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, March 25, 2010

shiny happy people



There's so much hype about this product--backordered for months--thar I just had to try it! A miracle serum, they say? Hmmm... Let's see. I smooth it on pre-shampoo to intensely hydrate and condition my hair and I also try it after blow drying as a shine serum with UV protection (just a drop will do to avoid the greasy look). When I style my hair, it looks chic, straight, and--yes!--it really shines. But I'm not the only one who thinks so. Chris McMillian uses it on Jennifer Aniston's famous locks. Sheryl Crowe, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kate Bosworth and Emily Blunt are also fans. It smells sweet (think camillia) too which makes you want to rub some on. The best part is that you get such a gorgeous shine, you instantly think you should save it for a special occasion but, the truth is, you can use it any day! To try it yourself, go to www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com/styling/design-and-perfect/essence-absolue.htm and order your very own bottle.

Monday, March 22, 2010

hello spring!


This past weekend, I was finally able to indulge myself with a professional body scrub at my local Equinox Fitness Club (www.equinoxfitness.com). I had been dying to shed my skin of the ravages of winter and smooth things over in celebration of the new season. The esthetician used loofah gloves and a sea salt/aromatherapy oil mixture to exfoliate my skin from head to toe. I left feeling smoothed, soothed, revived and ready to show some skin this spring.


I also left wondering how I would maintain my silky smooth look and feel. Thankfully, I found Naturopathica Lemongrass Mimosa Body Scrub ($28). Its gently granulated formula features micro-ground bamboo to slough away outer layers while extracts of Sugar Cane, Citrus and Apple penetrate for deeper exfoliation. It has a zesty lemon scent (thanks to lemongrass, mimosa, Jasmine and Ylang Ylang), so if you work it into your AM shower routine, it will really give you the lift you need to get your day started. Check out www.Naturopathica.com and spas nationwide for more info or to purchase.