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, August 9, 2012

The Perfect Manicure at Your Fingertips


If you're like me, you know the feeling of sitting down to do your nails and not being able to find the nail file or discovering you're out of nail polish remover. Now there's no need to stress--an amazing new product on the market provides everything you need for the perfect manicure at home in one convenient package.

The innovative new cosmetics company, Duality Cosmetics, has conjured up Nail•Pak, a patented 3-in-1 nail care system designed to manicure nails in three simple steps—R.F.P… Remove, File and Polish.   Inspired  by the fashionista in all of us who have the desire to create and maintain well-manicured nails, the Nail•Pak is the answer to your nail care needs whether you are at home, at work or on the road.

The unique and portable Nail•Pak is a complete nail care system in one convenient patented package.  The top half contains an on-trend nail polish or treatment  lacquer, the bottom half houses 40 user-friendly, pre-soaked polish remover pads—which can easily be replaced with a refill Pak when needed—and a mini removable nail file is strategically placed in between.

The best part is that the colors are gorgeous--from soft pinks, blues and purples to deep reds and corals to vibrant yellow and orange.There are treatment formulas too, designed for quick drying, rebuilding and strengthening.

Keeping nail health in mind, the long lasting, salon strength formulation  in the polish and treatment laquers are chipresistant and free of dibutyl-phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde.  To ensure nails stay as healthy and strong when taking off polish, the pre-soaked freshly scented Nail Polish Remover Pads have been formulated free of damaging acetone and alcohol and instead contain healing and moisturizing Vitamin E and Aloe Vera.

Duality Cosmetics’ Nail•Pak, which comes in its own drawstring travel pouch, retails for $15.00.  All products will be available at DualityCosmetics.com. Never leave home--or do your manicure at home--without it!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012



Out in the sun this summer? Even if you're super diligent about your sunscreen, the sun can wreak havoc on your skin.  Just back from a cruise where sitting on the top deck of the ship makes you feel even closer to the sun, I've found a new daily go-to beauty product.

Atopalm Moisturizing Skin Revitalizing Complex ($35 at www.atopalm.com) is the perfect antidote for combatting the effects of the sun. This rich, advanced anti-aging skin care treatment targets fine lines, wrinkles, laugh lines, rough skin, and more.  Employing a blend of peptides, vitamin C, and other unique anti-aging ingredients, as well as Atopalm’s MLE technology, it replenishes hydration, leading to a softer, suppler, and more radiant complexion.