beauty mark it

There's something about old soul music that just gets your feet tappin'. Every other Saturday, there's a big soul party in town, and while I probably won't be able to pull off any serious moves, I'll at least try to look the part. I'm thinking black eyeliner is key to looking modish, but what else would you suggest?

For this week's Beauty Mark It challenge, I'd like to know what you think is essential for a '60s soul look. Big hair? Pale lips? Or something else completely? Share your choices by bookmarking items from around the web and tagging them with the phrase Super Soul. I'll feature your favorites here next Tuesday, then head out on Saturday night to spaz out on the dance floor. Good times!

To learn about Beauty Mark It challenges and how to add your picks, check out this how-to. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

I recently confessed that I haven't yet found a shampoo that delivers the shimmering shine that is ubiquitously displayed in every hair commercial on television. I did, however, find the next best thing: Shu Uemura's Satin Design styling lotion. I love it so much that it's now a part of my blow-drying routine. But on those days when time is of the essence, I would love to pack all of that shine into a shampoo.

So for this week's Beauty Mark It challenge, I'm soliciting your help. What's your favorite shine shampoo? I'll start you off with Lush's Ultimate Shine solid shampoo. I haven't tried it yet, but if it lives up to its name, I may have found a winner. Do you have a favorite?

Share your choices by bookmarking items from around the web and tagging them with the phrase Shine Shampoo. I'll feature your favorites here next Tuesday.

To learn about Beauty Mark It challenges and how to add your picks, check out this how-to. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

As a product junkie, I've got quite an addiction to all things beauty. It all started with my first beauty purchase, but over the years I've acquired a bathroom chock full of goodies. Some may go as far as to call it hoarding. No, the problem isn't as severe as what I saw recently on a rerun of Oprah, but, yes, I could probably live with less.

This got me thinking, if I had to survive with just one product, what would it be? Of course the easy answer is sunblock, but I'd like to think in this fantasy that the sun isn't harmful. Therefore, I think I'd have to choose mascara. How else am I supposed to smile with my eyes like Tyra? My current favorite is TheBalm's Two Timer as its dual brushes offer two rather distinct looks. Versatility is key in this dream (or, should I say, nightmare?). What's your choice?

Share your choices by bookmarking items from around the web and tagging them with the phrase Can't Live Without. I'll feature your favorites here next Tuesday.

To learn about Beauty Mark It challenges and how to add your picks, check out this how-to. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

Beauty routines aren't static. The dynamic nature of the environment we live in requires us to adjust to outside forces. Humidity brings out the frizz, the heat causes perspiration and our hair and makeup choices have to accommodate. But one beauty regimen that doesn't necessarily need to adhere to the weather is fragrance. There is nothing inherently wrong with wearing a floral, more airy perfume in the Winter or a woodsy, heavier version in the Summer. That being said, I can't help myself from switching scents each season.

This Summer I fell in love with Bobbi Brown's Beach fragrance. If you recall, I gave it away last month in our big, beachy giveaway, and let's just say that it was hard for me to see it go. Do you do the scent switch-out, too? If so, what are you wearing this Summer?

Share your choices by bookmarking items from around the web and tagging them with the phrase Favorite Summer Scent. I'll feature your favorites here next Tuesday.

To learn about Beauty Mark It challenges and how to add your picks, check out this how-to. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

Next week will be celebrating Independence Day on July 4. Yes, 232 years ago we declared independence from Great Britain. This got me thinking about different types of freedom, mostly of the George Michael kind, but also the freedom of first being able to wear makeup.

I had definitely experimented with Bonne Belle's Smackers in the Dr. Pepper flavor, but my first true makeup purchase was Cover Girl's Lipslicks. I can't remember which color I tried, but the packaging is bringing back memories of junior high.

What was your first beauty purchase? Bookmark your choice and share your experience in the comments below.

Share your choices by bookmarking items from around the web and tagging them with the phrase First Beauty Purchase. I'll feature your favorites here next Tuesday.

To learn about Beauty Mark It challenges and how to add your picks, check out this how-to. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

After last week's challenge where I asked you to "get your splurge on," I thought it would be fun to do the exact opposite and honor these times we call recession. So for this week's challenge, it's all pinching pennies; I'm talking products under $10.

I'll start you off with the cult favorite, Smith's Rosebud Salve. It's the perfect choice as it retails for $6 and can be used for multiple purposes: chapped lips, minor burns, dry skin, it can even treat diaper rash. That's how I'm going to spend my hard-earned cash, how about you?

Share your choices by bookmarking items from around the web and tagging them with the phrase Recession Obsessions. I'll feature your favorites here next Tuesday.

To learn about Beauty Mark It challenges and how to add your picks, check out this how-to. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

Sure, the economy's in a mayjah recession, but that shouldn't stop you from celebrating the widely recognized (wink!) national splurge day. For this beauty mark it challenge, it's all about extravagance. I want you to spare no expense. In other words: go big or go home.

For me, I'd splurge on Prada's Infusion D'Iris Coffret gift set ($260). The idea of anything Prada in my life is very sexy (not to mention splurge-y), but, in addition, this set has it all: perfume, bath salts, body lotion, and perfumed soaps. What are you pining for?

Share your choices by bookmarking items from around the web and tagging them with the phrase Beauty Splurge. I'll feature your favorites here next Tuesday.

To learn about Beauty Mark It challenges and how to add your picks, check out this how-to. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

If you're forgetful like me, it's always nice to receive a friendly reminder that Father's Day is just around the corner. (In fact, it's June 15, so mark your calendars.) Now that you're in the know, you've got less than two weeks to purchase the perfect present for pop. If your dad is anything like mine, you know how difficult it is to shop for him. That's why I'm soliciting your help. I'm challenging you to bookmark a great gift for dad.

For my pick, I'm going with the Great Shave Kit by Clinique. I like this particular kit because it's relatively inexpensive at $28, and it's got three products that I think my dad will enjoy: face scrub, shave gel, and after shave. Also, it's a brand that my dad might not choose for himself, but would be willing to experiment with if he received it as a gift.

Share your choices by bookmarking items from around the web and tagging them with the phrase Father's Day. I'll feature your favorites here next Tuesday.

To learn about Beauty Mark It challenges and how to add your picks, check out this how-to. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

This Sunday is the 2008 MTV Movie Awards, an awards show best known for its crazy categories (best kiss!) and even crazier antics. That's why if there's one night to get dressed up but not take yourself too seriously, this is it. Take a cue from Rihanna and Victoria Beckham; last year they upped the drama with edgy haircuts and playful makeup. In honor of the most outrageous of all award shows, I'm challenging you to bookmark beauty items that you would wear on Sunday night.

I'll start you off with nail polish from OPI's latest Mod About Brights collection. Specifically, I'm targeting the That's Hot Pink shade because it captures the pink trend that's happening right now. Also you've got to love the name because it is a play on Paris Hilton's catch phrase, who incidentally went to jail right after last year's MTV Movie Awards. Now that you've got the nails covered, what other beauty items would you add to the mix?

Share your choices by bookmarking items from around the web and tagging them with the phrase MTV Beauty. I'll feature your favorites here next Tuesday.

To learn about Beauty Mark It challenges and how to add your picks, check out this how-to. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more

This weekend is Memorial Day, a day where Americans honor those who have died defending our country. It's also a three-day weekend that many use to take advantage of the approaching hot weather by spending time outside, either having a BBQ or lounging by the pool. So you've got to shield oneself from the elements, especially those harmful UV rays. For this bookmarking challenge, I'm asking you to find protective beauty items that you'd wear by the pool.

I'll start you off with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock in SPF 55 ($9), because the lotion is light, not goopy or sticky, and the 55 SPF is an appropriate amount of protection. Also, the three-ounce container is perfect if you're getting on an airplane this holiday weekend.

Share your choices by bookmarking items from around the web and tagging them with the phrase Poolside Beauty. I'll feature your favorites here next Tuesday.

To learn about Beauty Mark It challenges and how to add your picks, check out this how-to. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more