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.


Monday, February 1, 2010

Go Fig-ure


Who would have thought Fig and Sandalwood would make such an irresistible pair? Bath and Body Works' ultra-creamy Aromatherapy Body Lotion in Sandalwood Fig ($13) keeps skin soft and moisturized, while a blend of essential oil and pheromone help boost your self-confidence and put you at ease. It's a moisturizer and fragrance in one simple product. And thanks to the pheromones, if it makes you feel irresistible. Imagine how you'll come across to your date? Pick up this Vday must-have at www.bathandbodyworks.com.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

soothe your skin

In my quest for moisturizing hair and skin products this month, I've come up with quite a few worth the investment. But I couldn't let the month come to an end without sharing one more amazing facial moisturizer. I've been using Korres Materia Herba Night Cream for several weeks now and love the results. The intensely rich, soothing formula is great at treating tired, dull or dry skin and promoting skin firmness and tone. But it also works to replenish, nourish and add moisture to your skin throughout the night. It has organic shea butter (an anti-inflammatory), organic sunflower, sweet almond and jojoba oil (to moisturize and prevent premature aging) and ginseng extract (to tone and brighten skin, and enhance elasticity--we all need that!) Best of all, I love the smell of it and the fact that it makes my skin feel smooth and rejuvenated. Get it now, while there are still a couple of months of winter left. Available at www.korresusa.com.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

feeling blu?


Blu Mediterraneo's BERGAMOTTO DI CALABRIA from Aqua di Parma will cure your winter blues with a dose of the dazzling, sun-filled, tranquil Mediterranean. Its uplifting fragrance is designed to stimulate sensations of intense, sparkling vitality.
My first spritz brought me back to more carefree days of travel, lounging on beaches and unwinding before endless ocean views.

Named after Bergamotto di Calabria, a small juicy fragrant gift of nature enclosed in a bright shiny rind which, as it ripens, changes from deep green to golden yellow, the fragrance's fresh, tangy-green sparkling notes blend with sweet, floral nuances. The green, sparkling top notes of bergamot are highlighted by fresh citron, also from Calabria. Bergamot, cedar wood and red ginger make up its heart notes. Warm base notes include the unusual combination of vetiver, Benzoin and musk. The result: An uplifting, luxurious scent.

Try the refreshing Eau de Toilette spray ($70/60 ml and $106/120 ml) or the exhilarating. luminous Body Cream ($67/200 ml) that offers the same crisp scent. The entire Blu Mediterraneo collection is available at fine speciality stores including Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, select Nordstrom stores and Saks Fifth Avenue. Online, Acqua di Parma is sold on Sephora.com, Saks.com and Neimanmarcus.com.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

scrub, slough, smooth

A good body scrub is the key to maintaining soft, smooth skin during the winter. Thankfully, LA-based Stark Waxing Studio delivers--with its Stark Body Scrub ($24). Finely ground walnut shells slough off dead skin cells and the gentle lather releases the invigorating scent of fresh chamomile, lemon verbena and peppermint. For extra smoothing, use the Stark Exfoliation Mitt ($9) daily to promote smoother, healthier skin and prevent and release ingrown hairs. Tip: Exfoliate skin dry then repeat once in the shower. The net-like surface is gentle on skin but rough enough to make a difference in your skin's texture. Finish with Stark Soothing Oil ($23) made from apricot seed oil which nourishes and softens skin, organic lavender oil, an anti-inflammatory, and organic peppermint oil which relieves irritation. Massage into dry elbows, knees, heels and anywhere your skin needs a little smoothing. It really heals and it smells great too. This three-step routine is easy to follow and can really save your skin this season. Check out these products and others at www.starkwaxingstudio.com.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

hair that gets noticed


True story: I was waiting on line at the bank and a woman walked up behind me and said: "Wow! You have beautiful hair!" The day before, I had washed my hair with two new hair products, Redken Body Full Shampoo and Light Conditioner, proving that they do offer volume that lasts for 24 hours. The clear hair shampoo provides cotton (softens and detangles), wheat extract (adds texture, volume and body) and soy protein (reinforces hair to prevent breakage) for a fuller, voluminous look. It gives you a rich lather and leaves your hair smelling clean and fresh. The creamy conditioner is an ultra-lightweight detangler which contains soy protein to give hair bodifying strength. Plus, it's safe for your hair color and leaves hair with a natural-looking shine. See for yourself at www.redken.com or a local beauty supply store.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

moisturize your hands

When I hear Skin So Soft, I think bug spray. I know, I know...Avon makes lots of great skin care products under the Skin So Soft brand but bug spray has always been what I know best. I finally expanded my SSS knowledge and tried the Wintersoft Hand Cream with Hydroseal Complex--the perfect antidote to this dry, winter month. It went on smoothly, absorbed quickly and smelled pretty. But the real plus is that it left my hands feeling like velvet afterward. Seriously, I can't stop rubbing my fingers over the back of my opposite hand. The intensive formula locks moisturizing ingredients and skin softening oils into dry, flaky skin to give you 24-hour hydration. The true proof is that my 2-year-old daughter noticed the difference. And you know kids: they tell it like it is! Pick up a tube at www.avon.com. Try the Winter Soft oil-enriched Hand Wash and the Intense Concentrate for rough dry elbows and knees too.

Monday, January 18, 2010

expert advice: winter skin that glows, from celebrity makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan


Yesterday's Golden Globes proved winter skin can look fresh and radiant when prepped correctly. Leading ladies like Dexter's Julie Benz hit the red carpet with glowing complexions. Celebrity Makeup Artist Kelsey Deenihan, explains how she got gave her this gorgeous look. "We wanted to keep the makeup pretty subtle with some highlights to just bring out a little sparkle,” she says. Deenihan first applied Shu Uemura's Depsea Hydrability Intense Moisturizing Concentrate ($75) on Julie's skin to add hydration before applying her makeup. The added bit of moisture allowed her skin to stay radiant and make the makeup last throughout the night without getting dry or feeling heavy. Next, she brushed on a small dab of Depsea Hydrability Moisturizing Lip Balm ($20) with beeswax and macademia oil to soften Julie's lips. It's also a great "overnight mask" to visibly repair dry, cracked lips. Learn more about the Shu Uemura Depsea Hydrability intense moisturizing collection at www.shuuemura-usa.com.