Corporate Responsibility: "The concept that an organization has obligations not just to conduct its business and adhere to legal guidelines, but also to look out for the welfare of its employees, the community, and society at large."

So often we don't hear about what a company does to give back to society, it's generally handled internally and everyone moves about their business. Luckily, in the beauty arena, we get to hear about some of the great things that companies do to help out in their communities, states, countries and even overseas. There are two programs going on right now that I want to spotlight: MAC and Elizabeth Arden.

MAC Cosmetics established their "Viva Glam" campaign in 1994 - it supports the MAC AIDS Fund, which supports men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS. It does this by donating all monies from the selling price of their Limited Edition "Viva Glam" lipsticks & glosses each year. They have featured many famous people to be their spokesperson (*from Fergie to Dita Von Teese & RuPaul, to name a few). This year's spokepeople were Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga, each with their own shade. You can check out what they look like in my video, if you haven't seen them yet. You can pick them up at any MAC counter or online for $14.

Marking their 100 years beauty innovation, Elizabeth Arden is releasing a new Limited Edition Anniversary lipstick - "Red Door Red" - "a universally flattering, sheer lipstick, the Red Door Red hue stylishly represents strength and femininity – a beautiful way to pay tribute the Elizabeth Arden woman". This lipstick is packaged in a luxurious gold case, and offers a triple-emollient moisturizing formula that contains vitamins A, C and E, along with aloe. It can be picked up at counters , where available, and online for $20.

Miss Arden believed in total beauty and in honoring that, all of the proceeds from the sale of this lipstick will go to benefit "Look Good...Feel Better". "This organization helps to improve the self-image, appearance and quality of life for people undergoing cancer treatments by teaching beauty techniques, which help them to cope with the beauty-related consequences of cancer and boost their self-confidence."

Please consider supporting these programs by treating yourself to a new lippie - it will give you another reason to smile.

This Spring, Clarins is launching a variety of new 'skinovations' that will "ensure radiant, luminous and youthful-looking skin", including:

All of these are at counters and online now.

Flirt! Cosmetics has come out with a new mascara this month called IT CURL™Lash Curling Mascara. This mascara has a "super curvy brush that gives your lashes the boost and curl they crave. Like a bustier for your lashes, this curling mascara lifts lashes with its thick curvy brush to create the most voluminous curls your lashes have ever experienced!"

"How?", you say? Well, by formulating with lash thickening fibers on a "patent-pending CAT brush (curved, asymmetrical triangular brush) (that) is the next generation in wire-wand mascara applicators, building volume and curl for incredibly intense, amplified lashes. This technologically-advanced brush features a uniquely engineered product feed groove along the radius of its curved profile to hold additional product just like a reservoir! This technology along with the multiple surfaces and edges of the brush improves retention of the mascara formula providing your lashes with a sexy boost of volume and excellent product pay off. "

AND, "according to clinical testing lashes’ curl was increased by 144% immediately and volumized by 111%! And the product keeps on working for up to 8 hours of wear! (*For best use, the experts at FLIRT! recommend to remove the wand and gently eliminate excess product from tip. Hold the arched brush so it follows the curve of your lashes. Apply as many coats as desired to build the curl, intensity, and volume that you crave.)"

I had a chance to try this out and let me tell you, it really does thicken my lashes and give them some curl, even without using my lash curler. Apparently, my lashes are pretty straight, so I needed a little bump, but if your lashes have some bend to them already, you can probably do without. It comes in 3 colors, Bombshell Black, Bouffant Brown and Bronze Belle - I tried the Bronze Belle. This is a bright bronze color that I wouldn't normally use, but it was brightening and I think would be good for the summer - esp with my light skin and freckles.

Flirt! Cosmetics are a Kohl's exclusive and can be picked up in-store or online for $14, but they are usually running sales so you might be able to pick it up a bit cheaper. Let me know if you have tried this or if you pick it up - I'd love to see how it curls your lashes.

The Problem: You want a foundation that lasts and gives you shine-free, even-looking skin, but yours never looks natural—and it starts to fade by lunch.

The Fix: This oil-free, long-wearing foundation balances oily and combination skin, so you’ll have a soft-matte, even-looking complexion without needing to pile on powder throughout the day. And like all of Bobbi’s foundations, the shades are yellow- based for a natural look.

Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation SPF 15 offers multiple benefits:
Balancing
This oil-free formula hydrates and controls shine where you need it. Sponge-like powders absorb excess oil on the surface of the skin, while emollients lock in moisture to ensure skin stays perfectly balanced.
All Day Wear
Transfer-resistant formula helps create a barrier against heat and humidity for 8 hours of wear. Even in the most humid climates, makeup stays in place.
Natural, Soft-Matte Finish
This new formula contains an oil-free emulsion system that delivers a blend of finely milled pigments, spherical powders, and mica for natural-looking coverage.

Perfect for oily and normal/combination skin. Available in 20 Shades at counters and online now for $45.

Read some interesting news about Estée Lauder’s new "Global Faces" that you might find interesting:
__________________________________________________________________________________________

New York, NY, April 15, 2010 – The Estée Lauder brand today announced that it has signed two of fashion’s brightest runway and editorial stars as new global faces of Estée Lauder. French model Constance Jablonski and Chinese model Liu Wen will join Estée Lauder’s roster of global beauties – Hilary Rhoda, Carolyn Murphy, Elizabeth Hurley and Gwyneth Paltrow – and debut in its global advertising campaigns beginning June 2010.

The signing of Constance marks the first time Estée Lauder has signed a French model, and the signing of Liu Wen marks the first time the brand has signed a Chinese model. Over the years, models in Estée Lauder’s global campaigns have hailed from the U.S. (Karen Graham, Willow Bay, Carolyn Murphy, Gwyneth Paltrow, Hilary Rhoda), the U.K. (Elizabeth Hurley), Czech Republic (Paulina Porizkova), Poland (Anja Rubik) and Ethiopia (Liya Kebede).

"Estée Lauder has always searched for global beauties that define a generation,” said Aerin Lauder, Senior Vice President, Creative Director, Estée Lauder. "Constance and Liu Wen are the beauties of our time. Both models have quickly captured the attention of the fashion and beauty world.”

“We are thrilled to introduce Constance and Liu Wen to women around the world,” said Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Global Brand President, Estée Lauder. “Both models have the style and confidence that reflects Estée Lauder’s modern vision of global beauty.”

Constance moved to New York from Lille, France in September 2008, and has since become one of the most coveted faces in fashion, walking a total of 62 shows in New York, Milan and Paris for the Autumn/Winter 2010 season including Derek Lam, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and Dries Van Noten and shooting editorials with the world’s top fashion photographers, including Steven Meisel, David Sims, Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, Mikael Jansson, Mario Sorrenti, Craig McDean and Patrick Demarchelier. Constance recently appeared on the cover of Chinese Vogue and in editorials in the American, British, French and Italian editions of Vogue.

Liu Wen (*warning: it's in Chinese) hails from Beijing, China, and is China’s brightest fashion star. First establishing her career with the Chinese editions of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, she broke onto the international stage in Paris on the Spring 2008 runways of Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier. Since then, Liu Wen has become a fixture on the runways of New York, Milan and Paris, walking a total of 49 shows for the Autumn/Winter 2010 season including Rodarte, Derek Lam, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo and Balenciaga and shooting editorials with the world’s top fashion photographers including Patrick Demarchelier, Mario Sorrenti, Terry Richardson and Dan Jackson. Liu Wen recently appeared on the cover of Chinese Vogue and in editorials for W as well as the French, Japanese and Chinese editions of Vogue.

Estée Lauder introduces their most "powerfully hydrating creme to date" in their new "Hydrationist" line. "Instantly, thirsty, dehydrated skin is quenched with NEW and
exclusive Bio-Mimetic Water to deliver immediate moisture lasting 24 hours. With continued use, Estée Lauder’s exclusive NEW Sustainable Moisture Complex™ with Revival Plant Extract helps boost, balance and maintain skin's optimum moisture levels. Over time, it will help skin retain and sustain its own internal moisture for exceptional long-lasting, youth-infusing hydration. Skin becomes stronger, more comfortable and continually hydrated, and is thus better able to resist the signs of premature aging more effectively."

INSTANT HYDRATION:
HYDRATIONIST immediately replenishes thirsty skin with youth-infusing moisture lasting 24 hours. Hydrated at multiple levels, skin’s moisture balance is restored by exclusive NEW Bio-Mimetic Water with the following three unique features:
1. Structured: Bio-Mimetic Water is “structured”, so that it is able to easily assimilate into skin for an immediate burst of hydration that reaches deep within to where skin needs it most.
2. Mineral enhanced: The efficacy of Bio-Mimetic Water is enhanced by the concentration of vital minerals: Magnesium, Calcium, and Zinc. When skin is supplied with these nourishing minerals, it is better able to carry out its natural daily functions, such as barrier repair, more efficiently.
3. Arginase Activator: Once inside the deepest surface layers of the skin, Bio-Mimetic Water helps skin stimulate arginase activity, a natural process that increases the production of urea in skin. Urea is a Natural Moisture Factor and a naturally occurring compound that binds water in skin for increased moisture. As we age, skin’s natural urea production (stimulated by arginase activity) declines. Recent Estée Lauder studies show that Bio-Mimetic Water increases arginase activity by 98% 2 .
Results: Skin feels softer, smoother, and more hydrated than ever. Thirsty skin is instantly replenished with 81% immediate moisture and stays hydrated for 24 hours 3 . The appearance of fine, dry lines diminishes.

LONG-LASTING HYDRATION:
HYDRATIONIST features Estée Lauder’s exclusive Sustainable Moisture Complex™, a blend of powerful ingredients that work over time to help skin naturally build and maintain a strong moisture:
1. Exclusive to Estée Lauder, the Age Measurement Study was conducted over five years, and involved hundreds of women from ages 20 – 70.
2. Based on in-vitro testing.
3. Clinical results based on Normal/Combination Creme test barrier. This powerful complex helps skin hold and preserve its own internal moisture for deep, long- lasting and sustainable hydration.
The Sustainable Moisture Complex™ consists of:
1. Revival Plant Extract (Haberlea Rhodopensis): A miracle of nature, this beautiful Revival Plant has the amazing ability to dry out and survive drought conditions for several months without harm to its well- being. Upon the re-introduction of water, the plant remarkably recovers and continues to flourish, bloom, and grow. The Sustainable Moisture Complex™ featuring Revival Plant Extract helps skin sustain its internal moisture so that it is better able to adapt to everyday exposures that could cause dehydration.
2. Barrier Building Blend: This unique blend delivers a wealth of our most advanced lipids and triglycerides to help strengthen and build skin’s barrier. A special “ceramide activator” also helps build skin’s barrier from the inside out by helping skin activate its own natural lipid production. Moisture is kept sealed in for deep, long-lasting hydration.
3. Trehalose: A naturally occurring sugar in skin, Trehalose helps maintain a healthy water balance inside and outside of cells, providing cells with the exact level of moisture needed to function optimally.
Results: Skin’s moisture barrier is strengthened by 50% after fours weeks of continued use 4 and skin’s ability to stay hydrated 24 hours after just one application also significantly improves with continued use. A stronger barrier and sustainable supply of moisture help skin fight the signs of premature aging more effectively.

UNIQUE, SIGNATURE SCENT:
The signature aqua coral note that lies at the heart of the HYDRATIONIST fragrance is brought to life from the coast of Madagascar. The natural, marine coral scent combines with a hint of algae, fresh ozone, grapefruit, tangerine, and pear to create an aquatic, yet citrusy blend. The natural, green botanical impression is then enhanced with touches of hyacinth, white lily, sheer rose, sandalwood and musk.

USAGE:
Use morning and night after applying your repair serum on clean skin for a more youthful, healthy look. Non-acnegenic. Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist tested.

HYDRATIONIST PRODUCTS:
Available at Estée Lauder counters nationwide and www.esteelauder.com
Creme for Dry Skin: Ultra-comforting creme feels velvety soft as it spreads across skin; absorbs leaving an after-feel of deep hydration, comfort, and suppleness. (Suggested Retail Price: $38.00)
Creme for Normal/Combination Skin: Lusciously soft and refreshing texture immediately soaks into skin, infusing it with moisture and a burst of freshness; leaves skin feeling supple and silky-smooth. (Suggested Retail Price: $38.00)
Lotion for Normal/Combination Skin: Pleasantly lightweight, water-smooth texture glides on effortlessly; quickly absorbed, it leaves skin moisturized, plumped, comfortable, and refreshed. (Suggested Retail Price: $38.00)
Creme for Normal/Combination Skin with SPF 15: A lightweight, silky-smooth texture glides easily across skin; absorbs quickly leaving skin feeling comfortable, hydrated, and super soft. (Suggested Retail Price: $38.00)

When you get up around "my age" (*chronologically, of course), we all end up with a few teensy-tiny, and maybe one annoying, wrinkle. It's there. You know its there. And you want it gone. While many of us do not want to resort to Botox or other cosmetic procedures to make them go away, there are times we just wish they weren't there.

Well, Estée Lauder is going to try to help with its new line filler, Perfectionist [CP+] Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler - the latest addition to the "Perfectionist" skincare line. It comes in a small, pen-like tube that makes it easier to apply directly where you want it. Once you apply it, just tap it into the wrinkle and smooth out the edges. This "concentrated treatment that instantly reduces the look of smile lines, crows feet and deep creases around the forehead, brows, and eyes and dramatically blurs the appearance of lip lines to hold back lipstick feathering for up to 8 hours." Also, "with continued use, skin becomes firmer, lines are blurred and deep wrinkles appear less noticeable for a younger and smoother look."

Now, this isn't something I would use everyday, mostly because I don't go for the full on face of makeup each day. However, I had a chance to try this, and when I do want to go all out, this fills in and gives me a smoother surface to play with. Remember, read the instructions. It says to use this *under* your moisturizer, and, it seems to me, that this is because the filler can be a bit drying, and the moisturizer keeps it from "cracking" while wearing it. Moisturizer also seems to give it a bit of a barrier between foundation, too, as some foundations seem to have a hard time setting over it on its own.

You can pick this up at your local Estée Lauder counter for $39.50. I'd tell you to pick it up online, but it looks like it is "out of stock". However, if you purchase it online, they will shoot you an email telling you your expected ship date.

If you do pick this up, or are already using it, lemme know. I'm curious how it works with daily usage.

Okay, lovelies, another contest has come to an end - this one was for a chance to win one of *5* Dove Visibly Smooth deodorant sticks. ContestMachine randomly picked out the winners, and they are:

Congratulations!! (*I swear I didn't have anything to do with picking these names, but these are some really pretty names, aren't they?)

Okay, you lucky lovelies, I have already sent you a confirmation email, so, check your emailboxes and get me your addresses as soon as you can, so we can get these out to you asap.

And for those of you who didn't win this time, I have another chance for you to win in my "Have a "Pretty" Spring - with a twist" contest, where you could win a bottle of Elizabeth Arden "Pretty Eau de Cologne Splash", so check that out.

You guys - check out what just came across in my email this afternoon:

"Elizabeth Arden introduces a NEW limited edition, refreshing twist to the famous "Pretty" fragrance. "Pretty Eau de Cologne Splash" offers a fresh, spirited floral bouquet of Pretty with a hint of citrus. This new fragrance is the perfect addition to your glamorous look and carefree mood on a bright spring afternoon!

With its new fragrance notes, such as White Peach and Pink Lady Apple, Pretty Eau de Cologne Splash" reminds us of the beauty of spring and summer, with a subtle fruit note that gives a fresh sensuality to the fragrance. Presented in a pretty glass bottle, "Pretty Eau de Cologne Splash" comes with an optional pump so you can easily switch from spray to splash, to better suit your mood.

But remember, just like spring – it’s only here for a limited time."
(*Available on www.elizabetharden.com now and in stores starting May 1)
Suggested retail price: $45.00 / 6.8 fl. oz.

This sounds like it is going to smell nice - I can't wait to smell it, esp since it has Peach and Watermelon essence in it. And, guess what? I am able to give you guys a chance to win a bottle to try it for yourself. Just enter your name and email addy in the box below, and I will randomly pick a winner at 11:59pm CST April 28th. Good luck!!

You guys see this picture? It is not a lie - this body souffle/whipped cream, Votre Vu TARTE D'AMANDE Soufflé Riche Pour Le Corps ( ALMOND PIE Rich Soufflé Lotion for the Body), is almost good enough to put in a cup and eat. But DON'T - its not all safe for that.

One of my favorites scents in life is Almond. I don't know if it goes back to my early Jergen's Original Cherry Almond scent days or if it is just so close to smelling like Vanilla that does it. All I know is that the smell of Almond is like something from above - oh so good. (*Okay, it's not from above, but it IS from France).

As for being as good as pudding, I'm talking about the texture of this souffle. This is a rich, and decadent, body cream, BUT, it is not heavy. It absorbs right in, making the skin feel silky and not sticky. It contains so many fatty acids, oils and vitamins like: Grape Seed Oil, Vital, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Macadamia Oil, D Panthenol and Cerasome A and E that are good for your skin, too.

Now, this is more expensive that what I would usually get (RP $48), and I did get this sent to me to try out, but I would HIGHLY recommend this if you ever want to treat yourself or if someone is looking to get you a gift. A little goes a long way, or you can slather it on - your choice. Either way, you are going to feel so treated and soothed you'll wonder why you didn't get it sooner. Cross my heart.