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.


Tuesday, January 20, 2009

plump it up


In an age when most of us are searching for a way to slim down, some of us are still hoping to plump up--our lips, that is. Since I'm not exactly considering a trip to the plastic surgeon's office, Angelina Jolie's perfect pout is pretty much beyond my reach. I found I can come close, however, with a little help from glominerals (www.gloskincare.com). The company's gloLip plumper ($16), a unique plumping formula infused with spheres of Marine Collagen Atelocolalgen which trap water and swell to provide volume, is designed to do the trick. Capsicum Extract, which comes from peppers, stimulates lips (not sure how I feel about the tingling sensation but it's pretty mild) and safflower oil softens and conditions (just in time for Valentine's Day). Choose your hue--copper shimmer, sheer berry or natural, or soon-to-be-released plum and cherry--and get ready to pucker up!

under cover


So your life has been pretty stressful lately--too many important meetings to prepare for, late nights to recover from and emotional antics that really take their toll. The worst part is that more often than not, it all shows up on your face. If only there was a magic wand that could erase the damage. Introducing The Eraser ($19), a great new tool from Tarte Cosmetics. It's a 4-in-1 natural concealer that comes in ten shades to suit any skin color. Just swipe it under eyes day or night to send dark circles, blemishes and puffy eyes packing. The silicone and water based formula keeps skin hydrated and prevents creasing and caking. And a handful of hydrating, antioxidant-based ingredients like safflower seed oil, cucumber extract, vitamins C and E, and olive oil keep skin looking soft, smooth and brightened. I'm always wary of concealers that leave skin looking worse than it does naturally...but this one sounded so appealing, I couldn't wait to try it. Now I know why Mary Louise-Parker looked so great at the Golden Globes! Just twist the product up into the wand then brush it on. It absorbed easily and blended well with my skin tone. My skin felt soft and smooth--leaving me with nothing to hide! Check out www.tartecosmetics.com.