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, November 10, 2010

get your veggies


I've been dying to try the Yes To line of skin care products every since I read about it in WWD. It's such an innovative concept and sounds so good for you. So when Yes to Blueberries launched, I finally got my hands on it. I eagerly tested Age Refresh Overnight Hydrating Cream, Smoothing Daily Cleanser and Daily Repairing Moisturizer but I was somewhat disappointed. I just didn't feel like they did much for my skin and I didn't love the scent so I was reluctant to keep using the products. But before I turned a cold shoulder on the entire line, I decided to try some of the other Yes to products. I loved the rich, moisturizing effects of Yes to Carrots Hydrating Body Lotion with SPF 30, especially on extra dry areas like knees and elbows. I really liked Yes to Tomatoes Deep Cleansing Facial Pads, which left my skin feeling clean and refreshed. And you can't go wrong with Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel (my favorite), designed to smooth and brighten skin around the eyes. It's even more soothing than the actual cucumber slices themselves. And you can feel it tightening and firming as it sets into your skin. Who doesn't want that? To pick your favorite vegetable from the Yes to garden, go to www.yestocarrots.com.

Monday, November 8, 2010

read between the fine lines


Will anything help my fine lines and dark circles? It's hard to say. They are such serious skin problems to tackle. I will basically try anything to make it happen...so I tried Lily.B's Multi-Action Rescue Ultra Eye Cream. First, I love the scent. Not overbearing, just pleasantly pretty. But you don't buy eye cream because it smells good. I also love the rich texture of the cream, featuring jojoba oil, vitamin K and arnica montana (a natural inflammatory which we could all use!). My skin feels super soft around my eye area so it's already beginning to accomplish something. I obviously won't know for some time how well it improves tone and texture, but I can tell you that I like what it feels like so that makes me want to use it more. For more info about Lily B. products, including the nutrient-rich 24/7 Defense Daily Moisturizer, go to www.lilybskincare.com.