Words to live by

"We live only to discover beauty. All else is a form of waiting."

-Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese-American author and essayist

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

This is no Minnie Mouse makeup

It's been announced that Disney is teaming up with always fashion-forward beauty company MAC for a cosmetics line to launch in September. The Venomous Villains line will include lip gloss, lipstick, powder and blush. Everything will retail between$12 and $29.50. No word yet on the packaging, but I'm sure it'll combine the best of both companies and be cute and chic. It's an interesting collaboration, and I can't wait to see the products!

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

My Dream Red Lip

Image from Little Plastic Horses

Now THESE are statement lips. I love the color, the sparkle, the precision. Notice how she's not wearing any other makeup. Smart choice--the lips definitely speak for themselves. I want to master this look for my birthday in June. I might have to go down to MAC (or a craft store?!) and buy some loose glitter for this look. It's definitely worth it. This is just simply breathtaking!

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

Frizz Fighter

Image from Ouidad

As someone with naturally curly hair, I am always looking for the new "it" fix for frizz, summer's biggest beauty bummer. This year, I'm looking for help from Ouidad's Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel, $22, Sephora stores and sephora.com. The unique formula takes moisture from the air and uses it to hydrate your strands and keep hair frizz-free. Talk about taking something bad like humidity and turning it in a good thing.

For even coverage, take a small amount of the product and rub it between your palms. Run your hands from the front of your hair to the back as if you're making a ponytail. Step back and admire your frizz-free curls.

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

Words to live by

"Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong."

-Peter T. McIntyre, painter and author from New Zealand

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

How-to: Do a fishtail braid

I am a huge runway hair and beauty fan, even though I know the trends aren't always very practical (Black matte lipstick? Shaved eyebrows? No, thanks). Finally, the latest hair trend is something I can do myself--with a little assistance. Braids were huge for Fall 2010. There were long, side-swept ones at Alexander Wang and Heidi-esque ones at Oscar de la Renta. However, my favorite kind were the fishtail braids at Doo.Ri and Missoni. I've always admired them, but couldn't do them myself...until now.

Here's the very helpful style guide I use from (where else?) style.com. Good luck!

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

Ambitious Beauty Cuties: Mia

Mia is part-photographer, part-fashionista and all style. For her blog Marionette, s

he always finds the most fashion-forward people who aren't afraid to take risks (and I always love that).

This 21-year-old Norwegian takes to the streets for her blog to find serious chicness in models, fashion royalty and everyday glamazons.

1. What inspires you?

It's hard to say one thing that inspires me because I get inspired all the time, every day. It can be a person or something I see. It's all about the feeling I get when I spot an item or a person--a feeling that gets my mind running!

2. What is beautiful to you?

I take photos of what I find beautiful. People expressing happiness, shyness or passion is beautiful. Old people and wisdom is beautiful. Life itself is beautiful. The personality people have given themselves in what they have created is beautiful. The power and massiveness of nature is beautiful. I could continue forever. We are surrounded with so much beauty, which is one of the reasons why I love photography.

3. Why did you want to start a blog?

I started a blog when I lived in Paris for a year and a half. In the beginning, I wasn't that into it until I came home to Norway the next summer, and I wasn't surrounded by the beauty of Paris anymore. People aren't as fashionable in Norway as in Paris, so I started writing on my blog again when I was spending my summer experimenting with styling and photography, as well as getting lost in style.com!

4. How do you choose the people you photograph?

If they've got something I find different and unique. If they stand out in the crowd!

5. Do you have a personal motto?

I don't have one in particular, although a good quote can turn around my day in a heartbeat (check out the label wise words on her blog).

6. What are some of your favorite things?

Some of my favorite things: my Dior bags I got from my mom (my mother used them when she was my age), an ancient silver bracelet I bought in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, my vintage YSL glasses I bought in Hong Kong and, maybe most important, my camera :)

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

Words to live by

"Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical."

-Sophia Loren, Italian bombshell with killer curves, a classy personality and an Academy Award.

123s: Cleansing Cloths

Wish you could refresh your complexion after a workout with something other than a gym towel? Try carrying a packet of cleansing cloths in your bag. These nifty little napkins will cleanse, wipe away sweat and minimize shine. Here are three products that promise to work as hard as you do.

1. Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths, $15 for 30 cloths, Sephora stores

These cleansing cloths are great for sensitive and acne-prone skin. They contain Icelandic kelp and white willow bark, a natural kind of salicylic acid, to revitalize skin and soothe any irritation or inflammation. The extra-gentle foam formula also works without leaving a filmy residue. No water is necessary; simply swipe, toss and go.

Image from Skyn Iceland Web site

2. Soap & Glory Off Your Face Cleansing Cloths, $6.99 for 25 cloths, Target stores

These cloths pack a punch for your pores. The textured cloths contain Soap & Glory's "Poreshrink-RS" formula to reduce the size of pores. In addition, they soften, tone and cleanse. Massage the cloth into the skin for a deeper exfoliation to remove dirt, oil and sweat. My biggest gripe with cleansing cloths is that they can often dry out in the package, but these come wrapped with an airtight flip lid.

Image from target.com

3. Neutrogena Deep Clean Sport On-the-Go Cleansing Wipes,

Neutrogena has once again improved its already impressive line of products. These cloths are specifically designed for post-workout use, and they eliminate 99 percent of surface sweat, oil and dirt. The best part? These indiviually-wrapped wipes contain a skin-cooling ingredient to quickly help you feel refreshed. In one word, genius.

Image from neutrogena.com

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

Shu Uemura is leaving the U.S.

L'Oreal just announced today that it's closing all U.S. operations of Japanese luxury makeup brand Shu Uemura. The brand developed its cult-like status through its eyelash curlers, cleansing oils and insanely inventive false eyelashes.

If you want to invest in one Shu Uemura product, I would go with the eyelash curler (silver or 24K gold). I never understood the point of one of these scary-looking beauty tools until I got one from this brand. Eyes always look bigger, brighter and more alert with a quick squeeze of the handles. For added curl, I heat my eyelash curler up with a blow dryer to give it more staying power.

Drop by Sephora before summer to stock up before these goods are gone for good.

Gloss up your workout

Image from Hourglass (color shown is Eden)

I always have at least one lip gloss on me at all times--even at the gym. That being said, it's hard to find a gloss that doesn't cause that annoying "pocket pooch." I've found the solution with Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss, $26, Sephora stores. The sleek package is flat--perfect for putting in the pockets of most athletic wear. Another bonus: the vitamin E-enriched formula is water-resistant, so you can drink from your water bottle without leaving a nasty lip gloss residue on the rim. This sheer gloss will have you going from cardio class to cool down in chic style.

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

123s: Essie spring collection

If you're like me, spring means it's time to make your toes pretty for platforms. This season, Essie's The Art of Spring collection is my top choice for the perfect polish. Whether you're a nail novice or a polish princess, this collection has a color for you.

1. Lilacism, $8, select retailers and salons

I love how this isn't your usual purple polish. Send mixed messages with Lilacism--its darker undertones give it a tougher vibe to balance the typically timid purple.

2. Pop Art Pink, $8, select retailers and salons
Pop Art Pink is ideal for the beauty minimalist. This ballet pink hue gives you a sheer wash of color without any fuss. It's subtly feminine, leaving you to be pretty in pink.

3. Tart Deco, $8, select retailers and salons

This color reminds me of the Vivanno strawberry banana smoothie from Starbucks, so obviously this frothy coral color is my favorite. It's the perfect color for spring (or for those who wish summer would hurry up).

All images from Essie.

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

Words to live by

"There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

-Marianne Williamson, a spiritual activist and author of A Return to Love.

Be yourself and inspire others.

Ambitious Beauty Cuties: Marianne

"I sell my soul to the fashion devil on a daily basis. This is my blog." From the tag line alone, I knew Marianne's blog was made for fashion junkies like me. Marianne has a keen eye for fashion and an eclectic style I love. Mixing parts Alexander Wang (see the amazement), Acne, Forever 21 and vintage, she's the epitome of street chic.

1. Give us some background info.

My name is Marianne. I'm 27. I live in Oslo, Norway and work as a shop manager at the best fashion store in town, KOMA. I love fashion, art, music and life in general. One happy camper!

2. What made you start your own blog?

I was asked to start my own blog by the people behind Carousel (the Web site I'm blogging at). We´d met through work a couple of times, and I thought it sounded interesting, so I gave it a shot. Glad I did...it´s great fun!

3. What inspires you?

I get inspired just by living.

4. What’s your favorite thing about makeup?

5. My favourite thing about makeup is that it can change your look totally, not to mention that it saves me from looking like a garbage bag on a daily basis. Love that!

6. What’s your secret for a bold red lip (Check hers out here)?

My secret to a bold red lip is a good lip liner and my favourite red lipstick from Make Up Store, "Pout."

7. What are some of your favorite beauty products?

I love the mineral powder from bareMinerals, plush lash mascara from MAC, and the blush from Bobbi Brown.

8. Do you have a personal motto?

To treat others like I want to be treated. And smile…a lot!

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

123s: Deep-cleaning cleansers

The harsh winter weather can leave your skin looking dull and lifeless. To revitalize skin, use a product that cleans deep into pores and sloughs off dead skin cells. These three cleansers will leave you looking radiant and fresh with their super-scrubbing powers.

1. St. Ives Swiss Formula Blemish-Fighting Apricot Cleanser (2-pack), $7.76, Walmart stores

A true classic, I have been faithful to the Swiss Formula since middle school. I've tried other scrubs, but they pale in comparison. The texture of the cleanser is grainy, and I love how you can control the intensity of it. Massage it carefully on the cheeks (delicate skin), and scrub more intensely in the T-Zone area. I use it three to four times a week to remove dead skin cells and keep my complexion clear and radiant.

Image from walmart.com

2. Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew The Brusher Gel Cleanser, $6.99, Ulta stores

This cleanser with built-in brush allows you to control how deep a clean you want to get. Squeeze the desired amount of product onto the brusher and massage skin in small, quick circles to gently exfoliate with the rubber bristles. It's great for rejuvenating your skin in the morning before work or school. You'll look fresh-faced and ready to take on the day.

Image from Garnier

3. Clarisonic Skincare Brush, $195, Sephora stores

The price is hefty, but the results speak for themselves. This skincare brush oscillates at more than 300 times per second to deep clean and clarify skin. The benefits include smaller pores, healthier skin and better absorption of skincare products. The starter kit includes a brush, charger, brush head and 2.0 oz. of cleanser. The heads should be replaced every three months, and they are available for normal, delicate and sensitive skin.

People all around the world have been raving about this product since it was released. Think of it as getting an exfoliating facial every time you use it. Though it'll set you back almost $200, if you're going to splurge on your skin, why not invest in the best?

Image from Clarisonic

Question of the day: How much are you willing to spend on skincare?

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

Dos and Don'ts

Do

Branch out into beauty. Whether it's vibrant blush, winged-out liner or an orange lip, try something new.

Polish your nails with pastels. Not only will you be ready for spring, but looking at light blue or lavender can have a calming effect.

Exercise to energize. It might sound contradictory, but taking a brisk walk outside has been shown to re-energize you better than a nap or coffee.

Wear sunscreen. It sounds obvious, but a third of Americans in a 2009 survey said they don't use sunscreen. An easy way to protect yourself is to buy a 2-in-1 body lotion. I use Lubriderm's Daily Moisture with SPF 15 whenever I'm walking outside. Its light, non-greasy formula is perfect for everyday use.

Don't

Forget to take care of your lips. To keep chapped lips at bay, try a lip exfoliator like Philosophy's Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub. Rub it on lips and gently remove with a washcloth. Want similar results on the cheap? Use Vaseline and rub an old toothbrush over lips to slough off dry skin.

Cake on your makeup. Swap your foundation for a tinted moisturizer--your skin wants to breathe!

Go to the tanning bed--there are so many healthier options. Whether you try a spray tan, bronzing towelettes or rub-on gels, find the formula that works for you.

Worry. Be happy. Be yourself.

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

Ambitious Beauty Cuties: Melissa Osburn

To kick off my blog, I thought I’d start with someone who has already been successful with hers. Melissa Osburn, 28, is a slot machine artist and part-time culinary student in Las Vegas, N.V. She started The Daily Nail, a personal project that has her doing one new nail design a day for a year (so ambitious, I love it). She has so many innovative designs, and her dedication is truly admirable. Check out her blog for amazing nail design ideas (color-changing, anyone?) or simply a new color or brand. If you're like me, nail polish is a necessity (my toes are always painted, even in the dead of winter). Naturally, I immediately loved her blog. Here, I asked Osburn to share a little more about The Daily Nail.

1. What made you start this project?

I decided to start the project when I realized that I accumulated around 70 nail polishes in a matter of a month and a half and really felt the need to justify the purchases. I made the first post detailing the idea of the blog on September 30, 2009, but didn't post the first nails until October 14. The year will end on October 13, 2010, but the project won't—I plan to keep posting new nail art on a very regular basis still!

2. How many bottles of polish do you have? What are your favorite brands?

I'd estimate that I have around 400 bottles now, based on my last count a couple of weeks ago. About 95% of these bottles have been purchased since August 14, 2009! (I have an addiction I think)!

I love Zoya, China Glaze, Essie, CND and OPI most, but I'm loving ORLY's new polish collections recently, too!!

3. What's your favorite thing about nail polish?

Nail polish doesn't have a size. It doesn't make you feel fat, or thin, or go out of style. Nail polish is ALWAYS there to brighten your day and make you feel pretty, and it's a pretty inexpensive accessory!!

4. Where do you get inspiration for your nail designs?

Everywhere. I get ideas from outside, inside, my job, my hobbies, TV, radio, art, etc. People send me ideas from time to time, too, and when I use them, I always credit the person who came up with it!

5. How long does it usually take you to do your nails?

It depends on how complicated the design is. Some designs take minutes, while others take hours. The longest ones took about an hour and a half or so. Those were the Rubber Ducky nails (all the tiles!!). One of my favorite designs took only a few minutes though—the Crimi-Nails.

Rubber ducky nails

Crimi-nails

6. What kind of tips do you have for people who want to do cute nail designs on themselves?

Be patient, practice, and don't drink anything with caffeine beforehand!

7. What do you hope to take away from this project?

Most of all, a sense of accomplishment. I have a tendency of starting projects but never finishing them, so I'm really looking forward to achieving that goal.

You can e-mail Melissa comments or nail ideas at thedailynail@gmail.com.

If you want to suggest any blogs or people for me to spotlight, e-mail me at beautyisblissblog@gmail.com.

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn

Hello beauty is bliss readers!

In such a hectic, high-tech world, sometimes we need to get away and relax. A quick mask or manicure can work miracles on days when you’re feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated. Beauty isn’t superficial. It can instantly transform your mood, putting a little spring in your step and lifting your spirits. Whether you need a quick beauty pick-me-up or a fitness ritual revamp, I hope you find tips and tricks to help you live your most beautiful, blissful life.

This blog will focus on every aspect of beauty, from makeup and hair to body image and confidence. I will also have two recurring series, the ABCs and 123s. The ABCs (Ambitious Beauty Cuties) will focus on people who have the courage to do something phenomenal in beauty. 123s will be a series that spotlights three products or Web sites worth knowing.

I hope you take away from this blog the confidence to try something new. Whether it's having healthier eating habits, a different hairstyle or a new appreciation of your body, it's the small changes that make a big difference in your self-esteem and confidence. Do what makes you happy, and you'll always look and feel blissfully beautiful.

Questions or comments? Post or e-mail me at beautyisblissblog@gmail.com.

Enjoy looking and feeling blissfully beautiful.

-MaryAnn