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.


Friday, May 27, 2011

look like a natural beauty


Summer is fast approaching. Whether you're frolicking at the beach or socializing downtown, you'll want to achieve a natural summer glow. Here, some tips on how to look like a natural beauty from stylist Susan Redstone, as seen today on Atlanta TV.

Prep Your Skin: Red Carpet Primer from emergenC
Red Carpet Primer ($42) from emerginC is a tinted primer that's infused with plant-based plumping micro-spheres and Vitamin C to immediately reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.You'll see almost immediate plumping of the skin surface which reduces small wrinkles within one hour – leaving skin plump, smooth and ready for the red carpet! Available at leading spas nationwide, plus www.emerginc.com.

Show Off Your DNA: Growth Factor Serum from DNA EGF Renewal
Growth Factor Serum from DNA EGF Renewal ($145) is alightweight plant-based serum that accelerates the growth of healthy skin cells so that texture is refined, pores look visibly smaller, and younger, fresher skin emerges. - The line was created by top dermatologist Dr Ron Moy, who is on the forefront of DNA technology and Growth Factors in skincare. Available via www.dnaegfrenewal.com.

Hydrate Your Lips: LypSyl Lip Balm
LypSyl lip balm ($2.99) originated in Sweden over 100 years ago, with a name derived from the Swedish to communicate the soothing and natural benefits of beeswax. Formulated from all-natural, pure Swedish beeswax, LypSyl products combine natural and therapeutic ingredients like organic Shea butter, coconut oil, Vitamin E and Vitamin A, providing unsurpassed moisture and lip protection. LypSyl has a unique creamy texture and lightweight consistency that goes on smoothly and feels better on lips than other leading brands. LypSyl offers a unique patented lip balm delivery system with a sliding bee that is easy to use and helps to apply the lip balm more evenly. Try the LypSyl HoneyBerry SPF at Walgreens, CVS, Rite-Aid, Shop-Rite and Wal-Mart stores and www.drugstore.com.

Sleek Legs: Schick Quattro for Women Disposable Razor
The new Schick Quattro for Women Disposable Razor ($7) with a handle scented in Skintimate's best-selling scent, Raspberry Rain, keeps your legs smooth for that natural beauty look. The brand's multi-city "shower your senses" mobile tour will be at the Atlanta SummerFest on the weekend of June 4th so you can stop by for product giveaways, fun activities and more. Available at drugstores nationwide.

A Perfect Fit: FIT ME! from Maybelline New York
The first shade-aligned system of foundation, concealer, powder and blush, the new Fit Me! Collection features Maybelline New York’s largest range of shades to date - 18 shades of foundation and powder, 6 shades of concealer, 12 shades of blush and 3 shades of bronzer – all offering coverage that blends weightlessly and matches skin tone flawlessly. It’s a full regimen of lightweight face products tailor made for individual skin tones, featuring a technology that blends and enhances skin tone. All products go beyond basic shade matching, leaving skin the way it was meant to be –fresh, breathing, perfectly flawless and most importantly let’s YOU be YOU. Fit Me! goes beyond matching. It let’s skin breathe without clogging pores – providing a coverage that’s not opaque or dry, but perfectly fresh and natural. The formula delivers ultimate blendability, breathable skin, and True to Her color for a custom-fit effect. Fit Me! Foundation ($7.99) is a unique translucent base combined with ultra-lightweight pigments that allow the foundation to give replicate the shade on the skin and natural coverage. Also try Fit Me! Powder ($7.99), Fit Me! Concealer ($6.49) and Fit Me! Blush ($5.51) at mass market retailers nationwide.

Go Nude: Nyx Cosmetics' Nude on Nude Palette
This beautiful Nude on Nude palette ($25) contains a collection of effortless earthy hues and shades to complement and emphasize your natural beauty, all available in one sleek compact palette! There are 20 eyeshadows and 10 lip colors to choose from. This is one of Nyx’s top-sellers. This is a very popular summer gift for brides-to-be as well. For more info, go to www.nyxcosmetics.com. Talk about looking good in the nude.