Beauty: Made in the USA on NBC's New York Live

Yesterday I chatted with Jaque Reid and Janice Huff on NBC's New York Live about some of the stories of my favorite beauty brands made in America in honor of the 4th of July and of course, showcased my favorite picks from each.  Check out the segment and for a full list of products see below.

Tata Harper Lip Treatments, $28 at TataHarper.com

Kiehls Facial Fuel Heavy Lifting Anti-Aging Moisturizer for Men, $40 at Kiehls

Nature's Gate Glow Lotion, $13.99 at drugstores

Merle Normal Liquid Shimmer, $18 at merlenorman.com

Malin & Goetz Dark Rum Candle, $52 at malinandgoetz.com

Sparkly Soul Headbands, $15 at sparklysoul.com

Introducing My New Intern, Plus the 3 Products She Can't Live Without

A little help goes a long way, especially when you're an entrepreneur and feel the need to be in five places at once.  Often times I hire interns to help me be in two places at once (well, kind of...) and help organize my projects like SJP did with J Hud in SATC.  That being said, I'm excited to introduce you to my spring intern, Stephanie.  I'll admit, like my former intern Emily, I was a little partial when it came to hiring her.  She's a senior at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY (where I went), English major (just like I was) and journalism minor (just like I was).  Without further ado, I'll allow Steph to introduce her three must have beauty products so you can get to know her a bit better. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder

This bronzer is my absolute favorite. While it's matte, it still gives you a luminous look. With real cocoa as a main ingredient, it smells like powdered hot chocolate and gives you a natural post-Bahamas trip glow. It never gives me a “muddy” look so I never have to worry about looking like the tanning mom. The color's buildable so looks great on all skin tones and can be worn through all seasons. The best part: a little goes a long way so I usually only have to purchase a new one once a year.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture - Combination Skin

I have textbook combination skin: kind of oily in the T-zone area with occasionally dry cheeks. My skin also happens to be really sensitive so I look for anything that says “alcohol-free” and “fragrance-free.” This moisturizer is super lightweight so I use it before bed and under my makeup for a perfect base. It controls the shine in my T-zone and hydrates the dryer parts and leaves my face really smooth. One pump is more than enough to cover your entire face and neck. 

KMS California Hair Play Sea Salt Spray

This is my go-to summer product on the days when it's just too hot to even think about putting a blow dryer on. I even use it in the winter to give my hair a break from the straightener and curling iron. Even though my hair is naturally pretty wavy, this sea salt spray gives it that extra boost. I simply spray a little in my towel-dried hair and let it air dry. It gives me the perfect Colbie Caillat, tousled, beach waves without drying my hair out.

A Black Friday & Cyber Monday Beauty Deal Not to Be Missed from Bath & Body Works

I am deathly afraid of Black Friday and still don't understand why people feel the urge to physically go into stores and aggressively shop the deals and steals.  Can someone please explain the the satisfaction to me?  All of the deals are online, ladies!  Truth is you don't even have to wait until Cyber Monday, because many brands run them all weekend long.  The best part, you can shop in your underwear!  There's one deal I'm particularly excited about this weekend and know you will too, because it's from Bath & Body Works and who doesn't love gifting from BBW? When I was young, living in Jersey and used to go to the mall religiously BBW was one of my favorite stores.  There was always a deal and I was obsessed with their anti-bacterial hand creams and candles.  I couldn't imagine a holiday without gifting someone with something from BBW not just because of the fun scents, but also because of their deals.

This weekend, they're offering VIP Gift Bags filled with products worth over $100 for only $20 to customers who spend $40 or more.  Of course, they're first come first serve.  Loaded with the best of BBW including: Signature Collection Shower Gel and Body Lotion  in the new Cashmere Glow, a Paris Amour Body Lotion and a Paris for Men 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash, a red shower sponge, a mini Cranberry Bellini candle, and an Anti-Bac Gentle Foaming Hand Soap in Sparkling Pink Champagne.  All of the products come in a grey zip-up tote with a matching sequin change purse.

Shopping online (like me)?  Use code VIP12 at checkout.

Also on Friday you can receive a free trial size aromatherapy with any purchase ($6 value)  after 3pm and online get a $5 Aromatherapy after 3pm.

Ready. Set. Shop!

*This post is sponsored by Bath & Body Works, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Agent Provocateur Introduces Three New Alluring Fragrances

I'm obsessed with everything Agent Provocateur and while I can't afford the lingerie (seriously $130 for a thong!) I became obsessed with their first two fragrances, Eau de Parfum, Maitresse and L'Agent.  They first launched about six years ago when I was working in beauty at Cosmo and I remember snatching them.  They were a piece of the sexiest, luxury lingerie brand that I was able to obtain and could actually afford.  Now, the Agent Provocateur is coming out with three more daytime appropriate, provocative fragrances.

Agent Provocateur 'Eau Provocateur' - a brand new fragrance that blends citrus notes with red fruits.  Florals like Muguet and Orange Flower gloat over base notes of Myrrh, Vanilla and Tonka Bean.

Agent Provocateur L'Agent 'Eau Provocateur' - the daytime version of the original, L'Agent.  The floral scent was given a light twist of citrus notes like Leaf Accord, Mandarin and Apple and are grounded out by Musk, Patchouli and Sandalwood.

Agent Provocateur Maitresse 'Eau Provocateur' - the daytime version of the original, Maitresse.  Granny Smith Apple accord is topped with notes of Rose and Jasmine and grounded with Amber, Sandalwood and Tonka.

*Each fragrance will be available in April at department stores and online at AgentProvocateur.com for $70.

Shiny and New, My Hair Has Never Looked So Good

Lately I've been getting the best compliments on my hair!  It's not just the type of compliments girls give each other when they first meet up either – you know the, "I like your shoes." and "Great bag!" type.  These are coming from people who have known me for years are looking at me in shock saying, "Your hair looks so good. What are you doing?"  My answer, "I restored its virginity." I've noticed it to.  Being that as far as styling products go, I've always used just a dollop of mousse here and there so that's not it, but in the very beginning of September I switched my shampoo, conditioner and hair mask to the Living Proof Restore Line.  The claim – it restores your hairs virginity. Now I'm not exactly sure when my hair lost its virginity, but I knew as a color whore, it was long gone.

When I attended the event, the marketing and research and development team explained that when using the products your hairs moisture, shine, manageability and strength will be restored by nine times.  About seven weeks into use, I can honestly say my hair has never looked or felt more healthy. The catch (yes, of course there's a catch), once you stop using them, it's innocence will be lost again.