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.


Thursday, February 26, 2009

trust your intuition


Less time in the shower, less mess and greater rewards. That's what Schick's new Intuition Plus razor offers on-the-go women with no time to spare. Whether you have to get yourself to work or your kid to class, the Intuition Plus makes shaving quicker, smoother and easier. The first and only razor that lathers, shaves and moisturizes in one easy step--now why didn't anyone think of this sooner?! You'll know it's unique from the second you pick it up--it has a slim, easy-to-grab handle that's comfortable to hold and use, and a no-slip rubber grip for precise control (definitely not your boyfriend's shaving tool!) The razor itself features four blades surrounded by a skin moisturizing solid (it looks like a deodorant stick!) enriched with shea butter, aloe and vitamin E. So your skin gets moisturized as you shave! I hop in the shower to give it a try and--voila! The Intuition starts lathering up as it hits my skin and the pivoting head lets me get a close shave, leaving my skin super soft. And talk about customizing your razor--the Intuition Plus is available in three types of handles (Advanced Moisture, Refreshing Moisture and Soothing Moisture) as well as four kinds of refills (Advanced Moisture Shea Butter, Refreshing Moisture with Cucumber Melon Scent, Sensitive Care with Aloe and Vitamin E, and Soothing Moisture with Milk and Honey). Check out www.schickintuition.com for more info or go to www.drugstore.com to make your purchase (it retails for only $9.29).

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

make a wish and blow!


We've all been there: You get a professional blow dry on a Friday for a big night out, whip your hair into a ponytail for your workout on Saturday, pin it up for your next two showers and finally give in on Monday and reluctantly wash it out. But leave it to the experts at Blow, the New York Blow Dry Bar, to find a way to help women perfect the way they style their hair so we can look like we scored the perfect blow dry every day. Introducing a new line of hair products designed to protect, perfect and prolong your blow out. Never a fan of leave-in conditioners, I was hesitant to try Blow Tress Relief but the promises of a tangle-free, silky smooth style peaked my interest. Made with a pure protein blend, Tress Relief ($5 fl. oz; $22) smooths on and combs through easily so you can blow dry as usual. Great for those of us who want to keep our hair long but don't want to deal with the hassles it involves (ie: messy knots that can develop from pillow friction while you sleep, stickiness from kids' hands running through it, and plenty more). Silky isn't the word for the end result; glossy, satiny, sleek--and definitely healthy--are more like it. And while I cherished my luxe locks, you can't have straight silky hair every day. Some days just call for that sexy, tousled style. Blow comes to the rescue again with Beach Blow Texturizing Mist (8.5 fl. oz.; $xx). I spritzed it on after my next wash, then blow-dried my hair using my fingers to create waves. The process couldn't have been easier and I adore the fresh, clean scent. Finally, my wish for a permanent great hair day had come true! To purchase Blow products, go to www.blowny.com.