Eve and Solange Nailing Their Political Statements

Hi Darlings:

Eve is not the only celeb letting her nails do the talking as far as her political views are concerned. Check out what Solange Knowles has to say with hers. Here are pics of her with the fabulous Minx nails as her makeup is being applied. Hmm...I think I see a trend.

By the way, her makeup looks great! Kudos to Lisa Logan. It's interesting seeing Solange's sense of style evolve.
Hugs and besos.

Proactiv Vending Machine

Hi Darlings:


I have never praised the invention of the AC more than I did this weekend. A family member was in town and we decided to give her a tour of the city which entailed shopping in Georgetown. It was so unbelievably hot! I felt almost like I needed a bottle of water for every block because of the water weight loss. Perfect if I was trying to loose weight but that was not the case. It also did not help my stress level that gas is now shockingly above $4 at a time when we are more inclined to want to use and "need" to use our cars. Well enough of that depressing talk...


The most fascinating thing about this weekend was the Proactiv vending machine. There it was at the Georgetown Park mall. I had seen vending machines for movies and food before but beauty products. Fantastic idea! Dispensers coming soon (probably) to your restaurant restroom...I had to take a pic with my trusty phone.

Hugs and besos.

Want Thicker Eyebrows...

Hi Darlings:

So, I am at the hair salon reading a magazine. My fav activity while getting my hair did because there are just too many options to pass up. In the midst of getting my deep condition and browsing the Glamour March 2008 issue I stumble upon the headline "Fatten Up Brows". Hmmm...interesting. I always have to fill my brows in with my liner so alternatives that are more natural are always welcomed. The headline I read was for the Talika Eyebrow Extender from talika.com. They advertise that the product "fills in sparse spots with tiny fibers."

Before

AfterSounds like it is worth a try. ($35) Check it out. They also have products for the eyelashes...

Hugs and besos.

Stay tuned for posts on M,W,F from now on!

India is envogue at Opi nails...

Hi Darlings:

I have joked with some of my friends that India so envogue now. Instead of waxing I get my eyebrows threaded at an Indian run establishment in DC called Threads (U St., NW betn 15th and 16th); Bhangra music is all over the clubs and is even endorsed by Hip Hop music's Jay-Z; chandelier earrings and thin gold bangles are all the rage; and most definitely the trend towards brighter colors, layering with chiffon, and looser transparent leggings can definitely be seen as an homage to Indian fashion. Now nail polish has gone Indian with the new line by Opi Nails scheduled to launch on Frebruary 6th of this year.


The line contains delightful fuschias, oranges, reds and corals with names like I'm Indi-a Mood for Love, MonSooner or Later, Keys to My Karma and Lunch at the Delhi... so Bollywood and SO cheesy yet so envogue.

So, keep these new colors in mind when you visit the nail salon. They should go well with any Spring outfit or work as a mood brightener for the winter.

Hugs and Besos.

Celeb Hair ... Manicure Giveaway Winner

Hi Darlings:

Ok. so I am still sneezing but it could be worst. My motto when not feeling good is always wear bright colors and/or adequate makeup that enable the "happiness" to seep right to my soul. Have to remember that ... tomorrow no all black outfit.

Here are some "how to" videos that help you look like your favorite celeb. They have directions for everything from cutting your own bangs to at-home highlights. Learn from the experts. If anything, at least you will be able to tell whether your stylist knows what they are doing ... but then again everyone uses different methods. Have a great weekend!

Video one
Video two
Video three
Video four

And the winner of the Dainty As She Wanna Be - Minx manicure giveaway is ... Lisa Morris! Congratulations Lisa! Enjoy your manicure!

Hugs and besos.

Giveaway: Get Minxified!!

Hi Darlings,

As promised today is the first day for the free manicure giveaway contest. Keep in mind Minx Nails has many color options and opportunities that work for both damsels and fair maidens… conservative or not ...:) Natasha Ray of the mobile spa - Dainty As She Wanna Be will be offering her services for free at her nail lounge located on Capitol Hill at 709 D St., SE. Natasha can be contacted at natasha.ray@msdainty.com and 202-538-0142.

To win you have until Friday to answer the following question: Which James Bond Movie did I chronicle in 2006? The tenth response with the correct answer wins.

Please send all entries to me at divabugs@gmail.com subj: Minx Nail giveaway

Good luck!

I Got Minxed ... and So Can You!

Darlings:

Hope you all had a fantabulous holiday and wishing you all the best in 2008!

Last week I was contacted by the folks at Minx Nails who offered me the opportunity to try their product! They wanted to know if I would want a complimentary manicure from Natasha Ray of the mobile spa - Dainty As She Wanna Be in DC. Like yeah! Did not need to think twice about that one...

I have been curious about Minx Nails ever since they’ve become Beyonce’s favorite Fall/Winter nail go to product. And I’ve also been curious about the Mobile Spa so whadya know... the perfect combo. I set up to meet Natasha expecting to be pampered and delighted.

We scheduled an early morning visit at Natasha’s nail lounge on Capitol Hill at 709 D, SE. Right off the bat I liked the idea of one-to-one attention. She even set up a DVD player with Sex In The City but although I love love love SITC I knew I would be spending most of the time conversing.

Before applying Minx Nails Natasha gave me a manicure using her signature line of natural products. On my hands she used a cranberry/fig scrub and honey/almond/shea butter lotion. The final step of the manicuring process was different because instead of applying moisture she had to remove it from the nail bed so the Minx Nail coverlet could stay on the nail.

She took out the product. I had many options. I was told that you can customize the coverlets to match a dress, party theme or color scheme. But went with a funky design instead of the gold metal I’ve seen on Beyonce’s nails. I was feeling adventurous.

(Here are some more ways to use the product...)She then applied heat from the blow dryer to the coverlet. Afterwards, she stuck a coverlet on each of my nails. Then she used a blow dryer to ensure the product was sealed to the nail. Finally, she trimmed off the extra parts so that coverlets shaped my nail beds.

And the best part was that right after the manicure, I stuck my hands in my purse and then for a moment panicked only to realize that there would be no smudging. That never happens to me! To remove just use blow dryer to loosen the coverlet and peel off from side-to-side. Presto... There should be no damaged nail beds like with acrylics! Umm...think no chemicals, totally green and durable! Loves it...

Finished product:
Just in case you are curious: Natasha’s can be contacted at either natasha.ray@msdainty.com and 202-538-0142. Cost: $45 plus travel if she comes to you. BTW, Natasha says that many of her clients are men who want a mani/pedi but not in public ... gift ideas!

Hugs and happy holidays!

Stay tuned for a giveaway on this product...

Fashion Review - Spring '08

Hi Diva Socialistas:

Last week at the Corcoran DC the local Fashion Group Intl chapter had their semi-annual discussion on the latest trends in the Spring '08 fashion shows. All the fashionista darlings always seem to range from those who dress to the nines - minks and all to the students in jeans! I opted to dress up...

Its always fun seeing the trends and even more spectacular if you have been tracking the shows and they come up with the same conclusions as you. Overall the Spring trends were shown to be not only heading towards the romantic but also there is a focus on shape, transparency and prints all in a way slightly different than we've seen in the last few years. One point to note that was mentioned during the discussion is the effect the advent of the Internet has had on the fashion trend cycle. Technology brings designs to the masses at a greater speed causing the cycles of fashion to no longer be around 10 years but a lot sooner.

Here are some quick mentions:

1.) Yeohlee I loved for hair and makeup and Dior by Pat McGrath.
2.) Layering transparent fabrics (like chiffon) is great especially with the new trend of citrus colors. The layer of for example black transparent fabric over a yellow dress (Carolina Herrera) tones down the bring color and allows you to wear the hue without calling too much attention to yourself.
3.) Shape - or rather loose fitting dresses took us away from the tight fitted fabrics and designs from past years. Diane von Furstenberg, Missoni's kaftan
4.) High waisted pants - despite what was said and after being in Paris a few months ago...I don't believe this trend will last. In Paris no one was wearing highwaisted. It is such a awkward item to fit into a wardrobe.
5.) Blown up prints like paisley were refreshing (Christian LaCroix); Armani and Proenza Schouler
6.) The citrus trends (yellow, pink, orange, green) of the last two seasons is still in! Go figure...
7.) The art or statement shoe - everyone should have at least one in their closet...see last weeks post on the statement shoe.
8.) Bangles and cuffs are said to be in but for me they were never out!
9.) On the green scene - cotton is making a comeback

Overall the presentation was worthwhile and informative! Have fun with your Spring '08 wardrobes.

Ciao bellas!

Eyes Lips Face- Deal of the Week.

Hey Divas:


So I received an email from a friend about the $1 per item deal at Eyes Lips Face and makeup company that has been around for a little over a year now. I was a little skeptical about ordering because the shipping cost was about $7 but after I got over that minor deterrence I went on a shopping spree and chose 13 items. Woooweeee... thirteen whole dollars plus the seven.



Can I tell you the Angel "Super Glossy Lip Shine" is the Best clear lipstick I can remember ever buying!! I put it on and not only does it smell great (grape vanilla) but it also looks great on my lips and it is not very sticky which can interfere with intimacy. :=)

Ciao Loves!

Minx Nails

Diva Claire asks:

Hi Diva Bugs. While watching the AMAs this year I was admiring Beyonce's nails and wondered how her stylist was able to get her nails to match her golden dress.

Diva Bugs says: Hi Claire. I was admiring her nails too! For awhile there I thought they were two-toned. But now I realize she used Minx Nail Coverings and at an angle the metal glowed from the reflection of the lightbulbs. Interesting.... These nail coverings are supposed to simplify and speed up the process of getting a manicure. However, the coverings are available in limited high-end salons.

The Joys and Aches of Fall

Hi Divas:

I've been so busy that last few weeks catching up at work and entertaining visitors. Well I finally have time to write.

One of my favorite time of the year is the middle of Fall. I can't resist the yellowing leaves. They provide the most spectacular show. Purely divine. All the trees right outside my office at work are yellowing and everyday they cause me to take a deep breath and just wallow in their beauty.

Not so much of a favorite is the dry skin I have to endure during this time of the year! I have found surprisingly that my favorite product this year is Eucerin Aquaphor (original ointment). (could only find pic of healing ointment) It is the best and there are so many uses for this product.

Carrie Bradshaw-like thoughts: "In life there are two types of people, those who make time to smell the roses and those who can't see the importance. Maybe sometimes we are all one of those people on different days or at different circumstances. Does it take a special person in our life to point out the roses to us enabling us to stop and take a look? Do we just have to be in the right mood to enjoy what's around us? Overall 5 minutes can cause a world of joy and is barely unnoticeable in the greater scheme of things."

End of Summer Skin!

Hi Divas:

Hope your holiday weekend was fantastic! If you are like me you were definitely in the water (ie swimming pool) over the Labor Day weekend. Now you are either worried that you had too much sun or you are thinking ahead to how you are going to moisturize your skin during the Fall season. I will definitely be using my all time fav ... Body Shop's Shea Body Butter ($20) to moisturize my skin and get ready for the Fall weather.

You can also try the latest St. Ives Mineral Therapy Advanced Body Moisturizer ($4.99). Its a holistic product with tons of great nutrients.

Two choices to consider!

Ciao loves and stay smooth.

Pat Mcgrath - Diva to Remember

Hey Divas:

Pat McGrath is definitely a name to remember. Few know about her but she has great influence on our everyday lives. She is the (are you ready) Global Color Cosmetics Creative Design Director for Proctor and Gamble - in other words she designs the makeup. She also creates the catwalk look for many top designers such as John Galliano, Stella McCartney, Prada, Christian Dior and many others. Ok so not exactly budget - those shows but Maxx Factor has offerings I am sure you can dig. Here she is below.

And to think she doesn't ever look like she wears makeup! Loves it! Her catwalk looks are creative and artistic. She uses makeup in an imaginative and cutting edge way.

If you like Max Factor you definitely already know what I mean. But if you can't afford Maxx Factor then you can always go to the website for inspiration. They show you various looks and how to create them. Check out the entire website. With ingenuity you too can create some of these looks from finds at Sephora, CVS or even Target. The process should not be difficult.

Ciao loves!

Weekend lips - kissable and affordable and planet friendly

Hey Divas:


Ever want to support a cause and look fanatabulous in the process?! Ooops! Of course, I should not even question - Divas always want to look fantabulous!


Sephora - Cargo's PlantLove Botanical lipstick
















Why: made of corn and not petroleum by-products so you can lick your lips and save the planet! How much: $20

Kiehls lip gloss

Why: containers not biodegradable - but they've been on a natural role for the past 150 years.How much: $13.50

Carol's Daughter New Candy Paing Lip Gloss

Why: For just 4 great reasons - shea butter, grape seed oil, aloe vera and vitamin E.
How much: $13.50

Aveda Lip color concentrate

Why: Containers are glass and you can recycle via one of their brick and mortar locations. Green is their mission.
How much:$14.00

For the a more ambitious Divas - you can always DIY...

Hugs Divas! Have a super fabulous weekend! Don't forget to look your best....

Black Nail Polish the mystery...

So, I've taken to wearing black nail polish as of late. I am rather intrigued with the color. I think not only is it very chic but it goes well with everything. Can't really imagine life without it!











I did some research and found this great NYTimes article on the evolution of black nail polish.

I love wearing my nails black. To me its so much more chic than a french or natural manicure. However, I find that whenever my nails are black I am more tempted to wear black jewelry and clothing.

Great DC find ... $1 Sale - Bloomingdales makeup line

Hey Divas...

Hope you all can quick type to the Eye Lips Face website a new promotional makeup line featured by Bloomingdales. Everything at least for now is $1 ... ummmm yeah! I am not joking. $7 shipping with no added tax.

https://www.eyeslipsface.com/defaultflash.asp

The site is slow so it'll be a wait but well worth it....

Another Great DC Find...