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, June 15, 2010

happy father's day: patrick dempsey makes scents

So he's not just a hot doc on TV. Patrick Dempsey knows a thing or two about developing fragrance. He helped fragrance house Firmenich create Patrick Dempsey 2 ($35.00; 2.5 fl. oz), a new scent from Avon. Designed to illustrate the strength of commitment between two people, the actor was inspired by the strong connection he shares with his wife, Avon Global Creative Color Director Jillian Dempsey.

A perfect gift for your dad or your husband, the spicy, oriental fragrance blends enticing spices with hints of wood and musk to convey the feeling of a powerful connection and reveal Dempsey's more intimate side.
Click on www.Avon.com to give this great gift this father's day.


summer makeup: take a dip

I'm a black eyeliner fan--it would be the one makeup item I'd want to have with me when stranded on a deserted island. So to even think about attempting to line my eyes in any form of blue takes courage--lots of it. The truth is, though, these cool, blue, water-inspired shades from Face Stockholm are almost as inviting as a pool itself. So I decided to take a dip. Turns out, Pool (a turquoise-y shade) is soft and pretty but hard to adjust to when you're used to a dark line. And Lagoon (a deep navy shade) offers brilliant shine but looks a bit too metallic and disco-y. Of course, it's closer to tried and true black so it's easier for me to accept. Both quick-drying, smudge-proof shades come in purse-friendly vials and feature tiny eyeliner brushes that make drawing a thin line a snap. Available at all FACE Stockholm shops or from +1-888-334-FACE andwww.facestockholm.com.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

summer makeup: fresh color from Rimmel


Think summer and you think fresh colors and natural-looking skin. Thanks to Rimmel London, it's all achievable.
I've been looking for a new mascara for a long time. I love Rimmel's The Max VolumeFlash Mascara ($7.19) in black; it promises up to 14x your natural volume. I haven't checked their measurements but I can tell you this. The bright pink, easy-to-hold tube makes me almost as happy as the thick lashes it leaves me with.
I also love the Lasting Finish Blendable Blush & Highlighter ($4.99) with three natural-looking shades that are easy to blend and offer a hint of shimmer (blending brush included). And the bronzer fan in me flipped for the Sun Shimmer Shimmering Maxi Bronzer for Face and Body ($7.99). For starters, it's oversized--so you don't have to worry about running out halfway through the season. Plus it works for face and body so you don't need two compacts taking up room on your makeup shelf. I tried Sun Queen, whcih made me look--and feel--like one.
Also available in the collection are illuminating eye shadows, reflective lip glosses and hydrating lipsticks and, of course, nail enamel in cool shades like Bare Naked, Posh Pink and Stiletto Red.
Check out your local chain drug stores and mass retailers nationwide or visit http://www.rimmellondon.com/ for store locations and to try the newest products with Rimmel’s exclusive Virtual Makeover Tool.