Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...and those of us holding the mascara wand.

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, December 28, 2009

holiday looks: ready to party


The best makeup looks are the ones you get tons of compliments on. People say things like, "Wow, you look amazing! I don't know what's different but you look great!" That's what happened to me when I tried these alluring N.Y.C. New York Color products in preparation for my New Year's Eve look. First, I tried the Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil ($3.99) in black--when they promise long-lasting color, they aren't kidding! I did a low-key smoky eye for day and it lasted way into the night. I mean, while many eyeliners will wear off by noon, I seriously had to scrub it off around midnight! Not only did the pencil have staying power, but it glided on smoothly and was easy to smudge slightly into a dramatic smoky eye effect. As if that wasn't sultry enough, I followed up with a couple of swipes of the Sparkle Eye Dust ($3.99) in Smokey Topaz. There's a built-in brush right inside the package--it's the perfect size for applying shadow--and the shimmery color illuminated my lids in a subtle glow. N.Y.C. make-up artist Mathew
Nigera, who has worked on various a-list celebs such as Jessica Simpson, Kate Winslet and Marisa Tomei, suggests swooping the eye dust from the inner corner of the eye all the way to the outer corner. He says, "The texture and touch of sparkle will add a festive feeling and instant attention to the face. I would also encourage women to use baby blue on the lid and smokey topaz in the contour and underneath for a pop of color that will look very modern when paired with a flushy cheek and glossy pale mouth. Think 'Chic Ice Princess from the Alps.'” I am saving the self-adhesive faux eyelashes for the big night. At $1.99, how can you possibly go wrong? Go to www.newyorkcolor.com for store locations or visit your local drugstore to purchase.

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