ingredients include Oat Betaglucan, Vitamins A & D, Mango See Butter, Olive Wax, Jojoba, Calendula, Chamomile, and White Tea.

Normally this moisturizer runs $8.99 for an 8 ounce bottle, but for a limited time, you can get it for $4.99. Click here for a complete listing on the products offered in the warehouse clearance sale.



Image credit: EO

Swell Smells: Miss Pucci & Marc Jacobs Daisy

I am going to be totally honest here - I'm writing about this purely because I like the bottle. I wish I could see it in person, hold it in my hand, because I'm so intrigued. Is it flat-ish? Is it heavy?

So much goes into the making of a fragrance - no detail is overlooked - and when it comes to bottles, well they can be a powerful selling point. The prettiest bottle I have is a silver version of Marc Jacobs Daisy. I love to shoot it because I can catch a good reflection off of it - lots of fun. In the case of Daisy, you get a whole rang of flankers, too -  pins, necklaces, special edition bottles. Great idea - a collector is going to want all the different versions and someone who might not otherwise try Daisy might be drawn to one of the other versions and think, hhmm I think I need this in a big bottle....

The Miss Pucci is all new modern-version of a Pucci scent and it's available exclusively at Sephora.

Fragrance notes: Sicilian Lemon, Turkish Rose, Comoros Ylang-Ylang, Tunisian Orange Blossom, Arabian Jasmine, Texas Cedar, Florentine Iris, Musk

Do you have a favorite perfume bottle?

Image credits: Sephora and Chase Your Bliss Photography

Swell Skin: Clinique & Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I love to check out the variety of pink-themed Breast Cancer Awareness products that come out every October. I'll do my best to share a good selection this month.  For example, purchase Clinique's Limited-Edition Dramatically Different Moisturing Lotion and Clinique will donate $10 of the purchase price to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The lotion comes in a 6.7 ounce size, with a pink ribbon charmed key chain.


Every Clinique purchase in October, shoppers will receive a free pink ribbon bookmark. If you'd like to make a donation directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, then take a look here.

Image credit: Clinique.com

Swell Smells: Marc Jacobs New Lola Ring

I'm sorry I've been gone so long. I started a new job this week and the training is kicking my butt! 

Have you seen this - a ring version of Marc Jacobs Lola perfume?

Cute! I have a feeling that Lola is going to be like Daisy, with a variety of accessories to go with it. I wore Lola just yesterday. I remember the first time I tried it. I walked into the grocery store and thought, "mm, someone smells good," and it was me! Pretty funny.

You can get the solid perfume ring for $21. It's only available in a size 7 for a limited time, so if Marc Jacobs perfume-jewelry is your thing, better grab one before they are all gone. Sephora shoppers give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Marc Jacobs Lola fragrance notes: Pink Peppercorn, Pear, Grapefruit, Rose, Peony, Geranium, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Musk

Swell Smells: Smell Bent's Fall Fragrances

I got the newest batch of Smellies in the mail from niche perfumery Smell Bent. Included in the shipment were the limited edition Fall/Halloween fragrances.

One. One has a subtle spicy-woody-vanilla smell to it. It has a nice balance, with the vanilla note coming across the strongest. The notes include Cardamom, Dark Vanilla, Dry Wood, and Sweet Musk.

Lucy Fur. Lucy Fur has "a splash of patchouli," so if you aren't a patchouli lover, you aren't going to like it. Me, I'm pro-patchouli, so I loved it. I keep sniffing my arm again and again. I'd like this one in a candle. (Hey, there's an idea Brent, from Smell Bent - how about some candles?? Possibly I have suggested this idea before. I've got a candle problem.) The notes include Red Musk, Vanilla Cream, and Patchouli.

Helen Carnate. Helen Carnate smells like a cupcake - but not a vanilla cupcake. Oh no. This cupcake would be rich and sinful and chock-full of dark chocolate goodness. Wow. I think this is the chocolate-i-est perfume I've ever smelled. I love it. The notes include Red Musk, Dark Chocolate, Red Mandarin, and Vetiver.

Lumberjack Werewolf. Lumberjack Werewolf smells like a pine forest. It smells like both the trees and the soil. How do they do that? Is it the musk?? The notes include Musk and Timber.

Bewitched Bothered & Bewilderness. BBB stumped me a bit. I definitely smell Cinnamon in there, but I got my daughter to help me try to figure out the rest. She guessed "cinnamon and lavender." I'm guessing there's also an orange element to it, because it reminds me of a pomander, the type you make by studding an orange with nutmeg. Smell Bent describes it as, "the sweet, spicy brew of a bubbling cauldron set against the lush scent of the forest at night." Very mysterious, but a very satisfying fragrance.

Smell Bent now carries their fragrances in a spray, too.  All the above fragrances are only available for a limited time. Get yours before November 1, 2010.

Image credit: Smell Bent.com

Swell Skin: Pacific Shaving Co for Men & Women

Awhile back I had the opportunity to try some of the wonderful products from Pacific Shaving Company*, but as my primarty sampler was my wonderful son, Max, I found it difficult to write my review until now. Max had Cerebral Palsy and I did all his shaving for him. He had very sensitive skin and I really had to try quite a few products before I found something that wouldn't irritate him.

I tried both the All Natural Shaving Cream as well as the Blade Oil that you spray directly on the razor on Max. It worked wonderfully - gentle, effective, smelled great. Max's face looked extra handsome and felt very smooth. The Shaving Cream, it's a little misleading - it comes in a little jar. I thought, wow, we are going to blow through this thing, but you use a smaller than normal amount, possibly because it's not all air.

The girls and I also tried the cream. It works well on legs and underarms. The Blade Oil extends the life of your razor and the All Natural Shaving Oil is a perfect for a girl like Bailey - no more shaving bumps. Instead of cream, you use a few drops of oil for a smooth shave.

All Pacific Shaving products are made with essential oils and certified organic ingredients. You can find them at Whole Foods, Harmon Discount Health & Beauty, Drugstore.com, Bed Bath & Beyond, Path Mark, Snyders, or your locak A&P.

*Product sample furnished to writer for review.

Image credit: Pacific Shaving Company

Swell Style: Her First Dance

My youngest daughter went to her first dance last night. She was so excited in the days leading up to it. The kids were told to wear lots of white because it was a black light dance.  We picked her up a dress at Forever 21 for $6.99, she added earrings and her favorite heart necklace and she was on her way.........

She had a wonderful time and is really looking forward to her next dance. It kind of makes me miss jr high, but just a little.....

Swell Style: Ellen Degeneres Struts the Catwalk

It's Fashion Week in NYC. Have you seen the photos of Ellen Degeneres strutting down the catwalk at the Richie Rich Runway show yesterday? Take a look at this...

I love Ellen and although that little hat makes me laugh, she's totally pulling off that silver suit - great color with her blue eyes.  Very impressive - Ellen really has that model-disdain look down.




Image credit: PicApp.com

Swell Shopping: Urban Decay Shadow 75% Off

Check out this Weekly Special makeup deal from Sephora.com ....


Urban Decay Loose Pigments, which usually retail for $20, but are currently $5 for a limited time. Wow. Big discount.

Loose Pigments are intensely colored mineral eyeshadows. They can be used in a variety of ways and are available in 4 shades; Baked, a rich bronze, Shag, a pale bronze (looks sort of mocha-like online), Smog, a medium brown, and a white shadow called Yeyo. These shadows are rated at 3.8 out of 5 stars.

The Loose Pigment formula is actually mineral makeup, made from pearlized powders derived from minerals. No dyes or synthetic pigments are used. The coolest advantage over other brands' loose pigments? No messy pots! The spill-proof tube uses a special internal funnel to keep pigment inside until you're ready to use it. The cap features an ergonomic flared handle and a built-in premium brush. Dip the brush into the color to apply, or tap out a little color and use your own brushes.

Image credit: Sephora.com

Swell Skin: Euphoric Skin Care, Plus Free Shipping Offer

Kenzo recently added a couple of new items to their Kenzoki Euphoric skin care collection. Fresh Jelly and Gumdrops is an exfoliating gel cleanser and the Nighshift Cream is a creamy night-time skin replenisher.

Kenzo shipped me both of these new products to try for a Girl Looks Swell review. As with each and every Kenzo product I've ever tried - I love them both. (I admit it, I have had a Kenzo crush for a few years now...... It all started with Kenzo Amour....). I have combination skin that is starting to show some signs of my age (I'm 44). It can be sensitive skin and I sometimes get little tiny pimples on my forehead. I am always on the look out for good skin care products.

The Nightshift Cream is rich, but not greasy. Plus, it smells incredible. I want a product with anti-aging properties, but I'm not a fan of anything that stinks. I don't want my pillow to smell like chemicals. This cream smells gingery and pretty. It's formulated with both Plant and Ginger Water. Both of these waters are full of mineral salts, trace elements, vitatmins and essential oils, which is...... here let me use this quote to explain, "... bio-compatible with physiological liquids and optimizes the efficacy of the active ingredients contained in the formula by improving their absorption by the skin." In addition, Ginger Water reinforces the "anti-radical activiy of anti-oxidizing agents". In short, don't let the pleasant fragrance fool you - this cream means business. And it did not make my forehead break out.

In the past I've tried another cleanser in this line, the Cleansing Ice Jelly, also excellent.  I like a creamy or gel-type cleanser that does the job, but does not leave my face feeling tight. The Fresh Jelly and Gumdrops cleanser is a keeper - it gently exfoliates and leaves my skin feeling fresh, but not tight. It's infused with mineral salts, trace elements, and vitamins (like the Nightshift Cream), with the addition of Ginseng. Ginseng is known for it's stimulating and toning abilities. That means you can skip the toner.

Place any $50 order at KenzoUSA until September 7, 2010, and receive free shipping when you use the code GINGER10 at checkout.

Image credit: Chase Your Bliss Photography

Swell Smells: Kat Von D & Adora

It looks like Kat Von D has a new fragrance in addition to her new man, (in case you haven't heard, she's dating recent Sandra Bullock ex, Jesse James. Whoop de doo...... Gossip, gossip, gossip...).

I like the bottle, but the top notes are a little fruit-heavy for my nose. Although, I do love the base notes of Patchouli, Musk, and Amber Wood. Sephora shoppers give Kat Von D's Adora 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you've had a chance to smell it, I'd love to hear your opinion.

Adora means "Beloved One" in Latin. For Kat, Adora reflects the next chapter in her personal evolution—an introspective renaissance discovered through deep layers, stories, and scars. She's a romantic soul with an edgy exterior. Adora is a sensual and passionate perfume journey—unexpected and provocative. This scent reveals a stirring glimpse into an enigmatic life…tortured, beautiful, and brutally honest. At the top, crushed juicy notes of lychée and boysenberry intertwine with thyme and a crisp shot of cassis. The heart fuses the distinct sweetness of hyacinth with jasmine to create floral notes, enhanced by freshly peeled mango. At the base, patchouli finds her spiritual matches with sheer musk and amber wood.

It's only available at Sephora. The rollerball Parfum is $16 and the 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum is $55.

Adora fragrance notes: Lychée, Boysenberry, Thyme, Cassis, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Mango Flesh, Patchouli, Sheer Musk, Amber Wood

Image credit: Sephora.com

Swell Style: Love, June At Etsy

I've got another wedding dress for you today. I was scrolling through my Facebook feed when this photo caught my eye...

Isn't it striking? This dress, from the Love, June Boutique at Etsy, reminds me of swimsuits that I used to pick out for my girls. The sort with lots of straps across the back, straps that reminded me of ribbons, turning a little girl into a pretty little package. It looks especially pretty when paired with the model's tattoo. I like a tattoo without a lot of color (I have two, both with very little color).

The dress is handmade and customizable. It would make a great bridesmaid dress, as well.

Tomorrow, something non-wedding related, I promise.

Image credit: Love, June at Etsy

Swell Style: Knit Wedding Dresses

In just a few weeks, I'll be shooting a wedding  for my photography company, Chase Your Bliss Photography. I'm very excited, as this will be a first for me. Up until now I've focused on individual and family portraits. I'm very excited about the whole project and to get ready, I've been looking at lots of wedding photos. I've noticed that even though most brides pick a white or ivory dress, they each like to put as much of their own personality and personal style into that dress.

Today, I found an email from Makepiece in my mail box. Makepiece crafts beautiful knit clothing. The company's aim is to be as carbon neutral as possible, which means the wool they use was obtained through sustainable farming practices.

If traditional wedding attire is not your thing, then take a look at Makepiece's collection Here's an example of a Makepiece wedding dress called Truffle.

You can see their entire collection here.

Image credit: Makepiece

Swell Style: Emmy Dresses & An Old Spice Emmy

Did you hear the news? "Swell Guy," Isaiah Mustafa, the Old Spice Man, won an Emmy last night. WooHoo! Congratulations!!



Did you have a favorite look from the Emmys? I liked the softer, more natural hair styles. Claire Danes looked gorgeous....... which reminds me, have you seen her lash enhancer commercial? That woman's lashes are nuts.


I read that some people didn't like January Jones dress, but I loved her hair. It was shiny and non-helmet-y and had these sort of long piece-y pieces that really contrasted with all the roundness of the dress.


Kyra Sedgwick's purple dress was pretty and it appeared to have sort of texture to it - either velvety or crinkly. I wish I could see a close-up of the fabric.


Toni Collete's dress had an interesting pattern at the bottom. It was drama at the bottom and sweet at the top.


A lady picks a dress - she wants to feel pretty for a special night, powerful, beautiful, etc. In the morning she gets up and there she is, star of a Worst Dressed At the Emmys list. Sheesh, if she was so inclined, she actually could have used her phone to surf the web to learn that news while still wearing the dress.

Last night, before it was even dark here on the West Coast, I saw one of the GLEE ladies on just such a list. Oh, what do the list-makers know?  She felt pretty, she's AT THE EMMYS, (while you are stuck behind your keyboard)  let her enjoy her night.

What do you think? Would you listen to the listmakers or would you let your heart help you decide what to wear?

Image credit: Picapp.com

Swell Style: 5 Sandals for Less Than $15

Charlotte Russe has a number of shoes on clearance right. Choices include flip flops, strappy sandals, high heels, and wedges - the full clearance sale selection is located here. Quite a few of the shoes are less than $15. Right now there are still a wide selection of sizes and color choices, here are a few examples....


Smocked Fabric Slides with a 4.5 inch cork bottom heel for $8.99

Leopard print loop front sandal for $10.99

Fabric pleated slingback, looks like a little tuxedo tie, for $12.99

Black and white checkered print heel, with a little ruffle over the toe for $13.99

Brown canvas strap wedge for $13.99

Image credit: Charlotte Russe.com

Swell Beauty: Ava Anderson Non-Toxic Makeup & Skin Care

Ava Anderson is not your average teenage girl. In 2008, at the age of 14, she saw a report that alerted her to the dangers of traditional makeup and skin care products.

The study was performed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), See study at right. We were both shocked, and I immediately went to my room to begin what would turn into months of research. The more I learned, the more alarmed I became. I started searching for safe products for my family, my friends and myself. After hundreds of hours of research it was apparent that although the market was flooded with “organic”, “natural”, “safe” and “pure”, there were almost always toxic ingredients and chemicals in there, as well, not to mention the ones hidden in the ingredient “fragrance.” I managed to find some “ok stuff” but nothing that was truly non-toxic.

Anderson found that nothing was truly non-toxic, so she set out to develop something of her own. Cosmetic toxicity is rated on a scale of 0-10. Ava's products are all zero.

My daughters and I have been using the Ava Anderson* mineral foundation and blush, plus a variety of the lip glosses. The foundation is perfect for teens who have issues with their skin. It's made with a Silk Powder that is is both an anti-inflammatory and a natural moisturizer.

I like the colors - Bailey uses the light foundation, Sarah and I use the medium. It's light and comfortable. Very nice makeup. It's easy to control how heavy you apply the makeup - you can go light if you only need a little coverage, or apply more for a more opaque finish. You can purchase just the foundation or get a kit that includes the Kabuki brush, blush, and foundation.

The glosses are made with plant-based ingredients including shea butter, mango seed butter, vitamins, antioxidants, and beeswax. The colors appear dark in the tube, but they go on very sheer with a light color. Perfect for teens .... or moms - I love the plum color.

You can find the Ava Anderson Non Toxic products here.

*Products furnished to writer for review.

Image credit: Chase Your Bliss Photography

Swell Makeup: Mineral Eye Shadow

I've mentioned before that I'm teaching my youngest daughter, Sarah, about makeup. She's been allowed to wear a bit ever since she turned 12. I did her eye makeup before school yesterday. I want to show her colors that work well with her hazel eyes.

A year or so ago, I purchased two sets of mineral eye shadow from Pink Quartz. One was a shimmery dress-up kit and the other was a matte set. I'm not sure if she still sells them this way, but you can see the colors used in the brighter set here. To do Sarah's look, I used a matte peach and I lined with an olive color. She loved how it turned out. If you want a more dramatic look, simple use more shadow or wet your brush before applying.

When you use a mineral shadow to line your eyes, use an angled liner brush, and instead of "drawing" along the lash line "push" the color in. If you try to draw it, the powder tends to spread and land on your cheeks.

I recently had the opportunity to try the Cowgirl Dirt* line of mineral shadows. You could do a similar look with their Copper and Cactus shades. If you prefer a smoky eye, try the Midnight. It's a deep navy color that also makes a great liner.

Tomorrow, I've got a new mineral makeup to share with you. It's a line designed my a teenage girl. How cool is that?

*Product sample furnished to reviewer.

Image credit: Chase Your Bliss Photography

Swell Style: Interview Clothes

I love style blogs. I like to start on one, then use it as a jumping off point to discover new ones. I've learned a lot in my style reading and one of the most important lessons is to be brave in my choices.

When I began my job search a week ago, I had one interview dress, a giraffe-type print black dress  that I found on sale at Target for $19.99. I love this dress. I'm busty and it totally covers that area without making me look dumpy. It nips in at the waist and it's not too short. Perfect for interviewing.

I paired it with a pair of high-heeled, brown leather sandals, but I noticed that a strap had broken on my sandal as I sat in the lobby. Ack!! Panic!! I borrowed a pair of scissors from the receptionist and then drove straight to Kohl's after the interview. I had to have interview shoes.

I texted my sister as I searched Kohl's clearance shoe section. We decided I needed a pair of brown shoes and a pair of black shoes. At home I have a pair of pointy brown faux alligator pumps. I love them, but ouch. I have to be able to walk. I found this pair of black shoes right away. They are cuter on than they look in the photo and incredibly comfortable. I'm wearing them for my interview on Monday.

I couldn't find an inexpensive pair of brown shoes on clearance, but I did find these.....

Holy cow!! I love them!! I called my daughter and she found a Kohl's coupon on our kitchen counter. I was able to get both pairs of shoes for less than $20. The second pair is not an "interview shoe," but I can wear them with a brown shirtdress I picked up at Target.



For some reason Target has this dress listed online at $24.99, but I got it off the clearance rack for something like $17.48. I like my price better. I plan to start sharing my outfits soon, but today my interview dresses are keeping my treadmill warm. Time to clear them off and get busy on my run.

Image credits: Target and Chase Your Bliss Photography

Swell Shopping: FREE Beauty Products

I live in a college town. This weekend shopping has been a serious undertaking - the parking lots are packed, the aisles are packed, it's best to get in and out early.  Or better yet, shop online from the comfort of your own home. Aah, that's the way to do it. 

How about some FREE beauty products?? I've got some FREE Stuff coming right up.......


*Sephora:

Get a sample of Clinique's new Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector free with purchase at Sephora. To recieve your free anti-aging product, use the code REPAIRWEAR at checkout.

FREE Ren Blemish Cleanser. Use code CLAYCLEANSE at checkout.

FREE Strivectin Facial Cream. Use code SCULPT at checkout.

FREE deluxe-size sample of Aquolina Pink Sugar scented Body Mousse. Use code PINKSUGAR at checkout.

*ULTA:

Get 2 FREE deluxe samples of bareMinerals Bare Escentuals products. Choose from a matte or original deluxe foundation, plus a Rare Minerals Moisturizer with purchase of a any Bare Escentuals product.

The FREE Weekender bag offer is still going on, as well.

Image credit: Sephora

Swell Style: Magnetix Pendants

I'm currently hunting for a job. I've worked from home for the past ......well a really, really long time, and I needed a couple of dresses for interviews. I lucked out on a couple of shirt dresses on clearance at Target - one brown and one black. They are very simple bordering on boring, but I wanted something conservative and adaptable.  I knew that I needed to add something fun to the look - they needed something.

 Luckily, Donna Asch sent me a set of her Magnetix pendants* to try. This is the one that I wore today...

I wish I had thought of this idea - it's both simple and genius at the same time. You start with a necklace that has a magnet attached to it. You attach the pendants to the necklace magnet, switching easily from one look to another. The magnetic connection is very secure, I've been wearing the pendant all day and it fits tightly to the magnet. Pendants are made out of a variety of materials including shells, stones, and crystals.

Each Magnetix set comes in a little metal gift box. You can see the second pendant that I tried above.  I love both of them - just my style.  The pendants stick to the metal lid, so it's a great way to take your jewelry with you, either in your purse or in your bag if you are going out of town.

You can find Magnetix at Donna Asch Designs.com.

Image credit: Chase Your Bliss Photography
*Product supplied to writer for review.

Swell Guys: Guy Style At the Teen Choice Awards

Have you had a chance to see any of the celebrity arrival photos for the Teen Choice Awards? Lots and lots of leg for the ladies, with minis on every other young starlet. As for the men, well there's something about this look that I love...



Travis McCoy in shirt, tie, and vest. I think it has more to do with his laid-back expression than his actual outfit.

Another handsome man, Ian Somerhalder, arrived in a leather jacket (in August?? Many of the guys were wearing leather.) and his little brother's hat. (Yes, that was snarky. I'm sorry, I'm usually very polite).


David Beckham. He always looks perfect to me. He wore his sleeves pushed up, as many of the Teen Choice guys did, for that relaxed, "this is a fun show" look, plus he left one side of his shirt untucked which reminds me of a charming little boy. Dang, he's so pretty.


When it comes to untucked shirts, I'm cool with it if there is no tie. Lamar Odom, Levi Johnson wore ties and untucked shirts. That reminds me of a senior picture outfit when you only have to worry about the top of the torso showing. Otherwise it looks nuts and unfinished. Levi looks like he was sleeping one off in the car and they drug him to the awards show. This kid is just a kid - he didn't pick this outfit, someone "styled" him. What were they thinking?


Whose guy-style did you admire at the Teen Choice Awards? Do you think the men were too casual in dress next to all those snazzy-mini-skirted ladies?

Image credit: PicApp.com

Swell Contests: Win Christopher Drummond Makeup

Have you ever wanted to recreate the healthy glow of Jennifer Lopez's beautiful complexion? Christopher Drummond suggests the following tips and products to give you the "J-LO Glow":


1: Use a primer with a natural-base. This will even the skin's tone and give it a smoother appearance. Christopher Drummond suggests his Revitalizing Facial Serum.

2: Apply concealer sparingly. Use a damp sponge or brush to apply product. Use Natural Concealer for a luminous and not cakey complexion.

3: Add a touch of bronzer to foundation. Just a touch to deepen foundation slightly. Use SOL Bronzer.

4: Apply a radiance boosting product. Christopher Drummond recommends Saúde Pele.

Watch Christopher Drummond in action here. You could win each of these products from Christopher Drummond Beauty. For your chance to win, do each of the following:

* Follow Christopher and Chic Galleria on Twitter at @cdrumbeauty and @chicgalleria.

* Re-Tweet the following: Follow @CDrumBeauty & @ChicGalleria to win CDB makeup weekly! Enter here: http://bit.ly/bdkmJL

* Like Christopher and Chic Galleria magazine on Facebook.

* Leave a comment on The Chic Galleria article, and tell us about your experience with our Natural Makeup or if you would like to try it.

A winner will be announced at http://www.chicgalleria.com/ on August 16, 2010. Good luck!!



Image credit: PicApp.com