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.


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.