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, September 3, 2010

Fashion's Night Out: Meet Jade Jagger


In celebration of Shalimar's 85th anniversary, Guerlain has partnered with
renown designer Jade Jagger to create a new bottle for Shalimar Eau de
Parfum. An icon of rock and roll royalty, Jade is an inveterate
globetrotter who personifies modern glamour. Her design work has spanned
jewelry, furniture and interiors and now she brings her inimitable style to
Guerlain's iconic fragrance. And if you head over to Saks Fifth Avenue on Fashion's Night Out, you can meet the style icon and have her sign your Shalimar Eau de Parfum bottle.

When: September 10th, 2010 - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Saks Fifth Avenue

If you can't make it to New York City on September 10th, call 212.940.4031 to pre-order your signed bottle now!

*Signature is complimentary with purchase of Shalimar Eau de Parfum

As another exclusive offer at Saks Fifth Avenue for Fashion's Night Out, Guerlain will have twenty limited edition Shalimar Parfum bottles, designed by Jade Jagger. These 20ml Shalimar Parfums will retail for $1,500
and are part of a collection of only 182 pieces in existence worldwide, representing the 182nd anniversary of the Maison Guerlain. Jade has decorated these bottles with a majestic sapphire on the neck of the bottle,
a jewel set in gold and discreetly engraved with the "G" of the Maison Guerlain. The sapphire is set on a black and gold silk cord, which was tied and sealed by hand by the Guerlain "ladies of the table" and can be detached and worn as a pendant. Fashion's Night Out could be the only chance to purchase this limited edition parfum bottle in the U.S.!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Fashion's Night Out: Josie Maran at Sephora

While Fashion's Night Out was such a huge success last year, this year promises to be even better. Now beauty companies are joining in the celebrations. This year, Josie Maran is flying to the East Coast to participate in the festivities at the Sephora 5th Avenue boutique. From 7-9 PM Josie Maran, former supermodel and founder of Josie Maran Cosmetics, will be hosting her own in-store photo shoot, giving consumers mini-makeovers and pointers on how to pose like a pro before they step in front of the camera. You'll get the chance to experience her wonderful line of pure, natural cosmetics and enter the mini photo studio, where you can take a picture and walk away with a signed copy of your best shot with Josie. The first 100 consumers who make a purchase that evening will receive a limited edition, created specifically for FNO, Argan Oil Color Stick in Cherry Popsicle. Be one of the first to try this amazing new item as the Argan Oil Color Stick doesn’t officially launch until 2011. If that's not a beauty coup, I don't know what is. For more info on Fashion's night out, go to www.fashionsnightout.com.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Fashion's Night Out: at C.O. Bigelow Apothecary


New York Fashion Week is just around the corner! Kick off the week at Fashion’s Night Out on September 10, 2010 at the C.O. Bigelow Apothecary store from 6-10 pm.

The downtown landmark Apothecary store, located at 414 6th Avenue, is a neighborhood favorite to New Yorkers and celebrities alike and will have specials during the event from some of their top-selling brands. Vinny Guadagnino of MTV’s hit show The Jersey Shore will be at the store from 7pm to 8pm to meet and greet with C.O. Bigelow consumers. He will also showcase his essential grooming products and favorite beauty products for the ladies in his life that are all sold at C.O. Bigelow. Bring your cameras!

Learn how to boost body confidence and feel great in your skin with the experts from Mama Mio Skincare. Mama Mio will be serving complimentary mocktails while sampling its Get Waisted Body Shaper to reduce fat cells, tighten and firm tummy flab. Come on girls! Let's Get Waisted!

In addition to body treats and beverages, C.O. Bigelow will also have a makeup artist from Jane Iredale giving consultations and tips to stay fresh-faced all week long, a manicurist from Barielle for a quick polish change and a skincare specialist with Rilastil sampling the latest eye cream. Additionally, Soap & Paper will be giving away a free shea butter soap with any purchase in the store!


For more info on Fashion's Night Out, go to www.fashionsnightout.com.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Fashion Night Out: With Korres


WHO: Korres Natural Products

WHEN: Friday, September 10, 2010 – 6:00pm – 11:00pm

WHAT: Head to the Korres store in SoHo on Friday, September 10th for an evening of cocktails, cupcakes and makeovers. The event will feature ‘Detox Bubbles, Cupcakes & More’ for guests to enjoy as they help VOGUE magazine celebrate a night of fashion. The stores will include a detox bar serving complimentary antioxidant-infused cocktails based on the Greek skincare brand’s natural ingredients – Wild Rose, Pomegranate, Thyme Honey & Raspberry – along with delicious cupcakes also ‘packed’ with natural ingredients. Attendees can detox on the outside as well with a complimentary Korres makeover or advice on how to wear VOGUE’s hottest color looks of the season using 'green' make-up. All guests will receive a product samples including global bestsellers.

WHERE: KORRES / 110 Wooster Str. [btw Prince & Spring, SoHo, NY]

RSVP: Korres Store 212-219-0683 or Woosterstreet@korresusa.com

WHY: In a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion, U.S. and international editions of Vogue are coordinating evening extravaganzas in their respective world fashion capitals. The first evening of New York Fashion Week, Fashion's Night Out will encompass an array of festivities.

For more info on Fashion's Night Out, go to www.fashionsnightout.com.