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, April 7, 2010

breakthrough beauty: flower power

prettyisprettydoes
gives you
an exclusive preview
of today's
Breakthrough Beauty
feature...
as reported by Susan Redstone
on TV3 Good Morning Arizona

Some days, you just can't get into the right mood or frame of mind. Would it be great if a magic potion could fix all that? Try Lotus Wei Flower Essences ($22 each)--they're mood enhancing flower elixirs designed to adjust your emotional and mental levels, and balance your body and mind. Just select the flowers you are visually drawn to in order to find out what attributes you need more of. For example, if you pick the pink flower, you need more joy in your life so you should try Joy Juice for more laughter, playfulness and fun. Inner Peace makes you relaxed, calm and confident; Infinite Love lets you enhance and attract love; Quiet Time helps you dissolve tension, quiet your mind, and sleep soundly; Inspired Action helps you get things done, stay motivated, and be clear and decisive; and Pure Energy energizes, revitalizes, and protects you from the stress of others. In addition to the flower elixirs, there are body oils to add to the bath, misting sprays to spritz on your sheets, and other great options. Founder Katie Hess hand-collects exotic flower essences from around the world and infuses them into elixirs, organic skincare, and natural perfumes to awaken inner and outer beauty. Want to try them yourself? Get more info at www.lotusweiessences.com or stop by the Joya Spa (www.joyaspa.com) at the Intercontinental Montelucia (www.icmontelucia.com) in Scottsdale to purchase.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

expert advice: brush up on your brush basics


We all do it, usually every day. But sometimes little things like brushing your hair can become so routine, we may forget the basics. TRESemmé celebrity stylist Mara Roszak helps us brush up.


PIPD: Why is it important to brush your hair?

MR: "It is important to brush your hair because everyday we shed a certain amount of hair naturally and if your hair isn't being brushed daily, some of that hair gets locked into the other hair and causes knots and tangles. It’s best to brush hair when it’s wet in or out of the shower to cause less breakage."


PIPD: How often should you brush?

MR: "Daily in the shower, preferably with conditioner to prevent breakage. Brushing dry hair can cause damage and breakage. Always brush starting at the ends and work your way up."


PIPD: How do you choose the brush that's right for you?

MR: "I always recommend metal brushes or brushes without the balls on the ends of the bristles, which can damage hair."


PIPD: What's the best way to clean your brush?

MR: "Clean your brush with a wide tooth comb by scraping it at the base of the brush."


For more great hair care tips and products, check out www.Tresemme.com.