Okay Brenda Novak fans, the NY Times and USA Today Best-Selling Author is at again and turning up the heat with her latest novel, WHITE HEAT ($7.99). Launching on July 27^th, WHITE HEAT is the first installment of her latest trilogy, which will be proceeded by BODY HEAT and KILLER HEAT; slated to launch later this summer.

In celebration of her most recent romance/suspense novel, Novak has partnered Three Custom Color Specialists to create White Heat Lip Gloss ($21.50). Don’t miss out! The first 50 online customers to purchase the gloss on www.threecustom.com starting July 27^th will receive a free autographed copy of WHITE HEAT.

WHITE HEAT LIP GLOSS – A versatile, sheer pink gloss, with light shimmer. Hydrating and non-sticky the gloss is great alone or over your favorite lip shade.  Packaged in a swing-out lip gloss pot, the product can be applied with your finger or lip brush.

As for me, I’m going to pour a glass of wine and read all about Nate Ferrentino, the private security contractor assigned to infiltrate a mysterious cult that’s moved into Paradise, Arizona. Only problem is Rachel Jessop, Nate’s colleague and long time crush has also assigned to the case –as his wife. So much for keeping his distance (and keeping it professional).  He has a job to do and after all, how else is he going  in the couples only rituals required to enter the cult?  Sounds steamy!

For more information on Brenda Novak and WHITE HEAT, visit www.brendanovak.com

Affiliation: Pretty Connected was given a complimentary copy of WHITE HEAT and White Heat lip gloss.  Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

Tucked away on the 2^nd floor of 448 West Broadway, Hibba NYC is Soho’s first ‘Browologist’ Salon that offers a full range of organic waxing, threading, and sugaring services.

Pretty Connected sat down with Founder and Browologist, Hibba Kapil to learn more about the woman who has mastered the art of threading and known for creating perfect arches.

Pretty Connected (PC): How long have you been doing eyebrows?

Hibba Kapil (HK): 9 years, I opened this location in February [2010]. Prior to this I rented a chair at a salon to build up my clientele.

PC: Between waxing and threading, which do you recommend?

HK: I don’t use wax above the neck. I recommend threading for face, although I recently began offering sugar, which is much gentler than threading for my clients with more sensitive skin. Sugaring is a lot easier on the skin.

PC: Why don’t you wax on face?

HK: I don’t use wax on the face because your skin is a lot more sensitive. And for people who are using Retin-A or any proactive it’s not very safe since you’re skin is already very thin and the wax can easily catch it.

PC: How much time  in between sessions do you recommend that you’re clients grow out their eyebrows prior to visiting your salon?

If they really want to create a new brow shape, I recommend not touching (no razor, no tweezers…) your eyebrows for 3 weeks. If the shape is okay and you just want a clean up, that can be done anytime.

How did you know what will work on a person?

There are some general rules.  There are two basic brow shapes, round and arch, then there are different face shapes that match each for instance a heart face shape needs a soft arch, a long face and square face needs a tapered arch, an oval face –an angled arch. It also depends on how thick your eyebrows. I have clients that come in and want a certain look that doesn’t support their brows and I have to work with them to achieve the right look. If all else fails I show them how to fill them in.

PC: What do you recommend for people doing their eyebrows at home?

HK: When you try to keep up your shape at home there are 3 things you never want to do all at once –thinking, pulling and hurting yourself in one go. Instead, take a dark color pencil and draw an outline of what your ideal shape is.  Be sure to go with the grain of your hair when you pluck.

I put my eyebrows to the test and asked Hibba to do whatever she thought would work best for my face –but to keep my brows full. I admit I’m new to threading. I generally get them waxed (don’t worry no longer, she’s right, it leaves my brow area sensitive and all red).  So on to threading! After what felt like a lot of pulling and trimming, I was nervous my brows may be gone! I have thick eyebrows so it was quite painful, but quick –and well worth it. I looked in the mirror and my eyebrows we’re perfect and full. Phew!  Turns out, she’s just a perfectionist.

For more information and to book appointments visit hibbabeauty.com

Affiliation: Pretty Connected was given a complimentary service.  Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

There are 4 levels of membership:

• Light reader (3 books at a time) – $23.95/month
• Casual reader (5 books at a time) – $29.95/month
• Avid reader (7 books at a time) – $35.95/month
• Devout Reader (11 books at a time) – $59.95/month

How it works: Browse their selection of books and add any of interest to your ‘Pool’ (which is the equivalent of your ‘Queue’ on Netflix).  You can then organize and prioritize the order.  Then depending on which plan you signed up you’ll receive the books in order of your pool.  If for any reason one of the books is not available, you will get an email in your inbox asking you prefer to have the next book in your Pool sent or to wait for the book to be back in stock.  From there the books are shipped to your doorstep with a prepaid envelope for you to return them at your convenience.  You don’t have to return all the books at once, in fact they recommend holding onto 1-2 books (depending on your plan), so that you’re never empty handed while waiting for your next shipment; which generally is about a 7-10 day turn around time.

What I like about this service is it’s inspired me to read more, but also keep an active, organized list of recommended books friends have suggested for me. It’s also great way to start reading a book without committing to purchase it, while being less wasteful (and for someone with a small NYC apartments it’s a huge space saver).  I was pleased with the assortment on books and found the mass majority of my reading list to be available; however I so suggest browsing their catalog prior to signing up to be sure the selection meets your satisfaction.  If a book is not available you can recommend they purchase it and if enough people ask for it they will add it to their mix, send you a notification and automatically add it to your pool.

For more information visit BookSwim.com

Affiliation: A complimentary press membership was given to Pretty Connected by a company representative for consideration of a review.  Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

Done and done.  Since I don’t like to check baggage, for sunscreen I went with Dermalogica’s Limited Edition Daylight Defense Kit.  It’s very compact and consist of four sun-protecting products all of which are under 3oz, making it the perfect set to bring on my travels.

The Set includes:

• Solar Defense Booster SPF30 (.34 oz.) – a lightweight face lotion that can be added to your moisturizer, foundation or worn alone for SPF 30 protection.
• MultiVitamin Body Block SPF20 (1.7 oz) – nourishing body sunscreen that blends effortlessly onto skin with Shea Butter and Evening Primrose that helps hydrate skin and protect against dryness.  It also contains Panthenol which helps skin recover from previous sun damage.
• After Sun Repair (1.3 oz) – after sun balm that helps repair recent UV damage, and soothe skin from overexposure from the sun.  Formulated with a blend of homeopathic herbs to reduce redness and soothe painful sunburn.
• Solar Shield SPF15 (.28 oz)- Water resistant, sun protecting moisture stick for lips, ears and nose.

All items in the kit are made with UV Smart Booster Technology, a customized microcapsule that safeguard active vitamins, which burst open upon contact with UV rays to protect against free radicals (what causes wrinkles, loss of elasticity, age spots, discoloration… and all that bad stuff) and is recommended for all skin types/conditions.

For me, the all-stars in the group we’re the Solar Defense Booster and MultiVitamin Body Block.  I’m an olive complexion so I don’t tend to burn, especially if I reapply every few hours and SPF20 and above is generally enough protection for me (red heads/sensitive skin types you may need something slightly higher or to reapply often).  I should add I have no plans to burn (then again, who does?) so I haven’t had much use for the After Sun Repair, although it feels nice to apply it after a day in the sun, and good to have around, just in case.  As for the Solar Shield, while it’s convenient I could do without it.  I’m not a huge chapstick person nor do I tend to burn on my nose or ears; however if you do, this could come in handy.

What really attracts me to this collection (besides it’s protection) is how quickly and effortlessly it blends into skin, leaving none of that messy white coloring or oily residue behind.  It also doesn’t smell like conventional sun block (which is a good thing); it has a very light almost rose smell to it.

Price: $35, available for a limited time only at Dermalogica.com

Affiliation: This set was given to Pretty Connected by a company representative.  Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

To everyone that knows me, it comes as no surprise that I have a bit of a shoe addiction (they can be found along my closet, behind my door, under the bed, and any off-season shoes in my storage closet).  So lately I’ve been trying to be more responsible with my purchasing habits — if for no other reason then space restraints and to avoid being so wasteful.  So my new rule is no overlap – I do not need another pair of black pumps or brown flats no matter how cute or ‘practical’ they are.

When I first came across Stuart Weitzman’s Pellets shoes (the picture does not do them justice) I didn’t even realize they were made of rubber until I tried them on. And to be clear, I am not a jellies kinda gal, I do however lead an event heavy lifestyle, which when it comes to shoes can be a challenge with all the rain NYC has been experiencing this year. I’m often posed with the question: is it better to wear my rain boots or take my chances with ruining my heels?  Well my new answer is none of the above.  These flats are versatile, comfortable, and most importantly waterproof!  And while they do breath, you are wearing rubber without any socks so there’s about a 4-hour window before your feet feel a little sweaty.

So needless to say they came home with me and are everything I never knew I always needed. I picked them up in Silver, however they are also available in additional colors including Fuchsia, Black and Gold.

Bring it puddles!

Additional details:

• Synthetic upper with perforations for breathability.
• Lightly padded footbed.
• Flexible synthetic sole.
• 3/8″ heel.
• 7.00 oz.

Price: $140, on sale from $96-$126 (depending on color) at Zapps.com

Every year, the weeks leading up to Father’s Day are the same. You struggle with what to buy him, and eventually just break down and ask. But if your father is anything like mine, he’ll probably tell you he doesn’t need anything that badly, and that anything you can come up with will be fine. One suggestion to save yourself that headache is to get him something that he wouldn’t normally choose for himself – especially something that will be an upgrade to some of the things he already uses everyday. That’s just what Votre Vu had in mind with their ‘Tie One Off‘ Father’s Day Set.

The set features four different products, all designed to indulge your dad and help him look his best. Let’s start with the Ten Gauge energy shot – a fresh and flavorful juice drink for the morning, after work or the gym. Amazingly, in only 30 calories they packed in many all natural healthy supplements including B Vitamins, Selenium, Yerba Mate extract and Sea Buckthorn. This blend will both energize dad and help maintain his virility, something he wouldn’t be celebrating Father’s Day without! *cringe*

Most Dads love simplicity, and a product like Votre Vu’s ‘Formula 1 Hair, Face, and Body Wash’ (3.0 fl. oz) will definitely please even the pickiest, high class fathers out there. This 3-in-1 cleanser is gentle enough for everyday use, and features ingredients like panthenol, glycerin, cinnamal, and citral to give you a thorough clean while keeping your body’s pH balance in tact. I really enjoyed the light, fresh, and masculine smell of this product, and appreciated the generous lather they achieved without using sulfates. The cleaning power might not be enough to tackle hair that’s been styled with a product like or wax or mousse, but it would be the perfect thing to clean and treat hair after a sweaty workout. My favorite use for this product was for my face.  It left my skin clear of dirt and oil, but still feeling soft and healthy.

Also in the collection is their ‘Habitude Daily Face Creme’ (1.69 fl. oz), which mixes a daily moisturizer with SPF 15 sunscreen — the combination makes for a great morning treatment. The first thing I noticed about this cream was the refreshing smell of the citrus and other natural ingredients. The next was how thick and deeply moisturizing it is; a good sign of the promised sun protection. With a morning application, my skin stayed moisturized and comfortable all day. Dad will definitely appreciate the ease of using just one product to get all the treatment his face needs for the day, and you can feel good about helping him protect his skin from the sun. You might even want to borrow some when you go out to mow the lawn as part of his gift!

The final item in the set is the ‘Beau Baume Organic Shave Balm’ (3.0 fl. oz). This soothing shave cream goes on easily with or without water and leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated. My razor glided smoothly over my skin with this cream in place, and I was pleased with the level of protection it offered. This might be the best-smelling item in the whole kit; featuring a cool bite of menthol in addition to the citrus and almond oil essences that make for a pleasant, smooth, and masculine aroma. My one disappointment with this product was how it stuck under the blade of my razor. I use an old school double-edge safety razor, and it just took a little longer than usual between strokes to wash the cream out of it. Perhaps the results would be better with a more contemporary design, though.

In total, I was very happy with the experience I had with this kit. and can safely say it would be a huge improvement over what my dad uses now and an (affordable) way to treat himself to luxury products everyday.

Just remember when Dad commends you for your good taste, make sure you give him credit for passing it down!

The Tie One Off set is $63 ($93 value).  For more information visit votrevu.com

Affiliation: This set was given to Pretty Connected by a company representative.  Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

You’ve probably noticed that lately I’ve been slacking.  My travel itch has been flaring and while I thought more time to myself = more writing, evidently that has proved false.

While my blogging may suffer on this vacation, my love of trying new beauty products and tools has not.  In fact, there are currently two makeup cases filled with cosmetics and skincare as well as a travel flat iron and blow dryer in my suitcase.

Now it’s no secret that no matter how great my makeup and outfit is, if my hair looks bad, I feel bad [Disclaimer: this complex does not apply when hanging out by myself or with family].  So travel size hair styling tools are essential for when I hit the road.  Currently there are two that I’m excited about; Ken Paves Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic Styling Iron and Con Air MiniPRO® Tourmaline Ceramic™ Styler Hair Dryer.

I do of course recommend using proper stying hair products with all heating tools to keep hair protected and healthy as well as sectioning hair in parts, and drying with the grain of the hair with either a comb or round brush (depending on desired look).

Ken Paves Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic – $60

I have been using this flat iron regularly for the past 6 months and it hasn’t let me down yet.  I have big, wavy hair so I need a very durable straightner with a lot of heat to really work my hair straight. The Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic plates quickly heat to 410 degrees, maintaining a high and even heat that leaves my hair frizz-free and shiny.

It’s slim and lightweight design makes it highly portable whether it’s transporting it to the office or across the ocean.  It also makes it incredibly user friendly and great for any tough to straighten areas, such as my small wisps across my forehead and behind my ears.

Added Perks:

• Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic – Ceramic 1″ inch plates gently hold hair and apply heat evenly to every strand
• Smooth Swivel Design – 360 degree swivel connection prevents tangling
• Portable Design – Designed for traveling and perfect for styling bangs, short hair, close to the scalp, men’s hair and finishing
• Convenient Storage – Thermal lines travel pouch included
• Measures only 9″ long

For more information and to purchase visit folica.com or ulta.com

Con Air MiniPRO® Tourmaline Ceramic™ Styler – $22

I’ll admit, I’ve only recently gotten into blow-drying my hair. Having ‘big’ hair I’ve always found better luck with flat irons. However, ever since receiving a Keratin Treatment from Mizu Salon (review to come), my hair is a lot more manageable and receptive to blow drying.

I was given the Con Air MiniPRO® Tourmaline Ceramic™ Styler at the Gift Show in NYC, by a very optimistic sales rep after I delivered a very pessimistic speech on how unruly my hair can be and how particular I am about my heating products. Basically, good is not good enough, I want something great –and not just great for a ‘travel size’. Size should not compromise quality.

Well this hair dryer is wonderful! It’s so compact and lightweight and with 1200 watts of mega-power it rivals any full-size blow dryer.  Plus it comes with add –ons (diffuser and concentrator) which makes my life so much easier.

It also passed the ultimate test: Mom.  I made the mistake of bringing on my current trip to Boston (where my family is) and asking her for a second opinion.  With decades of blow-drying experience she’s beyond an expert (and pickier then I am when it comes to products).  Well lets put it this way, she liked it so much, I’m coming home one product short in my suitcase.

Added Perks:

• Tourmaline Ceramic™ technology – natural ions help smooth the hair’s cuticle layer, creating silky, shiny results
• 2 heat/speed settings
• Worldwide dual voltage
• Deluxe travel pouch – perfect for on the go
• Diffuser for curly and wavy styles
• Concentrator for pinpoint styling
• Limited two-year warranty

For more information visit www.conair.com/

Now all I need is a travel curling iron!

Affiliation: Both products were given to Pretty Connected by a company representative.  Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

Glazewear comes in three forms, Intense (strong color impact with light sheen with medium to full coverage), Sparkle (shimmer and sparkle with sheer to medium coverage), and Shine (high luster with sheer to medium coverage), all in a variety of colors.  As I mentioned before my preference is the Intense line, however the formulas all feel the same when applied, it just comes down to your level of shine/coverage when choosing the right one for you.

What I like about Glazwear lip gloss is they are not sticky or tacky, and I’ve been wearing it all week and not once has it made it in my hair or teeth.  And yes, when I wear my hair down and I catch a breeze my hair will all of a sudden stick to my lips—I really hate that. This is not a messy lip gloss. Intense goes on like a stain with great pigment and sheen and is so lightweight and hydrating.  I should note if you like the collagen, uber shiny, pouty type lip glosses, this may not be the line for you.

Price: $6.  For more information visit www.avon.com

UPDATE: Avon is having a Memorial weekend sale, all Glazewear glosses are $1.99, plus enter code MDW2010 for free shipping.  Offer valid until 5/31.  I just ordered 5 Intense Plums, and the total was $10.84 (which includes tax and free shipping).

Affiliation: This product was given to Pretty Connected by a company representative.  Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

Danny Sanz, Creator of MAKE UP FOR EVER  has done it again!  When it comes to high pigment, HD (high-definition) color the woman is a goddess in my book.  The latest addition to the MUFE collection is Aqua Cream.

Sanz created the line out of deep need by makeup artists for products that can stand extreme conditions from television studios to fashion shows, that could combat high heat from spotlights and would also be resistant to water.  22 shades of pure smudge-proof, tear-proof, waterproof color, which can be worn on eyes, lips and cheeks.  The amazing burst of intense color glides effortless on all areas of the face, and a little goes a long way.  Once applied, you have about a 10 second window to adjust the application, because once it’s on, it’s not going anywhere.  If you need to adjust the employment, just go in with a q-tip with makeup remover.  A seriously stunning collection of colors, that can be worn alone or blended together to create endless looks.  Best part is it doesn’t crease.  The cream formula goes on matte, but has such high pigment and picks up light from your surroundings for high shine.  Can be applied with your flinger tip or brush.  If it’s too drying on your lips, apply lip balm first or lipgloss over.

Price: $22, available at Sephora.com

Affiliation: This product was given to Pretty Connected by a company representative.  Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

Just in time for spring, the June 2010 issue of Women’s Health Magazine will report the winners of their 4th annual Beauty Awards. Featuring both reader’s and editor’s picks by category (hair, face, body, and makeup), I had the privilege of joining the publication for the announcement of their winners and received an advanced copy of the magazine.

So who won? Here’s a sneak peek at some of my favorite editor’s picks:

• Best Budge-proof Eye Shadow – Tarte Lock & Roll Eyeshadow in Burnt Bronze
• Best Sheer Cheek Color – NARS Cadacques Multiple Tint
• Best Foundation – Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
• Best Self-Tanner – Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel
• Best Mascara – CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume
• Best Dry Shampoo – Umberto Beverly Hills Dry Clean Dry Shampoo
• Best OTC Treatment for Uneven Skin Pigmentation – Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector

I have to say this event was a lot of fun. Women’s Health Magazine featured all the winners by category and I greatly enjoyed reading about each product and having the opportunity to talk makeup with Women’s Health Beauty Director Molly Nover-Baker and Associate Beauty Editor Alexis Farah and answering the infamous question of ‘what do you think?’ Honestly, I was impressed for a number of reasons, mainly because I thought it was very original.

I was happy to see of the products I had tried, all of them were in my top five for that category (if not my favorite), and pleasantly surprised that I hadn’t tried the majority of the winners. There was great mix of mass and prestige brands across all categories and price points. They didn’t choose a lot of the ‘classic winners’, which while deserving, it’s always nice to learn about some unsung heroes who are just as worthy. In fact, I noticed a healthy assortment of new products that launched within the past year that have been on my radar won. Of course we all have our favorite products and brands we’d love to see make the charts, but it’s difficult to be so opinionated when there really are so many spectacular products on the market right now. So while I can’t judge what I haven’t tried based on the assortment of winners, I’m very intrigued and excited to try their recommendations. This is especially true for the Best Product for Curly Hair winner of whom Alexis raved about –however you’ll have to pick up the issue for that winner (I’ve spoiled enough of the surprise).

The complete list of winners is available in the June 2010 issue Women’s Health Magazine hitting newsstands on May 25th. For more information visit WomensHealthMag.com