I've always been curious about make-your-own face masks using ingredients straight from your kitchen.

Then, while reading a story about avocado masks on RealBeauty.com, I discovered some easy avocado mask recipes courtesy of AvocadosfromMexico.c​om. (There's also some delicious-sounding recipes to eat, too.)

The avocado site says the fruits are great for face masks because they contain unsaturated oils that penetrate into skin tissue for fast nutrient absorption and moisturizing benefits. 

Lancome is once again feeling generous.

To enter to win free Lancome cosmetics, just become a fan of Lancome on Facebook by midnight tonight (April 2).

Then, you'll be eligible to win all the products in makeup artist Michelle Phan's new Lancome video.

Previous Lancome Facebook fans are also eligible to win. Click here to go to Lancome's Facebook page. And watch Michelle's makeup tutorial in this Lancome video here.

Tell me, will you become a Lancome Facebook fan by midnight tonight?



 

This is no April Fool's joke. The time has arrived for these two anticipated accessories lines at Target.

On April 18, Eugenia Kim's range of trendy hats inspired by Havana, Cuba and Cynthia Vincent's stylish flats, wedges and heels will hit Target stores.  

These Stella McCartney heels, with their cork footbed and buckled strap, bear a striking resemblance to Birkenstocks. And that's where the similarities end.

But I have to say: I kind of love them.

I wonder if they're more comfortable than regular stiletto heels, like the German footwear company's famous comfortable flat sandals—except for those 5-inch heels. The price is not easy, either, they cost $625. Even the trendiest Birkenstocks (I purchased a metallic pair last summer) run about $70.  

I'm having a Maybelline moment.

I love the new Sweet Thing collection with its candy-colored nail polishes, have recently gotten tons of compliments on the Color Sensational Lipcolor (love Yummy Plummy) and now have discovered the brilliance of the Eye Studio Color palettes.

All of the palettes look rich, brilliant and slightly sparkly, whether they are vibrant like this blue, green and charcoal palette shown, called Sapphire Siren, or neutral like "Copper Chic." The shadows feature an improved formula made with silk pigments resulting in a smoother texture.  

Maybe the beauty companies are just feeling happy and generous. But for the second day in one week, we're running a beauty giveaway. And this one's a good one.

Estee Lauder is giving three Simply Chic readers five pieces from their limited-edition Bronze Goddess Summer 2010 collection, worth $124. Just think, you'll be instantly gorgeous and ready to embrace summer with the sun-inspired collection. Three readers will receive:

*Bronze Goddess Exotic Lip Gloss in Wild Orchid
*Bronze Goddess Exotic Lip Gloss in Wild Coral (pictured)
*Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Wild Orchid
*Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Ultra Violet
*Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche Fragrance

Here's how to win: Follow me on Twitter (BeRealLuxe) and tell me why you should win the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess giveaway. Please use the hashtag: #BGEsteeLauder in your Tweets. (The Tweet should look like this: @BeRealLuxe. I really need to win the Estee Lauder or whatever you want to say. #BGEsteeLauder)

Don't have Twitter and think this sounds way too confusing? It's not. It's easy to join—and costs nothing. Just think: free Estee Lauder!

Here's how: Simply go to Twitter.com, sign up with your email, choose a user name (similiar to how you leave comments here on this blog) and password. Then click "find people" and look for me "BeRealLuxe." Then, click "Follow me." Then, send me a message following the request above.

The contest starts today and ends next Friday. The best three Tweets will win—so good luck!

Read more style and beauty news at BeRealLuxe.com.


 

Moises de la Renta, or MDLR, son of fashion king Oscar de la Renta, may not be on the lips of every mainstream fashionista. That's all about to change with his limited-edition collection of T-shirts for Spanish retailer Mango debuting in April.

Think glamorous, embellished Tees. The concept of embellished Tees is nothing new. But MDLR brings a high-fashion aesthetic to the Mango collaboration. Embellished with jewels, precious stones and tulle, there are eight different T-shirt styles. Prices range from $50 to $70.

Make no mistake: MDLR is not a total newcomer, he's been riding the upper echelon of fashion since launching his label three seasons ago. The First Lady has worn two of his dresses (remember the red shift?) and he was plucked by Chicago retailer Ikram almost immediately after starting his edgier designer label—his dresses retail for just under $1,000—three seasons ago.  

Here's one company whose aim is to leave no impression at all.