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, July 31, 2009

go for the bronze


I've been using my Clinique sunscreen religiously for a month now and I couldn't be happier. Clinique Sun New SPF 50 Face Cream ($17.50) and Spf 50 Body Cream ($20) with SolarSmart UVA/UVB advanced protection have won the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, thanks to their non-greasy formulas that are oil-free, water- and sweat-resistant, non-clogging and great for those with sensitive skin. I've even been carrying the New SPF 45 Targeted Protection Stick ($17.50) in my bag for areas I tend to forget like lips and under eyes. But now that the summer is coming to a close, I can't wait to switch to Clinique's Self Sun Face Tinted Lotion ($20) and Body Tinted Lotion ($20). The face lotion acts like a bronzer and makes you look tan as soon as you smooth it on, but will turn into a natural-looking self-tan in two to three hours. Watch your tan appear before your very eyes! The body lotion (I tried light/medium) works the same way--and the fact that you can see the color where you apply it helps you avoid an unnatural, streaky or splotchy look you can get from other self-tanners. Next on my list to try: The Body Airbrush Spray ($20), which offers natural-looking color similar to a professional airbrush tan. It dries in three to five minutes and color starts to emerge in under an hour. With skin color this warm and natural, I'm sure I'll barely notice the change of season... Go to
www.clinique.com and choose the formula that's right for you. And don't forget your sunscreen; Self Sun doesn't have SPF which you'll still need this fall.

in living color

Tired of being Ador-a-ball? Weary of looking Wicked? I know I am. That's why I'm so excited to try Sally Hansen HD Hi-Definition Nail Color, a unique, patented formula with real liquid crystals, that translates the clarity of High Definition into an unprecedented nail lacquer. HD Nail Color offers spectacular shades with pure, vivid pigments that provide multi-dimensional color and extraordinary brilliance (think Cyber, a futuristic purple, Pixel Pretty, a deep Caribbean bluish-green hue, and Hi-Res, a burst of berries, to name a few). Nothing compares to this color breakthrough when it comes to long-lasting, vibrant, high-definition color and deep, intense shine. The best part: HD also protects nails and helps prevent chipping, breaking and cracking. In celebration of this exciting launch, Sally Hansen is hosting a sweepstakes on their website from July 8, 2009-September 15, 2009. Win amazing prizes like a 32" HD TV, one of three iPod Nanos or one of ten Sally Hansen gift bags. Just go to www.sallyhansen.com and click on HD Nail Color Sweepstakes to enter.