After two decades of covering the beauty industry, I've come to learn what makes it so alluring. Finding the perfect shade of makeup to match your skin tone, adding a swipe of eyeliner to give your tired eyes a lift, discovering an innovative new product line, or indulging in a totally luxurious spa treatment. My experiences have been documented in magazines, newspapers and websites worldwide. I've tested newly formulated products in the lab, explored hair removal options, shopped for lipstick, added shine to my hair and succumbed to massage marathons--all in the name of beauty. I've written press releases, hosted makeover events and co-authored a Do-It-Yourself Beauty book (Alloy). On this blog, I write about products and services that I come across every day as well as those that have been provided by publicists or the companies that make them. Either way, I write what I think. I hope to share some of my insights--and bring you the latest, greatest beauty news right here. Join me in the quest to find all things pretty.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Spring Trends, as reported by celebrity stylist Susan Redstone on KDFW Fox Good Day Dallas

The hot nail colors for spring are fresh, bold and fun to wear. Thanks to the talented podiatrists behind Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish, this season we can indulge in some pretty amazing shades that are free of formaldehyde and toxins found in most commercial nail polish and look great too. Try "Grateful Grape", "Hopeful Hot Pink", or "Youthful Yellow" and prepare to wow them with your new look. $17 each, at www.remedynails.com
TREND -- FOAM
When warmer weather comes along, the last thing you want is to feel a heavy layer of foundation on your face. New scientifically advanced Dream Nude AirFoam Foundation from Maybelline is a remarkably ultra-lightweight formula. The refined pigments are pre-dispersed in the air for effortless application and 100% nude perfection. Plus, it has SPF 16, doesn't clog pores and is great for any skin tone. All 12 shades are available at www.maybelline.com and drugstores nationwide, for $10.99..
TREND -- PRESERVATIVE FREE SKINCARE
Puristics Totally Ageless "Advanced Skin Rejuvenating Lotion" has no added preservatives at any stage. That means no dyes and no fragrances. It replenishes your skin while delivering good-for-you ingredients. What else would you want to put on your skin? Available at drugstores nationwide for $19.99.
TREND -- VALUE PRODUCTS THAT WORK
When it comes to saving money by buying the basics, it's a no-brainer. Choose trusted brands like Vaseline to give you great quality at an amazing value. Vaseline Total Moisture is lotion that feels good and works to moisturize and soften your skin. Enriched with oats, aloe, cocoa and other natural scents, you can use it liberally because you're not paying an arm and a leg. Only $3.99 at a drugstore near you.
TREND -- GROW YOUR NATURAL LASHES
Lush lashes are envied by all women but for some, difficult to achieve. Rapidlash is an over-the-counter lash growth serum that grows your natural lashes to new lengths in 30 days. All you need is one bottle--$49.99 at www.rapidlash.com.
TREND -- CUSTOMIZED MASCARA
Head into spring and summer making eye contact every chance you get. NYX Cosmetics Boudoir Mascara Collection features seven different kinds of mascara, all designed to give your personal lashes the attention they deserve. Pick up your favorite formula at Ulta Stores for only $6 each.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
get smooth, young, radiant looking skin this vday, with Algenist

When it comes to skincare, we're always hoping for a major discovery that will give us back the skin of our youth. That's why Alegenist products are somewhat of a miracle.
What started as a renewable energy project in San Francisco has turned into an unexpected discovery. Algenist comes from a team of scientists who were studying microalgae-based energy solutions when they uncovered alguronic acid, a powerful compound with never-before-seen potential for younger-looking skin. Algenist focuses on the ability of effective, bioactive ingredients to deliver visible anti-aging results to the skin.
Algenist works by increasing cellular regeneration to slow and repair signs of aging. Stimulating skin cell regeneration, eliminating old, damaged cells and promoting the growth of new, vital skin cells, produces noticeable improvements in skin texture and appearance.
Firming & Lifting Cream ($94 for 2 US fl. oz.), an ultra-firming and restructuring cream tightens and lifts while reinforcing the skin structure. The unique combination of Alguronic Acid + ProPeptide3 boosts production of skin's key structural proteins: elastin, collagen, and proteoglycans to rebuild firmness and tone the skin. Facial contours are redefined to create a more toned and sculpted appearance...which means you'll get your cheeks back, lose a couple of chins and see your entire face look smoother and more radiant.
Firming & Lifting Eye Gel (
Firming & Lifting Intensive Mask (
Algenist products are available at Sephora and QVC. For more info, go to www.algenist.com.
Friday, February 10, 2012
expert beauty advice from beauty and style expert Susan Redstone, as seen on ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV)

Did you know, you should replace your mascara every three months? And your foundation, every six? Beauty products do have a shelf life, and we'll show you what to toss and when. Luckily, since new beauty innovations pop up just as fast, if it's time to toss out some of those antique products and make room for some new items, Beauty and Style expert Susan Redstone has some of the newest replacments to refresh your beauty supply for the new year.
What's OLD? Six-month old lipsticks, lip glosses.
BUY NEW: Vaseline Lip Therapy Original (mini on-the-go jar) $3.29 -www.vaselineliptherapy.com for chance to win Swarovksi crystal jar
One of the best lip treatments ever to combat dry or chapped lips. Smooth some on and prepare to pucker up (a great investment with VDay just around the corner).
What's OLD? Tired, thin brows and lashes
Buy NEW: Rapidlash $49.95 at drugstores or www.Rapidlash.com
It's clinically proven to be safe and effective in enhancing the appearance of lashes and brows--and who doesn't want lashes or brows that wow?!
Buy NEW: NYX Cosmetics Boudoir Mascaras www.nyxcosmetics.com$6
Get longer, fuller lashes with one of seven formulas and seven distinctive wands--in a spanking new tube! Time to get batty.
For more great beauty advice, go to http://abclocal.go.com/wls/index.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
fashion tip: go blue!

Beyonce stepped out last night for the first time since giving birth and was sporting bright blue nails – in honor of her daughter, Blue Ivy. This week, many of us in New York were feeling blue too, as we celebrated the Giant's Superbowl victory (go big blue!) No matter what your reason for liking this playful hue, there are plenty of blue nail polish options out there to choose from.
Baker Street, a bright cobalt blue from Nail's Inc, was all over the London catwalks during the spring/summer shows ($9.50 each. Available March 1st at Sephora and on Sephora.com).
L’OrĂ©al Paris Colour Riche Nail in Jet Set to Paris ($5.99, Available at www.lorealparis.com and chain drug, food and mass market retailers) delivers rich color, high-intensity and pure shine.
Deborah Lippmann in I know What Boys Like ($16, Available at www.deborahlippmann.com) is flirty and fun. This playful periwinkle crème lacquer is formaldehyde, toluene and DBP-free.
Topshop Make Up Nails in Missile ($10, Available at Topshop Stores) is fast drying and extra long wear with a lasting glossy wet look finish and perfect coverage.
Only a brave few will choose blue this season. Will one of them be you?
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
get in touch: Nivea Million Moments of Touch Movement
When's the last time you and your significant other held hands? How often do you hug your kids? At a glamorous cocktail party held on the 61st floor of the Empire State Building, the team at Nivea--along with Dr. Drew Pinsky--shared the fact that we're losing touch with each other! People just don't touch as much as they should anymore and, in fact, the term "PDA" more commonly refers to a personal digital assistant rather than public display of affection. Monday, February 6, 2012
win a dvf dress from celeb makeup artist malley roncal

Remember how long the lines were at the Diane von Furstenberg sample sale after Sarah Jessica Parker wore her wedding dress in the Sex and the City movie? We don’t need any more proof that the designer’s silhouettes are worth the wait. Now you can have your shot at being a proud owner of a DVF original–without paying a price. Celebrity Makeup Artist, Mally Roncal, is giving away a Diane von Furstenberg dress to one lucky winner! All you have to do is follow Mally on Twitter (www.twitter.com/mallybeauty) and Re-Tweet whenever she sends a tweet out! The winner will be selected at random. For more info about Mally, go to www.mallyroncal.com.

