Farewell…

I have decided to take my blog up a notch. Thank you all for visiting me here. Please continue to read my beauty blog at GLAMAMARA PRESENTS a beauty blog dedicated to sharing beauty knowledge, beauty tips and tricks of the trade

www.glamamaraonline.com

World Aids Day

Beauty giant MAC Cosmetics does more than help to make the world a more beautiful place. It’s global efforts to bring awareness and raise money to help those stricken with AIDS is mamnanimous. Here is how they’re spending World Aids Day.

Tri-State Area MAC Cosmetics Artists Trade Makeup Brushes For Aprons To Give Back On World AIDS Day

Local volunteer team is part of a 24-country initiative of Hundreds of MAC employees extending the work of the MAC AIDS Fund

NEW YORK, Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/ — Keeping true to the company’s long-standing dedication to HIV/AIDS, makeup artists in the Tri-State area will roll up their sleeves and take off their brush belts to participate in volunteer efforts today, in a company-wide effort to commemorate World AIDS Day. The volunteer initiative — part of a worldwide effort including makeup artists in 56 North American cities and 24 countries — is being organized to complement the artists’ commitment to the global fight against HIV/AIDS and to strengthen their connection to the company’s philanthropic arm, the MAC AIDS Fund (MAF), and its grantees.

MAC artists from the New York area are donating their time and skills to local organizations dedicated to improving the well-being of residents affected by HIV/AIDS. Artists will package homemade meals for people living with HIV/AIDS at God’s Love We Deliver, one of the first organizations to receive a grant from the MAC AIDS Fund and the recipient of grants totaling more than $1.3 million. MAC employees and their children will also volunteer at Bailey House, a MAC AIDS Fund grantee since 1999, baking cupcakes and painting a mural to honor those affected by HIV/AIDS.

“Volunteering and giving back to the HIV/AIDS community has always been a source of pride at MAC,” said Keri Blair, MAC Cosmetics Senior Artist. “Today’s company-wide volunteer day is allowing us to match our everyday fundraising through the sale of our Viva Glam products, which benefit HIV/AIDS programs, with hands-on work at organizations in our community that are making a difference.”

The volunteer effort will be complemented by a one-day in-store promotion at New York’s Harlem, Flatiron and Columbus Avenue stores, where 100 percent of the sales for all Viva Glam lipstick and lipglass, which retail for $14, will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the MAC AIDS Fund. The top-selling store will receive a two-to-one match. Funds will be donated to UNICEF and Nurturing Orphans of AIDS for Humanity, a South Africa-based organization helping communities build capacity to care for orphaned and vulnerable children.

The WAD promotion doubles MAC’s usual philanthropic commitment, which directs 100 percent of the sales price of its Viva Glam line of lip products to the MAC AIDS Fund to benefit grantees in more than 67 countries. To date, the company has given away more than $150 million to fight HIV/AIDS.

“Every time a MAC employee creates, designs, packages, ships or sells a Viva Glam lipstick or lipglass, they are helping to save and improve the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS,” said Nancy Mahon, Senior Vice President of MAC Cosmetics and Executive Director of the MAC AIDS Fund. “Our employees around the world are critical to the success of our programs. Extending this effort to include volunteering on World AIDS Day is a new tradition of which I am very proud.”

Around the world, MAC employees are giving back in a variety of ways. In Australia, artists will volunteer at the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, which has received $1,041,281 AUD since 2001 from MAC AIDS Fund Australia. MAC volunteers in Spain will work with Apoyo Positivo, which has received more than $250,000 from the in-country MAC affiliate. Other participating MAC affiliates are Austria, Chile, Peru, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, UK, Venezuela, Italy, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

About the MAC AIDS Fund

The MAC AIDS Fund (MAF), the heart and soul of MAC Cosmetics, was established in 1994 to support men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. MAF is a pioneer in HIV/AIDS funding, providing financial support to organizations working in underserved regions and with underserved populations. As the largest corporate non-pharmaceutical funder in the arena, MAF is committed to addressing the link between poverty and HIV/AIDS by supporting diverse organizations around the world that provide a wide range of services to people living with HIV/AIDS. To date, MAF has raised more than $150 million USD exclusively through the sale of MAC’s Viva Glam lipstick and lipglass, donating 100 percent of the sale price to fight HIV/AIDS. For more information, visit www.macaidsfund.org.

Source: MAC AIDS Fund/PRNewswire

It’s Cyber Monday!

I’m sure that most of you have worked off your holiday stuffing by running through the mall, and are probably a little disappointed that you didn’t get everything you wanted because of the massive crowds. Dont worry sugar plums today is the day for you to sit back relax and let you fingers do the shopping.  Cyber Monday is the Internet’s version of Black Friday, and now that I have collaborated with  Open Sky to sell some of the products that I highly recommend you can enjoy $25.o0 off any item sold by yours truly or any shop keeper on OpenSky! It’s simple go to http://glamamara.theopenskyproject.com/  to purchase items available in my shop, make your selection and use this code to redeem your discount. tamara2509.  You’ll get $25.00 dollars off your purchase plus free shipping. Don’t wait till the end of the day coupons are going fast so shop now! (limit 1 coupon per customer)

Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturizer For Face -

Daily hydrating lotion-Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturized for up to 8 hours The perfect blend and aroma of classic Eight Hour Cream-Protects skin from the effects of extreme weatherShields skin from the harmful effects of the sun

-Suitable for all skin types

 

 

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

Helps protect, soothe and moisturize skin.-Soothes dry skin and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Soothes and comforts minor weather burns, scrapes and abrasions.

 

 

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Lipcare Stick SPF15

Enriched with emollients, protective sunscreen and vitamin E. Moisturizes, softens and smooths lips. Provides antioxidant protection with vitamin E. SPF 15 shields against UV exposure.

 

Peter Thomas Roth – Cucumber Gel Masque

Cucumber Gel Masque with soothing botanical extracts of: Cucumber, Papaya, Chamomile, Pineapple, Sugar maple Sugarcane, Orange, Lemon, Bilberry. An ultra-gentle, non-stinging, anti-irritant gel masque for all skin types.

 

 

 

Peter Thomas Roth – Max Complexion Correction Pads 60pads

Each potent pad contains alpha hydroxy acid (glycolic acid 10 %), beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid 2 %), and alcohol (46 %).Deluxe, generously thick, double-sided pads deliver gentle cleansing action on one side and superior pore-refining exfoliation on the textured side. Provides a veil of fresh peach bellini scent that replaces traditional medicinal antiseptic pads. Regulates healthy cell turnover as it delivers proven anti-aging benefits that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Skin saving tips for thrifty glamazons

Leading dermatologists Susan H. Weinkle, M.D. and Heidi A. Waldorf, M.D. share their expert tips on getting the most out of your beauty budget. The key is to invest wisely and to be armed with the knowledge of where you can compromise and where you simply can’t. The three essential items to keep your skin in top shape now– in order to avoid expensive corrective procedures later–are sunscreen, an antioxidant moisturizer, and a product containing retinoic acid.

Products – where to invest and where you can save money

Worth the Price

• Prescription retinoids (tretinoin, tazarotene, adapalene) – nothing else has been shown to do as much for photoaged skin; and one tube should last several months
• Certain cosmeceuticals (idebenone, coffeeberry) – your dermatologist knows what works and what you’re more likely to tolerate

Option to Thrift

• Cleansers – if you need to save, a gentle over-the-counter non-drying lotion cleanser will do the job.
• Sunscreen – drug store options with appropriate ingredients abound, and you need to use a lot of it.
• Eye cream – if you’re trying to save, you can use your face cream for your eye area too.

  

  

  

  

Augmenting in-office treatments at home

• Get more bang for your buck – use a home microdermabrasion system between professional treatments
• Non-invasive treatments work best when accompanied by an effective at home regimen of sun protection and some combination of retinoids, anti-oxidants and/or peptides.
• Don’t work against your treatment: avoid cigarettes, tanning, and picking.
• Ask your dermatologist for a prescription to slow hair growth while you’re undergoing laser hair removal

When is do-it-yourself okay and when do you need the doctor

DON’T:

• Pop your own pimple or ingrown hair – you’re just spreading the inflammation
• Mix together at home peel kits with other ingredients –the combination can increase the depth of penetration dangerously
• Play with at home lasers and gadgets when you’re tan – you risk skin discoloration and scarring

DO:

• See your dermatologist for a painful acne cyst – a dilute cortisone injection can reduce it in 1 – 2 days
• Gently exfoliate once or twice a week but avoid anything sharp (if it hurts on your hand, don’t use it on your face)
• See your dermatologist for laser or light treatments – she can confirm it’s safe and appropriate for your problem

Reasonable investments for Long-term beauty

• The current long-lasting fillers are cost-effective. A recent study of hyaluronic acid showed that once you achieve your optimal correction, keeping it up requires only half the original volume used once or twice a year. For patients who can’t pay for full correction the first visit, there’s the option to gradually achieve correction over several months – each treatment builds on the last because the prior filler isn’t gone and new collagen has been formed.
• Tightening procedures utilizing lasers and radiofrequency cost far less than surgery, can put off the expense of a surgical lift for several years and don’t require a lot of time off from work.
• Botulinum toxins continue to be a safe and effective way to look fresher without downtime and for about the cost of hair and nail maintenance.

article provided by beautypress.com

Give a lil…

Who says bigger is better? If you’re like me and can’t count all of your girlfriends on one hand than head over to Sephora to pick up a few small gifts that are guaranteed to make a huge impact come time for secret Santa gift exchange.

1. Sephora Collection Glitter Eye Tutorial Kit- The perfect gift for the artistically challenged girlfriend who loves to experiment with new eye techniques but sometimes misses the mark. $38.00  ($50.00 value)
2.  Bare Escentuals %100 Natural Radiance Rocks Kit- Glowing skin looks just as pretty in the Winter as is does in the Summer.  $35.00
3. Sephora Collection Colorful Artist Eyeshadow Palette- This is like 55 gifts in one! 48 shadows 3 blushes 3 brushes and a pressed powder. Reserve this  for your BFF! $30.00 ($51.00 value)

Skin so soft

Several years ago while strolling through the artsy streets of Soho in NYC, I stumbled across a fabulous home decor store, Portico. I had just moved into a beautiful duplex apartment in Belleville NJ and was searching for items to decorate my new place. In 1998 I was the chick with champagne taste on a beer budget, the furniture was beautiful, and pricey for me at the time, but I could not leave that store empty-handed. There is where I discovered one of my favorite spa products, Fresh Sugar Cubes.

I was taken in by the frosted glass jar that housed these effervescent cubes which resembled edible sugar cubes. I got them home popped in Urban Hang Suite and settled in to a wonderfully relaxing at home spa experience. First the fragrance filled that filled my space was this sweet lemony scent, next my bath water felt milky soft, the outcome, baby soft sweet-smelling skin. These cubes helped to exfoliate and moisturize my extremely dry skin. Eleven years later my love for Portico is stronger than ever.

Fresh SugarBath Cubes $34 amazon.com

This time it is PorticoSpa products that I cannot live without. Portico The Revitalizer Body Wash and The Guardian Body Lotion. The blood orange jasmine scented body wash seemed to wake up my senses on contact. My skin was super clean and soft. The body lotion packed with almond and shea butter soften, while the white tea  extract helps to restore my scaly skin. My skin stayed ash free for over 24 hours! The line is complete with rich body creams and body misters in lovely lively scents. Prices starting at $16  at the Dermstore.com

Good hair day

We spend so much time dwelling on bad hair days I thought I’d flip it and talk about all things good. I attened a jewelry lanch party recently for Rafaello & Co put together in part by one of my besties Daniella Cobb. In preparing for this all black attire affair I was consumed by thoughts of what I should do with my hair. Just a few weeks ago I chopped my locks channeling Linda Evangalista circa 1989 and ended up with a cut very similar to her career changing do. The problem that I have with the style is that the bang is so full and long after a few hours it falls flat.  Most hairstylists rule against adding lots of product to the hair, especially if you have stategically placed extensions weaved in, but I just could not risk having a bang with body drop like a flapjack after one 2 step. I decided to go for the product that I see in most of my celeb hairstylist friends hair kits…

Loreal’s Elnett. I like it because of it’s incredibly long-lasting hold that’s soft to the touch but best of all it brushes out. The result no product buildup. Luv that.  L’Oreal Elnett $15.00 Target stores nationwide

I promise that I will not O D on the Elnett but I am a little excited about washing my  hair. Why you ask? Artistic designer for SoftSheen Carson and First Lady Michelle Obama’s stylist Johnnie Wright says “good hair begins at the bowl” Mizani one of the product lines under the SoftSheen Carson umbrella has reformulated their line. Before- mineral oil, petroleum jelly, preservatives, and silicone, all of which when combined weigh the hair down. After-Botanical ingredients like avocado, rice bran, shea and cocoa butters, coconut oils. While I wait to receive my samples you can head out to your nearest beauty supply store to try it for yourself. You’ll find great products like stimulating scalp oil and restructuring deep treatments for under $7.oo

photo of me courtesy www.colinwilliamsphotography.com

This Womans worth

What is worth? Worth is excellence of character or quality as commanding esteem.  Show your worth by taking a few moments to vote for the woman whose cause touches your heart. Just go to www.womenofworth.com to cast your vote.               

L’Oréal Paris’ Fourth Annual Women of Worth Program
Honors 10 Extraordinary Women Dedicated to Volunteerism and Community
 
10 Women of Worth Honorees To Receive $5,000 for their Non-Profit Cause and
$5,000 in their name to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund
 
One Women of Worth To Be Selected As National Honoree for
Additional $25,000 For Her Cause
 
Public Voting Open on womenofworth.com for National Honoree
 
NEW YORK, NY (November 9, 2009) – L’Oréal Paris is proud to announce the ten 2009 Women of Worth Honorees, each of whom will be recognized for their amazing work giving back to their communities. As part of this honor, each of these incredible women will receive $5,000 for their non-profit cause and $5,000 in their name to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, L’Oreal’s charitable partner since 1997.
 
Public online voting for the Women of Worth National Honoree is now open on womenofworth.com. The honoree that receives the most consumer votes will win an additional $25,000 from L’Oréal Paris for her cause. The voting period for the 2009 Women of Worth National Honoree is open now through November 24th at womenofworth.com. Visitors to the site will choose one of the ten exceptional honorees, which they feel has made the biggest community impact through their devotion, community achievement and volunteerism.
 
All ten Women of Worth honorees will be publicly recognized at the CNN Inspire Summit, held in New York City on December 8.
The ten honorees represent women from all across America, dedicated to a range of causes and are extraordinary examples of the power of grassroots activism.
·       Brittany Berquist, Norwell, MA, established Cell Phones for Soldiers, Inc. to keep toxic waste out of landfills and provide phone cards for troops serving throughout the world.
·       Lillian Collins, Clinton, OK, founded Eastside Academy to assist African American children who need help in reading and math, providing a positive after-school program.
·       Anne Ginther, Sammamish, WA, founded RandomKid, which provides staff and services to youth of all backgrounds and abilities for the development, management and accomplishment of their goals to help others.
·       Maimah Karmo, Aldie, VA, established Tigerlily Foundation, which provides meals, financial assistance, empowerment and inspiration to younger women affected by breast cancer.
·       Shannon Lambert, Minneapolis, MN, founder of Pandora’s Project, a community where women who have survived rape can connect and support one another.
·       Brenda Murray, Chevy Chase, MD, has been transforming conditions and providing educational opportunities for thousands of women behind bars for the past 20 years.
·       Ora Rakestraw, Sacramento, CA, tutors third graders with special needs, helping these young people have a chance to experience success and stay committed to their education.
·       Carol Reza, Whitter, CA, founded Bridge of Faith to provide families of incarcerated women with mentoring and social service referral services.
·       Halle Tecco, San Francisco, CA, created Yoga Bear, an organization that provides free yoga classes to cancer patients.
·       Rhonda Ulmer, Denton, MD, provides local community resources to parents in her school to obtain their GED, housing, food and health assistance, transforming the school into the hub of the community

Find the perfect fragrance

Holiday 2009: Fragrance Foundation Guide to Finding The Perfect Fragrance

Holiday gift giving can be a daunting task for many. When in doubt we opt for giftcards or fruitcake, both of which are a bit impersonal. Instead of taking the easy route use this guide developed by the fragrance foundation to help you pick the perfect scent for just about anyone.

Moroccanoil

Argan oil is an oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree, that is valued for its nutritive, cosmetic and numerous medicinal properties. Moroccanoil is a blend of this precious lipid blended with essential vitamins and phenols which when combined help protect and prevent future damage from environmental and daily styling stressors. Orlando Pita and Odile Gilbert are just a few of the top stylist who use this amazing product line on their high-profile clients. The original Moroccanoil and the entire line of products which include hair saving hair masks, curling cream, glossing sprays etc., can only be purchased at fine salons, just go the www.moroccanoil.com click salon locator to find the salon nearest you. Watch Mary Zingone from the Anthony Leonard Salon transform this naturally curled coif into sleek straight tresses.  Moroccanoil $40.00 at fine salons.