I probably think this song is about me...

Hi ladies,
Thank you so much for participating in week thirteen--the last and final week--of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! This week's winner is NIKKI! Miss Nikki, shoot me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address so I can send you your prize: Orlane Paris Absolute Radiance Lightbox ($200) and Sampar Eye Rule ($78)! Lucky girl. Girls, thank you SO much for your boundless enthusiasm for my two-month "Free at Last" experiment. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! And a huge shout-out to all the fabulous beauty brands that helped make the thirteen giveaways possible. Sigh. So full of love on this rainy Thursday. Enough gushing, onto le beaute...


Saturday is La Lina's christening! We're having it at St. Augustine's, a stunning old cathedral-type church in Park Slope, and the weather's supposed to be GORGEOUS. Equally gorgeous? My outfit! Whatever, I'm a new mommy, I'm allowed this moment of sartorial self-indulgence. Influenced as hell by the J. Crew numbers Mrs. Obama wore on her triumphant traipse across Europe, I raced to the Soho store and splurged on a vivid, coral pencil skirt and a sleeveless, ruffly silk blouse in a gorgeous cream. Slinky and sophisticated, no?! Anyway, I searched forever for an appropriate eyeshadow to go with the whole look. The bright melon skirt really called for a sun-drenched moment...I was thinking shimmery salmons and golds. And I saw a pic of RiRi somewhere rocking a gold eye with a thin teal line along her bottom lashes (sounds bold, but it wasn't, I promise! Just a subtle shot of color). Loved that! So, when I found Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Sand & Sea EyeShadow Palette ($38), I dropped everything and splurged (if I was really being honest with myself, I'd admit I had most of these colors already in my makeup drawer, but they were scattered throughout different palettes! So inconvenient!). Honestly, how gorge are these colors? The dazzling shades include Turquoise, Aqua, Bronze Cube, Gold Nugget, Tea Biscuit and Ginger Drop...perfect for my moment, each and every one. I plan to apply Gold Nugget to my lids, Bronze Cube in the crease, Tea Biscuit on my browbone and inner corners (instantly wakes up tired eyes), and I'll use a teensy liner brush to drag Turquoise along my bottom lashline. I realize that my child's baptism is not about my eyeshadow, but between you and I, I'm terribly excited about this. Pictures coming next week!
xoxo,
Tia

Giveaway #13: Orlane and Sampar

Hello ladies,
Welcome to week thirteen of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Did you have a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend? Speaking of, you know I usually post on Monday, but for some reason, I thought today was Sunday. How long does the new-mommy excuse last? In any event, this week is the last and final "Free at Last!" So crazy, man. I feel like it was just a little spark in my brain, like, yesterday. It's been so much fun paying all my loyal SYB Babes back for four years of blood, sweat, tears, and eyeliner! Hope you enjoyed it, too. Okay, so here are the rules for le latecomers: I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives at the end of this post, and if you know the answer, leave it in the "comments" section. On Thursday, I'll RANDOMLY pick a reader from the correct answers to win this week's free product giveaway. Good luck!

THE PRIZES: A couple of brand-spanking-new, insanely luxe launches from two major skincare brands!


Orlane Paris Absolute Radiance Lightbox ($200) is an anti-aging kit that takes your skin from dull to dazzling in seven minutes. NO, really. The three-part system is seriously concentrated, though, so it's not to be used as a daily regimen. Instead, use it before some grand event where you need to look your most devastating, like a wedding, or a first date with your future-husband-that-doesn't-know-it-yet, or some major job interview, or a reality show audition. Complexion perfection, promised.


Sampar Eye Rule ($78) is a brilliant puff-reducing, dark circle-fading, wrinkle-erasing formula that has celebs like Gossip Girl's Jessica Szohr beyond addicted. Forget the genius eye cream for a minute, and focus on airtight pen applicator! Something about that teeny-tiny, skin-cooling roller ball is so delightful, and it feels fantastic on hot, summer skin. Eye do!

AND NOW, THE TRIVIA QUESTION: In a Summer '08 post, I wrote about throwing a doomed stoop sale. Why was it a failure? And why was I throwing it?

No Sweat

Hi ladies,
Thank you so much for participating in week twelve of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! This week's winner is FOXIJT! Miss Foxijt, shoot me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address so I can send you your prize: A slew of bestsellers from hair guru, Oscar Blandi. Congrats, doll! Ladies, come back next Monday and compete to win products from the insanely fancy skincare brand, Orlane Paris. And now, onto mama's latest obsesh...


Oh, how I love my SYB Babes. Sigh. Let me tell you a-something about my SYB Babes. We are as thick as thieves. And because of our closeness, I feel comfortable telling you about, well...my fantastic new deodorant. As you may or may not know, I'm a sweater. Not a cardigan; I'm a person who sweats a lot. And I've always been kind of obsessed with Certain Dri, that prescription-level, over the counter anti-perspirant that keeps you dry for, like, four days. I mean, I've worn this stuff for every speaking engagement I've ever done. But I've always been more a bit concerned about the levels of potentially harmful chemicals in Certain Dri--especially aluminum, which some folks think may lead to cancer (it's not been proven, but still). So, I squealed when LaVanila, the makers of one of my favorite candles of all time, recently debuted LaVanila The Healthy Deodorant ($18). It's a serious-business, clinical-strength deodorant like Certain Dri, but it's 100% NATURAL! I mean, absolutely no parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, pthalates, aluminum, or anything bad. That, and it comes in all the deliciously chic scents that the candles come in, including Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Grapefruit, and Vanilla Lavender (my fave). So, so, so exciting. Girls, not only does it keep me dry for days, the scents totally have that chic-Parisian-girl-stealing-off-to-meet-her-secret-lover-at-a-dusky-Left-Bank-bookstore feel to them. Perfection.
xoxo,
Tia Pet

Giveaway #12: Oscar Blandi Bestsellers

Hello ladies,
Welcome to week twelve of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Again, the rules: Every Monday, I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives, and if you know the answer, leave it in the "comments" section. On Wednesday, I'll RANDOMLY pick a reader from the correct answers to win that week's free product giveaway. Good luck!

THE PRIZE: A selection of items from legendary haircare guru, Oscar Blandi ($85 value!)


THE DETAILS: Only the best for my SYB Babes! The winner will get a collection of bestsellers from the celeb-fave hairstylist, including Oscar Blandi Lacca Hairspray ($23), a gloriously non-sticky, frizz-fighting spray; Oscar Blandi Olio di Jasmine ($22), a deliciously scented shine spray blended with Italian olive oil; Oscar Blandi Pronto ($21), the lemon/verbena-scented, paraben-free dry shampoo spray (great for working out!); and Oscar Blandi Seta Silk Polishing Cream ($19), a super-light styling cream that gives hair a sexy, mirror-like shine.

AND NOW, THE TRIVIA QUESTION: In a Fall '05 post, I write about my favorite shimmer glosses. What's my third favorite?

Serious Business

Hey girls,
Just a quick note to remind you that it's Skin Cancer Awareness Month. If you don't already know how, definitely take a minute to learn how to give yourself a breast exam, and check your bod for any sketchy moles. And guess what? Aveeno and the Skin Cancer Foundation are offering free full-body screenings with dermatologists all month long. For more info, check out Lifeminute.TV. Okay, enough with the sober stuff. Have a great Sunday, and I'll talk to you ladies tomorrow!
xoxo,
Tia

Brown Woman's Burden, Part 2

Hi ladies,
Thank you so much for participating in week eleven of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! This week's winner is "I'm Glossy Myn Juan" (I mean, the name alone deserves some sort of gold-plated trophy)! Miss I'm Glossy, shoot me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address so I can send you your prize: A selection of items from Dior Beauty Summer '09 Collection. Congrats, doll! Ladies, come back next Monday and compete to win products from haircare legend, Oscar Blandi! Now, onto the beauty.


Girls, I am SO very excited about this new product. Listen, I love being brown. Love it. But there are some definite drawbacks, one of which is the fact that brown skin scars if you BREATHE on it wrong. And the scar seems to last forevah. Doesn't it? We've all experienced the frustration of a pimple that disappears in a week, only to leave behind a scar that lasts for an entire season of Lost. Who hasn't been through gallons of concealers and fade creams in an effort to get rid of all those little zit scars? Good news, chicas! Clinique's brand-new Even Better Makeup SPF 15 ($24.50) is blended with Vitamin C and other assorted acne-scar-zapping ingredients, which promise to even out your complexion in a month! This stuff has been getting rave reviews from industry insiders, so I ran out to get mine last week. So far, I'm loving it. The great thing is, while the foundation is working to erase dark spots, it makes your skin look incredibly luminous and radiant (it's blended with all sorts of illuminating minerals). Plus, it has SPF, which is obviously important. Try it!!
xoxo,
Tia

Giveaway #11: Dior Beauty Summer Essentials!

Hello ladies,
Welcome to week eleven of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Again, the rules: Every Monday, I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives, and if you know the answer, leave it in the "comments" section. On Wednesday, I'll RANDOMLY pick a reader from the correct answers to win that week's free product giveaway. Good luck!

THE PRIZE: A selection of items from Dior Beauty Summer '09 Collection












Whether or not it's officially hot yet where you live, Dior Beauty Summer '09 Collection has all the essentials you'll need to rock a super-sunny, beachy-time faux glow! Dust on a little gold-flecked shadow, some coppery blush, and a neutral bronzer, and you're ready for your Victoria's Secret catalog close-up.

AND NOW, THE SYB TRIVIA QUESTION: In a post from the summer of '07, I blogged about a pair of butt-enhancing panties I was coveting. Where did I get the idea to buy it?

xoxo,
Tia

La Dia del Madre

Hey SYB Babes,
Happy Mother's Day, from me and La Lina!
xoxo,
Tia

PS...
I'll definitely miss you over the weekend. If you miss me, too, check out my article on protecting your hair from sun damage on Lifeminute.TV, and my Q and A on Stylecaster.com. Love you madly!

Met Ball, Mother's Day, and Mis Manos

Hi ladies,
Thank you so much for participating in week ten of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! This week's winner is Raleigh! Miss Raleigh, shoot me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address so I can send you your prize: My favorite skincare products from Neutrogena, including the Deep Clean Facial Cleanser, Deep Clean Gentle Scrub, and Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($20.50 value). Congrats, sugar! Now, onto the beauty. I have a lot on my mind, so I'm slipping into bullets...


* On Monday night, the Costume Institute held its spring gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art! This year, it was in honor of the exhibition, "Models as Muse." Ladies, this event is like fashion porn. Scores of celebs and glitterati in one glorious room, all dressed to the nines...heaven. Sadly, this year I was not impressed by the ensembles (look up Leighton Meester's situation for a hearty laugh). I did think this trio of brown goddesses looked amazing, however: Check out model Lakshmi Melon, designer Rachel Roy, and Joy Bryant, all swathed in Rachel Roy frocks with Manolo Blahnik for Rachel Roy shoes. Gorge! In honor of the glamorous fete, here's a product that'll sprinkle a bit of fancy-dust over your everyday beauty regimen. Cover Girl Exact Eyelights Eye Brightening Mascara in Black Pearl ($7.49) is not only a fantastic, lash-plumping mascara, it's infused with a bit of subtle black sparkle! Not enough so that people will mistake you for Lady Miss Kier...just a barely-there wash of shimmer, enough to make you feel secretly special. Plus, it somehow makes your eyes look brighter, and more awake. Hot stuff!


* Okay, so this swine flu thing is killing me. I've become PSYCHOTIC about washing my hands. And La Lina's tiny hands. I mean, I live in a city where our we depend on the SUBWAY to get around...filthy! So, I've taken to slathering on hand sanitizer every ten seconds. I don't love putting Purell and the other chemical-based ones on my baby's hands, so I've become a huuuge fan of Frais Pocket Hand Sanitizer ($3.50). This eco-friendly stuff is blended with 66% sugarcane alcohol, which obliterates germs without leaving any harsh residue. Plus, it's mixed with tons of yummy essential oils, including Ginger, Tangerine, Orange, Basil, Grapefruit and Cardamom. Gentle AND effective.


* On Sunday, I'll be celebrating my very first Mother's Day!! I'm so excited. I hope whoever's in charge of Lina's gift to me considers Stila's "My Mother My Hero" Gift Set ($38, $110 value!). Forget the darling gold clutch, this gift includes a sheer plum lipstick, a thickening mascara, a shimmering bronze eyeshadow trio, and an illuminating finishing powder. But enough about me. Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful, supportive, gorgeous, and endlessly generous mommy (it's her very first as a grandma!)...and also to my mother-in-law, who is the best a girl could ask for. Love you all!

xoxo,
Tia

Giveaway #10: Neutrogena Skincare Essentials!

Hello ladies,
Welcome to week ten of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Again, the rules: Every Monday, I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives, and if you know the answer, leave it in the "comments" section. On Wednesday, I'll RANDOMLY pick a reader from the correct answers to win that week's free product giveaway. Good luck!

THE PRIZE: A trio of my favorite skincare products from Neutrogena, including the Deep Clean Facial Cleanser, Deep Clean Gentle Scrub, and Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($20.50 value)


Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser ($6.49) is so gentle, yet incredibly effective...I've been using it for yeeeaaars. It's loaded with hydroxy acids that gently remove complexion-dulling dead skin cells, revealing super-pretty, rosy-cheeked goodness. Perfect for normal-to-oily skin types, this stuff gets you squeaky-clean without drying out your face. Mmm, mmm, good.


Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub ($6.49) is just the thing to use after you cleanse. This beta hydroxy-based exfoliator digs deep into pores, scooping out the dirt and sebum that causes gross blackheads. Eww. Plus, it's blended with super-fine microbeads that help buff skin to a supple, glowing finish.


Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($7.49) is one of my favorite products of all time. As you know, I do not wash my face with water (I spend too much time and money on my blowouts, so I'm not about to let any H2O near my roots). Instead, I use these lovely cleansing sheets. They may be gentle, ladies, but they mean BIDNESS. In one swipe, the towelettes dissolve oil, dirt, and makeup--including waterproof mascara. Loving that. Plus, they have the most soothing little barely-there fragrance. Niiice.

AND NOW, THE SYB TRIVIA QUESTION: In a post from the summer of '05, I write about a vintage actress/model my Aunt San insisted I looked like as a child. Who was the actress/model?

xoxo,
Tia

PS:
Thanks so much for participating in the "Big Lips Tiny Hips" giveaway on Friday! Here are the six winners: CincyFan, Southern Girl, E.D. Lewis, Gigi, Jackson's Mommy, and Ebony!! Shoot me an email with your mailing address at beauty@tiawilliams.net so Karen can send you your lipgloss. Congrats!!