You all know that I’m all about feeling beautiful from the inside out, which is why I am absolutely in love with Carmindy’s new book, Get Positively Beautiful – The Ultimate Guide to Looking and Feeling Gorgeous. I must admit that I’ve never actually watched TLC’s What Not to Wear, so I didn’t know very much about their makeup artist. However, after reading this book, I am a Carmindy fan!

This book is all about playing up your own individual assets, whether it be your lips, eyes, or prominent chin. Carmindy tells readers to be positive about their unique assets and forget about those so-called flaws we see in the mirror.

In Get Positively Beautiful, readers are given tips on how to use “Carmindy Vision” to pinpoint their best features and make them shine. There are even examples of makeovers done by Carmindy that show just how beautiful anyone can be. More »

When it comes to my hair, I am obsessed. Although, ironically, I do not think twice about the shampoo and conditioner I am using. I am one of those types of people who pick up whatever is on sale, and if it is buy one, get one free, even better! Although, I am all about the deals, sometimes that poses a problem: my hair is always a mess! It is damaged from straightening, blow-drying, and dying, and it gets frizzy easily, considering I already have naturally wavy/frizzy hair. So, when I got a chance to try a hair care line by Amazon Beauty ™ called Rahua ® shampoo and conditioner, I was definitely excited.

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Created by Thevaki Thambirajah for the modern ethnic woman, Thevi Cosmetics ™ is a new line of makeup offering an array of rich and vibrant shades. As a modern day ethnic woman herself, Thambirajah understands firsthand that it can be hard to find makeup that suits your skin tone, so that’s why, after three years of planning, she has brought us this great new line of cosmetics.

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According to Onamia Chun, the Senior VP of Fuglylab.com: “The name, Fugly Lab, is the antithesis of the typical beauty company; this is exactly why I love the name so much. Fugly Lab is not like any other beauty company and it never will be.”

(Fugly Lab’s very own Onamia Chun.)

Chun also commonly uses this tagline: “Fighting Ugly One Sample at a Time.” Get it? With its catchy (and totally clever) company name, Fugly Lab offers sample-size sets of makeup, skincare, hair care, and bath and body products, while providing the huge benefit of trying before buying. Based in Los Angeles, Fugly Lab held their launch party early May this year, and although I wasn’t able to make it, the pictures from their event are available to the public. I always love that! It’s like a “See what you missed, and hope you can make it to our next event” sentiment. For sure.

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No, the woman in the picture with me is not my sister, she’s my mother. And no, she hasn’t had any work done, she just ages really well. It’s because of her nearly flawless skin that I’ve never been afraid of growing older or getting wrinkles. Until a few months ago, I didn’t even know about all the various procedures that are available to those that do fear fine lines and wrinkles.

(Myself with my mom, the reason I don’t fear aging.)

With the media focusing on maintaining a youthful appearance, it’s no wonder that non-invasive procedures for the face are becoming more and more readily available. It’s also not shocking to see many women in their late 20s and early 30s lining up for Botox or lip-plumping injections. The younger you start, the longer you’ll be able to say “I’m really only 31,” when in fact you are 40. Every woman is looking for her fountain of youth. More »

June 1st marked the day that Beauty Chat turned a year old [proud teardrop].

You see, this blog originally developed as a social networking project between me and Randy. Our goal at that time was to reach out to the beauty and plastic surgery communities, with our original “Look good, feel good, and speak on it!” philosophy. Turns out this idea not only paved the personality of Beauty Chat; we learned that there are a lot of others out there who feel the same way. You know, the non-judgmental chatterboxes (like us) who love talking about the latest this and that.

Turns out, there are TONS of you – our local, national, and international friends – who have subscribed to Beauty Chat and even have a favorite “Beauty Chatter.” I mean, with 10 writers on staff, including myself, a very productive project editor (Denice) and an eye-for-detail managing editor (Leeann), a fabulous in-house designer (Khevna), and a righteous programmer ( Randy), it only makes sense that you would connect with someone who is just as opinionated as you are!

Really, when it comes down to it, the team that makes up Beauty Chat is, like, the coolest group you could ever meet. (Sorta kidding, but not really.) More »

I have many friends who have complained about not being able to get natural-looking makeup for their everyday activities. So I have come up with some simple tips for all of those who want to look good without much effort. It took a lot time to play, I mean research, in order to get some simple, yet amazing techniques. 

I like to start out by covering all of my little imperfections with Lancôme’s Maquicomplet Complete Coverage Concealer. I was able to find the perfect match to my skin tone and now don’t have to worry about dark circles under my eyes. It also hides little red spots on my forehead, chin and around my nose. Then I use Sephora Double Compact Mineral powder foundation with SPF 10. It’s great for my skin because it allows my pores to breathe unlike other powders that clog the pores.

                                        (Jennifer enjoying her natural-look for daytime fun!)

To keep my face looking simple it’s important not to add too much color. This is why I turn to MAC’s Fafi Eyes 1 Quad. More »

Keep visiting Beauty Chat for the latest in skincare, plastic surgery, seasonal fashion trends, hair care, and well…beauty!

Lots in store from all of us, so be sure to subscribe for the latest.

Running Hollywood Pin-Ups and Original Bombshell, two emerging companies that are equally successful in their own right, Amber LeVonne can easily be characterized as a thriving entrepreneur. She has taken her interests and brought them to the public, while creating an ever-growing buzz among everyday consumers and celebrities alike.

If being a self-starting businesswoman sounds appealing to you, follow LeVonne’s advice, “Have faith in your God-given talent and don’t ever give up. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”

Always happy to support people and products that we believe in, Beauty Chat is proud to introduce you to LeVonne’s endeavors:

After being asked to use her rhinestone-applying abilities at a 2002 Academy Awards event, she decided to go into business for herself. Then, Hollywood Pin-Ups was born. Adorning items such as clutches, hair brushes, lip gloss tubes, and much more with Swarovski crystals, her work represents a refined, sophisticated beauty.

LeVonne personally designs the pieces herself, developing creations and/or fulfilling the requests made by customers such as Ashlee Simpson and Eva Longoria. The Hello Kitty clutch pictured with Paris Hilton above was even featured on VH1. LeVonne dished about Hilton, “Paris is a very polite and a sweet customer, and has a lot of my designs.” More »

The way I see it – the heart and soul of a company largely contributes to its success, and I love learning about the brains behind fabulous products. This is why I excitedly wanted to chat with Terry Carter of Travertine Spa – a line of natural botanical body care products and lovely loungewear. With a HUGE celebrity clientele base with products and apparel that is tailored for both and women, Terry wholeheartedly believes in what Travertine Spa stands for. With personal satisfaction using one of his “moisture therapy” products (as well as owning a comfy Yoga Wear top), I have to share one of my new favorite skincare lines with you.

Check out our exclusive Beauty Chat interview:

Elana: How did you develop the idea for Travertine Spa?

Terry: I was a corporate attorney who really didn’t like the atmosphere that I was working in; it was a hostile environment that I did not enjoy. I got away from my stresses in the workplace by going to spas. I wanted to share with people what I had learned and experienced by just taking time to take care of myself, so I decided to create Travertine Spa in 2005. More »