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, February 5, 2010

vday beauty: break the rule


Red nails for Vday? Sure, if you do the Hallmark holiday the classic way. The Jessica Red Alert Manicure Kit ($24) covers all the bases, from a strengthening basecoat, to a quick drying topcoat and three amazing colors to apply in between. Choose from Royal Red (almost fire engine--will really send his heart a flutter), Shall We Dance (darker red, with a dose of gold) and Grecian Touch (a darker shade of brown, almost purply--my favorite for winter!) Packaged in convenient travel sized bottles, the kit is available at www.jessicacosmetics.com.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

have a heart

February is American Heart Month! Forget your affairs of the heart and do something good for the heart this Valentine's Day. Astral Health & Beauty Brands—parent company of Pür Minerals, CosMedix and Aloette—is lending its support to the American Heart Association and its efforts to help women fight heart disease with passion and positive action. In 2010, Astral Health & Beauty Brands will donate $250,000 to support the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women ® movement, furthering the health and wellbeing of women. On February 5th, National Wear Red Day, a part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women program, each brand will contribute to the cause in its own unique way. To join forces with the American Heart Association and Astral Beauty Brands, wear red this Friday and help spread the word! Go to www.americanheart.org or www.astralbrands.com for more info.


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.