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.


Wednesday, February 4, 2009

save your skin


The must-have accessory this season: astaxanthin. Don't let the name fool you--it's not a new program to help you file your taxes, nor is it a diet supplement. It's a super-antioxidant that protects body tissue from oxidative damage. One thousand times more potent than Vitamin E, it's found in salmon and gives the fish their pinkish hue. Leading dermatologist and skincare surgeon Dr. Kenneth Mark incorporated astaxanthin--along with seven other dominant antioxidants--in his Antioxidant Hydrating Cream (1.7 fl. oz.; $95). It promises to reduce melanin production, prevent collagen breakdown, eliminate free radicals, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, decrease blotchiness, hyperpigmentation and brown spots, soothe irritated skin and add moisture. It's been a week since I've been using it and the first thing I noticed is that my skin feels really soft! Next, the fine lines are finer and my skin's lost that dry, wintery feeling. As an added bonus: The cream works both preventatively AND correctively so you can erase the past and prep your skin for the future at the same time! The only down side--especially in this economy--is really the price. But you know what they say: Dr. Kenneth Mark's Antioxidating Hydrating Cream with Astaxanthin--$95 (available at www.KennethMarkMD.com). Beautiful, youthful-looking skin--priceless!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

eye do


Eye scream, you scream, we all scream for eye cream! But not just any eye cream--you have to check out the latest greatest option from skyn ICELAND. It comes in the company's new Fundamentals Kit, which is designed to soothe irritation, restore moisture and re-balance stressed out skin. Icelandic Relief Eye Cream with Biospheric Complex ($45) is a lightweight cream that's supposed to reduce puffiness, wrinkles and dark circles thanks to soothing nutrients. And it really works! You can feel an instant cooling effect as you dab it on. Almost miraculously, all evidence of my two kids under three starts to vanish! My skin feels softer and smoother--and the next morning, I even notice a little less stress (think fewer fine--and not so fine--lines!) Also in the kit: A Glacial Facial Wash ($30)--a creamy, foaming cleanser that purifies and smooths without stripping away skin's natural moisture, and the Antidote Quenching Daily Lotion ($45), a lightweight, hydrating tonic that soothes and adds moisture. But the eye cream is still my favorite--my own personal time machine! You can buy any product on its own, or the whole kit for $70 at Sephora stores or www.sephora.com.