Beauty Maverick

Lancôme Ôscillation Mascara (& Giveaway)

It’s no secret that I'm currently obsessed with Lancôme’s latest innovation, Ôscillation. I find both the formulation and vibrating wand (which can also be used traditionally, btw) to be absolutely brilliant.

In celebration of the official launch this month, I went straight to the source— Ôscillation creator Jean-Louis Guéret— to find out more about how this lovely little creation came to be:

What was your inspiration for Ôscillation?

When we set out to create a new product, we spend a lot of time observing. We couldn’t help but notice almost everyone applies mascara by wiggling the wand back and forth. Even makeup artists. We wanted to recreate that motion and let the mascara do the work for you, but in a very precise way.

What differentiates this innovation from those of other brands?

I can’t talk about the others, but I can say our oscillation action is very unique, as is our formula.

How do the vibrations benefit the product?

The oscillation action allows the formula to practically coat the lashes 360 degrees. It does so in a very precise and fine manner, which lets you apply coat upon coat and build and lengthen in a way you can’t with other mascaras.

With the wait list for Ôscillation reaching the tens of thousands, do you plan to extend this offering with additional shades and/or formulations in the future?

You ask very good questions, Ms. Nima! Time will tell.

Excited to see what all of the buzz is about? You can purchase Ôscillation starting October 22nd, or simply leave a comment on any Beauty Maverick post for a chance to win a tube of this highly coveted mascara.

---CONTEST NOW EXPIRED---

Some restrictions may apply. Contest limited to North America only, with the winner drawn at random from the eligible entries. One entry per person will be considered for the prize. Contest closes at midnight EST on 10/21/08.

And the winner is...

Congratulations Joanna S. of Rochester, NY!
You've won a selection of the coveted Dior Goldrush collection for Summer '08.

Thank you to all who entered the contest, and to Dior for their generosity.

Enter to Win: Dior Goldrush Collection

Be one of the first to strike gold with the NEW, highly anticipated Dior summer '08 collection. Simply post a comment on this entry with your name, city/county of residence, and the correct answer to the trivia question (below), and you could win a gift basket full of these luxurious, limited-edition beauty products.

Included in the prize:

Bronze Matte Sunshine SPF 20 High Protection Matte Bronzing Powder in Healthy Matte
Provides an even, natural-looking (and water-resistant) tint of color.

Luminizing Makeup Jewel in Gold Lame
A touch of radiance for your face, eyes, cheeks, and/or lips.

5 Couleurs Iridescent Eyeshadow Palette in Goldfever
Five shimmery shadows to highlight your eyes.

Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Beige Moire
A sheer, pearlized golden nude lip gloss.

Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Chiffon Beige
A subtle, reflective bronzed nude lip gloss.

Vernis Long-Wear Nail Lacquer in Gold Nugget
A burnished gold polish that's perfect for summer. 

Trivia Question:
Which state was home to the great American gold rush?
a) New York
b) California
c) Texas

The winner of this glorious gift basket (valued at over $200), will be drawn at random from the eligible entries on Monday, May 19th 2008. Be sure to check-in to see if you've won!

International entries welcome.

Best of luck xx

---CONTEST NOW EXPIRED---

Some restrictions may apply. Only complete entries will be considered. Contest closes on 05/19/08.

And the winner is...

Congrats Claire!
You've won a glorious gift basket full of hair care products, courtesy of Phyto.

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest, and to Phyto for their generosity.

Enter to Win: Phyto Hair Care

Ask any top stylist or beauty editor about Phyto, and you're likely to hear them gush with enthusiasm. Why are we all so smitten with this botanically-inspired, eco-friendly brand? It's quite simple really; Phyto products provide (fabulous) results, without the use of all those nasty chemicals and preservatives.

In celebration of  all things 'green' for April, I'm giving away an assortment of my favorite Phyto products, including:

Phytobrush Smoothing Shampoo
Makes hairstyling easier and offers an extended (invisible) hold.

Phytobaume Conditioner
Gives your hair a beautiful sheen and softness.

Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Mask
Revitalizes your hair and locks-in moisture.

Phytodensium Anti-Aging Serum
Keeps your hair looking youthful.

Phytospecific Extreme Shine Spray
Protects, hydrates, and conditions to give a natural-looking sheen.

Phytovolume Actif Volumizing Spray
Swells each strand for body and bounce.

Phytospecific Moisturizing Styling Balm with Quinoa Oil
Lightweight; Provides flexible hold and loads of shine.

Phytoplage Protective Sun Veil
Protects your hair (and color) from the sun's harsh rays.

Phytophanere Supplements for Hair and Nails
Helps prevents hair loss, strengthens your hair and nails, & restores suppleness and elasticity to the epidermis. 

Want a chance to win this glorious gift basket (valued at over $260)?
Simply leave a comment on this post with your name, email address (which will remain private), and what you think the caption in the image above should read. The most fun/creative caption will be chosen as the winner and announced on Friday, April 11th 2008.

Only complete entries will be considered, so please ensure you've included all the requested information.

Best of luck! x

---CONTEST NOW EXPIRED---

Some restrictions may apply. Contest open to residents of the continental U.S. only.

Warren-Tricomi Giveaway Winner

Congrats Raha!
You've won a wonderful assortment of hair care products, courtesy of Warren-Tricomi.

Thank you Warren-Tricomi and everyone who entered the contest.

The New Chignon: Win This Look

I'm loving the hair from J.Mendel's F/W '08 show, it's youthful yet refined. You could easily wear this chic chignon to the office, to a wedding, or on a date; It's just that versatile. And the best part? It's so much easier to do than it may seem...

Get the Look:

To start, blow-dry your hair then spray it with Warren-Tricomi Flexible Hairspray and brush through.

Next, double-part your hair and pull the center section into a small ponytail, wrapping a thin strand around the hair elastic to conceal it.

Finally, take all of your hair and put it in a low ponytail. Then braid the tail, wrap it into an oval-shaped chignon, and secure it with several hairpins.

Finish with Warren-Tricomi Flexible Hairspray, and that's it- you're ready for the runway (...or a night out with the girls).

The Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win the fabulous Warren-Tricomi hair products used to achieve this look. One lucky Beauty Maverick reader will win their:

PureStrength System
This revolutionary 3 pc. set includes a Cleanser, Close, and Conditioner. For all hair types.

Blow-Dry Serum
An oil-free protective serum that tames frizz and smooths flyaways.

Flexible Hairspray
Finish any look with this lightweight, shine-enhancing spray.

Simply leave a comment on this post with your name, email address (which will remain private), and  the correct answer to the trivia question below, and you could win this wonderful prize (valued at $110). The winner will be drawn at random, from the eligible entries, on Friday, February 29th.

Trivia Question
Name two of the three founders of the Warren-Tricomi Salons.

Best of luck! xx

---CONTEST NOW EXPIRED---

Contest open to US residents only. Some restrictions may apply. Contest ends 02/29/08.

And the winner is...

Thank you to all of the lovely sponsors and to everyone who entered the contest.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day Giveaway

   

Simply post a comment on this entry, anytime before Valentine's Day, with your name, city/state of residence, and the correct answer to the trivia question (below), and you could win a gift basket full of luxury beauty products.

Included in the prize:

Yves Saint Laurent Palette Pop Collector's Edition Powder Compact
In celebration of YSL's 30th anniversary, this highlighting powder has been designed to resemble a drawing done by Yves himself.

L' Artisan Parfumeur Piment Brulant EdT & Rose des Indes Candle
A sultry, complex eau de toilette that's both spicy and sweet, paired with a travel-sized candle that's scented with a romantic bouquet of peony, rose, and light amber.

Fresh Are You a Sugar Lover? Set
This glamorous set for the eyes and lips includes a Sugar Lip Gloss in Sugar Shag and a Supernova Mascara in Black.

Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt
A luxurious, coconut-scented oil that hydrates your body, hair, and cuticles.

Annick Goutal Petite Cherie Shower Oil
This new addition to the Annick Goutal body care collection is sure to keep your skin wonderfully soft during the winter months.

Gianna Rose Atelier Coterie de Rose French-Milled Soap
An assortment of rose-scented soaps, housed in an elegant porcelian dish.

Trivia Question:
Cupid was/is actually...
A) Female   
B) A creation of greeting card companies
C) The God of love and sex

The winner of this glorious gift basket (valued at over $375), will be drawn at random from the eligible entries on Thursday, February 14th. The draw will be recorded and posted online, so be sure to check-in to see if you've won!

Best of luck xo

---CONTEST NOW EXPIRED---
Some restrictions may apply. Contest closes at 9am EST on 2/14/08.

Bonus Holiday Giveaway: Winner

Your responses were all worthy of a little Hanky Panky, but only one person included all the information requested so....

Congrats to Emma M. from Arlington, Texas!
You've  won a holiday-inspired set of knickers, courtesy of Hanky Panky.

Thanks so much to all who participated xx