SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth SPF 15 Makeup -- Feels Lighter But Offers Great Coverage

The newest foundation formulations feel so light and comfortable that they could almost be confused with tinted moisturizers. The difference between these product categories often involves around two issues: one, the degree to which skin care is prioritized via hydrating, anti-aging, detoxifying, clarifying, or brightening ingredients; and two, the level of coverage yielded, which tends to be the emphasis of foundations that fall steadily in the cosmetics range. Increasingly though, the line between tinted moisturizer and foundation is becoming muddier and blurrier, as companies increase the level of pigmentation in their skincare offerings while adding skin-loving extracts to their cosmetics. Case in point: the new Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup SPF 15 ($32.50 at Clinique.com).

Available in twelve shades, this foundation goes on feathery light, never drying out, flaking, creasing, seeping into facial lines and wrinkles, or caking up -- which is, after all, the reason why so many younger women have steered away from traditional foundation (well, that and the breakouts that would ensue after their foundation clogged pores!). This foundation is so light, in fact, that you'll forget you even have it on (and how often can you say that about foundation?).

Sure, some women have complained that the formula is too sheer, that it doesn't deliver as much coverage as its previous incarnation, but I beg to differ. If you're using makeup as a means for expression and you want to try out a wildly experimental look, I'd suggest doing so with your choice of eye shadow, mascara, false lashes, liner, lipstick, blush, or gloss. If your complexion doesn't function as a smooth and beautiful canvas, the final work of art will inevitably look more like a finger painting project than a museum-worthy masterpiece. Besides, the whole point of wearing concealer, foundation, or powder is to make your complexion appear naturally luminous, supple, and dewy. Outside of the kabuki theater and pantomime circles, a dramatically painted face is generally a no-no.

So what makes this product so special? Well, it contains the same technology as the Repairwear Laser Focus serum (albeit in smaller doses), which keeps skin hydrated throughout the day, thereby smoothing out lines and preventing any makeup from settling within these wrinkly trenches.

And, if you anticipate a need for greater coverage, simply follow up with some mineral or pressed powder (I'd recommend a loose mineral powder from Bare Escentuals to keep the look fresh but matte). You won't feel like you've got cake-y makeup (in fact, you'll forget all about it!), but you'll still enjoy the benefits of both the tone-evening pigmentation and the wrinkle-reducing anti-aging technology.

Patti Hansen's Hung On U Bags For Barneys Get The Celeb Treatment For Charity Auction

 

If you've ever rocked a cross-body bag or even a messenger-style satchel, then you know all about the convenience of a hands free existence: how you can carry a cup of coffee in one hand and talk on your cell using the other, how you can shake anyone's hand without pausing awkwardly to set down what you're clutching, how you never have to worry about your bag slipping off your shoulder or out of your fingers. But there are certain challenges involved in finding the right cross-body bag -- you need the right balance between roominess and bulkiness, and you don't want anything that will steer too far away from the body. Model and actress Patti Hansen is hoping to offer just that type of convenience with her new Hung On U handbag line, which focuses on versatile pieces that fall close to the hip, much like baby slings, and which can transition from day to night.

The Hung On U collection will be available exclusively at Barneys New York starting October 12th and, in celebration, the two brands teamed up on a massive charity auction. Twenty guest designers -- among them Simon Doonan, Debra Messing, Donna Karan, Patricia Arquette, Gavin Rossdale, Christian Louboutin, and Elle's Joe Zee -- personalized their own Hung On U bags to create one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art. These unique, customized designs are being auctioned off on CharityBuzz.com/, with all proceeds being donated to the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation, which helps scientists research the causes and find treatment options for those suffering from EB, a genetic skin disorder involving blister formations. Interested parties have until October 12th to bid on their favorite designs.

Pictured above are some of the designs featured in the Charity Buzz auction. At top, you'll find Debra Messing's Polynesian-flavored tribal design (notice the silhouettes of little men along the side), while immediately below it, you'll see Joe Zee's unisex camo design and, third from top, you'll find the familiar Louboutin pump illustration, replete with the designer's trademark red sole detail. For a more adventurous interpretation, check out Simon Doonan's design (fourth from top), which has hair trim for a creepy-but-fascinating shaggy effect. We also love Donna Karan's artful design (shown fifth from top), which features hand-painted foliage and branch-like silhouettes in earthy sepia, ochre, mud brown, and russet tones.

 

 

Exclusive Amrita Singh Discount For Sicka Than Average Readers!

 

 

 

We can't resist the gravitational pull of Amrita Singh's jewelry. Whether it's a stack of beaded bangles, a floating ring with cabochon stones, or a pair of glamorous, Bollywood-flavored chandelier earrings, we're always adding new pieces from this Indian jewelry designer to our style arsenal. 

And, since we want you to infuse some Amrita Singh flavor into your wardrobe, we're offering Sicka Than Average offers a special promo code that will grant them 20% off at AmritaSingh.com! Simply enter the promo code SuperSick at checkout and enjoy the savings! The code is valid through October 31st, so you have a month to get your shopping on.

If you're overwhelmed by the vast selection on the site, we have two great suggestions for you (both of which we're coveting). First, there's the new Madhuri Bangle Set ($175 at AmritaSingh.com), a 17-piece bangle set with bracelets of multiple widths, some covered in a batik-like silk print, some made of slim gold-plated metal and adorned with tiny gold metal beads and resin stones, and others wrapped in thread and embellished with clusters of gold beads.

Another great find: the antique-looking, Amagansett Earrings ($100 at AmritaSingh.com), measuring 1.5" in length and 1" in width, which feature gold-plated brass diamond shapes with faceted, oval resin stones in a clover-like formation along the open center, which is itself adorned with curved brass strips in slightly gothic, heart-like, swirly formations. For a bit of a chandelier effect, the bottom ridge of the diamond-shaped frame features a tier of dangling resin stones that gradate in size, with the largest stone positioned along the bottom center of the earrings.

St. Ives Naturally Smooth Body Lotion Offers A Softer Touch AND Two Chances To Score Some Lotion!

With winter looming ominously ahead, many of you may have started to feel that itch. No, I don't mean the urge to jet off to a tropical island. I'm referring to increasingly parched skin that itches as badly as a Boy Scout's limbs after a tumble in poison ivy.

Fortunately, you don't have to start from scratch (or with scratch)! The new St. Ives Naturally Smooth Body Lotion ($4.99) quickly hydrates skin, not only providing greater comfort but also increasing softness, improving texture and restoring a vibrant youthfulness's to dull skin. The key to this lotion's effectiveness: its Alpha Hydroxy Acid-rich formula.

What in the world is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid, you ask? Well, these acids are naturally derived from plant sugars (particularly fruits like pineapple, peach, and papaya), and they penetrate the skin, unclogging pores and exfoliating skin by promoting cellular turnover.

Not only does the St. Ives Naturally Smooth Body Lotion deliver radiant, supple skin, but it won't make a dent on your bank account thanks to its $5 price tag.

On to the best parrt: the prizes!!

First, St. Ives has launched an amazing giveaway for its Facebook fans, offering fans a year's worth of St. Ives Body Lotion (yes, you heard right -- enough lotion to last all 365 days). If you need to stock up on lotion (and who doesn't?), log onto Facebook.com/StIves and sign up for the sweeps. One winner will be announced weekly through October 27th, so there are plenty of chances to win!

Second, since we want to give you even more chances to win, we're holding our very own giveaway! Through October 16th at 11: 59 p.m. EST, Sicka Than Average readers can enter for a chance to win a full-sized bottle of the new St. Ives Naturally Smooth Body Lotion. On October 18th, two lucky winners will be announced here and on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/SickaThanAvg).

You must be 18 or older and you must live in the continental United States (sorry, overseas readers!).

To enter, simply complete the following steps:

1. "Like" us on Facebook (Facebook.com/SickaThanAvg), click on the "Promos" tab, and fill in the entry form

2. For an added chance to win, leave a comment below completing the following sentence: "My must-have beauty buy from St. Ives is ________."

3. Make sure to leave an e-mail address at which you can be contacted should you win.

That's it! Spread the word and make sure to enter for a chance to give your skin some TLC as we transition from one season to the next!

Bergdorf Goodman Hosts An Indoor Flea Market On October 2nd

 

 

If you're prone to wandering through flea markets and antique stores, rummaging through the garments hung on metal clothing racks, the piles of goods plopped atop wooden tables, and the scarf-filled plastic bins in each humble station, Bergdorf Goodman has designed an event especially for you. On Sunday, October 2nd, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the luxury retailer will host an Indoor Flea Market on 5F, offering customers the chance to enter a world of vintage tees, flannel, and denim.

Visitors, then, will get to pick up some vintage rock band T-shirts from What Goes Around Comes Around (like the Jefferson Starship and Rolling Stones numbers pictured at top) and, if they wish to further customize these pieces, they can ask the WGACA team to embellish them with their studding machine. They can also pick up some vintage shades from Oliver Peoples (like the retro tortoise shell frames shown here); meet designer Ramy Sharp, who will be on hand to present the Fall 2011 Ramy Brook collection; enlist Emily & Ashley to custom engrave some jewelry pieces; and chat with Tibi designer Amy Smilovic, who will show some of her favorite vintage-feeling frocks. 

To complete the flea market effect, astrologer Amy Zerner will be offering tarot card readings with any purchase from her eponymous, zodiac-themed jewelry line. Brunch treats and a live DJ will complete the festive effect. And, unlike outdoor flea markets, which are vulnerable to weather whims, this one will go on regardless of the forecast. Oh, and that musty couch smell you find at so many flea markets? No chance of it seeping into Bergdorf Goodman!

The event is open to the public and admission is free, but you do have to RSVP to [email protected]

Check it out!

 

 

Bliss Spa Fabulous Skin-Reviving Rubberizing Mask Gives An Elasticity Boost

Give your complexion a chance to bounce back from a state of Gollum-ish pallor with the Bliss Spa Fabulous Skin-Reviving Rubberizing Mask ($38 for 6-pack at BlissWorld.com). Meant to brighten, replenish, soften and smooth skin, the mask is packed with: bilberry extract, which is rich in anti-aging agents like reservatrol and quercetin; seaweed, which has such high anti-bacterial properties that it can unclog pores, kill acne-causing bacteria, and fend off excess oil; and vitamin C, which helps to even skin tone and protects skin from free radicals.

Each box houses six single-serving packets, each containing a powdery, almost ash-colored formula that, when mixed with water, develops a thick, viscous, cement glue-like texture. To prepare the mask for application, you simply have to empty one packet's contents into a mixing bowl and fill the plastic measuring scoop (which comes in the box) with water. Using one of the sealed wooden spatulas included in the box, you then have to mix the contents together until you no longer see any powdery specks and the rubbery paste looks even and clump-free. At that point, using the spatula, you can apply the mask to your face, smoothing it all along your complexion and layering on liberally.

Once you've applied the sticky mask to your face, you'll look like you've been attacked by plaster or perhaps hit in the face with a frosted cake. It may not be a Swamp Thing green, but it's definitely not the kind of mask you want to have on your face when answering the door. Then again, that's the wonder of  at-home spa experiences: we get to look ridiculous within the privacy of our own homes, emerging only one we've made the drab-to-fab transition.

While the Bliss Spa Fabulous Skin-Reviving Rubberizing Mask requires more clean-up than your standard squeeze-onto-palms-and-spread-on-face number, the extra labor is well worth it. Besides, there's a geeky sense of excitement that comes from conducting your very own chemistry experiment.

Once 30 minutes have elapsed, you can remove the mask. Because it has such a thick, rubbery feel, you'll be able to literally peel it off your face, and you won't get that skin-yanking sensation that you can often get from traditional peel-off masks. Any remaining residue can be rinsed off with water.

After using the mask once a week for three consecutive weeks, I noticed my skin's tone looked more even and that my normally dry complexion felt more balanced and smooth.

 Below, you'll find a few more photos that illustrate the application process (including a very embarrassing one of me with the mask on my face!). Hopefully, they'll help outline the various steps!

 

Kidrobot For Swatch Collection -- Watches And Dunnies For Honeys

Synchronize your Swatches, ladies! With the new Kidrobot for Swatch collection, you'll be on more of a winning streak than Parker Lewis himself. The limited-edition collection consists of eight vinyl watches, each designed by an artist, illustrator, graffiti writer, or graphic designer within the Kidrobot family. Among the featured artists, then, you'll find such recognizable names as Frank Kozik and Tristan Eaton, along with other cult favorites like Kansas-based illustrator MAD, French graffiti icon Tilt, and New York-based designer SSUR.

Each vivacious timepiece comes with the 3-inch Dunny figure that served as the corresponding artist's inspiration. Take, for example, the Kidrobot for Swatch Shout Out 3-Inch Dunny Set ($70 at Kidrobot.com), designed by MAD, which features a bright pink watch with a screaming face and a lovable matching Dunny. In this piece, the genius is in the details. The Dunny's bright pink body is covered with playful illustrations in white -- from tiny stars to ice cream cones on his rabbit-like ears -- while his face is completely covered by black oval shape meant to resemble the dark inside of an open mouth, with a blue tongue sticking out and white pearly teeth framing the shape. The Swatch design mirrors the concept, with the screaming face integrated into the watch's round face. What is there to scream about? We're thinking ice cream!

Our personal fave, though, is the camo-dipped Kidrobot for Swatch Tic Tic Boom 3-Inch Dunny Set ($70 at Kidrobot.com) by Russian-born, New York-based artist and designer SSUR (pictured in detail after the jump). The Dunny's combat-ready stance says it all -- this little guy is a warrior, and he's ready to put up quite the fight with a collage of US Woodland, Jungle Digital, and Sandy Desert camo patterns covering his body. The matching watch features a green camo band and watch case, along with a red face with the outline of Che Guevara in black and the words "You Are Here" printed in yellow at the center.

For a whimsical option that marries street art and the color schemes of a delicious candy necklace, check out the Kidrobot for Swatch Love Song 3-Inch Dunny Set ($70 at Kidrobot.com) by French spray can artist Tilt. The Dunny figure features lyrics of love in bubble letters circling his body while, on the watch, the lyrics run in concentric circles along the face of the watch, running into the band area.  

Another favorite: the Kidrobot for Swatch The So Far Away 3-Inch Dunny Set ($70 at Kidrobot.com) Tby Australian artist Jeremyville. For the Dunny, Jeremyville created a new character named Ibbity Pop, a bunny-like critter with wide eyes encircled in bubblegum pink, a bulbous nose, and strong black lines meant to resemble fur along his body and forehead. The accompanying Swatch features Ibbity Pop's face on the dial and long black lines covering the band.

Each set features the artist's signature printed on the watch band and comes in a clear box so you can display your piece proudly.

 

 

Straighten Up Your Act (Or At Least Your Mane) With Living Proof Straight Spray

For Fall 2011, hair is going straight and sleek. At the Milly Fall 2011 show, models flaunted Guy Bourdin-inspired red lips and straight tresses, while at Marc Jacobs' Fall 2011 show, models donned low ponytails with pin-straight strands and, at Tadashi Shoji, they traipsed down the runway with straight hair parted at the side. Unfortunately, those of us with curly hair and/or color-treated strands know very well that attaining these sorts of straight looks can often mean marathon sessions with blow dryers and flat irons that can lead to damage and even breakage. Sure, you can invest in a Brazilian keratin treatment at a salon but, given that the products used often times contain formaldehyde (yes, the chemical used for embalming corpses), which can be toxic and even cancerous when inhaled, we're remiss to recommend this alternative.

So what do we recommend for ladies with wavy, curly, frizzy, and unruly strands who desire straight and sleek manes? Behold Living Proof Straight ($29 at Sephora), a styling product that's free of silicones, resins, oils, parabens, and potentially harmful chemicals. Instead, this spray relies on an aerosolized version of PolyfluoroEster, the humidity-blocking molecule that made the brand's No Frizz Straight Styling Creme so beloved. To use, you simply spray over damp hair, holding the canister upright about 6" away from your head, and then  follow by blow drying your tresses as desired. If you're not particularly comfortable wielding a round brush and dryer, the Living Proof Straight will give you that much-needed assist so that you can score big, achieving the desired level of straightness and sleekness.

Another selling point: PolyfluoroEster not only blocks humidity, but it also repels dirt and debris, so that your hair won't be weighed down after a few hours and you can extend the lifespan of your pin-straight style. I've had a blowout last for almost four days after using this product -- a record number considering that my hair tends to curl at the slightest hint of humidity (a bead of sweat along the hairline will unleash a chain reaction of frizz all along the area).

 

New Lia Sophia "Boudicca" Collection Designed By Dani Stahl

 

 

 

In between shuttling to and from Lincoln Center, Milk Studios, the Metropolitan Pavilion, Exit Art, Hammerstein Ballroom, and Eyebeam Art + Technology Center to cover the runway shows and the activity backstage during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2012, I traipsed over to the Empire Hotel (conveniently located across from Lincoln Center) and dropped by the Lia Sophia suite, where the latest jewelry collection was on display for fashion mavens to admire.

The newest Lia Sophia Red Carpet collection was once again designed by New York-bred fashion icon Dani Stahl, downtown darling and Style Editor-at-Large of Nylon magazine. This time around, Stahl drew inspiration from Boudicca, Queen of the Celtic Iceni tribe who, in 60 AD, rallied her people to fight against occupying Roman Empire forces. In many illustrations, Queen Boudicca is depicted wearing a golden yellow dress with a blue cape, holding a spear with an arrow-like tip or blowing a horn as a call to arms. 

In keeping with the Boudicca motif, then, many of the pieces in the collection feature tusk-like horn shapes. Take, for example, the Horn Pendant Necklace (pictured second and fifth from top), available in either Black Onyx and Red Jasper Resin in Matte Gold with Black Diamond Crystals or in Blue Lapis and Carnelian Resin in Matte Gold with Black Diamond Crystals ($250, visit LiaSophia.com to find an advisor). The Horn Pendant Necklace, then, features a two-toned horn shape that curves upward like a half crescent moon, with a gold strip encrusted with three vertical rows of black diamond crystals along the center separating the two resin shades.

Horns also pop up on hinged golden cuffs ($375, visit LiaSophia.com to find an advisor), with two horn shapes facing in opposite directions practically kissing at the center point of the wide metal bracelets, and on chunky rings where the horns are stacked atop one another and hug the finger like claws. The Horn Ring with Black Diamond Crystals and Black Onyx and Red Jasper Resin in Matte Gold ($175, visit LiaSophia.com to find an advisor) and the Horn Ring with Black Diamond Crystals and Blue Lapis and Carnelian Resin in Matte Gold ($175, visit LiaSophia.com to find an advisor) figured among the hottest tickets at the press preview, with fashion editors an celebrities alike swooning over the pieces.

To conjure up visions of other warrior princess regalia, arrow-themed pieces prevailed, as with a golden necklace featuring faceted, slightly elevated arrows strung together, with one side of each downward-facing triangle covered in clear diamond crystals (as shown above) and the other left smooth and slightly mirrored. Similarly, necklaces and stretch bracelets with shield-like diamond shapes featuring concentric grooves and center accent stones in blue lapis or red jasper conveyed a sense of strength and power.

Below, you'll find more photos of this powerful collection. Who can put up a fight when faced with these mighty pieces? Surrender is the only option!

 

MAC Me Over Collection Seeks To Offer The Tools For DIY Makeovers

 

After conducting a massive online casting call in which contestants vied for the chance to have MAC Cosmetics make them over, six people were casted as the faces of the Fall 2011 MAC Me Over Collection.

The collection can be divided into three parts: MAC Basics, which is chock full of earthy, taupe-tinged, bronze-ish and chocolate-y browns and nudes; Icelandic Cool, which features icy shades of gray, mauve, lilac, cool moss-y green, silver, pale pink, and beige; and New Black, which features dark shades of red, plum, blackened green, midnight blue, eggplant purple, deep teal, and full-bodied magenta.

Below, you'll find a breakdown of all the products in each mini collection, as well as swatches of some of our favorite offerings!