ole henriksen fights winter skin

We're having a wacky winter in New York--ridiculous snowstorms, torrential rains and whipping winds. You can wrap yourself from head to toe in coats, scarves, hats and gloves...but unless you hide behind a heavy-duty ski mask, your face is exposed. Ole Henriksen comes to the rescue with its Skin Insulator comforting creme with SPF 15 ($35). They should have a stash in Vancouver! This creamy concoction has Grape Seed Oil to nourish skin and Borage Seed Oil to prevent irritation, dryness and water loss. It smells a little fruity so I never leave for the day without a healthy dose. At night, I opt for Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel ($45), an AHA gel that actually smooths and tightens your skin as you sleep. Designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation and breakouts, it really revives skin and you wake up feeling refreshed. Another favorite is the Fresh Start Eye Cream ($38), which feels rich and soothing while it smooths and firms the under eye area. Talk about sweet dreams! Purchase these and other Ole Henriksen products at www.OleHenriksen.com.

expert advice: revive winter skin with Votre Vu

While dreams of warmer weather grow more frequent, winter is still here. And what better place to put the ravages of the season to the test than at last month's Sundance Film Festival. Makeup artist Olaf Derlig made Marisa Tomei paparazzi-ready within minutes using Votre Vu products from Paris. He started by applying Wrinkle Eraser all over her face to give her glowing skin. This magic potion actually erases crows feet and fine lines around lips. (How can a product with such a tough job actually smell so good? Is it the Manoi Tiare Oil?) Then he smoothed lips with Luxe Lips to add moisture and shine. Makeup artist Jessica Liparoto relied on the Attentive line to whip Adrien Brody into star-shape. "He's very particular about what he puts on his face and tends to stick to what he knows," says Liparoto. "I was very impressed with Tragic Magic Rescue Creme. It completely balanced him out. I also used Champagne Kisses Enhancing Lip Balm on him." Makeup artist Jordan Long used Votre Vu Habitude Men's Daily Face Crème SPF15 on Joseph Gordon Levitt (Hesher). She said, "It hydrated without looking greasy." She also applied Tout Le Monde antioxidant eye gelee to combat slight puffiness and fatigue. Makeup artist Jordan Long also worked on up-and-comer Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone). "I used the Tragic Magic Rescue Creme to calm her skin as she had slight redness," says Long. "I also used Champagne Kisses Enhancing Lip Balm for a nice nourishing base before I applied lipstick." I followed this tip and I haven't left my apartment for a week without it. Talk about velvety smooth--it glides on and blocks winds that whip up unexpectedly. It's supposed to minimize fine lines too--any help is appreciated! To shop for these and other Votre Vu products, go to www.votrevu.com.

expert advice: Face Stockholm keeps skin hydrated

I'm the first to admit my skin craves moisture in the winter. So I was excited to try Face Stockholm's Moisturizing Treatment Masque ($38). The lightweight gel went on smoothly and tightened as it dried, feeling like it was hydrating, balancing and smoothing my skin where needed. It has soothing botanicals and rich hydrators like Olive Oil, Witch Hazel, Lavender Extract and Green Tea Extract to moisturize dull, dehydrated skin. The trick is removing the mask when it's dry. The instructions say, "peel from bottom to top," which made me think it would come off easily. Not so. When I started to peel it off, it mostly came off in large pieces but I had to work a little to peel off some smaller spots and then wash off the remnants. It left me wondering whether you could do more damage to your skin using this type of product, from either pulling it off your face or slightly scraping to get off the remaining pieces. Can this kind of product strip away much-needed oil from your skin? I asked a Face Stockholm expert, who assured me I was following the instructions correctly. "That is the appropriate way to take off the Moisturizing Masque. The masque will come off in larger portions, the only damage you should be wary of is around the hairline or eyebrows- no one wants a surprise waxing! But actually it works by sealing in moisture and once dry, the only thing that is removed as it’s peeled away is the scale layer/dead skin. So it is actually exfoliating and moisturizing simultaneously. The skin's oils are not stripped away, that would only happen with a highly acidic or alcohol based product." Whew...relief. My skin felt smoother and tighter afterward. For a more regular moisturizing treatment, I prefer the company's Seaweed Cream ($54), a soothing moisturizer with extensive healing ingredients like Algae Extract and Allantoin that also protect skin from the elements. I love the way it makes my skin feels smooth and soft...and safe to use daily. For more info, go to www.facestockholm.com.

fashion week: get this fresh makeup look from Napoleon Perdis

Just back from Fashion Week where I interviewed makeup artist Napoleon Perdis backstage at the Tony Cohen show. His "tough chic" makeup look "takes you from office to club in just a few simple steps." Perdis started the look with Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer and Boudoir Mist, followed by Stick Foundation and Camera Finish Powder. On eyes, Perdis took smoky to a whole new level, using Color Disc #27 (Charcoal) and #29 (Black) on lids, #66 (Healther) in the socket, #44 (ehite and #5 nude) on the brow bone and China Doll Eyeliner Equinox in Color Disc #27 (Charcoal) along the lashline. On lashes, he brushed Mesmer-Eyes Mascara, which comes with a dual-sided brush that features a fine mascara comb and a slightly wider tooth comb. "The finer side separates and the other thickens, lengthens and curls," explains Perdis. "Plus, the formula makes your lashes look glossy and beautiful, not dehydrated." Perdis used Stick Foundation to contour cheeks, then brushed DeVine Goddess lip gloss in Lianna (named after his 10-year-old daughter) on lips and Luminous Lip Veil in Hot Toffee as a lip finish. Finally, he spritzed the entire face with a lightweight skin spritzer for a slightly dewy effect. "My goal is to infuse freshness," says Perdis. "No matter how strong the look is, there's still a certain freshness to it." For more info on Napoleon Perdis products, go to www.napoleonperdis.com.

vday beauty: make eyes

Whether you share a sly glance, a quick peek, or seriously lock eyes across the room, you'll want to make a statement. For a last minute makeup boost this Valentine's Day, try Mineral Fusion Lengthening Mascara ($16). I have used cute, compact barrels which are easy to stash in a purse for a while now so I was surprised at how much easier it was to control this full-size version. No vibrations, no slick combs, no gimmicks. Just brush it on and watch your lashes lengthen. The first application lifts and slightly curls. Add a second coat and lashes appear thicker and longer, without clumping. Plus, it contains antioxidant protection, thanks to white tea, red tea, pomegranate and vitamins. Choose from Rock (a natural looking dark brown) and Graphite (black) at www.mineralfusioncosmetics.com, then go ahead--bat away.

vday gift guide: chocolate queen

In honor of Valentine's Day, Sweet Jewels Bakery in NYC joins forces with Lipstick Queen's Poppy King to create a limited edition fiery cake ball made of red velvet cake blended with spiced cinnamon frosting, dipped in chocolate, & rolled in coconut flakes with a red hot candy in the center. Inspired by the sheer red FIRED UP LIP GLOSS from Lipstick Queen, this red velvet cupcake is the perfect bite-size sweet and spicy treat. You get a box of five individually foil-wrapped balls in a black box with a beautiful hang tag which can include a handwritten note at your request. Available for a limited time only - from Valentine's Day throughout next week. Go to www.sweetjewelsnyc.com or www.lipstickqueen.com to purchase. You can also check out LIPSTICK QUEEN's Fired Up Power Gloss at www.lipstickqueen.com.

vday beauty: get a sweet makeup look with Josie Maran makeup

Ready for date night? Not so fast. Refresh your makeup regimen with these pretty products from beauty expert Josie Maran. They're perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond...

On eyes: Sweep easy-to-blend, long wearing velvety eye shadow ($20) in Valentine (light pink shimmer) over lids and Chianti (muted red plum shimmer) in the crease for a romantic approach to smoky eyes. Other pretty shades include Sweetheart (cream shimmer), Sweet-Talk (cream nude shimmer) and Beach (ivory beige shimmer). For an edgier effect, try Pewter (silver shimmer) or Embrace (soft copper shimmer) all over the lid. They're all available in a beautiful biodegradable case (made of corn plastic!).

On cheeks: Add a touch of Cream Blush ($22) in Sunset (coral) to give cheeks a pretty flush. It's a lightweight, natural shade that blends flawlessly into your skin and gives you just the right amount of color you need.

On lips: Try Lip Gloss (now $10!) in Authentic (a coral pink shimmer). The non-sticky formula with organic Argan oil gives you natural-looking color with sophisticated shine (no glossy goop to deal with). The brush applicator makes it easy to apply and smooths the product evenly across your lips.

After the party: Come clean with Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes ($6-$12). These natural cleansing cloths are biodegradable (meaning they won’t clog landfills after you throw them away) and they’re made with natural ingredients that will soothe, comfort, and gently cleanse your skin without harsh chemicals or toxins. (Note: They work well with Josie Maran makeup but not as well on my hard core eyeliner from another brand).

Get this look and others at www.sephora.com.